Patents by Inventor Steven E. J. C. Ploem

Steven E. J. C. Ploem 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 having a worn appearance and method of making same
    Patent number: 7891035
    Abstract: An article of footwear made from new or substantially new materials is manufactured with vintage treatment processing to give the article of footwear a vintage or well-worn appearance. The article of footwear may be treated with discoloring substances, such as dyes or bleaching agents. The upper may be formed with wrinkles or a crushed heel portion, such as by using a thin or soft foam behind a polyester covering, eliminating the foam backing and/or heel cup. Further, a rubber outsole may be molded with uneven treads and/or discolored to give the rubber a degraded, worn appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Howley, Richard D. Clarke, Jesse Leyva, Steven E. J. C. Ploem
  • Article of Footwear Having a Worn Appearance and Method of Making Same
    Publication number: 20080271265
    Abstract: An article of footwear made from new or substantially new materials is manufactured with vintage treatment processing to give the article of footwear a vintage or well-worn appearance. The article of footwear may be treated with discoloring substances, such as dyes or bleaching agents. The upper may be formed with wrinkles or a crushed heel portion, such as by using a thin or soft foam behind a polyester covering, eliminating the foam backing and/or heel cup. Further, a rubber outsole may be molded with uneven treads and/or discolored to give the rubber a degraded, worn appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Howley, Richard D. Clarke, Jesse Leyva, Steven E.J.C. Ploem