Rubber Patents (Class 267/145)
  • Patent number: 11472491
    Abstract: A vehicle and liner assembly is provided that includes a recreational vehicle having a housing, a front end, a rear end, a top, a bottom, and a pair of sidewalls. A frame assembly is provided wherein, the housing is mounted on and supported by the frame assembly. The liner is attached to the frame assembly and covers at least a substantial portion of the bottom of the housing. The liner has a first face having projections extending therefrom and a second face having openings therein. The openings coincide with and extend into corresponding projections on the first face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: PennPlastics, LLC
    Inventor: Terry D. Pennington
  • Patent number: 10986936
    Abstract: The disclosed technology includes tiered void cells which provide protection, comfort, and stability during compression. The tiered void cells may be arranged in vertically stacked columns and include a stroke whereby tiers of a void cell can telescope into adjacent tiers of that void cell, as well as telescope into adjacent tiers of adjacent void cells in a column. Implementations described and claimed herein include a cushioning system comprising an array of tiered void cells, wherein each tiered void cell includes a base portion, a plunger portion, the plunger portion to collapse into the base portion under compression of the cushioning system, and a living hinge elastically connecting an inner perimeter of the base portion to an outer perimeter of the plunger portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SKYDEX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jerod Dahl, Peter M. Foley
  • Patent number: 10988057
    Abstract: A child safety seat comprising a seat body and first and second side wings depending from the seat body, the first and second side wings each comprising an outwardly facing exterior surface, an impact energy absorbing device depending from at least a part of the exterior surface of the first and second side wings, the impact energy absorbing device comprising a hollow and/or gas, liquid, gel or other energy absorbing material filled shell of deformable material formed by blow moulding, comprising an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly or occupant facing surface, and a plurality of energy absorbing elements in the form of recesses extending into the shell from the inwardly facing surface toward the outwardly facing surface; wherein the impact absorbing system is adapted to absorb impact through a combination of the shell plastically or elastically deforming, cushioning, rupturing, deflating or bursting, and the plurality of energy absorbing elements cooperatively plastically or elastically deforming, cush
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: Wieslaw Maciejczyk
  • Patent number: 10898009
    Abstract: A bedding system is provided that includes a fan box layer having a plurality of ducts, each of the ducts being in communication with a fan configured to move air out of the duct and into an area surrounding the bedding system. A capacitor layer is positioned above the fan box layer. The capacitor layer includes a plurality of outlet ports, each of the outlet ports being in communication with one of the ducts. A mattress layer is positioned above the capacitor layer. The mattress layer includes a bottom portion having a plurality of first holes that are each in communication with at least one of the outlet ports and a top portion having a plurality of second holes that are each in communication with one of the first holes. The top portion defines a sleep surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Bedgear, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Alletto, Jr., Vandad Barzin Rad
  • Patent number: 10881218
    Abstract: The invention provides an overlay configured to substantially conform to a contoured surface. The overlay comprises at least a first layer having a rear surface on which a plurality of channels are located. Optionally, the overlay also comprises one or more removable contouring members, which are located between adjacent channels on the rear surface of the overlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Roger Thomas Mascull and Elizabeth Jocelyn Mascuall
    Inventor: Roger Thomas Mascull
  • Patent number: 10681984
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seating device of a foldable chair. The seating device includes a backrest and a seating portion. The backrest includes a backrest rigid plate, a plurality of backrest rivets and a backrest cushion. A plurality of joining portions are formed at the rear end of each of the backrest rivets via a press molding process. The backrest cushion is disposed on the first side of the composite board. The plywood is mounted to the second side of the composite board by screws. The seating portion includes a seating portion rigid plate, a plurality of seating portion tapped holes and a seating portion cushion. The seating portion cushion is disposed on the first side of the seating portion rigid plate. The chair frame is mounted on the second side of the seating portion rigid plate by screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Spec Seats Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Mei Chuen Lin
  • Patent number: 10675199
    Abstract: A patient support structure includes a first supporting part, a second supporting part and a third supporting part. The first supporting part includes a first resilient member; the second supporting part includes a second resilient member; and the third supporting part is between the first supporting part and the second supporting part. The first supporting part, the second supporting part and the third supporting part together define a supporting surface extending along a longitudinal axis, and the second resilient member includes a first supporting area and a second supporting area different in supporting strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: APEX MEDICAL CORP.
    Inventors: Ming-Lung Chang, Shih-Chung Liu, Yi-Ling Liu
  • Patent number: 10568436
    Abstract: A bedding system is provided that includes a fan box layer having a plurality of ducts, each of the ducts being in communication with a fan configured to move air out of the duct and into an area surrounding the bedding system. A capacitor layer is positioned above the fan box layer. The capacitor layer includes a plurality of outlet ports, each of the outlet ports being in communication with one of the ducts. A mattress layer is positioned above the capacitor layer. The mattress layer includes a bottom portion having a plurality of first holes that are each in communication with at least one of the outlet ports and a top portion having a plurality of second holes that are each in communication with one of the first holes. The top portion defines a sleep surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: BEDGEAR, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Alletto, Vandad Barzin Rad
  • Patent number: 10568437
    Abstract: A configurable foam mattress comfort system includes a firm foam mattress foundation including an upper surface having a triangular grooves disposed across a width thereof, and foam elongate cells configured to fit partially within corresponding triangular grooves from among the triangular grooves disposed across the width thereof. A length of each of the foam elongate cells is substantially equal to the width of the firm foam mattress foundation. The foam elongate cells are configured to be custom-stacked on each other and on the firm foam mattress foundation in accordance with a user's desired comfort configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Life Mattress Inc.
    Inventor: Adam C. Lacey
  • Patent number: 10524580
    Abstract: A seating arrangement may include a rear panel, a back panel adjoining the rear panel, a base box mating with the back panel, a seat supported by the base box, at least one removable back panel segment; and a top cap covering and/or securing the at least one back panel. The seating arrangement may also include a cleat system for adjoining the back panel segments to the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Beaufurn, LLC
    Inventors: William I Bongaerts, Philip Behrens
  • Patent number: 10443231
    Abstract: A sealing member for use between a flashing member and a roofing material is made of a compressible material and with slits and/or weakening sections extending into the sealing member from the exterior surface towards the interior surface, each slit and/or weakening section extending from one side surface to the other side surface. In one embodiment the slits and/or weakening sections extend in parallel planes, each plane being substantially parallel to the height direction and extending at an angle of 15-75 degrees to the length direction of the sealing member, preferably an angle of 45 degrees. In use the sealing member is arranged on a flashing member and a roofing material is arranged to rest on the sealing member and compress one or more sections of the sealing member. If the sealing member includes weakening sections, at least one of these is at least partially broken when the sealing member is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Carsten Thomsen, Christian Munk Mikkelsen
  • Patent number: 10172743
    Abstract: A venous compression element is provided which is useful in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins. The compression element comprises a central core of fluid filled cells and an outer layer of soft material suitable for maintaining contact with skin for a prolonged period of time and which covers the core. A particular embodiment comprises a folded or rolled cylindrical core of air or nitrogen filled bubble wrap sheet material covered by a skin compatible bandaging material. The compression elements described are particularly useful in providing consistent compression to a blood vessel after endovenous endothelial wall damaging techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Provensis Limited
    Inventors: David Dakin Iorwerth Wright, Stephen Tristram
  • Patent number: 10166746
    Abstract: The present application describes making a resilient pad composite that includes a substrate bonded to a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, resilient elements engaged to at least one reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure may include a lattice of reinforcing material. The one or more lattices of reinforcing material may engage at least some of the resilient elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Applied FT Composite Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Kim
  • Patent number: 10137810
    Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle has a positioning insert configured for attachment at a predetermined location to a portion of a seat cushion arrangement forming a part of the seating system such that the positioning insert facilitates positioning a seated occupant at a desired fore-aft position. The positioning insert may include a first side having a generally arcuate portion configured to be oriented toward a seated occupant and to receive a seated occupant's buttocks to facilitate positioning of the seated occupant at the desired fore-aft position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Chris J. Edwards, Steven J. Cooper, Raymond Arthur Lloyd
  • Patent number: 10104982
    Abstract: A bedding system is provided that includes a fan box layer having a plurality of ducts, each of the ducts being in communication with a fan configured to move air out of the duct and into an area surrounding the bedding system. A capacitor layer is positioned above the fan box layer. The capacitor layer includes a plurality of outlet ports, each of the outlet ports being in communication with one of the ducts. A mattress layer is positioned above the capacitor layer. The mattress layer includes a bottom portion having a plurality of first holes that are each in communication with at least one of the outlet ports and a top portion having a plurality of second holes that are each in communication with one of the first holes. The top portion defines a sleep surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: BEDGEAR, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Alletto, Vandad Barzin Rad
  • Patent number: 10039396
    Abstract: A method of making a pillow includes obtaining a first pillow half having an outer surface and an inner surface having a first cavity formed therein, filling the first cavity with a first filler material, obtaining a second pillow half having an outer surface and an inner surface having a second cavity formed therein, and filling the second cavity with a second filler material. The method includes, after the filling steps, juxtaposing the inner surface of the first pillow half with the inner surface of the second pillow half and joining the first and second pillow halves together to form a pillow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Comfort Revolution, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Bruno
  • Patent number: 9820581
    Abstract: A bedding system is provided that includes a fan box layer having a plurality of ducts, each of the ducts being in communication with a fan configured to move air out of the duct and into an area surrounding the bedding system. A capacitor layer is positioned above the fan box layer. The capacitor layer includes a plurality of outlet ports, each of the outlet ports being in communication with one of the ducts. A mattress layer is positioned above the capacitor layer. The mattress layer includes a bottom portion having a plurality of first holes that are each in communication with at least one of the outlet ports and a top portion having a plurality of second holes that are each in communication with one of the first holes. The top portion defines a sleep surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: BEDGEAR, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Alletto, Vandad Barzin Rad
  • Patent number: 9756952
    Abstract: A bedding system is provided that includes a fan box layer having a plurality of ducts, each of the ducts being in communication with a fan configured to move air out of the duct and into an area surrounding the bedding system. A capacitor layer is positioned above the fan box layer. The capacitor layer includes a plurality of outlet ports, each of the outlet ports being in communication with one of the ducts. A mattress layer is positioned above the capacitor layer. The mattress layer includes a bottom portion having a plurality of first holes that are each in communication with at least one of the outlet ports and a top portion having a plurality of second holes that are each in communication with one of the first holes. The top portion defines a sleep surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Bedgear, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Alletto, Jr., Vandad Barzin Rad
  • Patent number: 9695828
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an air delivery device with an impeller mounted rotationally about the axis of rotation, designed for essentially axial intake of air and essentially radial expulsion of air relative to the axis of rotation, and which is arranged in a housing that has at least one intake opening and at least one blowing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GENTHERM GMBH
    Inventor: Winfried Helmenstein
  • Patent number: 9462840
    Abstract: A protective helmet for successive impacts includes a head cap adapted to surround and move with a wearer's head and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner predominantly comprised of radially oriented foam columns is attached to both the head cap and outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move linearly and angularly relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Lionhead Helmet Intellectual Properties, LP
    Inventor: Robert L. Leon
  • Patent number: 8777191
    Abstract: An energy absorbing and transmitting material comprising a framework of interconnected units comprising at least one unit having a base and a protrusion or cone extending from the base along an axis, and at least one connecting member or rod that connects the unit to at least one adjacent unit, the connecting members extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of the unit from the base, where the framework is comprised of a single elastic material throughout, or configured so that when the framework is perturbed by tilting the unit towards the adjacent unit, the adjacent unit is tilted towards the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Spike Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Kligerman, Brian C. Jamieson, Michael S. Du Maresq
  • Patent number: 8720084
    Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Patricia L. Smaldone, Michael A. Aveni, Fred G. Fagergren
  • Patent number: 8465009
    Abstract: A compressible resilient elastomeric pad includes a body defining a central axis, the body formed from a predetermined material and having each of a peripheral side surface, a first axial end and a second axial end, each of the first and second axial ends having a flat surface thereof disposed normal to such central axis. A first raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the first axial end and a second raised projection is centrally formed on the flat surface of the second axial end. A first groove is formed in the flat surface of the first axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the first projection and a second groove is formed in the flat surface of the second axial end in abutting relationship with a peripheral side surface of the second projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: WABTEC Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Sprainis, Michael E. Ring, Bradley Anderson, Jonathon Marlow
  • Publication number: 20130096887
    Abstract: Polymer springs are described having a closed cell geometry. The polymer springs are well adapted for replacing metal springs in various applications, such as in seat cushions. In one embodiment, the polymer springs include columns of closed cells, in which each cell has a curvilinear shape. A method for designing polymer springs is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: TICONA LLC
    Inventor: Ticona LLC
  • Patent number: 8348031
    Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Louise Smaldone, Michael A. Aveni, Fred G. Fagergren
  • Patent number: 8113495
    Abstract: A vibration damper comprises a vibration dampening structure and a load bearing plate disposed on the vibration dampening structure. The vibration dampening structure includes a slip resistant layer and at least one foam layer disposed between the slip resistant layer and the load bearing plate. A resilient mounting layer is disposed on the load bearing plate. The vibration damper may act directly between an underlying support surface and equipment or may act between the underlying support surface and a sheet of flooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Paul C. Downey
  • Patent number: 8104593
    Abstract: A resilient shock-absorbing device includes an absorber body having a first absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal first outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed first longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent first longitudinal ends of two adjacent first outer tube halves, and a plurality of first heat-seal seams each interconnecting two adjacent first longitudinal ends that contact each other, and a second absorber layer including a plurality of longitudinal second outer tube halves heat-sealed to each other and each having two transversely opposed second longitudinal ends contacting respectively adjacent second longitudinal ends of two adjacent second outer tube halves, and a plurality of second heat-seal seams each extending longitudinally and interconnecting two adjacent second longitudinal ends that contact each other. A plurality of first and second foam members are respectively filled in the first and second outer tube halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Keng-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20110133376
    Abstract: A fabric web is led between mould parts which are subsequently closed. A liquid elastomer is injected into the mould for forming a soft elastomeric product bonded to the fabric web. As the mould is opened ejector pins on one mould part clamp the web against the other mould part for stripping the soft elastomeric product from the mould. After disengagement of the ejector pins the web is advanced to discharge the soft elastomeric product from the mould.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Padraic Hackett
  • Patent number: 7938387
    Abstract: Springing construction for making mattresses where a plurality of resilient modular elements having a central coupling body for coupling to locating bars are extended substantially parallel to the lying plane of the mattress and the central coupling body is associated with a central springing element that adjoins, on opposite sides of the locating bars lying plane, springing side elements, and the modular elements are resiliently yieldable along a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the mattress lying plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Valentino Fossati
  • Patent number: 7878490
    Abstract: An implement for lawn and garden care includes a housing, a drive, and a handle attached to the housing with a vibration damping arrangement. The damping arrangement includes an at least partially elastic damping element. The stiffness of the damping element is determined by its cross section that includes at least one cavity or recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Dietmar Hartmann, Wolfgang Nowack, Franz Joseph
  • Publication number: 20100270718
    Abstract: A foam spring for use in pillows, cushions, mattresses or the like, the foam spring having a tubular resilient body (2) made of foam and forming an outer wall, with holes (3) extending inwardly from an outside surface (4) to an inside surface (5), those holes (3) being arranged in a staggered symmetry and mainly being diamond shaped, characterized in that the tubular body (2) displays said holes (3) only over a limited part (16) of its surface (4), and that this limited part (16) is regularly alternating with a limited part (18) of the surface (4) that is not provided with said holes (3) and which forms longitudinal reinforcement ribs (7) in the wall of the tubular body (2) of the spring (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Willy Poppe
  • Patent number: 7798298
    Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g. depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Louise Smaldone, Michael A. Aveni, Fred O. Fagergren
  • Patent number: 7780155
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device to filter and damp the vibrations between a first element subjected to an incident vibratory wave and a second element radiating a filtered vibratory wave. This device comprises an interface structure to transfer vibratory energy constituted by at least one elastic component and at least one dissipative component attached in parallel to the elastic component to ensure the filtration and damping of the incident vibratory wave, the dissipative component being constituted by two separate rigid frames ensuring, punctually or continuously, deflection functions, if required, by a lever arm effect, amplification of the vibratory energies generated by the elastic components towards a dissipative material positioned between them, the dissipative component providing damping for the elastic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Artec Aerospace
    Inventors: Marc Capdepuy, Philippe Verdun
  • Publication number: 20100090383
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of providing a bed using a plurality of interchangeable adjustable firmness springs to provide localized comfort and support to the user of the bed. The plurality of interchangeable springs may have a plurality of different firmnesses to provide customizable local comfort to a user. The foam springs are color coded based on the firmness associated with the foam spring. The foam springs have markings and/or health devices attached to an end of the foam spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 7624462
    Abstract: By providing an elongated profile which incorporates a plurality of indentations formed therein, a load bearing/cushioning/supporting element is realized. By employing this construction, the element accommodates large strain under force, and shows good resiliency and repeated recovery. The element can be produced from a continuous extrusion process with immediate manipulation to re-shape the extrusion profile, or secondary thermal forming process which follows the extrusion process, or blow molding process, or injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Nomaco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bangshu Cao, Eduardo Lauer, Michael W. Allman
  • Patent number: 7458172
    Abstract: An impact attenuating device includes both concave and convex side walls, e.g., in an interleaved arrangement, optionally at least partially surrounded by a restraining element that may help return the impact attenuating device back to its original orientation after attenuating an impact. Such impact attenuating devices may be included in pieces of footwear and/or other foot-receiving devices. Additionally, such impact attenuating devices or portions thereof may be freely selected and/or interchanged in a piece of footwear or other foot-receiving device, e.g., based on one or more characteristics of an intended user and/or an intended use, so as to allow users to obtain footwear (or other devices) customized and targeted for use under a predetermined set of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Aveni
  • Publication number: 20080216349
    Abstract: A shock-absorbing method and device of an insole of a resilient shoe is provided. At least one transverse partition is set in a gas or liquid chamber of the insole. The gas or liquid chamber of the insole is partitioned into a fore cavity and a rear cavity by the partition. The fore cavity and the rear cavity are communicated reciprocally through the region external of the ends of the partition. Preferably, a fish-bone shaped partition is set longitudinally in the gas or liquid chamber. A column is set at the end of each of fish-bone branches of said fish-bone shaped partition and is positioned corresponding to a relevant acupoint of a human foot bottom. The gas or liquid chamber is filled with soft or resilient materials. The insole according to the invention could be shock absorbing and resilient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Yun-Foo Wu
  • Patent number: 7314125
    Abstract: Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Louise Smaldone, Michael A. Aveni, Fred G. Fagergren
  • Patent number: 6994333
    Abstract: The invention provides an individual suspension device for a bed or seat base of the multi-element type, the device being for interposing between a platform determining a support surface and a padding element such as a mattress, and comprising a foot for fixing to an element of the platform, a suspension structure fixed to the foot, and a top plate carried by the suspension structure and serving as a support for the padding element, said suspension structure being circularly symmetrical about a vertical axis, wherein the suspension structure is a single hollow piece and is made of a flexible synthetic material or a vulcanized rubber having hardness lying in the range 40 on the Shore A scale to 70 on the Shore D scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Tournadre Sa Standard Gum
    Inventors: Jacques Lobry, Françoise Lobry
  • Patent number: 6726190
    Abstract: A slip resistant floor mat which incorporates a plurality of support rings, suction cups and openings to resist movement of the floor mat and restrain fluid spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: The Millennium Mat Company, LLC
    Inventors: Ian S. Malpass, Jeffrey L. Cofer
  • Publication number: 20020096811
    Abstract: A knee pad having a foam packet with a top and bottom layer of rubberized foam and a leak-resistant middle layer of polyurethane gel with pressure relief capabilities. The foam packet is enclosed within a bag with a top skin next to the knees that is a stretch nylon laminated to neoprene, so the knees will always be pressing against the foam packet, and a bottom skin that is a tear resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin Callsen, Gary Austin
  • Patent number: 6029962
    Abstract: A shock absorbing component having a pair of surfaces with a plurality of inwardly extending indentations in the top and bottom surfaces. The indentations extend between the surfaces to provide support members for the shock absorbing component. At least some of the indentations are hemispherical. The surfaces may be formed of mesh material to allow the passage of gas or fluid therethrough. One or more inserts may be placed in the indentations. The shock absorbing component can be constructed by molding upper and lower shock absorbing component halves wherein the molds are configured to provide indentations in the top and bottom surfaces. The upper and lower halves are then joined to complete the shock absorbing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Retama Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Martyn R. Shorten, Joseph J. Skaja
  • Patent number: 5863032
    Abstract: A boot for attachment on both of the opposite ends of a staple remover to cover the proximal end portions of the upper and lower opposing jaw members aft of the hinge point and/or the teeth on the distal end portions of the jaw members. The boot includes a resilient, cushioned base having an outer main face defining a pressure application surface and an opposite inner face structured to engage the proximal ends of the jaw members. A collar having an elastic memory extends from the base, in surrounding relation to the inner face, to define an open ended cavity sized and configured for snug fitted receipt of the proximal and/or distal end zones of the jaw members therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Arturo G. Arias
  • Patent number: 5702093
    Abstract: A shock absorbing device includes a bracket having a lower portion pivotally engaged with one side portion of a base frame. A supporting base has one end portion pivotally engaged with an upper portion of the bracket. A shock absorbing block is received in the bracket and has an upper portion abutting on an underside of a mediate portion of the supporting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Chi-chao Liao
  • Patent number: 5246214
    Abstract: A rubber block is shaped as a segment of a circular washer wherein opposite ends of the segment are surfaces against which torsional forces are applied to the blocks. A plurality of hollow ducts extend through the block and all the ducts are parallel to each other and essentially perpendicular to a main plane of the block. The main plane is perpendicular to the load bearing surfaces. The hollow ducts are intersected by cavities having cross-sectional areas larger than the corresponding cross-sectional areas of the ducts intersecting these cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: WOCO Franz-Josef Wolf & Co.
    Inventors: Franz J. Wolf, Hubert Pletsch
  • Patent number: 5201489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a surface bearing 1 comprising a rubber strip or plate material penetrated by hollow channels 3 and cavities 2. The cavities 2 and hollow channels 3 all lie in a single surface at least essentially parallel or complementary in shape to the principal surface of the sheet material, each cavity 2 being penetrated in each case by only one hollow channel 3. The hollow channels 3 are open on at least one side and have a clear cross-sectional area which is at least a quarter of the largest cross-sectional area of the cavities 2 penetrated by this hollow channel 3. The hollow channels 3 can extend non-parallel to at least one longitudinal axis or to the longitudinal axis of the surface bearing, thus, for example, can form an angle of 90.degree. or 45.degree. with the latter, while they are parallel or non-parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Woco Franz-Josef Wolf & Co.
    Inventors: Franz J. Wolf, Hubert Pletsch
  • Patent number: 5108077
    Abstract: A resilient alveolar block is provided for filtering vibrations, intended particularly to support an engine-gear box unit in a vehicle, wherein, in a rubber or elastomer block (1) cells (4, 5) are provided capable of communicating with the outside through passages for the moulding cores (respectively 2 and 3), the purpose of these cells being to obtain a very low constant stiffness of the block. The cells and their respective passages are distributed in identical superimposed layers, with two adjacent layers being offset by 90.degree. through rotation about the axis of the block so that, seen in projection, the spherical cells may be narrowly interleaved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Paulstra GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Spaltofski
  • Patent number: 5014967
    Abstract: In a spring element according to the present invention, all channels formed in the elastomer block are mutually parallel and all cavities formed in the elastomer block, too, which are intersected by said channels, are arranged like a cubic-free-centered sphere packing in reverse order. Comprising a good mechanical lateral rigidity, a spring element according to the present invention shows exceptionally good acoustic insulating and damping facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: WOCO Franz-Josef Wolf & Co.
    Inventors: Franz J. Wolf, Hubert Pletsch
  • Patent number: 4925163
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spring element (1) used for elastically supporting large loads. The spring element comprises an elastic rubber block having uniformly distributed spherical cavities (2) which are intersected by clindrical or prismatic channels (3) also formed in the rubber material. The channels (3) form groups of channels defining areas stacked on top of each other in the direction of the vector of a load to be supported, which areas neither intersect nor touch each other. These areas may be three-dimensionally-shaped areas, for example envelopes of a cone or corrugated areas, as well as mutually parallel planes oriented obliquely to the direction of the load vector. When projected onto a horizontal plane, the groups of channels (3) are either radially extending and uniformly angularly spaced if the areas are envelopes of a cone, or are mutually parallel if the areas are obliquely arranged planes. In no way, the channels (3) intersect or touch each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Woco Franz-Josef Wolf & Co
    Inventors: Franz J. Wolf, Hubert Pletsch
  • Patent number: 4627114
    Abstract: A shock attenuation structure having a breadth greater than its thickness and a breadthwise cross section comprising a series of layers arranged side-by-side. The series of layers comprises a first plurality of layers of shock-absorbing material having a relatively high resistance to compression and a second plurality of layers of shock-absorbing material having a lower resistance to compression, the layers of the second plurality alternating with the layers of the first plurality across the breadth of the structure and providing lateral support to the layers of the first plurality. The structure is adapted to be mounted with its breadth generally perpendicular to the direction of impact force for broadside loading of the structure during an impact, the layers in the area of impact being adapted to deform for attenuating the shock resulting from the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Figgie International, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal D. Mitchell