Patents by Inventor Robert E. Burns
Robert E. Burns 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: 20260130469Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2025Publication date: May 14, 2026Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. BURNS, Gary R. HAMMERSLAG, Eric C. IRWIN, Kristopher C. LOVETT, Michael J. NICKEL, Mark S. SODERBERG
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Patent number: 12433373Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2025Date of Patent: October 7, 2025Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Publication number: 20250302155Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2025Publication date: October 2, 2025Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. BURNS, Randon KRUSE, Thomas POLLACK
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Patent number: 12396521Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2024Date of Patent: August 26, 2025Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Publication number: 20250169577Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2024Publication date: May 29, 2025Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. BURNS, Randon KRUSE, Thomas POLLACK
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Patent number: 12144401Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2023Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Publication number: 20240335008Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 12042018Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2023Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Publication number: 20240138529Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2023Publication date: May 2, 2024Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Patent number: 11844404Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2023Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Publication number: 20230371654Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Publication number: 20230225460Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Patent number: 11684122Abstract: A reel based closure device includes a housing, a spool positioned within the housing, and a knob that is operably coupled with the spool so that an operation of the knob causes the spool to rotate in a first direction within the housing. The spool has an upper flange, a lower flange, and a cylindrical wall disposed between the upper flange and the lower flange. The spool is rotatable in the first direction to wind a tension member about the spool's cylindrical wall when the spool is rotated in the first direction. The tension member has a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end. The cylindrical wall has three holes through which the first end of the tension member is inserted to secure the first end of the tension member to the spool.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 11633020Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: BOA TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Patent number: 11457698Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Publication number: 20220022607Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Publication number: 20210227938Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Publication number: 20210045500Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
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Patent number: 10888139Abstract: This disclosure relates to articles that include a tightening mechanism, such as reel-based lace tightening mechanism, configured to tighten the article by rotation of a knob. The articles can include a concealing portion that is configured to conceal or protect at least a portion of the tightening mechanism, such as the knob. The concealing portion can be configured to prevent unintentional actuation of the tightening mechanism, such as during contact sports. The concealing portion can be configured to hide the tightening mechanism from view to improve the visual appearance of the article. The concealing portion can be collapsible such that a user can press the concealing portion down to expose the knob of the tightening mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
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Patent number: 10772388Abstract: A lace tensioning device includes a housing component having an interior region, a first aperture, and a second aperture, and a spool component that is rotatably positionable within the interior region of the housing component. The spool component has a central cylindrical member and a lumen that extends through the central cylindrical portion. The spool component is rotatable within the interior region of the housing component to align one end of the lumen with the first aperture and to align an opposite end of the lumen with the second aperture to enable a lace to be inserted through the first aperture, the lumen, and the second aperture so that opposing ends of the lace are positioned exterior to the housing component. A knot may then be tied in the lace and the lace retracted to couple the lace with the housing component and spool component.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack