Patents Examined by Danny Worrell
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11686025
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a warp knit spacer dual functional fabric construction that provides the ability to absorb sweat on one side and the ability to cool skin to below a current temperature whether wetted or dry on the other side. The knit uses four separate yarns which collectively work together to produce enhanced cooling. Knits can include warp knit spacer and circular knit spacer materials. Various finishing methods may also be employed to enhance the cooling power of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: MPUSA, LLC
    Inventor: David Chad Lawrence
  • Patent number: 11680345
    Abstract: A knitted article having a first layer and a second layer is described. The first layer is formed from a first yarn having a first shrinkage rate and the second layer is formed by a second yarn having a second shrinkage rate. The shrinkage rate of the first yarn is greater than the shrinkage rate of the second yarn when subjected to heat. Upon heat exposure, the second layer forms a raised structure. The raised structures have a length that is generally perpendicular to the lateral-to-medial course-wise direction of the knitted article. Methods of forming raised structures are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashleigh Brinkman, Juan L. Aceves Tinajero
  • Patent number: 11674244
    Abstract: A knitted component may include a knitted base portion located between a first non-planar structure and a second non-planar structure. The knitted base portion may include a first area located adjacent to the first non-planar structure, and the first area may include at least one course of a first base yarn. The knitted base portion may include a second area located adjacent to the second non-planar structure, and the second area may include at least one course of a second base yarn. The first base yarn may have a first color and the second base yarn may have a second color different from the first color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Patent number: 11668030
    Abstract: The present disclosure, in one aspect, provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may include a knitted component. The knitted component may include a knit element, a first tensile strand with an exposed first end, and a second tensile strand with an exposed second end. The first tensile strand may be at least partially inlaid within the knit element, the second tensile strand may be at least partially inlaid within the knit element, and the exposed first end of the first tensile element may be secured to the exposed second end of the second tensile element. One or more braids including tensile strands can be part of a main braid configured to wrap around a heel region of the upper and to be secured to a medial side of the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Patent number: 11661684
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for producing and using a plaited fabric comprising a low-melt yarn for adhering the fabric without a glue adhesive. According to one embodiment, a knitted fabric can comprise a first polymeric yarn of a first material, the first polymeric yarn forming a base of the knitted fabric, and a second polymeric yarn of a second material. The second material can be different from the first material and can have a lower melting temperature than the first material. The first polymeric yarn can be knitted with the second polymeric yarn to form the fabric. Upon an application of heat to the knitted fabric, the second polymeric yarn can form an adhesive and cohesive mechanical attachment to itself and form a tight-knit structural bond within the fabric without the use of a glue adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Flex Ltd.
    Inventor: Allison E. Bowles
  • Patent number: 11661693
    Abstract: An embroidery apparatus includes a main unit to be detachably mounted on a bed section of a sewing machine, a first translation mechanism that moves an embroidery frame holder with an embroidery frame mounted thereon in a first direction, a second translation mechanism that moves the first translation mechanism along an upper surface of the main unit in a second direction that orthogonally intersects the first direction, and an elevator mechanism that is supported by the second translation mechanism at opposite sides of the main unit and that raises and lowers the first translation mechanism. The embroidery apparatus is applicable to a sewing machine switchable between embroidery stitching and standard stitching. During standard stitching, the upper surface of the first translation mechanism is flush with the upper surface of the main unit, which enables both upper surfaces to be used as an auxiliary table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: JANOME CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroki Shiratsuchi