Patents by Inventor Edward L. Weaver

Edward L. Weaver 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: 20210154039
    Abstract: An orthopedic support includes a flexible main brace body including first and second opposing sides, a proximal edge, a distal edge, and two lateral edges. The brace body consists essentially of a unitary sheet of elastomeric material, wherein the unitary sheet is thermoformed to at least partially encircle and generally conform to a joint of a wearer. The brace body includes an inner surface and an exterior surface and a plurality of engineered apertures extending through the sheet from the exterior surface to the inner surface. The unitary sheet includes a recessed area disposed proximate to each of the lateral edges. The recessed areas are disposed on an inner surface of the body extending along the longitudinal axis of the brace body between the proximal and distal edges, wherein the recessed areas further include undercut regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Sherry A. Hinds, Edward L. Weaver, II
  • Patent number: 11007087
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compression device for applying compression to a body part of a user. The compression devices comprises a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the body part of a user, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and two lateral side edges. In the transverse direction from the first lateral side edge to the second lateral side edge the sleeve comprises a first lateral side region, a central region and a second lateral side region. At least the central region of the sleeve comprises a main material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction of the sleeve. A maximum elongation in the transverse direction is from 5% up to and including 30% under a load of 10 N per cm width and a difference quotient of tension in transverse direction from 20% elongation to 25% elongation equal to or greater that 0.6 N per cm width per percent elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joannes F. H. M. Schuren, Guido Hitschmann, Edward L. Weaver, II, Kay Mohr
  • Patent number: 10369038
    Abstract: Low profile, contoured footplates that maintain tension in the plantar fascia without causing undue discomfort to the user are suggested for treatment of plantar fasciitis and other heel pain. The footplates may be ambidextrous and thus used to support either the left and right plantar fascia. The footplates can be used in assemblies for securing the footplate to the wearer's foot, as well as systems for iterative treatment of plantar fasciitis and other heel pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, Sherry A. Hinds, Beth E. Gramza
  • Patent number: 10172744
    Abstract: A compression device for applying compression to a body part of a user. The compression device comprises a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the body part of a user. The sleeve has an upper edge, a lower edge and an opening extending from its upper edge to its lower edge, said opening having two side edges. The first side edge is provided with one half of a zipper and the second side edge is provided with a complementary half of said zipper. The sleeve includes at least one expandable gusset provided with a releasable closure system extending along the length of said gusset, said gusset and releasable closure system being configured and arranged, such that when said releasable closure system is closed said gusset is prevented from expansion and when said releasable closure system is opened said gusset is allowed to expand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ivana Babic, Guido Hitschmann, Edward L. Weaver, II, Federico Casotto, Pasquale Cirulli, Andrea Daelli
  • Publication number: 20180353346
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compression device for applying compression to a body part of a user. The compression devices comprises a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the body part of a user, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and two lateral side edges. hi the transverse direction from the first lateral side edge to the second lateral side edge the sleeve comprises a first lateral side region, a central region and a second lateral side region. At least the central region of the sleeve comprises a main material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction of the sleeve. A maximum elongation in the transverse direction is from 5% up to and including 30% under a load of 10 N per cm width and a difference quotient of tension in transverse direction from 20% elongation to 25% elongation equal to or greater that 0.6 N per cm width per percent elongation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: JOANNES F.H.M. SCHUREN, GUIDO HITSCHMANN, EDWARD L. WEAVER, II, KAY MOHR
  • Patent number: 10058457
    Abstract: A compression device for applying compression to a body part of a user. The compression device has a sleeve with two lateral side regions and a central region in-between. The central region of the sleeve comprises a main material having elasticity in at least a transverse direction. A maximum elongation in the transverse direction is from 5% up to and including 30% under a load of 10 N per cm width and a difference quotient of tension in the transverse direction from 20% elongation to 25% elongation equal to or greater that 0.6 N per cm width per percent elongation. The device further includes a releasable closure system configured and arranged relative to the sleeve, such that, in use, upon closure of the closure system the sleeve is restrained and tightened about the body part of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joannes F. H. M. Schuren, Guido Hitschmann, Edward L. Weaver, II, Kay Mohr
  • Patent number: 9918865
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical braces having lacing systems for tightening of the medical braces. Some embodiments include multiple components of the lacing system integrated into a single housing piece. For example, multiple reels can be used to tighten different portions of the lacing system, and the multiple reels can be mounted onto a single housing. Also, multiple lace guides can be integrated into, or attached to, a single housing piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Nickel, Sean T. Cavanagh, Robert E. Burns, Mark Kerns, Edward L. Weaver, II, Sherry A. Hinds, Beth E. Gramza
  • Publication number: 20170360587
    Abstract: Orthopedic supports include bodies consisting essentially of a unitary layer of elastomeric material, which can be a thermoplastic foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Sherry A. Hinds, Edward L. Weaver, II
  • Publication number: 20160151225
    Abstract: An orthopedic pressure device comprises (a) a semi-rigid or rigid main body configured to contour the curvature of a portion of a wearer's anatomy, (b) an adjustable strap for securing the main body to the wearer, and (c) a displacing mechanism disposed in the main body for applying perpendicular force to the soft tissues of the wearer. The displacing mechanism comprises a lace and tensioning system for adjusting the perpendicular force to the soft tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventor: Edward L. Weaver, II
  • Patent number: 9278021
    Abstract: An orthopedic pressure device comprises (a) a semi-rigid or rigid main body configured to contour the curvature of a portion of a wearer's anatomy, (b) an adjustable strap for securing the main body to the wearer, and (c) a displacing mechanism disposed in the main body for applying perpendicular force to the soft tissues of the wearer. The displacing mechanism comprises a lace and tensioning system for adjusting the perpendicular force to the soft tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Edward L. Weaver, II
  • Publication number: 20160030251
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compression device for applying compression to a body part of a user. The compression devices comprises a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the body part of a user, wherein the sleeve has an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper edge, a lower edge and two lateral side edges. In the transverse direction from the first lateral side edge to the second lateral side edge the sleeve comprises a first lateral side region, a central region and a second lateral side region. At least the central region of the sleeve comprises a main material having elasticity in at least the transverse direction of the sleeve. A maximum elongation in the transverse direction is from 5% up to and including 30% under a load of 10 N per cm width and a difference quotient of tension in transverse direction from 20% elongation to 25% elongation equal to or greater that 0.6 N per cm width per percent elongation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: JOANNES F.H.M. SCHUREN, GUIDO HITSCHMANN, EDWARD L. WEAVER, II, KAY MOHR
  • Publication number: 20160008178
    Abstract: A compression device is disclosed for applying compression to a body part of a user. The compression device comprises a sleeve for substantially covering a portion of the body part of a user. The sleeve has an upper edge, a lower edge and an opening extending from its upper edge to its lower edge, said opening having two side edges. The first side edge is provided with one half of a zipper and the second side edge is provided with a complementary half of said zipper. The sleeve includes at least one expandable gusset provided with a releasable closure system extending along the length of said gusset, said gusset and releasable closure system being configured and arranged, such that when said releasable closure system is closed said gusset is prevented from expansion and when said releasable closure system is opened said gusset is allowed to expand between the opened parts of the releasable closure system so as to allow for an expansion of the width of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: IVANA BABIC, GUIDO HITSCHMANN, EDWARD L. WEAVER, II, FEDERICO CASOTTO, PASQUALE CIRULLI, ANDREA DAELLI
  • Publication number: 20150335460
    Abstract: Low profile, contoured footplates that maintain tension in the plantar fascia without causing undue discomfort to the user are suggested for treatment of plantar fasciitis and other heel pain. The footplates may be ambidextrous and thus used to support either the left and right plantar fascia. The footplates can be used in assemblies for securing the footplate to the wearer's foot, as well as systems for iterative treatment of plantar fasciitis and other heel pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, Sherry A. Hinds, Beth E. Gramza
  • Patent number: 8986235
    Abstract: An ankle brace is provided that includes (a) a boot assembly having a semi-rigid or rigid support, (b) an adjustable stirrup configured to go under the arch of a wearer's foot, and (c) a lace and rotatable tightening mechanism configured to tighten the adjustable stirrup and pull it upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, John R. Elrod
  • Publication number: 20150043084
    Abstract: for receiving an illuminated display device such as a tablet are described. The cases comprise a (e.g. light-collimating) optical film integrated with the case. The illuminated display device is intended to be operated while contained within (rather than being removed from) the case. The illuminated display surface can be viewed through the (e.g. light-collimating) optical film when an illuminated display device is provided within the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas M. Snyder, Michelle L. Toy, Jeong-Wan Kim, Yongchan Ahn, You-Jung Oh, Edward L. Weaver, II, Patrick E. Bisek
  • Patent number: 8622947
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an orthopedic support for supporting a portion of a wearer's anatomy is provided. For example, the orthopedic support may be an ankle brace comprising a sheet of flexible material configured to at least partially enclose a wearer's ankle and a splint coupled to the sheet of material. The splint is configured to be positioned on a medial side of the wearer's ankle when the sheet of material is secured on the wearer's ankle and includes an undulating profile configured to conform to at least a portion of the medial side of the wearer's ankle and resist inversion of the ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, John R. Elrod
  • Patent number: D696845
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, Beth E. Gramza, Sherry A. Hinds
  • Patent number: D706938
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, Dominic J. Julian, John R. Elrod, Jeremy J. Jacobs, Michael J. Nickel, Sean T. Cavanagh
  • Patent number: D706939
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, Dominic J. Julian, John R. Elrod, Jeremy J. Jacobs, Michael J. Nickel, Sean T. Cavanagh
  • Patent number: D790716
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Sherry A. Hinds, Mark W. Baldwin, Edward L. Weaver, II, Kristin M. Luke