Patents by Inventor Kevin Hoffer

Kevin Hoffer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9545132
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
  • Publication number: 20150143641
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
  • Patent number: 8959802
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
  • Publication number: 20130000159
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
  • Publication number: 20080096726
    Abstract: Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Raymond Riley, Kevin Hoffer, William Berner, Allan Schrock, James Niegowski, William Rauchholz
  • Publication number: 20070094896
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie Hatfield, Eric Avar, Jeffrey Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Waatti
  • Patent number: 7204044
    Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear to be used on a granular surface includes a sole of compressible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. A peripheral lip projects downwardly and outwardly from the lower surface of the sole. A plurality of fins projects downwardly from the lower surface of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, Tobie D. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 7082698
    Abstract: The invention is a system for modifying characteristics of an article of footwear, particularly the sole structure. The footwear may include a plurality of discrete, vertically-projecting, columnar elements that extend between upper and lower portions of a cavity formed in the sole structure. At least one of the columnar elements includes a void that is configured to receive an insert. The void is accessible from the exterior of the footwear and the insert may be interchanged with an alternate insert that has different physical characteristics, thereby modifying the characteristics of the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia L Smaldone, John Hurd, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd
  • Publication number: 20060156579
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a midsole element, an upper sheet, and a lower sheet. The midsole element has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. In addition, the midsole element defines a plurality of bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The upper sheet is secured to the upper surface and extends over at least a portion of the bores. The lower sheet is secured to the lower surface, and the lower sheet is positioned to correspond in location with the upper sheet and extend under the portion of the bores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, John Hurd
  • Patent number: 7047672
    Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear to be used on a sand surface includes a sole of compressible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. A peripheral lip projects downwardly and outwardly from the lower surface of the sole. A plurality of fins projects downwardly from the lower surface of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, Tobie D. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20060059721
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie Hatfield, Eric Avar, Jeffrey Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Waatti
  • Publication number: 20060061012
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie Hatfield, Eric Avar, Jeffrey Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Sheperd, Todd Waatti
  • Patent number: 6990755
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Anthony Waatti
  • Publication number: 20050217150
    Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear to be used on a granular surface includes a sole of compressible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. A peripheral lip projects downwardly and outwardly from the lower surface of the sole. A plurality of fins projects downwardly from the lower surface of the sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, Tobie Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20050081406
    Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear to be used on a sand surface includes a sole of compressible material having an upper surface and a lower surface. A peripheral lip projects downwardly and outwardly from the lower surface of the sole. A plurality of fins projects downwardly from the lower surface of the sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: NIKE International Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, Tobie Hatfield
  • Patent number: 6880267
    Abstract: The invention is a system for modifying characteristics of an article of footwear, particularly the sole structure. The footwear may include a plurality of discrete, vertically-projecting, columnar elements that extend between upper and lower portions of a cavity formed in the sole structure. At least one of the columnar elements includes a void that is configured to receive an insert. The void is accessible from the exterior of the footwear and the insert may be interchanged with an alternate insert that has different physical characteristics, thereby modifying the characteristics of the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia L. Smaldone, John Hurd, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd
  • Publication number: 20050076536
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of a stretchable upper and an articulated sole structure. The upper may include an exterior layer and an interior layer. The exterior layer forms at least a portion of an exterior of the upper, and the exterior layer includes a plurality of incisions that extend through the exterior layer. The interior layer is located adjacent an inner surface of the exterior layer, and the interior layer is exposed through the incisions. The sole structure may include a connecting portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements. The connecting portion is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of sipes that extend upward into the sole structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobie Hatfield, Eric Avar, Jeffrey Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Waatti
  • Publication number: 20040181969
    Abstract: The invention is a system for modifying characteristics of an article of footwear, particularly the sole structure. The footwear may include a plurality of discrete, vertically-projecting, columnar elements that extend between upper and lower portions of a cavity formed in the sole structure. At least one of the columnar elements includes a void that is configured to receive an insert. The void is accessible from the exterior of the footwear and the insert may be interchanged with an alternate insert that has different physical characteristics, thereby modifying the characteristics of the footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia L. Smaldone, John Hurd, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd
  • Publication number: 20040128860
    Abstract: The invention is a system for modifying characteristics of an article of footwear, particularly the sole structure. The footwear may include a plurality of discrete, vertically-projecting, columnar elements that extend between upper and lower portions of a cavity formed in the sole structure. At least one of the columnar elements includes a void that is configured to receive an insert. The void is accessible from the exterior of the footwear and the insert may be interchanged with an alternate insert that has different physical characteristics, thereby modifying the characteristics of the footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia L. Smaldone, John Hurd, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd