Abstract: A method includes: receiving an authentication message from a delivery driver device including information associated with a parcel identifier; comparing the information to one or more stored codes; sending, in response to determining a match, an unlock instruction signal to a lock mechanism; and wirelessly transmitting an acknowledgement message to the driver device. A parcel receptacle includes a compartment, a lid, a lock mechanism, a wireless communication module, and a controller. The controller is configured to: receive an authentication message from a delivery driver device including a parcel identifier; compare the parcel identifier to one or more stored codes; send an unlock instruction signal to the lock mechanism in response to determining the parcel identifier matches a stored code; and transmit an error message to the driver device.

Abstract: A shoe may include a sole and an upper. The upper may have a medial side and a lateral side that each have an edge positioned on opposing side of the shoe's tongue. The upper's medial side and/or the upper's lateral side may include stiffened regions and flexible regions with each stiffened region being disposed between two flexible regions so that the stiffened regions are moveable relative to one another upon tensioning of the medial and lateral sides of the upper. The opposing edges of the upper's medial and lateral sides may be substantially linear or straight prior to tensioning of the upper's medial and lateral sides and may be substantially uneven or nonlinear subsequent to tensioning of the upper's medial and lateral sides due to relative movement of the stiffened regions.

Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing, a tension member, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a tightening component that is positioned axially above the spool and that is operably coupled therewith so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the housing to wind the tension member about the spool. The reel based closure device also includes a coupling component that is separate from the tension member and that frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed to the tension member. The spool component includes a coupling feature within which the coupling component is positioned to attach the tension member to the spool.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for fastening apparel with a fastener having an integrated and adjustable tensioner that facilitates a precise fitment of the apparel when worn.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a knob operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the housing, and a stop mechanism. The device is configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a first direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool within the housing that incrementally tensions a tension member and thereby tightens the article. The device is also configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a second direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool that incrementally loosens the tension member's tension. The stop mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the spool in the second direction when the tension member's tension achieves or falls below a tension threshold.

Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing, a tension member, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a tightening component that is positioned axially above the spool and that is operably coupled therewith so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the housing to wind the tension member about the spool. The reel based closure device also includes a coupling component that is separate from the tension member and that frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed to the tension member. The spool component includes a coupling feature within which the coupling component is positioned to attach the tension member to the spool.

Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to an apparatus and method for the modification of atmosphere in the packaging of perishable items, such as food items, for increased longevity. Embodiments include apparatus and methods which provide a customizable mix of gasses dependent upon the food being stored, and process for the monitoring of estimated pressurized gas canisters remaining within a vessel providing pressurized gasses.

Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to an apparatus and method for the modification of atmosphere in the packaging of perishable items, such as food items, for increased longevity. Embodiments include apparatus and methods which provide a customizable mix of gasses dependent upon the food being stored, and process for the monitoring of estimated pressurized gas canisters remaining within a vessel providing pressurized gasses.

Abstract: A reel based tensioning device includes a housing, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a knob member that is operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing and thereby wind a tension member about the spool. The reel based tensioning device also includes a load holding mechanism that is coupled with the spool and that is configured to rotate the spool in the first direction within the housing and to prevent rotation of the spool in a second direction to prevent unwinding of the tension member from about the spool. The reel based tensioning device further includes an audible component that is configured to produce an audible noise responsive to operation of the knob member to signal an adjustment of the tension member.

Abstract: A shoe may include a sole and an upper. The upper may have a medial side and a lateral side that each have an edge positioned on opposing side of the shoe's tongue. The upper's medial side and/or the upper's lateral side may include stiffened regions and flexible regions with each stiffened region being disposed between two flexible regions so that the stiffened regions are moveable relative to one another upon tensioning of the medial and lateral sides of the upper. The opposing edges of the upper's medial and lateral sides may be substantially linear or straight prior to tensioning of the upper's medial and lateral sides and may be substantially uneven or nonlinear subsequent to tensioning of the upper's medial and lateral sides due to relative movement of the stiffened regions.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a device for tightening an article includes a housing, a spool rotatably positioned within the housing, a knob operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate within the housing, and a stop mechanism. The device is configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a first direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool within the housing that incrementally tensions a tension member and thereby tightens the article. The device is also configured so that incremental rotation of the knob in a second direction causes a corresponding incremental rotation of the spool that incrementally loosens the tension member's tension. The stop mechanism is configured to prevent rotation of the spool in the second direction when the tension member's tension achieves or falls below a tension threshold.

Abstract: A reel based tensioning device includes a housing, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a knob member that is operably coupled with the spool to cause the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing and thereby wind a tension member about the spool. The reel based tensioning device also includes a load holding mechanism that is coupled with the spool and that is configured to rotate the spool in the first direction within the housing and to prevent rotation of the spool in a second direction to prevent unwinding of the tension member from about the spool. The reel based tensioning device further includes an audible component that is configured to produce an audible noise responsive to operation of the knob member to signal an adjustment of the tension member.

Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing, a tension member, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a tightening component that is positioned axially above the spool and that is operably coupled therewith so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the housing to wind the tension member about the spool. The reel based closure device also includes a coupling component that is separate from the tension member and that frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed to the tension member. The spool component includes a coupling feature within which the coupling component is positioned to attach the tension member to the spool.

Abstract: A method of allowing access to a receptacle for securing a package includes: sensing an opening and closing of the lid; activating, in response to determining the lid is sufficiently closed, the lock mechanism to transition from the unlocked state to the locked state; scanning an email message in a user's email account to identify a reference or tracking number of a second package; parsing the email message to obtain a delivery code; receiving entry of the delivery code; activating the lock mechanism based on entry of the delivery code to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state; sensing a second opening and closing of the lid; activating the lock mechanism to transition from the unlocked state to the locked state; receiving information corresponding to entry of an access code; activating the lock mechanism to transition from the locked state to the unlocked state.

Abstract: A method of sanitization includes determining a door of an enclosure is closed, the door separating a compartment within the enclosure from ambient air, and performing a sanitization process. The sanitization process includes determining an article has been placed into the compartment, initiating a treatment timer, introducing a sanitization agent into a volume of the compartment with a sanitization device, and determining the treatment timer has expired. A sanitization system includes an enclosure, a controller, and a sanitization device. The enclosure is configured to receive and secure one or more articles. The enclosure has a door separating a compartment within the enclosure from ambient air. The controller is configured to determine an article has been placed into the compartment, initiate a treatment timer, instruct the sanitization device to introduce a sanitization agent into a volume of the compartment, and determine the treatment timer has expired.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a parcel identifier from a sensor, transmitting a reporting message to a remote server, and transmitting an authentication message to a local wireless receiver. The reporting message includes first information associated with the parcel identifier and the authentication message includes second information associated with the parcel identifier. Transmitting the reporting message and the authentication message may be performed automatically in response to receipt of the parcel identifier. A parcel receptacle includes a compartment, a lid, a lock mechanism, a wireless communication module, and a controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing system comprising a lace attached to a tightening mechanism. The lace extends through a series of guide members positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace and guides preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace along the guide members so that the lace evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace. The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace.

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.

Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing, a tension member, a spool that is rotatably positioned within the housing, and a tightening component that is positioned axially above the spool and that is operably coupled therewith so that an operation of the tightening component causes the spool to rotate within the housing to wind the tension member about the spool. The reel based closure device also includes a coupling component that is separate from the tension member and that frictionally engages with a distal end of the tension member so that the coupling component is removably fixed to the tension member. The spool component includes a coupling feature within which the coupling component is positioned to attach the tension member to the spool.