Patents by Inventor Kevin W. Hoffer

Kevin W. 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).

  • Publication number: 20250143407
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include an upper and a sole member coupled to the upper, where the sole member comprises a plurality of spaced apart apertures extending through the sole member. The article of footwear can further include a plurality of individual sensory nodes, where each sensory node has a first end coupled directly to the upper and an opposite, second end configured to engage with a ground surface. Each sensory node is configured to translate freely within a respective aperture of the sole member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2024
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Gi Woong Bak, Michael Berger, John T. Brenteson, Stephanie Cacioppo, Murphy Patrick Carroll, Kara Gapon, Kevin W. Hoffer, Sean Lu, Todd W. Miller, Benjamin Monfils, Oluwatimilehin Oshinowo, Christopher J Page, Bryan K. Youngs, Ki Jong Byun, Han Oul Kim, Yeongon Kim, DongJun Lee, Jaemoon Park, Sang Cherl Park, Jong Chul Seo
  • Patent number: 12239183
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a cushioning element having a top surface, a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the cushioning element from the top surface, a ramp surface spaced apart from the bottom surface in a heel region of the cushioning element, a heel pocket extending through the cushioning element from the top surface to the ramp surface, and a plurality of pillars extending from the ramp surface and surrounding the pocket. The sole structure additionally includes a plurality of cushioning particles disposed within the pocket, an outsole attached to the cushioning element and enclosing a first end of the pocket, and an upper barrier layer attached to the top surface of the cushioning element and covering a second end of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Brian Linkfield
  • Patent number: 12171307
    Abstract: A lace-receiving assembly includes a substrate, a first sheet, and a lace guide. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first sheet includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The third surface is bonded to the first surface to define a channel extending between the substrate and the first sheet. The lace guide is disposed within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Katelyn Ricciardi, Piero Fenato, Kevin W. Hoffer, Daniel A. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Peter Lam, Jeffrey C. Spanks
  • Patent number: 12137768
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole attached to the upper, and an outsole. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed. The outsole has a ground-engaging surface, an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, and a wall extending from the ground-engaging surface and surrounding the outsole. The article of footwear also includes at least two casings each containing particulate matter and having a thickness extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outsole. The at least two casings are arranged in a layered configuration and received within a cavity bounded by the wall of the outsole and between the bottom surface and the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Nicholas R. Long
  • Patent number: 12082644
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole disposed between the upper and the outsole. The outsole is attached to the upper and has a ground-engaging surface. The midsole has a series of walls that define a series of channels extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the midsole and along an entire length of the midsole. The series of channels are isolated from one another and each channel receives a quantity of particulate matter therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Scott C. Holt, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Cassidy R. Levy, Nicholas R. Long, Matthew C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 12053047
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Nicholas R. Long, Aaron K. Seid
  • Publication number: 20240203561
    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: March 1, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 11972852
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 11955219
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Publication number: 20230210216
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a strobel having an interior surface and an exterior surface formed on an opposite side from the interior surface, the strobel defining a footbed and a peripheral wall extending transversely from the footbed to a terminal edge. The article of footwear additionally includes an upper attached to the terminal edge of the strobel along a peripheral seam to define an interior void for receiving a foot, the peripheral seam configured to extend along a side of the interior void.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Brian Linkfield
  • Publication number: 20230200490
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a cushioning element having a top surface, a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the cushioning element from the top surface, a ramp surface spaced apart from the bottom surface in a heel region of the cushioning element, a heel pocket extending through the cushioning element from the top surface to the ramp surface, and a plurality of pillars extending from the ramp surface and surrounding the pocket. The sole structure additionally includes a plurality of cushioning particles disposed within the pocket, an outsole attached to the cushioning element and enclosing a first end of the pocket, and an upper barrier layer attached to the top surface of the cushioning element and covering a second end of the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Brian Linkfield
  • Patent number: 11682479
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 11676697
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 11676696
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 11676698
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 11676699
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 11676695
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond W. Riley, Kevin W. Hoffer, William E. Berner, Allan M. Schrock, James A. Niegowski, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 11622600
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a strobel having an interior surface and an exterior surface formed on an opposite side from the interior surface, the strobel defining a footbed and a peripheral wall extending transversely from the footbed to a terminal edge. The article of footwear additionally includes an upper attached to the terminal edge of the strobel along a peripheral seam to define an interior void for receiving a foot, the peripheral seam configured to extend along a side of the interior void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Brian Linkfield
  • Publication number: 20230096885
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Nicholas R. Long, Aaron K. Seid
  • Patent number: 11607009
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a cushioning element having a top surface, a bottom surface formed on an opposite side of the cushioning element from the top surface, a ramp surface spaced apart from the bottom surface in a heel region of the cushioning element, a heel pocket extending through the cushioning element from the top surface to the ramp surface, and a plurality of pillars extending from the ramp surface and surrounding the pocket. The sole structure additionally includes a plurality of cushioning particles disposed within the pocket, an outsole attached to the cushioning element and enclosing a first end of the pocket, and an upper barrier layer attached to the top surface of the cushioning element and covering a second end of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventors: Kevin W. Hoffer, Cassidy R. Levy, Brian Linkfield