Patents by Inventor Raymond F. Tonkel

Raymond F. Tonkel 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).

  • Patent number: 8286373
    Abstract: The banding device for application to a segment of footwear, whether it be to the heel, sole, around the vamp portion of the shoe, in any combination thereof, which due to its elasticity allows for its stretching into position to be secured either as an endless or continuous loop, for application to these components of the shoe to vary the coloration, design, indicia, trademark, or other aesthetics for the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co., LLC
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Donald R. Cox, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Publication number: 20100299964
    Abstract: The banding device for application to a segment of footwear, whether it be to the heel, sole, around the vamp portion of the shoe, in any combination thereof, which due to its elasticity allows for its stretching into position to be secured either as an endless or continuous loop, for application to these components of the shoe to vary the coloration, design, indicia, trademark, or other aesthetics for the footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Donald R. Cox, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7757414
    Abstract: A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co. LLC
    Inventor: Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7748145
    Abstract: The banding device for application to a segment of footwear, whether it be to the heel, sole, around the vamp portion of the shoe, in any combination thereof, which due to its elasticity allows for its stretching into position to be secured either as an endless or continuous loop, or a segment of a length of elastic device, for application to these components of the shoe to vary the coloration, design, indicia, trademark, or other aesthetics for the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co, LLC Mo Corp
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Donald R. Cox, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Publication number: 20100107447
    Abstract: Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7600334
    Abstract: A changeable stripe for footwear, that can be applied to any segment of the shoe, or other clothing, or even a purse or backpack, and includes a changeable stripe that is held by means of a base, or through slots provided within the shoe, so that a pull tab connecting to the ends of the stripe can be shifted in one direction or the other to disclose different surface features of the stripe, to change or vary the coloration or design of the shown stripe. The changeable stripe may be applied directly and integrally into the structure of the shoe component, or it may be held by an independent base structure and applied by stitching or adhesive to the shoe. Each stripe may have pivotal segments that allows for turning of a portion of a stripe, so as to display other coloration. Such changeable stripes can be applied to the surface of the shoe, can be applied over the vamp of a sandal, the vamp of a beach shoe, or to other clothing or items, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co. LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. Cox, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7464488
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to footwear where the tongue, or strap, may be reversed, in order to change the aesthetics, coloration, indicia, or other appearance of the footwear. A sandal has an outer strap that reverses upon manipulation by the wearer, where the outer strap turns to expose one surface, which may have a stylized and attractive finish provided thereon, or it may be reversed, so as to change the coloration, indicia, design, or other appearance aspects of the sandal. Alternatively, the outer strap joins to a strap designed to contact the instep of a foot. Rotation of the outer strap occurs without removal of a foot from the strap or the sandal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: U Turn Sports, Co LLC.
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7325337
    Abstract: A changeable stripe for footwear, that can be applied to any segment of the shoe, or other clothing, or even a purse or backpack, and includes a changeable stripe that is held by means of a base, or through slots provided within the shoe, so that a pull tab connecting to the ends of the stripe can be shifted in one direction or the other to disclose different surface features of the stripe, to change or vary the coloration or design of the shown stripe. The changeable stripe may be applied directly and integrally into the structure of the shoe component, or it may be held by an independent base structure and applied by stitching or adhesive to the shoe. Each stripe may have pivotal segments that allows for turning of a portion of a stripe, so as to display other coloration. Such changeable stripes can be applied to the surface of the shoe, can be applied over the vamp of a sandal, the vamp of a beach shoe, or to other clothing or items, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Donald R. Cox, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7318290
    Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, and can be turned to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co., LLC.
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7284343
    Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered for pivot to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, or turned, to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: U Turn Sports, Co LLC.
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7257906
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to footwear where the tongue may be reversed in order to open and close vents in the upper of a shoe. Secondarily, the reversible tongue changes the aesthetics, coloration, indicia, or other appearance of the footwear. A shoe has an upper upon a sole. On the sides of the upper, generally vertical stripes have vent between them. The reversible tongue has a symmetric shape and it rotates upon a longitudinal axis. Placed within the upper upon a swivel, the tongue rotates to extend across the vents to close them and to retreat from the vents to open them. In rotating, the tongue changes the coloration, indicia, design, or other appearance aspects of the shoe. Rotation of the tongue occurs with shoe laces loosened or with removal of a foot from the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co, LLC
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7117614
    Abstract: A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co., LLC
    Inventor: Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 7028420
    Abstract: A shoe, sandal, beach shoe, or other form of footwear, integrates a slot within its sole structure, as this footwear is assembled, and within the slot is a continuous band, that may form part of the shoe vamp, strapping, or related structure, and which vamp or band may be turned, for displaying different coloration or designs, texture, or means for providing support, massaging, or stimulation, of the foot, as through interiorly protruding tips, or to form and dispose apertures that furnish ventilation and aeration to the foot thereunder, all in order to change the aesthetics of the footwear at the desire of the user. In addition, to add to the structural integrity of the constructed shoes, a part of the vamp or its strapping, may extend upwardly, and have a loop formed therein, or even loop back on itself, and which may embrace the upper part of the changeable vamp, to facilitate its retention, and structural configuration, when the vamp is turned, to vary its appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: U-Turn Sports Co. LLC (Mo. Corp)
    Inventor: Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: 6904706
    Abstract: Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co., LLC Mo LLC.
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Publication number: 20040187351
    Abstract: Footwear, incorporating a reversible a tongue, wherein one side or the other of the tongue may be adhered to the upper central vamp portion of the shoe, to display that side during wearing of the shoe, and can be turned to provide a variation in the styling of the shoe. The tongue may further contain a pouch or pocket, secured by any type of fastening device such as Velcro that allows ready access into the tongue, for deposit or removal of personal items. One or more of the surfaces of the formed pocket, in the tongue, may be formed of a transparent or clear material, to allow any personal item deposited therein to be readily viewed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Publication number: 20040172853
    Abstract: A revolving tongue for application to footwear provided a central pivot point that rotatably connects to a crossbar of the footwear, the crossbar extending between the lateral openings of the shoe, at upper edges of the shoe quarter portions. The tongue may be rotated, to disclose variations in coloration material and design for the shoes, as applied. A pivot pin or other connector secures the tongue, approximately centrally, to the crossbar, a guide may be provided at the lower or lateral edges of the circular tongue, secured within the shoe, to act as a guide to retain the tongue for its circular motion. In addition, openings may be provided within the upper quarter portions of the shoe, so the tongue coloration can show therethrough, and change, as the tongue is being pivoted for a different setting, and in addition, can also provide for aeration of the foot, at such location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Publication number: 20040172852
    Abstract: Footwear, in the category of a sandal, and which may include a thong, slide-on, clog, or related structured sandal, wherein one side or the other of a tongue, upper vamp, or sandal strap may be adhered to an upper part of the sandal sole, or its vamp or cross strap, so that one side of the sandal strap structure may be displayed during its wearing, and can be turned to expose its opposite surface for varying the styling of the worn sandal. The tongue, upper vamp, or strap may be secured by a fastening device, such as a swivel, that allows for turning of these components to expose a selected surface in order to vary the aesthetics and appearance of the worn sandal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Lindell B. Jones, Raymond F. Tonkel
  • Patent number: D642771
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co. LLC
    Inventors: Raymond F. Tonkel, Lindell B. Jones
  • Patent number: D642772
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co. LLC
    Inventors: Raymond F. Tonkel, Lindell B. Jones
  • Patent number: D643188
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: U Turn Sports Co, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond F. Tonkel, Lindell B. Jones