Patents by Inventor Gary R. Hammerslag
Gary R. Hammerslag 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: 11877943Abstract: A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, James Capra
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Publication number: 20230371654Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 11684122Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing, a spool positioned within the housing, and a knob that is operably coupled with the spool so that an operation of the knob causes the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing. The spool has an upper flange, a lower flange, and a cylindrical wall disposed between the upper flange and the lower flange. The spool is rotatable in the first direction to wind a tension member about the spool's cylindrical wall when the spool is rotated in the first direction. The tension member has a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end. The cylindrical wall has three holes through which the first end of the tension member is inserted to secure the first end of the tension member to the spool.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Publication number: 20210227938Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 10888139Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Publication number: 20190380856Abstract: A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2019Publication date: December 19, 2019Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, James Capra
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Patent number: 10433999Abstract: A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, James Capra
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Publication number: 20190000189Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 10070695Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 9743714Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Publication number: 20170027287Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 9375053Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert Earl Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric Craig Irwin, Kristopher Carlton Lovett, Michael Joseph Nickel, Mark Stanley Soderberg
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Publication number: 20150033519Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Publication number: 20130269219Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Robert Earl Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric Craig Irwin, Kristopher Carlton Lovett, Michael Joseph Nickel, Mark Stanley Soderberg
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Patent number: 8381362Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark S. Soderberg
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Publication number: 20130012856Abstract: A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, James Capra
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Publication number: 20120246974Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Patent number: 8277401Abstract: A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, James Capra
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Patent number: 8091182Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Patent number: D965257Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Anna Hetman, Theresa Hauser, Tamara White