Issued Patents

This week I will focus on issued patents.  Below is a summary of selected patents that have been recently issued in textile related classification codes:

Chainsaw protective chaps:  Protective chaps to provide protection against chainsaw cuts made with and snake bites has a woven cloth-like shell lined by a layer of polyester/aramid fiber all enclosed by an inside thin polyester fabric. The combination of zippers and hook-and-loop fasteners provides a dual fastener system that protects against freeze up and clogging of exposed zippers.  This patent is more about how the chaps are made and worn than about chainsaw protection.  Patent:  8745765.  Inventor:  Ahlborn.  Assignee:  Ahlborn Equipment, Inc.

Aerodynamic bicycle shoe cover and pedal cover:  A new aerodynamic cover for a bicycle shoe and clipless bicycle pedal for improving speed when cycling. The aerodynamic cover has a main body covering the ankle, heel and sole.  An opening is formed in the sole portion for allowing a bicycle pedal to be engaged to a cleat mounted on the bicycle pedal.  Patent:  8745900.  Inventor:  Byrne.  Assignee:  Speedplay Inc.

Article of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted component:  An article of footwear with an upper that has a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube.  A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.  Patent:  8745896.  Inventor:  Dua, et.al.  Assignee:  Nike.

Method for making a knitted mesh:  A biocompatible surgical silk mesh prosthetic device employs a knit pattern that substantially prevents unraveling and preserves the stability of the mesh device, especially when the mesh device is cut. Patent:  8746014.  Inventor:  Mortarino.  Assignee:  Allergan, Inc.

Bathing garment set:  A novel bathing garment set for taking showers in public places. Oversized, snap-fastened shirt tops and shorts are designed for easily putting on and disrobing normal clothes in public with privacy. Made of semi-permeable fabrics, the bathing garment is to be worn during a shower and while washing.  Patent:  8745766.  Inventor:  Tarrant and Tarrant.  Assignee:  Neil Tarrant

Triple density gel insole:  A triple density replacement insole with two coextensive layers of different densities which extend the length of the insole.  The invention comprises a first top cloth layer, a second gel layer and a third density layer comprising a stability cradle adjacent the gel layer. In a preferred embodiment, the stability cradle, which extends from the arch area to the heel area and secures to the gel layer, defines a first metatarsal region gap which exposes the gel layer and a second heel region gap which exposes the gel layer. A heel cushion is positioned in the second heel region gap adjacent to the gel layer and is secured to the gel layer exposed in that region. A metatarsal arch support is integrally formed in the first metatarsal region gap area.  Patent:  8745894.  Inventor:  Cheskin, et.al.  Assignee:  Spenco Medical.

Article of footwear including a sizing system:  A shoe with a size-adjustable system capable of adjusting the size of the shoe. The size-adjustable system comprises three sets of removable inserts. The inserts engage the shoe in the heel region of the upper to provide both space-filling in the heel region as well as stabilization of the foot. When each set of sizing inserts are placed within the article of footwear, the size of the foot the article of footwear is capable of receiving is different. By providing a size-adjustable system, the article of footwear is capable of receiving multiple foot sizes, such as that of a growing child.  Patent:  8745899.  Inventor:  Schenone.  Assignee:  Nike, Inc.

Apparatus and method for the treatment of strand-shaped textile products:  An apparatus for the treatment of yarn which is circulated through a tubular treatment container and a transport nozzle array that can be charged with a gas jet.  Charge elements are provided at least in the region of the transport nozzle array to charge the material strand with a liquid treatment agent.  Patent:  8746018.  Inventor:  Christ.    Assignee:  Then Maschinen Gmbh. 

Jim Carson is a principal of RB Consulting, Inc. and a registered patent agent.  He has over 30 years of experience across multiple industries including the biotechnology, textile, computer, telecommunications, and energy sectors.  RB Consulting, Inc. specializes in providing management, prototyping, and regulatory services to small and start-up businesses.  He can be reached via email at James.Carson.Jr@gmail.com or by phone at (803) 792-2183.