Patents by Inventor Michael E. Blackford

Michael E. Blackford 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).

  • Patent number: 9398789
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide adhesive zipper tape. A zipper may be coupled to adhesive zipper tape to form a zipper assembly. In various embodiments, the adhesive zipper tape may be coupled to a piece of fabric, such as in a garment, around an opening. The zipper may then be used to open and close the opening. In various embodiments, the adhesive zipper tape may manifest an adhesive quality when activated by an activation stimulus, such as heat or air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: IDEAL Fastener Corporation
    Inventor: Michael E. Blackford
  • Patent number: 9062913
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to cooling fabrics having an array of cooling elements coupled to a base fabric, and in particular to methods and fabrics that utilize an array of cooling elements coupled to a base material to absorb heat while also maintaining desired properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the cooling elements may include a cooling gel or polymer or a phase change material, and the cooling elements may undergo a chemical or physical change when exposed to moisture, thereby absorbing heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Columbia Sportswear North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Araujo, Michael E. Blackford
  • Patent number: D670917
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Columbia Sportswear North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Blackford