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).

  • Publication number: 20260130469
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. BURNS, Gary R. HAMMERSLAG, Eric C. IRWIN, Kristopher C. LOVETT, Michael J. NICKEL, Mark S. SODERBERG
  • Patent number: 12433373
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2025
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Publication number: 20250302155
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2025
    Publication date: October 2, 2025
    Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. BURNS, Randon KRUSE, Thomas POLLACK
  • Patent number: 12396521
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
  • Publication number: 20250169577
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2024
    Publication date: May 29, 2025
    Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. BURNS, Randon KRUSE, Thomas POLLACK
  • Patent number: 12144401
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Publication number: 20240335008
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2024
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
  • Patent number: 12042018
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
  • Publication number: 20240138529
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Patent number: 11844404
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Publication number: 20230371654
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
  • Publication number: 20230225460
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Patent number: 11684122
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: BOA Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
  • Patent number: 11633020
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: BOA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Patent number: 11457698
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Publication number: 20220022607
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Publication number: 20210227938
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
  • Publication number: 20210045500
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack
  • Patent number: 10888139
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Gary R. Hammerslag, Eric C. Irwin, Kristopher C. Lovett, Michael J. Nickel, Mark S. Soderberg
  • Patent number: 10772388
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Boa Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Burns, Randon Kruse, Thomas Pollack