Patents by Inventor Brett Vladika

Brett Vladika 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).

  • Publication number: 20250089850
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2024
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Lovett, Andrea Cavanagh, Robert Burns, Mark Soderberg, Mark Kerns, Michael Nickel, James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Brett Vladika, Sean Cavanagh, David Dickensheets
  • Patent number: 12185794
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Lovett, Andrea Cavanagh, Robert Burns, Mark Soderberg, Mark Kerns, Michael Nickel, James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Brett Vladika, Sean Cavanagh, David Dickensheets
  • Publication number: 20220279900
    Abstract: A footwear closure system includes an article of footwear, such as a boot, having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a mid-portion that is positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. The footwear closure system also includes a plurality of reel based closure devices that are coupled with the footwear. The plurality of reel based closure devices are configured to effect closure or tightening of the upper portion, the lower portion, and the mid-portion of the footwear. Each reel based closure device is independently operable and each reel based closure device effects closure or tightening of one of the upper portion, the lower portion, the mid-portion, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Brett Vladika, John Figueiredo, Karl Wurm, Broc Waring, Kevin Chen, Chris Sagui, Daniel Feeney, Jesse Cotterman, Michael Joseph Nickel, Benjamin Sample, Phillip Horne, Taylor James DiTallo, William Wandling, Mark Jerome Kerns
  • Publication number: 20220273073
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Lovett, Andrea Cavanagh, Robert Burns, Mark Soderberg, Mark Kerns, Michael Nickel, James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Brett Vladika, Sean Cavanagh, David Dickensheets
  • Patent number: 11253028
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Lovett, Andrea Cavanagh, Robert Burns, Mark Soderberg, Mark Kerns, Michael Nickel, James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Brett Vladika, Sean Cavanagh, David Dickensheets
  • Publication number: 20200107613
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Lovett, Andrea Cavanagh, Robert Burns, Mark Soderberg, Mark Kerns, Michael Nickel, James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Brett Vladika, Sean Cavanagh, David Dickensheets
  • Patent number: 10477922
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Lovett, Andrea Cavanagh, Robert Burns, Mark Soderberg, Mark Kerns, Michael Nickel, James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Brett Vladika, Sean Cavanagh, David Dickensheets
  • Patent number: 10327513
    Abstract: A lacing system for tightening an article includes a first guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a first zone of the article and a second guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a second zone of the article with at least a portion of the second zone being different than the first zone. A first tension member is guided by the first guide within the first zone and a second tension member is guided by the second guide within the second zone. Tensioning of the first tension member or second tension member causes tightening of the respective zone of the article. A tensioning mechanism is also coupled with the article and with the first and second tension members. The tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the first and second tension members to tighten the first and second zones of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Brett Vladika, Robert Burns, Michael Nickel, Aaron Venturini, Jesse Cotterman
  • Patent number: 10295241
    Abstract: A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Adamski, Jason Colsch, Tim L. Coulter, Glenn E. Goetz, Steven G. Herndon, Todd E. Kniffen, Bill J. Koons, Lou Montuoro, John H. Tenhundfeld, David Thalacker, Brett Vladika
  • Patent number: 10208998
    Abstract: A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Adamski, Jason Colsch, Tim L. Coulter, Glenn E. Goetz, Steven G. Herndon, Todd E. Kniffen, Bill J. Koons, Lou Montuoro, John H. Tenhundfeld, David Thalacker, Brett Vladika
  • Patent number: 10039348
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing having an interior region and a spool positioned within the interior region and rotatable relative thereto. A tightening mechanism is operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing. A tension member is coupled with the spool and is configured to be tensioned upon rotation of the spool via the tightening mechanism. The device also includes a tension limiting mechanism that allows the tension member to be tensioned via the tightening mechanism until a tension threshold is achieved. After the tension threshold is achieved, further operation of the tightening mechanism does not substantially tension the tension member due to the tension limiting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Cavanagh, Michael Nickel, Jesse Cotterman, Eric Irwin, Brett Vladika, Randon Kruse, Mark Soderberg, Christopher Converse, Adam Auell
  • Publication number: 20180064212
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Lovett, Andrea Cavanagh, Robert Burns, Mark Soderberg, Mark Kerns, Michael Nickel, James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Brett Vladika, Sean Cavanagh, David Dickensheets
  • Publication number: 20170303644
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing having an interior region and a spool positioned within the interior region and rotatable relative thereto. A tightening mechanism is operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing. A tension member is coupled with the spool and is configured to be tensioned upon rotation of the spool via the tightening mechanism. The device also includes a tension limiting mechanism that allows the tension member to be tensioned via the tightening mechanism until a tension threshold is achieved. After the tension threshold is achieved, further operation of the tightening mechanism does not substantially tension the tension member due to the tension limiting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Cavanagh, Michael Nickel, Jesse Cotterman, Eric Irwin, Brett Vladika, Randon Kruse, Mark Soderberg, Christopher Converse, Adam Auell
  • Patent number: 9737115
    Abstract: A lacing system for tightening an article includes a first guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a first zone of the article and a second guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a second zone of the article with at least a portion of the second zone being different than the first zone. A first tension member is guided by the first guide within the first zone and a second tension member is guided by the second guide within the second zone. Tensioning of the first tension member or second tension member causes tightening of the respective zone of the article. A tensioning mechanism is also coupled with the article and with the first and second tension members. The tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the first and second tension members to tighten the first and second zones of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Brett Vladika, Robert Burns, Michael Nickel, Aaron Venturini, Jesse Cotterman
  • Patent number: 9700101
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher Lovett, Andrea Cavanagh, Robert Burns, Mark Soderberg, Mark Kerns, Michael Nickel, James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Brett Vladika, Sean Cavanagh, David Dickensheets
  • Publication number: 20170119104
    Abstract: A lacing system for tightening an article includes a first guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a first zone of the article and a second guide that is coupled with the article and positioned within a second zone of the article with at least a portion of the second zone being different than the first zone. A first tension member is guided by the first guide within the first zone and a second tension member is guided by the second guide within the second zone. Tensioning of the first tension member or second tension member causes tightening of the respective zone of the article. A tensioning mechanism is also coupled with the article and with the first and second tension members. The tensioning mechanism is configured to tension the first and second tension members to tighten the first and second zones of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Brett Vladika, Robert Burns, Michael Nickel, Aaron Venturini, Jesse Cotterman
  • Patent number: 9629417
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing having an interior region and a spool positioned within the interior region and rotatable relative thereto. A tightening mechanism is operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the interior region of the housing. A tension member is coupled with the spool and is configured to be tensioned upon rotation of the spool via the tightening mechanism. The device also includes a tension limiting mechanism that allows the tension member to be tensioned via the tightening mechanism until a tension threshold is achieved. After the tension threshold is achieved, further operation of the tightening mechanism does not substantially tension the tension member due to the tension limiting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Cavanagh, Michael Nickel, Jesse Cotterman, Eric Irwin, Brett Vladika, Randon Kruse, Mark Soderberg, Christopher Converse, Adam Auell
  • Patent number: 9610185
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a brace may include a motorized tensioning device, a tensioning member operationally coupled with the motorized tensioning device to tighten the brace about the limb, and a control unit communicatively coupled with the motorized tensioning device to control adjustment of a tension of the tensioning member. A method for providing therapy with the brace fitted about a limb may include communicating a first instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device to adjust the tension of the tensioning member according to a therapeutic regimen that is designed to aid in recovery of the limb via repetitive movement of the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Rebecca Peterson, Mark Soderberg, Aaron Venturini, Brett Vladika, Daniel Hipwood
  • Publication number: 20170082340
    Abstract: A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph R. ADAMSKI, Jason COLSCH, Tim L. COULTER, Glenn E. GOETZ, Steven G. HERNDON, Todd E. KNIFFEN, Bill J. KOONS, Lou MONTUORO, John H. TENHUNDFELD, David THALACKER, Brett VLADIKA
  • Publication number: 20170082339
    Abstract: A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph R. ADAMSKI, Jason COLSCH, Tim L. COULTER, Glenn E. GOETZ, Steven G. HERNDON, Todd E. KNIFFEN, Bill J. KOONS, Lou MONTUORO, John H. TENHUNDFELD, David THALACKER, Brett VLADIKA