Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of holographic heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat-directing elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 4, 2011
Publication date:
August 25, 2011
Applicant:
COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Inventors:
Michael E. "Woody" Blackford, Jeffrey Mergy
Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, and non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media associated with utilizing a central storage and maintainer which has knowledge of one or more reusable boxes, and maintains information about the boxes. The system maintains reusable box information with respect to a unique identifier or tracking code which is associated with each tracked box. The association between a unique identifier and a box allows future shipping using the box to be tracked using the identifier. This enables a narrative of the box's travels to be developed through the addition of narrative entries or comments provided by recipients of the box. The narrative may in turn be searched for and displayed via one or more web-based interfaces, providing a snapshot of the box's travels.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 3, 2010
Publication date:
May 19, 2011
Applicant:
COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to footwear, such as a boots and shoes, and in particular to footwear having a removable element, such as a liner, that includes temperature control elements for controllably regulating and/or altering the temperature of the footwear and thus the wearer's foot. Various embodiments also include an electrical contact in the foot bed adapted to couple to the temperature control element in the liner, and a power source, controller, and actuator coupled to the footwear upper.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 5, 2010
Publication date:
May 12, 2011
Applicant:
COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR NORTH AMERICA, INC.