Aspects herein relate to creating stand-off on apparel items using foam nodes.
Creating a space between an inner-facing surface of an apparel item and a wearer's body surface may be important to promote evaporative cooling and/or to reduce the perception of cling. Traditional athletic apparel often lacks any type of stand-off. When stand-off is present, current methods of creating stand-off may be labor intensive and expensive.
Examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the disclosed or claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.
Aspects herein relate to apparel items and apparel systems that utilize applied or printed foam nodes (hereinafter known as “foam nodes” or “foam ink nodes”) to provide stand-off as well as other functional benefits. In exemplary aspects, the foam ink nodes may be used to create stand-off between an apparel item and a wearer's skin surface. This may be useful for reducing the perception of cling and for creating a space in which air can circulate to help cool the wearer by enhancing at least evaporative heat transfer. In exemplary aspects, one or more of the foam nodes, or areas of the textile surrounding the foam nodes, may be perforated to provide a fluid communication path between an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface of the apparel item. The communication path may be used to facilitate air exchange between the external environment and the wearer's body and/or to provide an exit path for moisture vapor generated by the wearer.
The foam nodes described herein may also be used to create stand-off between, for instance, a first layer apparel item and a second layer apparel item configured to be worn over the first layer. Creating stand-off between these layers may provide an insulative effect as warmed air circulates in the space between the two layers.
Moreover, the creation of foam nodes on a first surface of the apparel item may create a deboss pattern and an optional emboss pattern on a second opposite surface of the apparel item. The deboss pattern (and the emboss pattern when present) may help to further increase the amount of stand-off associated with a particular node. As well, the deboss patterns may be used to create channels or paths to, for instance, guide water or air traveling over the apparel item.
As used throughout this disclosure, directional terms such as anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, lateral, medial, upper, lower, front, back, and the like are to be given their common anatomical meaning and are used with respect to the apparel item being in an as-worn configuration by a wearer standing in anatomical position. Moreover, unless indicated otherwise, terms such as coupling, affixing, securing, and the like may comprise releasably securing items together or permanently securing items together using affixing technologies known in the art such as stitching, bonding, adhesives, welding, buttons, snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like.
Continuing, as used throughout this disclosure, the term “foam node” or “foam ink node” may be defined as a node formed by incorporating a foaming additive into one or more ink formulations (water-based, silicone-based, polyurethane-based, rubber-based, acrylic-based, plastisol inks, and the like). Exemplary ratios of the foaming additive (which may be pre-mixed) to the ink formulation may comprise 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and/or 50:50 although ratios other than those listed are contemplated herein. The percentage of foaming additive, and/or the type of foaming additive, may help to determine the amount of stand-off associated with a particular foam node. As well, the percentage of foaming additive, and/or the type of foaming additive, may be selected to achieve varying levels or degrees of emboss or deboss on the opposite surface of the foam node.
The foaming additive/ink formulation may be applied or adhered to an apparel item utilizing, for instance, screen printing (using, for instance, a regular screen or a high-density screen), two-dimensional (2-D) printing, 3-D printing, manual application, and the like. Upon exposure to an activator such as heat, light, radio-frequency waves, ultrasound, water, chemicals, and the like, the foaming additive expands to form cells or microspheres within the base ink. The result is that the ink formulation “rises” or extends away from the surface plane of the apparel item in all directions (e.g., in an x-direction, a y-direction, and a z-direction) by a predetermined amount which may be dependent upon the particular foaming additive/ink formulation used and/or may be dependent upon the variables associated with the activation process such as time, temperature, intensity, and the like.
Further, it is contemplated herein that the term “foam node” or “foam ink node” may encompass a single layer of the foaming additive/ink formulation or multiple layers of the foaming additive/ink formulation (2 layers, 3 layers, up to, for instance, 6 layers). With this aspect, each layer may be partially activated or cured (the terms “activated” and “cured” may be used interchangeably herein) before the addition of the new layer. In exemplary aspects, the partial activation may help to at least partially set the ink (e.g., causing the ink to assume a gel-like consistency) and to initiate the expansion of the foaming additive. Partially setting the ink, in turn, may help to prevent the ink from spreading on the base textile when a subsequent ink layer is applied. One exemplary process for partially setting the ink may comprise flash curing the ink layers by exposing the applied foaming additive/ink formulation to temperatures within a predetermined range for a predetermined amount of time. Once all the layers have been applied, the foam node may undergo a final activation or curing step that fully sets the ink and completes the activation of the foaming additive. In exemplary aspects, the final curing step may comprise exposing the applied layers to a temperature that is higher than the temperature used to partially cure the foaming additive/ink formulation.
When the foam node comprises multiple layers, it is contemplated herein that each layer may comprise the same foaming additive/ink formulation, or different foaming additive/ink formulations may be used for one or more of the layers. It is further contemplated herein, that one or more of the layers may not comprise a foaming additive. For instance, a base or primer layer may be used to help seal the base textile and to help control the direction the foam node expands, where the base layer may not comprise a foaming additive. In another example, a top layer may be used to help seal the node and/or provide a soft feel since this layer may come into contact with a wearer's skin surface, where the top layer may not comprise a foaming additive. The top layer may also be configured to provide a cooling feature to the wearer when the layer comes into contact with the wearer's skin. For example, the top layer may be impregnated with a cooling agent such as a menthol, peppermint, spearmint oil, and the like that may provide the perception of cooling when it comes into contact with a wearer's skin. Moreover, it is contemplated herein that each layer may have the same thickness, or one or more of the layers may have a different thickness. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
Accordingly, in a first aspect, an apparel item is provided that comprises at least one panel of material having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface. The apparel item further comprises one or more foam ink nodes located on the inner-facing surface of the panel of material.
In another aspect, a method of manufacturing an apparel item having one or more foam ink nodes is provided. The method may comprise providing at least a first panel of material having a first surface and a second opposite surface, applying at least a first layer of ink having a foaming additive in a first predetermined pattern to at least a portion of the first surface, activating or curing the ink, and forming the apparel item from at least the first panel such that the first surface of the first panel forms an inner-facing surface of the apparel item.
In yet another aspect, a layered apparel system is provided. The layered apparel system comprises an inner article having a first plurality of foam ink nodes located on at least one of an inner-facing surface or an outer-facing surface of the inner apparel item, and an outer article configured to be layered over the inner article. The outer article comprises a second plurality of foam ink nodes located on an inner-facing surface of the outer article.
A further aspect provides for an apparel item comprising at least one panel of material comprising an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, and at least one foam node applied to the inner-facing surface of the panel of material, where the foam node extends convexly away from the surface plane of the panel of material, and where on the outer-facing surface of the panel of material at a location corresponding to the foam node a deboss pattern is formed.
Turning now to
In exemplary aspects, the material used to form the front panel 110, the back panel 210, and/or the sleeve portions 112 and 114 may comprise a knitted, woven, or non-woven lightweight fabric. Exemplary weights for the fabric may comprise less than 300 grams per square meter (gsm), less than 250 gsm, less than 200 gsm, less than 150 gsm, less than 140 gsm, and/or less than 130 gsm, although weights above, below, and between these values are contemplated herein. In exemplary aspects, the material may have a degree of elasticity (two-way stretch and/or four-way stretch) imparted by using elastic yarns or fibers such as spandex, elastane, lycra, and the like. The material, in exemplary aspects, may further exhibit moisture-management characteristics (i.e., the ability of a fabric to move moisture from a first face of the fabric to a second opposite face of the fabric), and/or other characteristics such as enhanced air permeability, resistance to water, and the like. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
With respect to
In exemplary aspects, the foams nodes 120 may be positioned on the apparel item 100 based on cling or contact maps (maps indicating parts of the body that come into contact with a loose-fitting garment averaged over several athletic positions). However, it is further contemplated herein that the foam nodes 120 may be positioned on the apparel item 100 based on, for example, skin temperature maps, sweat maps, air pressure maps, and the like
For instance, and as shown in
Continuing, in exemplary aspects, the foam nodes 120 may also be positioned at areas of the apparel item 100 that correspond to moderate to high sweat-producing areas of the wearer. For instance, the nodes 120 may be positioned at the superior, central region of the front panel 110 and/or the superior, central region of the back panel 210 (areas corresponding to the upper chest area and upper back area of the wearer when the apparel item 100 is worn). By providing stand-off in these areas, air may circulate in the space between the inner-facing surface of the apparel item 100 and the wearer's skin surface and thus promote evaporative cooling.
In an optional aspect, some or all of the nodes 120 may be perforated to form a fluid communication path from the inner-facing surface of the apparel item 100 to the outer-facing surface of the apparel item 100. The perforations may provide an exit point for moisture vapor produced by the wearer to exit the apparel item 100 and/or may provide an ingress path for air from the external environment to enter the apparel item 100.
The depiction of the location, size, pattern, and orientation of the foam nodes 120 in
Turning now to
Continuing, in exemplary aspects, the ink formulation for the third layer 614 may be selected to have a soft feel or hand as this layer may be adjacent to a skin surface of the wearer when the apparel item 100 is worn. For instance, a silicone-based ink formulation may be selected as these formulations generally have a soft feel and exhibit a degree of elasticity that allows them to stretch without cracking or breaking. Ink formulations that are considered to be hypoallergenic may also be selected to reduce the chances of skin irritation. Moreover, different finishes may be applied to the third layer 614 to further increase the soft feel and/or comfort of the third layer 614. Examples include flocking, creating a “suede-type” finish using one or more additives, and the like. In one example, an additive, such as glass beads, may be added to the ink formulation for the third layer 614 to create a slick or smooth surface.
As further shown in
The location of the perforation 618 on the node 616 may be selected based on the shape configuration of the node 616. For instance, and as will be more fully explained below, the perforation 618 may be located near the trailing edge of the node 616 (the edge of the node 616 that is further away from the vertical midline of the front panel 110). By positioning the perforation 618 in this location, air traveling over the front of the apparel item 100 may be channeled toward and into the perforation 618 to optimize air flowing into the apparel item 100. However, it is also contemplated herein that the perforation 618 may be located at other areas of the node 616 (e.g., at a leading edge, midway between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and the like). Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.
It is further contemplated herein, that perforations may also be formed in one or more areas adjacent to the node 616. In other words, perforations may extend through the base textile surrounding the node 616. This aspect is illustrated in
Turning now to
A first layer 714 of ink having a foaming additive is printed on to the inner-facing surface 710 of the base material 700. A partial-curing step (e.g., a flash-curing step) is then carried out as indicated by the arrow to help set the ink and to begin activation of the foaming additive.
The height of the debossed region 716 when combined with the height of the first and second layers 714 and 718 (and/or optional additional layers) may create a total stand-off height for the resulting node of between 1.5 mm to 6 mm, between 3 mm to 5 mm, or between 3 mm to 4 mm as indicated by the reference numeral 722. It is contemplated herein that additional layers of ink with a foaming additive may be added, while balancing comfort to the wearer, to further increase the stand-off height of the resulting node.
Returning now to
In exemplary aspects, different patterns of foam nodes may be used to simultaneously achieve a deboss effect and an emboss effect on the outer-facing surface of the apparel item 100 in accordance with aspects herein. This aspect is illustrated in
Thus, in general, when a foam node comprises a unitary or single-piece construction (i.e., formed without utilizing separate foam elements), a corresponding deboss pattern is formed on the opposite surface. However, when a foam node comprises a number of separate elements clustered together, both a deboss pattern and an emboss pattern may be formed on the opposite surface where the deboss pattern corresponds to the separate foam elements, and the emboss pattern is formed in the spaces between the separate foam elements. It is contemplated herein, that any number of foam nodes patterns may be formed on the base material with a corresponding number of deboss/emboss patterns formed on the second opposite surface.
From a functional perspective, forming the underlying foam nodes 120 in specific shapes and/or patterns may help to achieve certain functional benefits for the outer-facing surface of the apparel item 100. For instance, foam nodes having a shape similar to the foam nodes 120 may be formed over the majority of the inner-facing surface of, for example, the front panel 110 of the apparel item 100. Corresponding debossed regions 320 would be formed on the outer-facing surface of the apparel item 100 (similar to the dimples formed on a golf ball). When air flows over the front panel 110 (due to, for instance, a running action by the wearer), the debossed regions 320 would create a degree of turbulence in the air. As the air travel around the sides and shoulders of the apparel item 100, the turbulence may help the flowing air to conform more closely to the wearer creating a smaller vortex and less drag.
As briefly discussed above, another benefit may be achieved by forming the nodes 120 in an ovoid or elliptical shape, orienting the foam nodes 120 such that their long-axes extend along a generally horizontal plane, and perforating the nodes 120 at their trailing edges. This aspect is shown more clearly in
Continuing, the node 1319 is positioned such that its long axis lies along a generally horizontal plane of the apparel item when the apparel item is worn, and the perforation 1320 is positioned at the rear of the node 1319. To put it another way, the perforation 1320 is positioned at a trailing edge of the node 1319. Air flow is indicated by the arrow 1322 and is shown traveling generally from the front (indicated) to the rear (indicated) of the apparel item. The debossed region 1313, in exemplary aspects, may help to capture and funnel the air flow 1322 such that it enters the perforation 1320 and circulates in the space between the inner-facing surface 1312 of the base material 1300 and the wearer's skin surface 1314 where it may help to cool the wearer by promoting evaporative heat transfer.
In another example, by using a foam node pattern similar to that shown in
In exemplary aspects, a perforation may be formed through the embossed region 1420 to help channel air into and out of the base material 1400. This may be advantageous when the embossed region 1420 is formed on the outer-facing surface of the base material 1400 such that the embossed region 1420 represents an area of the apparel item that projects furthest away from the surface plane of the base material 1400. Thus, the embossed region 1420 may be positioned such that it is better exposed to air traveling over the base material 1400, and air may enter the base material 1400 via the perforation. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
Another functional advantage may be obtained by using a foam node having elements that create debossed channels or paths on the opposite surface. For instance, a foam node having leg elements similar to those shown in
In additional exemplary aspects herein, an apparel system is contemplated that utilizes printed foam nodes to create stand-off between, for instance, a base layer and a wearer's skin surface, between the base layer and an overlying layer, between a mid-layer and an outer layer, and the like. This aspect is illustrated in
As the base layer inner article 1110 is contemplated as a base layer having direct contact with a wearer's skin when worn, the base layer inner article 1110 may be formed from a material that is acceptable for skin contact. For example, the base layer inner article 1110 may be formed from a lightweight knit or woven material. In exemplary aspects, the base layer inner article 1110 may exhibit moisture-management characteristics.
The outer article 1112 is contemplated as being worn over the base layer inner article 1110 when in an assembled configuration. In exemplary aspects, the outer article 1112 may be unaffixed to the base layer inner article 1110 prior to being donned. However, it is also contemplated that the outer article 1112 may be affixed to the base layer inner article 1110 in one or more locations. The outer article 1112 may comprise at least a front panel 1124, and a back panel (not shown) that together with the front panel help to define at least in part a neckline opening, a waist opening, and first and second sleeve openings. The outer article 1112 may further optionally comprise a first sleeve portion 1120 and a second sleeve portion 1122. In general, the outer article 1112 corresponds in shape to the base layer inner article 1110. As such, when the base layer inner article 1110 is configured as a pant, shorts, a glove, a sock, or a hat, the outer article 1112 would assume a similar configuration.
Because the outer article 1112 is contemplated as the layer in contact with the external environment when worn, the outer article 1112 may be formed of a material suitable for this type of contact. Thus, in exemplary aspects, the outer article 1112 may comprise a knitted or woven material having a heavier weight and/or greater durability than the base layer inner article 1110 (although, in exemplary aspects, the outer article 1112 may still have a weight less than 300 gsm). Further, the outer article 1112, in exemplary aspects, may be treated with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish.
The depiction of the base layer inner article 1110 and the outer article 1112 in
With respect to the base layer inner article 1110, it is contemplated herein that the article 1110 may comprise a set of foam nodes 1126 located on the inner-facing surface of the base layer inner article 1110 (as indicated by the dashed lines in
Continuing, in exemplary aspects, the base layer inner article 1110 may optionally further comprise foam nodes 1130 located on the outer-facing surface of the article 1110. The nodes 1130 may have a different shape configuration or the same shape configuration as the foam nodes 1126. The foam nodes 1130 may be used to provide stand-off between the base layer inner article 1110 and the outer article 1112 as will be explained in greater depth below. Some or all of the foam nodes 1130 may comprise perforations extending therethrough. The location and size of the foam nodes 1130 is exemplary only, and it is contemplated herein, that the foam nodes 1130 may be located in other areas (e.g., the sides, sleeve portions, and/or back of the base layer inner article 1110) and/or be different sizes and shapes. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
The outer article 1112 may further comprise foam nodes 1128 located on the inner-facing surface of the outer article 1112 (as indicated by the dashed lines). The foam nodes 1128 may produce stand-off from the base layer inner article 1110. In other words, the foam nodes 1128 alone, or in combination with the optional foam nodes 1130, may help to create a space between the outer-facing surface of the base layer inner article 1110 and the inner-facing surface of the outer article 1112. Air that has been warmed by the wearer may circulate in this space to provide an insulative effect. In exemplary aspects, one or more of the foam nodes 1128 may be perforated to provide an egress point for moisture vapor to exit the apparel system 1100 and/or an ingress point for ambient air to enter the space between the outer article 1112 and the base layer inner article 1110. The location and size of the foam nodes 1128 is exemplary only, and it is contemplated herein, that the foam nodes 1128 may be located in other areas (e.g., the sides, sleeve portions, upper front, and/or back of the outer article 1112) and/or be different sizes and shapes. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
Moreover, in exemplary aspects, the location and/or pattern of the foam nodes 1128 located on the outer article 1112 may be complementary to the location and/or pattern of the foam nodes 1126 and optionally the foam nodes 1130 located on the base layer inner article 1110. For instance, the respective nodes 1126, 1128, and/or 1130 may be positioned such that they do not directly contact each other when the apparel system 1100 is worn. This aspect is illustrated in
Turning now to
At a step 1512, at least a first layer of ink having a foaming additive is printed on or applied to at least a portion of the first surface of the panel of material, where the first layer of ink is applied in a predetermined pattern. In exemplary aspects, the ink may be applied by utilizing a screen printing process, a 2-D printing process, a 3-D printing process, manual application, and the like. In some exemplary aspects, prior to applying the first layer of ink, an optional primer layer may be applied to the first surface, where the primer layer may comprise a clear silicone-based layer with or without a foaming additive. When used, the primer layer may be partially cured before the method 1500 continues.
At a step 1514, the first layer of ink is partially cured to help activate the foaming additive and to help at least partially set the ink formulation. The method 1500 may further comprise applying one or more additional layers of ink/foaming additive formulations on top of the first layer, where each layer is partially cured before application of the next layer. Each of the layers, including the primer layer when used, may be applied in a different pattern or the same pattern as the preceding layer. Further, each of the layers may occupy a smaller surface area than the preceding layer such that the top layer occupies the smallest surface area compared to the other layers. In exemplary aspects, the partial-curing step may comprise exposing the ink/foaming additive formulation to a predefined temperature for a predefined period of time. Different temperatures and/or different time periods may be used for each layer or the same temperature and time period may be used for each layer. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein. In exemplary aspects, an optional top layer that may or may not have a foaming additive may be applied to help seal the resulting foam node and/or to impart a soft feel or texture to the node since the top layer may be in contact with a wearer's skin surface. Further as described above, the top layer may be impregnated with a cooling agent such as, for example, a menthol, spearmint, or peppermint oil that may provide a perception of cooling when it comes into contact with a wearer's skin.
Once all the layers have been applied, a final curing step may be done to fully set the node and to complete the activation of the foaming additive. The final curing step may be at a different temperature and time period than the partial curing steps (e.g., at a higher temperature and for a longer period of time). In exemplary aspects, the partial-curing steps and the final curing step may be achieved using modalities such as infra-red light, ultrasound, radio-frequency waves, chemicals, water, ultra-violet lights, and the like. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
At a step 1516, the apparel item is formed using at least the first panel such that when incorporated into the apparel item, the first surface of the panel forms an inner-facing surface of the apparel item. However, it is contemplated herein that the apparel item may be initially formed and the foam nodes applied in a post-processing step. Continuing, the method 1500 may further comprise perforating the foam node via, for instance, a mechanical process, laser cutting, water-jet cutting, ultrasonic cutting, and the like. The steps outlined above for the method 1500 may occur in any order. As mentioned, the foam node may be applied to the first panel after the first panel has been incorporated into the apparel item. Or the foam node may be perforated before or after the first panel has been incorporated into the apparel item. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.
Aspects of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
This application, entitled “Foam Nodes for Creating Stand Off on Apparel Items,” claims priority to U.S. Prov. App. No. 62/313,316, entitled “Foam Nodes for Creating Stand Off on Apparel Items,” and filed Mar. 25, 2016. The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3914487 | Azoulay | Oct 1975 | A |
4206514 | Yamauchi | Jun 1980 | A |
4655868 | Hefele | Apr 1987 | A |
5168576 | Krent | Dec 1992 | A |
5575012 | Fox | Nov 1996 | A |
5590420 | Gunn | Jan 1997 | A |
5918317 | Bernhardt | Jul 1999 | A |
6332221 | Gracey | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6520926 | Hall | Feb 2003 | B2 |
6770579 | Dawson | Aug 2004 | B1 |
7891026 | Smith | Feb 2011 | B1 |
20020072289 | Jasani | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020197924 | Halley | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20030017772 | Sloot | Jan 2003 | A1 |
20030054141 | Worley | Mar 2003 | A1 |
20030143381 | Hurten | Jul 2003 | A1 |
20040033743 | Worley | Feb 2004 | A1 |
20040111782 | Lenormand | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20040132367 | Rock | Jul 2004 | A1 |
20040267226 | Dabi | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20050053759 | Rock | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050086721 | Lambertz | Apr 2005 | A1 |
20050095940 | Rock | May 2005 | A1 |
20050176324 | Michel | Aug 2005 | A1 |
20050191920 | Sadato | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20060080754 | Baron | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060080755 | Baron | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060199456 | Taylor | Sep 2006 | A1 |
20070028365 | Williams | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070033696 | Sellier | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070074328 | Melhart | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070094762 | Carter | May 2007 | A1 |
20070220673 | Nichols | Sep 2007 | A1 |
20080075850 | Rock | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20080113143 | Taylor | May 2008 | A1 |
20080188152 | Tsai | Aug 2008 | A1 |
20080233368 | Hartmann | Sep 2008 | A1 |
20090126057 | Rock | May 2009 | A1 |
20090235429 | Pickard | Sep 2009 | A1 |
20090255038 | Curtis | Oct 2009 | A1 |
20090276936 | Makida | Nov 2009 | A1 |
20090297794 | Lin | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20090320174 | Turner | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20100031706 | Chaveau | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100186435 | Vogel | Jul 2010 | A1 |
20100221972 | Soane | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20100282433 | Blackford | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20100293703 | Tezartes-Strauss | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20110083246 | Vitarana | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110088137 | Ayers | Apr 2011 | A1 |
20110104448 | Chung | May 2011 | A1 |
20110265242 | Lambertz | Nov 2011 | A1 |
20120015155 | Blackford | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120052266 | Tee | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120058315 | Antheme | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120058316 | Cherneski | Mar 2012 | A1 |
20120131720 | Nordstrom | May 2012 | A1 |
20120174282 | Newton | Jul 2012 | A1 |
20120210487 | Albin | Aug 2012 | A1 |
20120244312 | Pearce | Sep 2012 | A1 |
20130004747 | Schwarz | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130078415 | Rock | Mar 2013 | A1 |
20130263360 | Thibodeau | Oct 2013 | A1 |
20130263859 | Ho | Oct 2013 | A1 |
20130298589 | Holdsworth-Layton | Nov 2013 | A1 |
20140026285 | Baldino | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140053311 | Nordstrom et al. | Feb 2014 | A1 |
20140069624 | Blackwell | Mar 2014 | A1 |
20140087615 | Edberg | Mar 2014 | A1 |
20140230124 | Wilms-Otto | Aug 2014 | A1 |
20140255664 | Gartmann | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20140259333 | Marquez | Sep 2014 | A1 |
20140310847 | Ulriksen | Oct 2014 | A1 |
20150135396 | White | May 2015 | A1 |
20150210032 | Blackford | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150366735 | Barker | Dec 2015 | A1 |
20160227857 | Huff | Aug 2016 | A1 |
20160327113 | Shelley | Nov 2016 | A1 |
20170120082 | Barbeau | May 2017 | A1 |
20180035727 | Cumiskey | Feb 2018 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
203807860 | Sep 2014 | CN |
10047549 | Jan 2002 | DE |
202007004756 | May 2007 | DE |
1473059 | Nov 2004 | EP |
2484234 | Aug 2012 | EP |
2702884 | Mar 2014 | EP |
1094893 | Dec 1967 | GB |
03227230 | Oct 1991 | JP |
09225045 | Sep 1997 | JP |
3078366 | Jul 2001 | JP |
2002180302 | Jun 2002 | JP |
2003105608 | Apr 2003 | JP |
3138350 | Dec 2007 | JP |
2010043388 | Feb 2010 | JP |
2010065332 | Mar 2010 | JP |
100237062 | Jan 2000 | KR |
1040558 | Jun 2015 | NL |
WO-9935926 | Jul 1999 | WO |
Entry |
---|
Machine Translation of DE 202007004756 U1, May 2007 (Year: 2007). |
Machine Translation of CN 203807860 U, Sep. 2014 (Year: 2014). |
International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Dec. 9, 2016 in International Application No. PCT/US2016/051574, 12 pages. |
International Preliminary Report on Patentability dated Oct. 4, 2018 in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/051574, 8 pages. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20170273377 A1 | Sep 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62313316 | Mar 2016 | US |