Patents Examined by Danny Worrell
  • Patent number: 11753758
    Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear, the upper including a base layer defining a least a portion of the upper and polymer threads stitched to the base layer. The polymer threads may include a core composed of a first material and a coating composed of a second material, where the melting point of the first material is higher than the melting point of the second material. The polymer threads may be bonded to the base layer by the coating of the polymer threads. The polymer threads may include one or more polymer thread sets stitched in pattern(s) on area(s) of an outer surface of the base layer to provide targeted characteristics to area(s) on the upper. In some embodiments, the polymer threads may be bonded to the base layer with heat and/or pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Jason Daniel McGinnity, Janette P. Atkins, Elise Marie Hall, Carl Arnese
  • Patent number: 11753757
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The method includes laying down ribbon elements in straight and winding sections. The method includes stitching or otherwise attaching the ribbon elements to a backing layer. The method also includes embroidering a periphery of the ribbon structure to tack down any raised portions of the ribbon at the periphery. The method also includes inserting a lace through loops in the ribbon structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, Carmen Zhu
  • Patent number: 11746451
    Abstract: A stitch forming element for a stitch-forming textile machine, wherein the textile machine includes a stitch-forming element carrier with at least one guide channel for guiding at least one stitch-forming element. The stitch-forming element includes a longitudinal axis and a vertical axis and a first recess with a lower edge, an upper edge, an open first end and a closed second end for stitch formation. The stitch-forming element further includes a second recess with a lower edge, an upper edge, an open first end and a closed second end for cleaning the at least one guide channel. The stitch-forming textile machine includes a stitch-forming element carrier with at least one guide channel, and at least one such stitching element. The least one stitch-forming element with its second recess is guided in the at least one guide channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Uwe Stingel, Jörg Sauter
  • Patent number: 11746450
    Abstract: Novel and innovative fabrics in which at least two types of yarn are knit together in an interlock jersey knit, as well as methods of manufacturing these interlock jersey knit fabrics and garments (such as dresses and T-shirts) made from such interlock jersey knit fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: See Rose Go, Inc.
    Inventors: Erin Cavanaugh, Xiao Yi Zhou
  • Patent number: 11739448
    Abstract: A method may include one or more of the following steps: knitting a first knit layer and a second knit layer on a knitting machine, where the first knit layer and the second knit layer each include a plurality of intermeshed loops, and where at least one loop of the first knit layer is intermeshed with at least one loop of the second knit layer; inlaying an inlaid strand between the first knit layer and the second knit layer during the knitting of the first knit layer and the second knit layer, where the inlaid strand includes a thermoplastic material having a melting point; and applying heat to at least a portion of the thermoplastic material of the inlaid strand such that the portion of the thermoplastic material rises to a temperature at or above the melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Meir
  • Patent number: 11739449
    Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional elastic circular knitted fabric combining light weight, heat retention, stretchability, and press shrinkage resistance. This three-dimensional elastic circular knitted fabric is obtained by connecting two front/back ground structures with a connecting yarn of only a tuck structure, wherein the three-dimensional elastic circular knitted fabric is characterized in that: the two front/back ground structures is solely constituted by non-elastic fiber; the connecting yarn is solely constituted by elastic fiber; the elastic fiber is interwoven at 2-15 courses/1 repeat; the loop density of the knitted fabric is 40-130 courses/inch, and 35-80 wells/inch; the filling rate is 5.0-25.0%; the thermal retention rate is 20.0% or higher; and the rate of elongation at a constant 22.1-N load is 50-200% in the warp direction and 150-300% in the weft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Advance Corporation
    Inventors: Aoi Hanamura, Hidetoshi Sumi
  • Patent number: 11732391
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure is disclosed. The method includes laying down ribbon elements in straight and winding sections. The method includes stitching or otherwise attaching the ribbon elements to a backing layer. The method also includes embroidering a periphery of the ribbon structure to tack down any raised portions of the ribbon at the periphery. The method also includes inserting a lace through loops in the ribbon structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Luedecke, Carmen Zhu
  • Patent number: 11725313
    Abstract: A method and a knitting device for plating with compound needles on a circular knitting machine is described herein. At least two yarns are inserted into the hook area of a compound needle. A sinker is moved in such a way relative to a knock-over edge disposed immovably on a cylinder that the sinker, by way of a guide means, guides at least one of the yarns further into the hook area of the compound needle, in the direction of the needle shank, and in doing so keeps the yarns separated. The sinker furthermore moves, in the longitudinal direction and the elevational direction, in such a manner relative to the knock-over edge that the guide means performs a movement which, at least section-wise, tracks at least one yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Martin Wörnle, Roland Simmendinger
  • Patent number: 11725311
    Abstract: A knitted component may include a course of a first yarn type and a course of a second yarn type, a first surface at least partially formed by the course of the first yarn type, and a cavity formed within the knitted component that is recessed relative to the first surface. A first float formed by the course of the second yarn type may extend across the cavity and may be exposed, and the course of the second yarn type may include a stitch that is knitted into the knitted component adjacent the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan L. Aceves Tinajero, William P. Halligan
  • Patent number: 11725312
    Abstract: A knitted component may include a knit element formed with a plurality of courses and a plurality of wales, where the plurality of courses include a first course and the plurality of wales include a first wale and a second wale. A set of inlaid strands including at least a first inlaid strand and a second inlaid strand may be included. A first area and a second area may be included, where in the first area, each inlaid strand of the set of inlaid strands extends through at least a portion of the first course, and where in the second area, the first inlaid strand extends through the first wale and the second inlaid strand extends through the second wale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Meir
  • Patent number: 11718941
    Abstract: An embroidery apparatus is configured to perform an embroidery operation according to embroidery data. The embroidery apparatus includes a thread assumed consumption amount calculator configured to calculate an assumed consumption amount of a thread in the embroidery operation, based on initial embroidery data input in advance; a thread consumption amount detection mechanism configured to detect an actual consumption amount of the thread; and a thread consumption amount adjuster configured to adjust the actual consumption amount of the thread in the embroidery operation by adjusting output embroidery data to be output, based on a difference between the calculated assumed consumption amount of the thread and the detected actual consumption amount of the thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Gotoh, Shinya Tanaka, Taito Omura, Yusuke Komine
  • Patent number: 11718932
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a denim-like fabric and jeans. In some embodiments, the invention relates to a denim-like knitted fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: CRYSTAL APPAREL LIMITED
    Inventor: Ngai Man Lai
  • Patent number: 11713525
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing knitted shoe uppers. An article of fully finished three-dimensionally weft knitted footwear is manufactured through a knitting process which can be performed by an automated V-bed flat knitting machine. During the knitting process, a plurality of knitted members are knitted into shape sequentially and connected to one another through knitted live hinges, each member being a ply, a layer, a layer portion or an appendage. The knitting machine manipulates the knitted members into their destined places as in the final product without cutting and sewing, thereby forming a seamless unitary textile construction. The process creates a seamless, full gauge, dimensionally stable footwear upper, as a unitary textile construction with an integrated anatomically appropriate heel. The entire upper, including the closure element of the upper, may be completed exclusively by the knitting machine, ready for the following shoe making process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Fabdesigns, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Huffa, Concetta Maria Huffa
  • Patent number: 11713526
    Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic porous knit based on a monofilament of a biocompatible polymer material, the pattern followed for the knitting of said monofilament on a warp knitting machine having two guide bars B1, B2 being the following, according to the ISO 11676 standard: Bar B1: 1.2/4.5/4.3/4.5/4.3/1.0/1.2/1.0// Bar B2: 4.3/1.0/1.2/1.0/1.2/4.5/4.3/4.5// The invention further relates to a method for producing such a knit and to a hernia prosthesis comprising such a knit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SOFRADIM PRODUCTION
    Inventor: Julie Lecuivre
  • Patent number: 11708651
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for knitting and forming a weft-knitted fabric with varying thickness by a flat knitting machine and a weft-knitted fabric thereof. The method is implemented in at least one knitting process of the weft-knitted fabric, comprising steps of: driving the flat knitting machine to knit a basic structure by at least one of two needle beds of the flat knitting machine, and controlling the two needle beds on the flat knitting machine to knit a three-dimensional structure connected with the basic structure. A thickness of the three-dimensional structure is greater than a thickness of the basic structure, the three-dimensional structure comprises two surface layer portions and a supporting portion connected with the two surface layer portions and located between the two surface layer portions. A junction between the three-dimensional structure and the basic structure is without the supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: PAI LUNG MACHINERY MILL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Chiang Lee, Ruei-Wen Shih, Po-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 11708652
    Abstract: Staple cartridge assemblies for use with surgical stapling instruments and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. Scaffolds for use with a surgical staple cartridge and methods for manufacturing the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventors: Michael J. Vendely, Victoria Dalessandro, Jason L. Harris, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Patent number: 11702775
    Abstract: A method for forming an anti-counterfeiting feature during knitting of a fabric and a fabric thereof, the fabric is knitted with at least one first yarn, a part of the fabric includes a plurality of featured yarn loops formed by a second yarn, the featured yarn loops constitute an anti-counterfeiting feature, the anti-counterfeiting feature can be directly observed from one side surface of the fabric, the second yarn is formed by twisting at least two sub-yarns with different shades, and shades of the at least two sub-yarns and the first yarn are different from each other, and a shade of the featured yarn loops displayed on the side surface is random. Accordingly, the randomness of yarn twisting makes the anti-counterfeiting feature difficult to be replicated, thereby preventing unscrupulous manufacturers from counterfeiting the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: HENG SHENG INVESTMENT LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Wen Liao
  • Patent number: 11702792
    Abstract: A system allows a user to create new designs for apparel and preview these designs before manufacture. Software and lasers are used in finishing apparel to produce a desired wear pattern or other design. As the user designs apparel, the system provides feedback as to what designs can be used, such as avoiding technical constraints with their designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Levi Strauss & Co.
    Inventors: Jennifer Schultz, Debdulal Mahanty, Christopher Schultz, Benjamin Bell, James Barton Sights
  • Patent number: 11692290
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to biosensing garments, and in particular, to systems and methods for monitoring respiration in a biosensing garment, whereby an improved integration of the respiration monitoring circuit into the garment is achieved, resulting in improved signal quality and durability. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an elongate member having a longitudinal axis and configured to be stretchable along its longitudinal axis. The elongate member includes a plurality of elastic members (e.g., a first elastic member, a second elastic member, and a third elastic member) that extend along the longitudinal axis. A conductive member is coupled to the first, second and third members, and forms a “curved” pattern along the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The conductive member is configured to change from a first configuration to a second configuration as the elongate member stretches along its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: HONEYWELL SAFETY PRODUCTS USA, INC.
    Inventor: Maria Elina Nurkka
  • Patent number: 11692289
    Abstract: An article may include first and second components comprising non-woven textiles and a third component positioned between the first two components. A first surface of the third component that is adjacent the first component comprises a thermoplastic polymer material, and the third component is fused with a first region of the first component and unfused with a second region of the first component. A method of manufacturing the article, which may be an article of wear, includes arranging the components to form a stacked configuration so that the third component is positioned between the first and second components. Heat and compression may be applied to at least a first region of the first component to fuse the first region with the third component, whereas a second region of the first component may remain unfused to the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Karen A. Hawkinson, Benjamin A. Shaffer