Patent Grant
11857027
Embodiments of the present invention relate in general to footwear, and particularly to energy absorption and return systems for use in footwear.
In prior U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,514, filed May 6, 2014, by Goldston et al., which issued on Oct. 2, 2018, a discussion was provided of the desirability of providing for energy shock absorption and energy return by shoes. The entire contents of U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,514 are incorporated by reference herein.
A device in accordance with an embodiment for use in a shoe includes a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, and a fourth foot, and a first flexible leg, a second flexible leg, a third flexible leg, and a fourth flexible leg. The first flexible leg extends from the first foot and is curved. The second flexible leg extends from the second foot and is curved. The third flexible leg extends from the third foot and is curved. The fourth flexible leg extends from the fourth foot and is curved. In various embodiments, the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg are joined together with each other at a common area. The first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg are configured to store energy when a force is applied to the common area, and are configured to return energy when the force is removed from the common area.
In various embodiments, the first foot, the second foot, the third foot, the fourth foot, the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg are formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, the single unit is formed of carbon fiber. In some embodiments, the single unit is formed of one or more of carbon fiber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (known as Kevlar®), styrene, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material known as Pebax® that is manufactured by ARKEMA. In various embodiments, the common area is at a central location with respect to locations of the first foot, the second foot, the third foot, and the fourth foot. In various embodiments, the common area is raised in height as compared to a corresponding top surface of each of the first foot, the second foot, the third foot, and the fourth foot. In some embodiments, the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg each comprise one or more of carbon fiber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (known as Kevlar®), styrene, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material known as Pebax®, or other suitable material. In various embodiments, the device is at least partially located in an opening in a midsole of a shoe.
In various embodiments, the device further includes a spring extending from a bottom surface of the common area. In some embodiments, the device further includes a first spring extending from a bottom surface of the first foot, a second spring extending from a bottom surface of the second foot, a third spring extending from a bottom surface of the third foot, and a fourth spring extending from a bottom surface of the fourth foot. In further embodiments, the device includes a fifth spring extending from a bottom surface of the common area. In various embodiments, the first flexible leg and the third flexible leg together form a first arch. In various embodiments, the second flexible leg and the fourth flexible leg together form a second arch. In some embodiments, a center of the first arch and a center of the second arch are joined together at the common area.
A shoe in accordance with an embodiment includes a midsole and a device located at least partially in an opening in the midsole. In various embodiments, the device includes a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, and a fourth foot, a first flexible leg that extends from the first foot and is curved, a second flexible leg that extends from the second foot and is curved, a third flexible leg that extends from the third foot and is curved, and a fourth flexible leg that extends from the fourth foot and is curved. In various embodiments, the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg are joined together with each other at a common area.
A method of using a device in a shoe in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force to a common area at which a first flexible leg, a second flexible leg, a third flexible leg, and a fourth flexible leg of the device are joined together to cause a first spring located under a first foot connected to the first flexible leg to compress, and to cause a second spring located under a second foot connected to the second flexible leg to compress, and to cause a third spring located under a third foot connected to the third flexible leg to compress, and to cause a fourth spring located under a fourth foot connected to the fourth flexible leg to compress, and to cause a fifth spring located under the common area to compress, and to cause the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg to flex to a flexed position, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the common area to allow the first spring, the second spring, the third spring, the fourth spring, and the fifth spring to stretch, and to allow the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy.
A device in accordance with another embodiment for use in a shoe includes a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, and a fourth foot, and a first flexible leg, a second flexible leg, a third flexible leg, and a fourth flexible leg. The first flexible leg extends from the first foot and is curved. The second flexible leg extends from the second foot and is curved. The third flexible leg extends from the third foot and is curved. The fourth flexible leg extends from the fourth foot and is curved. The first flexible leg and the third flexible leg are joined together with each other as a single unit to form a first arch from the first foot to the third foot. The second flexible leg and the fourth flexible leg are joined together with each other as a single unit to form a second arch from the second foot to the fourth foot. The second arch has a center portion that is located under a center portion of the first arch.
In various embodiment, the device further includes a spring extending from a bottom surface of the center portion of the second arch. In various embodiments, the device further includes a first spring extending from a bottom surface of the first foot, a second spring extending from a bottom surface of the second foot, a third spring extending from a bottom surface of the third foot, and a fourth spring extending from a bottom surface of the fourth foot. In some embodiments, the device further includes a fifth spring extending from a bottom surface of the center portion of the second arch.
A shoe in accordance with another embodiment includes a midsole and a device located at least partially in an opening in the midsole. The device includes a first foot, a second foot, a third foot, and a fourth foot, and a first flexible leg, a second flexible leg, a third flexible leg, and a fourth flexible leg. The first flexible leg extends from the first foot and is curved. The second flexible leg extends from the second foot and is curved. The third flexible leg extends from the third foot and is curved. The fourth flexible leg extends from the fourth foot and is curved. The first flexible leg and the third flexible leg are joined together with each other to form a first arch from the first foot to the third foot. The second flexible leg and the fourth flexible leg are joined together with each other to form a second arch from the second foot to the fourth foot. The second arch has a center portion that is located under a center portion of the first arch. In various embodiments, the device further includes a first spring extending from a bottom surface of the first foot, a second spring extending from a bottom surface of the second foot, a third spring extending from a bottom surface of the third foot, a fourth spring extending from a bottom surface of the fourth foot, and a fifth spring extending from a bottom surface of the center portion of the second arch.
A method in accordance with an embodiment of using the device in a shoe includes applying force to the center portion of the first arch to cause force to be applied to the center portion of the second arch, and to cause the first spring located under the first foot connected to the first flexible leg to compress, and to cause the second spring located under the second foot connected to the second flexible leg to compress, and to cause the third spring located under the third foot connected to the third flexible leg to compress, and to cause the fourth spring located under the fourth foot connected to the fourth flexible leg to compress, and to cause the fifth spring located under the center portion of the second arch to compress, and to cause the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg to flex to a flexed position, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the center portion of the first arch to allow the first spring, the second spring, the third spring, the fourth spring, and the fifth spring to stretch, and to allow the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy. In various embodiments, the center portion of the second arch is located below the center portion of the first arch.
The forefoot portion 101 of the shoe 100 is located at the front of the shoe 100, and the forefoot portion 101 may support the toes of a foot of a human when the foot of the human is inserted into the shoe 100. The ball portion 102 is located adjacent to the forefoot portion 101, and the ball portion 102 may support the ball of a foot of a human when the foot of the human is inserted into the shoe 100. The arch portion 103 is located adjacent to the ball portion 102, and may provide support to an arch of a foot of a human when the foot of the human is inserted into the shoe 100. The heel portion 104 is located adjacent to the arch portion 103 and at the rear of the shoe 100, and may provide support to a heel of a foot of a human when the foot of the human is inserted into the shoe 100.
In various embodiments, the plate 222 is a carbon fiber plate. Also, in various embodiments, the plate 222 has a same or similar shape as the insole 216 in length and width directions. In some embodiments, the plate 222 has a shorter length than the insole 216. In various embodiments, the plate 222 extends across substantially an entire length of the shoe 100. For example, in some embodiments, the plate 222 extends within an area bounded by a wall of the midsole 203 at the back of the shoe 100 to a wall of the midsole 203 at the front of the shoe 100. In various embodiments, the plate 222 extends from the heel portion 104 of the shoe 100 and through the arch portion 103 and the ball portion 102 of the shoe 100 and into the forefoot portion 101 of the shoe 100. In some embodiments, there is a sockliner positioned above the insole 216 that is on an opposite side of the insole 216 from the plate 222. In various embodiments, the insole 216 comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) material, or the like. In various embodiments, the midsole 203 comprises a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material, such as the PEBA material known as Pebax® that is manufactured by ARKEMA. In some embodiments, a Shore type A durometer value of the midsole 203 is less than 40. In some embodiments, a Shore type A durometer value of the midsole 203 is greater than 40.
In various embodiments, the device 231 is an energy storage and return device that acts as a trampoline to store potential energy when compressed by a foot of a human wearing the shoe 100, and then to return energy to the foot of the human as the foot of the human is lifted. In various embodiments, a rear end of the device 231 is positioned near a half-way point of a length of the shoe 100 and the device 231 extends all the way to near a front of the shoe 100 where it would be under the toes of a user of the shoe 100. In various embodiments, the device 231 extends from a position in the arch portion 103 of the shoe 100 and through the ball portion 102 of the shoe 100 and into the forefoot portion 101 of the shoe 100 to near a front of the forefoot portion 101 of the shoe 100. In some embodiments, the device 231 is positioned entirely within the forefoot portion 101 of the shoe 100. In some embodiment, the device 231 is positioned entirely within the ball portion 102 of the shoe 100. In some embodiments, the device 231 is positioned entirely within the heel portion 104 of the shoe 100. Other positions of the device 231 within the shoe 100 are also possible.
In various embodiments, the plate 222 is glued or otherwise affixed to the device 231. For example, a top surface of the device 231 in various embodiments is glued to a bottom surface of the plate 222 during manufacture. In various embodiments, the plate 222 is affixed, such as being permanently affixed, to the device 231 such that the plate 222 works together with the device 231 to provide energy return to a user using the shoe 100. In various embodiments, the plate 222 is affixed to the device 231 such that an energy return of the plate 222 works with a kinetic release of the device 231 when a user is using the shoe 100. In some embodiments, the plate 222 is omitted from the shoe 100, and the device 231 has an upper surface in contact with a bottom surface of the insole 216.
In various embodiments, the first foot 261, the second foot 262, the third foot 263, the fourth foot 264, the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 are formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, such a single unit is formed of carbon fiber. In some embodiments, such a single unit is formed of one or more of carbon fiber, rubber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (known as Kevlar®), styrene, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material known as Pebax®. In various embodiments, the energy storage and return structure 240 is formed of one or more of carbon fiber, rubber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (known as Kevlar®), styrene, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material known as Pebax®, or other material that allows for flexing and returning from a flexed state. In various embodiments, the common area 380 is at a central location with respect to locations of the first foot 261, the second foot 262, the third foot 263, and the fourth foot 264. In various embodiments, the common area 380 is raised in height as compared to a corresponding top surface of each of the first foot 261, the second foot 262, the third foot 263, and the fourth foot 264. In some embodiments, the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 each comprise one or more of carbon fiber, rubber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (known as Kevlar®), styrene, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material known as Pebax®. In various embodiments, the device 231 is at least partially located in an opening in a midsole of a shoe.
In various embodiments, the first flexible leg 251 and the third flexible leg 253 together form a first arch 255 from the first foot 261 to the third foot 263. In various embodiments, the second flexible leg 252 and the fourth flexible leg 254 together form a second arch 256 from the second foot 262 to the fourth foot 264. In some embodiments, a center of the first arch 255 and a center of the second arch 256 are joined together as part of a single unit at the common area 380 and are angled with respect to each other.
The first flexible leg 251 has a top surface 301 and a bottom surface 302. The second flexible leg 252 has a top surface 321 and a bottom surface 322. The third flexible leg 253 has a top surface 341 and a bottom surface 342. The fourth flexible leg 254 has a top surface 361 and a bottom surface 362. The first foot 261 has a top surface 311 and a bottom surface 312. The second foot 262 has a top surface 331 and a bottom surface 332. The third foot 263 has a top surface 351 and a bottom surface 352. The fourth foot 264 has a top surface 371 and a bottom surface 372. The common area 380 has a top surface 381 and a bottom surface 382.
With reference to
A method of using the device 231 in the shoe 100 in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force, such as from a foot of a human user, to the common area 380 at which the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 of the device 231 are joined together to cause the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 to flex to a flexed position, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the common area 380, such as by lifting the foot of the human user, to allow the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy to the foot of the human user. In various embodiments, the force is applied to the common area 380 from the foot of the human user by the foot of the human user pressing on the insole 216 to cause the plate 222 to apply the force to the common area 380.
With reference to
A method of using the device 232 in the shoe 100 in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force, such as from a foot of a human user, to the common area 380 at which the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 of the device 232 are joined together to cause the center spring 395 to compress, and to cause the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 to flex to a flexed position, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the common area 380, such as by lifting the foot of the human user, to allow the center spring 395 to expand from the compressed state and to allow the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy to the foot of the human user. In various embodiments, the force is applied to the common area 380 from the foot of the human user by the foot of the human user pressing on the insole 216 to cause the plate 222 to apply the force to the common area 380.
With reference to
A method of using the device 233 in the shoe 100 in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force, such as from a foot of a human user, to the common area 380 at which the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 of the device 233 are joined together to cause the first spring 391, the second spring 392, the third spring 393, and the fourth spring 394 to compress, and to cause the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 to flex to a flexed position, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the common area 380, such as by lifting the foot of the human user, to allow the first spring 391, the second spring 392, the third spring 393, and the fourth spring 394 to expand from the compressed state and to allow the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy to the foot of the human user. In various embodiments, the force is applied to the common area 380 from the foot of the human user by the foot of the human user pressing on the insole 216 to cause the plate 222 to apply the force to the common area 380.
With reference to
A method of using the device 234 in the shoe 100 in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force, such as from a foot of a human user, to the common area 380 at which the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 of the device 234 are joined together to cause the first spring 391, the second spring 392, the third spring 393, the fourth spring 394, and the center spring 395 to compress, and to cause the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 to flex to a flexed position, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the common area 380, such as by lifting the foot of the human user, to allow the first spring 391, the second spring 392, the third spring 393, the fourth spring 394, and the center spring 395 to expand from the compressed state and to allow the first flexible leg 251, the second flexible leg 252, the third flexible leg 253, and the fourth flexible leg 254 to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy to the foot of the human user. In various embodiments, the force is applied to the common area 380 from the foot of the human user by the foot of the human user pressing on the insole 216 to cause the plate 222 to apply the force to the common area 380.
In various embodiments, the first foot 461, the second foot 462, the third foot 463, the fourth foot 464, the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 are formed of one or more of carbon fiber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (known as Kevlar®), styrene, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material known as Pebax®. In various embodiments, the energy storage and return structure 440 is formed of one or more of carbon fiber, rubber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (known as Kevlar®), styrene, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material known as Pebax®, or other material that allows for flexing and returning from a flexed state. In various embodiments, the center portion 580 of the first arch 455 is at a central location with respect to locations of the first foot 461, the second foot 462, the third foot 463, and the fourth foot 464. In various embodiments, the center portion 580 is raised in height as compared to a corresponding top surface of each of the first foot 461, the second foot 462, the third foot 463, and the fourth foot 464. In some embodiments, the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 each comprise one or more of carbon fiber, poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (known as Kevlar®), styrene, and/or a thermoplastic elastomer such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) material known as Pebax®. In various embodiments, the device 431 is at least partially located in an opening in a midsole of a shoe.
The first flexible leg 451 has a top surface 501 and a bottom surface 502. The second flexible leg 452 has a top surface 521 and a bottom surface 522. The third flexible leg 453 has a top surface 541 and a bottom surface 542. The fourth flexible leg 454 has a top surface 561 and a bottom surface 562. The first foot 461 has a top surface 511 and a bottom surface 512. The second foot 462 has a top surface 531 and a bottom surface 532. The third foot 463 has a top surface 551 and a bottom surface 552. The fourth foot 464 has a top surface 571 and a bottom surface 572. The center portion 580 of the first arch 455 has a top surface 581 and a bottom surface 582. The center portion 583 of the second arch 456 has a top surface 584 and a bottom surface 585.
With reference to
A method of using the device 431 in the shoe 100 in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force to the center portion 580 of the first arch 455 to cause force to be applied to the center portion 583 of the second arch 456, so as to cause the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 to flex to a flexed position, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the center portion 580 of the first arch 455 to allow the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy. In various embodiments, the center portion 583 of the second arch 456 is located below the center portion 580 of the first arch 455.
With reference to
A method of using the device 432 in the shoe 100 in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force to the center portion 580 to cause force to be applied to the center portion 583, so as to cause the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 to flex to a flexed position, and to compress the spring 595, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the center portion 580 to allow the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 to return back from the flexed position, and to allow the spring 595 to expand from the compressed state so as to return energy.
With reference to
A method of using the device 433 in the shoe 100 in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force to the center portion 580 to cause force to be applied to the center portion 583, so as to cause the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 to flex to a flexed position, and to compress the first spring 591, the second spring 592, the third spring 593, and the fourth spring 594, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the center portion 580 to allow the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 to return back from the flexed position, and to allow the first spring 591, the second spring 592, the third spring 593, and the fourth spring 594 to expand from the compressed state so as to return energy.
With reference to
A method of using the device 434 in the shoe 100 in accordance with an embodiment includes applying force to the center portion 580 to cause force to be applied to the center portion 583, so as to cause the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 to flex to a flexed position, and to compress the first spring 591, the second spring 592, the third spring 593, the fourth spring 594, and the spring 595 so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the method further includes releasing the force from the center portion 580 to allow the first flexible leg 451, the second flexible leg 452, the third flexible leg 453, and the fourth flexible leg 454 to return back from the flexed position, and to allow the first spring 591, the second spring 592, the third spring 593, the fourth spring 594, and the spring 595 to expand from the compressed state so as to return energy.
With reference to
In some embodiments, there is no opening in a heel portion of a midsole of a shoe, and there is just a device such as any of the devices 231, 232, 233, 234, 431, 432, 433, and 434 that is positioned at least partially within an opening in the forefoot portion of the midsole of the shoe. In some embodiments, there is no opening in a forefoot portion of a midsole of a shoe, and there is just a device such as any of the devices 231, 232, 233, 234, 431, 432, 433, and 434 that is positioned at least partially within an opening in a heel portion of the shoe. Any of the devices 231, 232, 233, 234, 431, 432, 433, and 434 could be located at other locations within a shoe, such as in any of a forefoot portion, ball portion, arch portion, and/or heel portion of a shoe. Also, different ones of any of the devices 231, 232, 233, 234, 431, 432, 433, and 434 could be located in a same shoe in different locations.
In step 702, the force is released from the common area to allow the first spring, the second spring, the third spring, the fourth spring, and the fifth spring to stretch, and to allow the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy.
In step 801, the method includes applying a force to a center portion of the first arch to cause force to be applied to a center portion of the second arch, and to cause a first spring located under a first foot connected to the first flexible leg to compress, and to cause a second spring located under a second foot connected to the second flexible leg to compress, and to cause a third spring located under a third foot connected to the third flexible leg to compress, and to cause a fourth spring located under a fourth foot connected to the fourth flexible leg to compress, and to cause a fifth spring located under the center portion of the second arch to compress, and to cause the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg to flex to a flexed position, so as to store potential energy. In various embodiments, the force is applied to the center portion of the first arch by a user of the shoe.
In step 802, the method includes releasing the force from the center portion of the first arch to allow the first spring, the second spring, the third spring, the fourth spring, and the fifth spring to stretch, and to allow the first flexible leg, the second flexible leg, the third flexible leg, and the fourth flexible leg to return back from the flexed position, so as to return energy. In various embodiments, the center portion of the second arch is located below the center portion of the first arch.
The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. For example, in various other embodiments, additional flexible legs forming additional arches, as well as additional springs could be added to one or more of the devices. The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/503,793, filed Oct. 18, 2021, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent App. Ser. No. 63/190,180, filed May 18, 2021, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 413693 | Walker | Oct 1889 | A |
| 507490 | Gambino | Oct 1893 | A |
| 1010187 | Scott | Nov 1911 | A |
| 1069001 | Guy | Jul 1913 | A |
| 1088328 | Cucinotta | Feb 1914 | A |
| 1502087 | Bunns | Jul 1924 | A |
| 2109180 | Mohun | Feb 1938 | A |
| 2303744 | Jacobs | Dec 1942 | A |
| 2357281 | Williams | Aug 1944 | A |
| 2394281 | Williams | Feb 1946 | A |
| 2437227 | Hall | Mar 1948 | A |
| 2509980 | Mccallum | May 1950 | A |
| 2594665 | Lockwood | Apr 1952 | A |
| 2682712 | Owsen et al. | Jul 1954 | A |
| 2721400 | Israel | Oct 1955 | A |
| 2766901 | Sunko | Oct 1956 | A |
| 3120712 | Menken | Feb 1964 | A |
| 3600743 | Meadows | Aug 1971 | A |
| 3737155 | Karlan | Jun 1973 | A |
| 3869752 | Klay | Mar 1975 | A |
| 4016662 | Thompson | Apr 1977 | A |
| 4364188 | Turner et al. | Dec 1982 | A |
| 4457084 | Horibata et al. | Jul 1984 | A |
| 4486964 | Rudy | Dec 1984 | A |
| 4506460 | Rudy | Mar 1985 | A |
| 4546555 | Spademan | Oct 1985 | A |
| 4592153 | Jacinto | Jun 1986 | A |
| 4603452 | Paciorek | Aug 1986 | A |
| 4709489 | Welter | Dec 1987 | A |
| 4771554 | Hannemann | Sep 1988 | A |
| 4815221 | Diaz | Mar 1989 | A |
| 4844519 | Dagon | Jul 1989 | A |
| 4854057 | Misevich et al. | Aug 1989 | A |
| 4878300 | Bogaty | Nov 1989 | A |
| 4894934 | Illustrato | Jan 1990 | A |
| 4901987 | Greenhill et al. | Feb 1990 | A |
| 5060401 | Whatley | Oct 1991 | A |
| 5092060 | Frachey et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
| 5159767 | Allen | Nov 1992 | A |
| 5203095 | Allen | Apr 1993 | A |
| 5224278 | Jeon | Jul 1993 | A |
| 5279051 | Whatley | Jan 1994 | A |
| 5282325 | Beyl | Feb 1994 | A |
| 5325611 | Dyer et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
| 5343639 | Kilgore et al. | Sep 1994 | A |
| D355755 | Kilgore | Feb 1995 | S |
| 5435079 | Gallegos | Jul 1995 | A |
| 5437110 | Goldston et al. | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5464197 | Ecclesfield | Nov 1995 | A |
| 5502901 | Brown | Apr 1996 | A |
| 5513448 | Lyons | May 1996 | A |
| 5572804 | Skaja et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
| 5588227 | Goldston et al. | Dec 1996 | A |
| 5596819 | Goldston et al. | Jan 1997 | A |
| 5622358 | Komura et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
| 5649373 | Winter et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5651196 | Hsieh | Jul 1997 | A |
| 5671552 | Pettibone et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
| 5706589 | Marc | Jan 1998 | A |
| 5743028 | Lombardino | Apr 1998 | A |
| 5845419 | Begg | Dec 1998 | A |
| 5875567 | Bayley | Mar 1999 | A |
| 5896679 | Baldwin | Apr 1999 | A |
| 5983529 | Serna | Nov 1999 | A |
| 6006449 | Orlowski et al. | Dec 1999 | A |
| 6029374 | Herr et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
| 6029962 | Shorten et al. | Feb 2000 | A |
| 6041478 | Martin | Mar 2000 | A |
| 6055747 | Lombardino | May 2000 | A |
| D433216 | Avar et al. | Nov 2000 | S |
| 6282814 | Krafsur et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
| 6336249 | Plumley | Jan 2002 | B1 |
| 6393731 | Moua et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
| 6457261 | Crary | Oct 2002 | B1 |
| 6530564 | Julien | Mar 2003 | B1 |
| 6546648 | Dixon | Apr 2003 | B2 |
| 6562427 | Hung | May 2003 | B2 |
| 6568102 | Healy et al. | May 2003 | B1 |
| 6662472 | Hsu | Dec 2003 | B1 |
| 6665957 | Levert et al. | Dec 2003 | B2 |
| 6730379 | Bonk et al. | May 2004 | B2 |
| 6751891 | Lombardino | Jun 2004 | B2 |
| 6860034 | Schmid | Mar 2005 | B2 |
| 6865824 | Levert et al. | Mar 2005 | B2 |
| 6886274 | Krafsur et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
| D507094 | Lyden | Jul 2005 | S |
| 6920705 | Lucas et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
| 6928756 | Haynes | Aug 2005 | B1 |
| 6944972 | Schmid | Sep 2005 | B2 |
| 6983553 | Lussier et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
| 7100308 | Aveni | Sep 2006 | B2 |
| 7140125 | Singleton et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
| 7155844 | Chu | Jan 2007 | B2 |
| 7159338 | Levert et al. | Jan 2007 | B2 |
| 7171765 | Lo | Feb 2007 | B2 |
| D538018 | Hlavacs | Mar 2007 | S |
| 7219447 | Levert et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
| 7287340 | Talbott | Oct 2007 | B2 |
| 7290354 | Perenich | Nov 2007 | B2 |
| 7418790 | Kerrigan | Sep 2008 | B2 |
| 7441347 | Levert et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
| 7600330 | Chen | Oct 2009 | B2 |
| 7900376 | Rabushka | Mar 2011 | B2 |
| 7950166 | Perenich | May 2011 | B1 |
| 8112905 | Bemis et al. | Feb 2012 | B2 |
| 8347526 | Goldston et al. | Jan 2013 | B2 |
| 8495825 | Goldston et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
| 8621766 | Goldston | Jan 2014 | B2 |
| 8732983 | Goldston et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
| 9044064 | Baucom et al. | Jun 2015 | B2 |
| 9194166 | Spiegel et al. | Nov 2015 | B1 |
| 9370221 | Hsu et al. | Jun 2016 | B1 |
| 9414642 | Berend et al. | Aug 2016 | B2 |
| 10045588 | Berend et al. | Aug 2018 | B2 |
| 10687583 | Yoshida et al. | Jun 2020 | B2 |
| 10959487 | Brown | Mar 2021 | B2 |
| 11134738 | Grice | Oct 2021 | B2 |
| 20010049888 | Krafsur et al. | Dec 2001 | A1 |
| 20020073579 | Lombardino | Jun 2002 | A1 |
| 20020133976 | Crutcher | Sep 2002 | A1 |
| 20020144430 | Schmid | Oct 2002 | A1 |
| 20020174567 | Krafsur et al. | Nov 2002 | A1 |
| 20020189134 | Dixon | Dec 2002 | A1 |
| 20030051372 | Lyden | Mar 2003 | A1 |
| 20030104164 | Wu | Jun 2003 | A1 |
| 20030126760 | Levert et al. | Jul 2003 | A1 |
| 20030163933 | Krafsur et al. | Sep 2003 | A1 |
| 20030192200 | Dixon | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030200677 | Abraham | Oct 2003 | A1 |
| 20030217483 | Abraham | Nov 2003 | A1 |
| 20040021123 | Howell et al. | Feb 2004 | A1 |
| 20040118017 | Dalton et al. | Jun 2004 | A1 |
| 20040154191 | Park | Aug 2004 | A1 |
| 20040237340 | Rembrandt | Dec 2004 | A1 |
| 20050081401 | Singleton et al. | Apr 2005 | A1 |
| 20050126039 | Levert et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20050138839 | Terlizzi et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
| 20050166422 | Schaeffer et al. | Aug 2005 | A1 |
| 20050193595 | Jennings | Sep 2005 | A1 |
| 20050241184 | Levert et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
| 20050247385 | Krafsur et al. | Nov 2005 | A1 |
| 20060021259 | Wood et al. | Feb 2006 | A1 |
| 20060048412 | Kerrigan | Mar 2006 | A1 |
| 20060065499 | Smaldone et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
| 20060075657 | Chu | Apr 2006 | A1 |
| 20060096125 | Yen | May 2006 | A1 |
| 20060130371 | Schneider | Jun 2006 | A1 |
| 20060277788 | Fujii | Dec 2006 | A1 |
| 20070039204 | Wyszynski et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
| 20070209232 | Chen | Sep 2007 | A1 |
| 20080098619 | Smaldone et al. | May 2008 | A1 |
| 20080184596 | Yu | Aug 2008 | A1 |
| 20080209762 | Krafsur | Sep 2008 | A1 |
| 20080263894 | Nakano | Oct 2008 | A1 |
| 20080263899 | Lee | Oct 2008 | A1 |
| 20080271340 | Grisoni et al. | Nov 2008 | A1 |
| 20080313928 | Adams et al. | Dec 2008 | A1 |
| 20090056165 | Lee | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20090064536 | Klassen et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
| 20090100716 | Gerber | Apr 2009 | A1 |
| 20090113760 | Dominguez | May 2009 | A1 |
| 20090282704 | Park | Nov 2009 | A1 |
| 20100251571 | Woodard | Oct 2010 | A1 |
| 20100257752 | Goldston et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
| 20100257753 | Bemis et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
| 20110005100 | Smaldone et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
| 20110314695 | Tsai | Dec 2011 | A1 |
| 20120023784 | Goldston et al. | Feb 2012 | A1 |
| 20120025576 | Stern et al. | Feb 2012 | A1 |
| 20120110871 | Elnekaveh | May 2012 | A1 |
| 20120144695 | Mcdowell et al. | Jun 2012 | A1 |
| 20120204442 | Elnekaveh | Aug 2012 | A1 |
| 20120318574 | Beer et al. | Dec 2012 | A1 |
| 20130091735 | Goldston et al. | Apr 2013 | A1 |
| 20130118028 | Yoon | May 2013 | A1 |
| 20130263471 | Spinks | Oct 2013 | A1 |
| 20150167768 | Zhao | Jun 2015 | A1 |
| 20150181977 | Klug et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
| 20180199663 | Dhanjal | Jul 2018 | A1 |
| 20210212892 | Seo | Jul 2021 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2884963 | Apr 2007 | CN |
| 200994449 | Dec 2007 | CN |
| 1 346 655 | Jul 1996 | EP |
| 0 552 994 | Aug 2006 | EP |
| 2011-036394 | Feb 2011 | JP |
| WO-9938405 | Aug 1999 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| U.S. Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/754,333 dated Jun. 29, 2012. |
| U.S. Office Action dated Mar. 3, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/270,153. |
| U.S. Office Action dated Mar. 4, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/095,941. |
| U.S. Final Office Action dated Aug. 10, 2022, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/553,556. |
| U.S. Final Office Action dated Jun. 10, 2022, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/503,793. |
| U.S. Final Office Action dated Mar. 4, 2022, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/374,383. |
| U.S. Final Office Action dated May 7, 2020, from U.S. Appl. No. 16/126,758. |
| U.S. Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 14, 2020, from U.S. Appl. No. 16/126,758. |
| U.S. Non-Final Office Action dated Feb. 28, 2022, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/503,793. |
| U.S. Non-Final Office Action dated Jul. 30, 2021, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/327,339. |
| U.S. Non-Final Office Action dated May 2, 2022, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/553,556. |
| U.S. Non-Final Office Action dated Nov. 23, 2021, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/374,383. |
| U.S. Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 14, 2020, from U.S. Appl. No. 16/126,758. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 2, 2014, U.S. Appl. No. 13/270,153. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Apr. 9, 2014, from U.S. Appl. No. 14/095,941. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Feb. 23, 2021, from U.S. Appl. No. 16/126,758. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Jun. 1, 2018, from U.S. Appl. No. 14/271,197. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Mar. 28, 2016, from related U.S. Appl. No. 14/095,950. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 12, 2021, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/327,339. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 23, 2012, from U.S. Appl. No. 12/754,333. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Nov. 29, 2022, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/503,793. |
| U.S. Office Action date Feb. 22, 2013, from U.S. Appl. No. 13/341,267. |
| U.S. Office Action dated Dec. 22, 2017, from U.S. Appl. No. 14/271,197. |
| U.S. Office Action dated Jan. 31, 2017, from U.S. Appl. No. 14/271,197. |
| U.S. Office Action dated Nov. 20, 2015, from U.S. Appl. No. 14/095,950. |
| U.S. Office Action dated Sep. 6, 2017, from U.S. Appl. No. 14/271,197. |
| U.S. Office Action dated Sep. 7, 2011, from U.S. Appl. No. 12/467,679. |
| U.S. Restriction Requirement dated Dec. 16, 2021, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/503,793. |
| International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT patent application No. PCT/US2010/030012 dated Oct. 11, 2011. |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jan. 18, 2022, from application No. PCT/US2021/055449, 11 pages. |
| International Search Report and Written Opinion dated Jul. 27, 2010, from application No. PCT/US2010/030012. |
| Notice of Allowance and Fee(s) Due for U.S. Appl. No. 13/341,267 dated Jun. 14, 2013. |
| Notice of Allowance and Fee(s) Due issued for U.S. Appl. No. 12/467,679 and dated Nov. 14, 2011. |
| Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 21, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/708,883. |
| Office Action dated May 29, 2013 in Taiwan Application No. 099110809. |
| Office Action dated Jul. 31, 2013 in U.S. Appl. No. 13/708,883. |
| Restriction Requirement dated Oct. 21, 2021, from U.S. Appl. No. 17/374,383. |
| Translation of Office Action for Taiwan Application No. 099110809. |
| U.S. Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 12/754,333, dated Oct. 25, 2012. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20230148704 A1 | May 2023 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63190180 | May 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17503793 | Oct 2021 | US |
| Child | 18094024 | US |
