Patents by Inventor Vernon J. Hentz

Vernon J. Hentz 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).

  • Article of footwear with a removable heel member
    Patent number: 9402435
    Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Neil Crumbleholme, Vernon J. Hentz, III, Doug D. Wilken
  • Article of Footwear with a Removable Heel Member
    Publication number: 20150128451
    Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Neil Crumbleholme, Vernon J. Hentz, Doug D. Wilken
  • Article of footwear with a removable heel member
    Patent number: 8850722
    Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Neil Crumbleholme, Vernon J. Hentz, III, Doug D. Wilken
  • Article of footwear having removable eyelet portion
    Patent number: 7765721
    Abstract: An article of footwear is configured so that a child or other wearer may easily insert his or her foot into the article of footwear without tying laces while maintaining the look of a laced article of footwear. A lateral portion of the eyelet region partially surrounding the vamp is removably attached to the upper, such as with a hook-and-loop system, to allow the width of the vamp to be manipulated. The medial portion of the eyelet region is fixedly attached to the upper so that the rubbing together of the medial sides of the feet to not unintentionally disengage the medial portion from the upper. The lateral portion of the eyelet region rotates on a hinge formed in the eyelet region. Laces are fixedly attached to the eyelet region. A gore strap is optionally provided for more secure wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon J. Hentz, III, Lee Banks
  • Article of Footwear with a Removable Heel Member
    Publication number: 20100024248
    Abstract: A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Neil Crumbleholme, Vernon J. Hentz, III, Doug D. Wilken
  • ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING REMOVABLE EYELET PORTION
    Publication number: 20080201986
    Abstract: An article of footwear is configured so that a child or other wearer may easily insert his or her foot into the article of footwear without tying laces while maintaining the look of a laced article of footwear. A lateral portion of the eyelet region partially surrounding the vamp is removably attached to the upper, such as with a hook-and-loop system, to allow the width of the vamp to be manipulated. The medial portion of the eyelet region is fixedly attached to the upper so that the rubbing together of the medial sides of the feet to not unintentionally disengage the medial portion from the upper. The lateral portion of the eyelet region rotates on a hinge formed in the eyelet region. Laces are fixedly attached to the eyelet region. A gore strap is optionally provided for more secure wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon J. Hentz, Lee Banks