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).
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Publication number: 20250089850Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2024Publication date: March 20, 2025Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 12185794Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20220279900Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20220273073Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 11253028Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20200107613Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2019Publication date: April 9, 2020Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 10477922Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 10327513Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Brett Vladika, Robert Burns, Michael Nickel, Aaron Venturini, Jesse Cotterman
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Patent number: 10295241Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10208998Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10039348Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Sean Cavanagh, Michael Nickel, Jesse Cotterman, Eric Irwin, Brett Vladika, Randon Kruse, Mark Soderberg, Christopher Converse, Adam Auell
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Publication number: 20180064212Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20170303644Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Sean Cavanagh, Michael Nickel, Jesse Cotterman, Eric Irwin, Brett Vladika, Randon Kruse, Mark Soderberg, Christopher Converse, Adam Auell
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Patent number: 9737115Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Brett Vladika, Robert Burns, Michael Nickel, Aaron Venturini, Jesse Cotterman
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Patent number: 9700101Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20170119104Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2016Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Brett Vladika, Robert Burns, Michael Nickel, Aaron Venturini, Jesse Cotterman
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Patent number: 9629417Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Sean Cavanagh, Michael Nickel, Jesse Cotterman, Eric Irwin, Brett Vladika, Randon Kruse, Mark Soderberg, Christopher Converse, Adam Auell
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Patent number: 9610185Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Rebecca Peterson, Mark Soderberg, Aaron Venturini, Brett Vladika, Daniel Hipwood
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Publication number: 20170082340Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20170082339Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: 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