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).
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Patent number: 9545132Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
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Publication number: 20150143641Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2015Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
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Patent number: 8959802Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
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Publication number: 20130000159Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd, Todd Anthony Waatti
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Publication number: 20080096726Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Raymond Riley, Kevin Hoffer, William Berner, Allan Schrock, James Niegowski, William Rauchholz
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Publication number: 20070094896Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tobie Hatfield, Eric Avar, Jeffrey Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Waatti
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Patent number: 7204044Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, Tobie D. Hatfield
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Patent number: 7082698Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Patricia L Smaldone, John Hurd, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd
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Publication number: 20060156579Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2005Publication date: July 20, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, John Hurd
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Patent number: 7047672Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, Tobie D. Hatfield
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Publication number: 20060059721Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tobie Hatfield, Eric Avar, Jeffrey Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Waatti
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Publication number: 20060061012Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2005Publication date: March 23, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tobie Hatfield, Eric Avar, Jeffrey Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Sheperd, Todd Waatti
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Patent number: 6990755Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Tobie D. Hatfield, Eric P. Avar, Jeffrey C. Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Anthony Waatti
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Publication number: 20050217150Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2004Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, Tobie Hatfield
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Publication number: 20050081406Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2003Publication date: April 21, 2005Applicant: NIKE International Ltd.Inventors: Kevin Hoffer, Tobie Hatfield
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Patent number: 6880267Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Patricia L. Smaldone, John Hurd, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd
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Publication number: 20050076536Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2003Publication date: April 14, 2005Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Tobie Hatfield, Eric Avar, Jeffrey Pisciotta, James Meschter, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Shepard, Todd Waatti
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Publication number: 20040181969Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Patricia L. Smaldone, John Hurd, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd
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Publication number: 20040128860Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Patricia L. Smaldone, John Hurd, Kevin Hoffer, Stann Norman Richard Sheperd