Patents by Inventor Mark Soderberg
Mark Soderberg 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: 20150026936Abstract: Lacing systems are disclosed for use with footwear or other articles. The lacing system can comprises flexible webbing lace guides. In some embodiments, a lace guide can include a first lace guide element and a second lace guide element. The lace can pass through the first and second lace guides consecutively on the first side of the article before crossing to the opposing side of the article. The first and second lace guide elements can be angled towards each other to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide elements. In some embodiments, the lace guide can have a central portion that is less flexible than the end portions so as to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide when tension is applied to the lace.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark Kerns, Mark Soderberg, Adam Auell
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Publication number: 20150014463Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Christopher Converse, Eric Irwin, Randon Kruse, Mark Soderberg, Aaron Venturini
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Publication number: 20150007422Abstract: 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: July 2, 2014Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Sean Cavanagh, Michael Nickel, Jesse Cotterman, Eric Irwin, Brett Vladika, Randon Krause, Mark Soderberg, Christopher Converse, Adam Auell
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Publication number: 20140257156Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: James Capra, Ilya Minkin, Rebecca Peterson, Mark Soderberg, Aaron Venturini, Brett Vladika
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Publication number: 20140221889Abstract: Closure devices that may be used for various articles, such as braces, medical devices, shoes, clothing, apparel, and the like. The closure devices may include a tightening mechanism that may function as a handle that allows an individual to wrap an article around body part, couple the article about the body part, and then tension or tighten the article using a single hand.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert Burns, James Capra, Tamara White, Mark Soderberg
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Publication number: 20140123449Abstract: 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: November 6, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Brett Vladika, Robert Burns, Michael Nickel, Aaron Venturini, Jesse Cotterman
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Patent number: 8713820Abstract: Lacing systems are disclosed for use with footwear or other articles. The lacing system can comprises flexible webbing lace guides. In some embodiments, a lace guide can include a first lace guide element and a second lace guide element. The lace can pass through the first and second lace guides consecutively on the first side of the article before crossing to the opposing side of the article. The first and second lace guide elements can be angled towards each other to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide elements. In some embodiments, the lace guide can have a central portion that is less flexible than the end portions so as to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide when tension is applied to the lace.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark Kerns, Mark Soderberg, Adam Auell
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Publication number: 20140094728Abstract: A tensioning system for medical braces and devices is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The motorized tensioning device includes a torque transmitting system that allows for incremental tightening, incremental loosening, and full loosening of the tensioning member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Jimmy Capra, Cody Henderson, Tiffany Beers, Andy Owings
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Publication number: 20120246974Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Patent number: 8091182Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Publication number: 20110225843Abstract: Lacing systems are disclosed for use with footwear or other articles. The lacing system can comprises flexible webbing lace guides. In some embodiments, a lace guide can include a first lace guide element and a second lace guide element. The lace can pass through the first and second lace guides consecutively on the first side of the article before crossing to the opposing side of the article. The first and second lace guide elements can be angled towards each other to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide elements. In some embodiments, the lace guide can have a central portion that is less flexible than the end portions so as to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide when tension is applied to the lace.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark Kerns, Mark Soderberg, Adam Auell
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Patent number: 7992261Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Patent number: 7958656Abstract: A snow melter that may be used to melt snow. The snow melter includes a dump tank for receiving a quantity of snow to be melted. The melter also includes a melt tank and a heat exchanger. The melt tank separate from the dump tank. The heat exchanger heats the water in the melt tank. Water heated by the melt tank is allowed to flow from the melt tank into the dump tank to melt the snow in the dump tank. Doors may also be added to the dump tank to facilitate the removal of debris from the dump tank after use. Further, the dump tank may also have an inclinable floor to further facilitate the removal of debris from the dump tank after use.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Gary Rogers
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Patent number: 7954204Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Patent number: 7950112Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Publication number: 20100299959Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gary R. Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Publication number: 20080276498Abstract: A snow melter that may be used to melt snow. The snow melter includes a dump tank for receiving a quantity of snow to be melted. The melter also includes a melt tank and a heat exchanger. The melt tank separate from the dump tank. The heat exchanger heats the water in the melt tank. Water heated by the melt tank is allowed to flow from the melt tank into the dump tank to melt the snow in the dump tank. Doors may also be added to the dump tank to facilitate the removal of debris from the dump tank after use. Further, the dump tank may also have an inclinable floor to further facilitate the removal of debris from the dump tank after use.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Mark Soderberg, Gary Rogers
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Publication number: 20080083135Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Gary Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Publication number: 20080066346Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Gary Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg
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Publication number: 20080066345Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Gary Hammerslag, Mike Mayberry, Mark Soderberg