US Patent No: 8,277,401

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles

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ALSO PUBLISHED AS: 20080066272
ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)
 

Importance

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Abstract

A closure system for braces, protective wear and similar articles is disclosed. The closure system includes a plurality of opposing lace guide members and a tightening mechanism. The closure system further includes a lace extending through the guide members and coupled to the tightening mechanism. In some embodiments, a quick release apparatus is included to facilitate opening of the closure system. The tightening mechanism in some embodiments includes a control for winding the lace into a housing to place tension on the lace thereby tightening the closure system.

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First Claim

Related Publications

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
BOA TECHNOLOGY, INC.STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO12

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Capra, James Steamboat Springs, CO 3 23
Hammerslag, Gary R - 35 1596

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
BOA TECHNOLOGY, INC. (20)
5,934,599 Footwear lacing system 88 1997
6,202,953 Footwear lacing system 71 1999
6,289,558 Footwear lacing system 97 1999
2002/0095,750 Footwear lacing system 58 2001
7,591,050 Footwear lacing system 21 2003
2006/0156,517 Reel based closure system 48 2005
2007/0169,378 Rough and fine adjustment closure system 17 2007
7,950,112 Reel based closure system 2 2007
7,954,204 Reel based closure system 3 2007
7,992,261 Reel based closure system 3 2007
2008/0060,168 REEL BASED CLOSURE SYSTEM 20 2007
2008/0066,345 REEL BASED CLOSURE SYSTEM 22 2007
2008/0066,346 REEL BASED CLOSURE SYSTEM 21 2007
2008/0083,135 REEL BASED CLOSURE SYSTEM 22 2007
2008/0066,272 Closure System For Braces, Protective Wear And Similar Articles 23 2007
2009/0184,189 CLOSURE SYSTEM 8 2009
2010/0139,057 REEL BASED LACING SYSTEM 5 2009
2010/0299,959 REEL BASED CLOSURE SYSTEM 9 2010
2011/0266,384 REEL BASED LACING SYSTEM 3 2011
2012/0004,587 BRACES USING LACING SYSTEMS 3 2011
 
NORDICA S.P.A. (20)
4,433,456 Closure device particularly for ski boots 62 1982
4,574,500 Foot retaining device particularly for ski boots 18 1983
4,616,524 Compact size actuating knob for adjusting and closure devices, particularly in ski boots 45 1985
4,620,378 Ski boot incorporating a foot securing device 27 1985
4,680,878 Ski boot 37 1986
4,719,710 Operating device for foot locking elements, particularly for ski boots 39 1986
4,741,115 Ski boot with an operating assembly for the closing and adjustment devices 34 1986
4,760,653 Device for closing the quarters of ski boots 22 1986
4,719,709 Rear entrance ski boot 34 1987
4,802,291 Ski boot incorporating a foot securing device 26 1987
4,787,124 Multiple-function actuation device particularly usable in ski boots 29 1987
4,826,098 Brake, particularly for the locking of tensioning elements provided in ski boots 14 1987
4,799,297 Closure and securing device, particularly for ski boots 35 1987
4,796,829 Winder safety device, particularly for ski boots 23 1987
4,884,760 Locking and adjustment device particularly for ski boots 34 1987
4,841,649 Locking and adjustment device particularly for ski boots 43 1988
4,870,723 Multiple-function operating device particularly for ski boots 18 1988
5,065,480 Fastening and adjusting device, particularly for ski boots 18 1990
5,001,817 Securing and adjustment device particularly for ski boots 23 1990
5,062,225 Ski boot closure device having a lever with a sliding tensioning arrangement 19 1990
 
OSSUR HF (19)
7,198,610 Knee brace and method for securing the same 20 2005
7,597,675 Knee brace and method for securing the same 26 2005
7,713,225 Knee brace and method for securing the same 7 2005
7,794,418 Knee brace and method for securing the same 6 2005
7,896,827 Knee brace and method for securing the same 6 2005
8,016,781 Knee brace and method for securing the same 5 2008
7,935,068 Orthopedic or prosthetic support device 8 2008
2009/0099,562 Orthotic device and method for securing the same 21 2008
2009/0124,948 KNEE BRACE AND METHOD FOR SECURING THE SAME 3 2009
2009/0287,128 ORTHOPEDIC DEVICES UTILIZING ROTARY TENSIONING 7 2009
2010/0081,979 KNEE BRACE AND METHOD FOR SECURING THE SAME 2 2009
2010/0094,189 ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE 2 2009
2010/0174,221 KNEE BRACE AND METHOD FOR SECURING THE SAME 2 2010
2010/0217,169 SPACER ELEMENT FOR USE IN AN ORTHOPEDIC OR PROSTHETIC DEVICE 2 2010
2010/0331,750 ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE 2 2010
2011/0178,448 ORTHOPEDIC OR PROSTHETIC SUPPORT DEVICE 4 2011
2011/0184,326 KNEE BRACE AND METHOD FOR SECURING THE SAME 2 2011
2011/0218,471 SPACER ELEMENT FOR PROSTHETIC AND ORTHOTIC DEVICES 2 2011
2011/0288,461 ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE PROVIDING ACCESS TO WOUND SITE 2 2011
 
PUMA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT RUDOLF DASSLER SPORT (19)
5,117,567 Shoe with flexible upper material provided with a closing device 60 1990
5,177,882 Shoe with a central fastener 55 1991
D333552 Shoe closure 16 1991
5,325,613 Shoe with a central closure 54 1993
5,319,868 Shoe, especially an athletic, leisure or rehabilitation shoe having a central closure 37 1993
5,327,662 Shoe, especially an athletic, leisure or rehabilitation shoe having a central closure 42 1993
5,341,583 Sport or leisure shoe with a central closure 36 1993
5,355,596 Shoe with a central closure 34 1993
5,737,854 Shoe with a central closure 52 1993
5,381,609 Shoe with central closure 30 1993
5,425,185 Shoe with a side mounted central rotary closure 19 1994
5,606,778 Shoe closure 25 1995
5,502,902 Shoe with central rotary closure 39 1995
5,600,874 Central closure for shoes 26 1995
5,638,588 Shoe closure mechanism with a rotating element and eccentric driving element 22 1995
5,669,116 Shoe closure 14 1995
5,651,198 Shoe, especially a sport shoe 20 1996
6,711,787 Turn-lock fastener, especially for shoes 9 2002
6,757,991 Shoe, especially a sports shoe 16 2003
 
CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA (10)
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
2003/0137,680 IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS, METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME, AND IMAGE PROCESSING SYSTEM 1998
 
ASTERISK.ASTERISK, LLC (8)
6,464,657 Anatomical joint brace field of the invention 11 2000
6,796,951 Anatomical joint brace with adjustable joint extension limiter 14 2001
6,689,080 Joint brace with limb-conforming arcuately adjustable cuffs 13 2002
6,793,641 Joint brace with rapid-release securement members 22 2002
6,962,571 Joint brace with multi-planar pivoting assembly and infinitely adjustable limb extension regulator 9 2002
7,182,740 One piece brace liner having multiple adjustment zones 3 2006
2007/0276,306 One piece brace liner having multiple adjustment zones 2 2006
7,947,005 One piece brace liner having multiple adjustment zones 2 2010
 
SALOMON S.A. (8)
4,555,830 Adjustment device for a ski boot 18 1984
4,633,599 Ski boot 61 1985
4,660,300 Traction device for ski boot 44 1985
4,790,081 Manipulation lever for closing and latching of a rear-entry ski boot 18 1987
5,345,697 Boot tightened by a flexible link 47 1993
5,537,763 Boot with tightening system with memorization of tension 36 1995
6,128,836 Sport boot 6 1999
6,467,195 High boot with lace-tightening device 27 2000
 
THE BURTON CORPORATION (7)
5,784,809 Snowboarding boot 23 1996
6,543,159 Snowboard boot and binding strap 15 1996
6,267,390 Strap for a snowboard boot, binding or interface 27 1999
6,416,074 Strap for a snowboard boot, binding or interface 33 1999
7,281,341 Lace system for footwear 18 2003
7,293,373 Lace system for footwear 11 2005
2009/0019,734 LACE SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR 1 2008
 
NORDT DEVELOPMENT CO., LLC (6)
7,618,386 Two-component compression collar clamp for arm or leg 5 2005
7,704,219 Wrist support 3 2005
7,878,998 Wrist support 2 2007
7,887,500 Collar support 2 2007
7,922,680 Method of making wrist support for joint positioning 2 2007
7,993,296 Collar clamp apparatus 2 2007
 
BONUTTI RESEARCH, INC. (5)
5,167,612 Adjustable orthosis 28 1990
5,213,094 Orthosis with joint distraction 52 1991
5,365,947 Adjustable orthosis 19 1992
5,456,268 Adjustable orthosis 55 1994
5,685,830 Adjustable orthosis having one-piece connector section for flexing 29 1995
 
SALOMON S.A.S. (5)
5,477,593 Lace locking device 55 1994
5,566,474 Sport boot having a fixed-lace closure system 68 1994
5,761,777 Guide device for boot lace 19 1995
5,956,823 Guide and blocking assembly for a boot 22 1997
6,802,439 Lace-up tightening device for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear equipped with such device 16 2001
 
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY (4)
7,314,458 Adjustable splint 2 2006
2011/0144,554 ANKLE SUPPORT WITH SPLINT AND METHOD OF USING SAME 2 2009
2012/0029,404 ANKLE BRACE 2 2010
2012/0010,547 WRIST BRACE 2 2010
 
BENETTON SPORTSYSTEM USA, INC. (4)
6,070,886 Frame for an in-line skate 19 1997
6,070,887 Eccentric spacer for an in-line skate 27 1997
6,038,791 Buckling apparatus using elongated skate cuff 21 1997
6,102,412 Skate with a molded boot 23 1998
 
WEINMANN GMBH & CO. KG (4)
4,480,395 Closure for shoes, especially ski boots 13 1982
4,551,932 Ski boot construction 33 1984
5,152,038 Rotary closure for a sports shoe 37 1990
5,042,177 Rotary closure for a sports shoe, especially a ski shoe 64 1990
 
K-2 CORPORATION (3)
6,775,928 Lacing system for skates 20 2002
6,877,256 Boot and liner with tightening mechanism 12 2003
6,993,859 Snowboard boot with liner harness 9 2003
 
RAICHLE SPORTSCHUH AG (3)
4,937,953 Ski boot 45 1988
5,065,481 Clamping device for a ski boot 23 1990
5,249,377 Ski boot having tensioning means in the forefoot region 34 1993
 
BIO CYBERNETICS INTERNATIONAL (2)
5,346,461 Electromechanical back brace apparatus 14 1992
5,437,617 Electromechanical back brace apparatus 32 1994
 
CONGRESS FINANCIAL CORPORATION (CENTRAL) (2)
4,631,840 Closure means attachment for footwear 11 1985
5,640,785 Resilient loops and mating hooks for securing footwear to a foot 28 1994
 
DASHAMERICA, INC. (2)
6,922,917 Shoe tightening system 21 2003
2005/0198,866 Shoe tightening system 17 2005
 
EGOLF, HEINZ (2)
5,425,161 Rotary closure for a sports shoe 13 1993
6,256,798 Helmet with adjustable safety strap 45 1999
 
ENVENTYS, LLC (2)
7,694,354 Adjustable protective apparel 4 2005
2011/0167,543 ADJUSTABLE PROTECTIVE APPAREL 3 2007
 
GOODWELL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED (2)
2003/0177,662 Laced shoe 10 2003
7,134,224 Laced boot 11 2004
 
LANGE INTERNATIONAL S.A. (2)
4,660,302 Ski boot 12 1986
4,961,544 Cable tensioner with a winding drum for a ski boot 42 1989
 
PUMA AG RUDOLF DASSLER SPORT, A CORP. OF FED. REP. OF GERMANY (2)
5,463,822 Shoe with a central rotary closure and self-aligning coupling elements 41 1994
5,511,325 Shoe with a heel-mounted central rotary closure 39 1994
 
SP DESIGN, LLC (2)
7,806,842 Cable-based orthopedic bracing system 3 2007
8,128,587 Cable-based orthopedic bracing system 3 2010
 
TECNICA SPA (2)
7,908,769 Footwear with a lace fastening 3 2004
2006/0185,193 Footwear with a lace fastening 10 2004
 
ATOMIC AUSTRIA GMBH (1)
5,718,065 Ski boot 9 1996
 
BELLACURE, INC. (1)
7,662,122 Orthotic or prosthetic devices with adjustable force dosimeter and sensor 4 2005
 
CABER ITALIA S.P.A. VIA S. (1)
4,619,057 Tightening and adjusting device particularly for ski boots 22 1985
 
DAIWA SEIKO, INC. (1)
4,811,503 Ski boot 39 1987
 
DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (1)
5,736,696 Combined automotive light switch 27 1996
 
DOLOMITE S.P.A. (1)
4,227,322 Sport footwear of injected plastics material 25 1978
 
DYNAFIT SKISCHUH GESELLSCHAFDT M.B.H. (1)
4,719,670 Ski boot 40 1986
 
E. A. MION ING. & ARCH. KAIROS S.N.C., DI M. BONETTI, G. MANENTE (1)
4,631,839 Closure device, particularly for rear opening ski boots 22 1985
 
FLOWMEDIC LIMITED (1)
8,105,252 Device for providing intermittent compression to a limb 2 2005
 
GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION (1)
6,477,793 Cycling shoe 20 2000
 
GSA, INC. (1)
5,599,288 External ligament system 40 1994
 
HOCKEY TECH, LLC (1)
6,119,318 Lacing aid 23 1999
 
IMA INTEGRATED MICROSYSTEMS AUSTRIA GMBH (1)
2011/0301,521 Support shell assembly for supporting and splinting legs 2 2010
 
JAMES; LAURENCE H. (1)
5,647,104 Cable fastener 46 1995
 
K-SWISS INC. (1)
5,184,378 Lacing system for shoes 57 1991
 
LACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC (1)
6,148,489 Positive lace zone isolation lock system and method 21 1999
 
LAFUMA S.A. (1)
2005/0081,403 Boot with at least two lacing zones 12 2004
 
MENG HANN PLASTIC CO., LTD. (1)
7,584,528 Shoelace reel operated easily and conveniently 6 2007
 
MUELLER SPORTS MEDICINE, INC. (1)
2003/0171,706 Adjustable size ankle brace 4 2002
 
NICOLE DURR GMBH (1)
5,315,741 Snap fastener for securing shoe laces 25 1993
 
NIKE BAUER HOCKEY INC. NOVA SCOTIA (1)
6,568,103 Speed lacing device 21 2001
 
NITRO AG (1)
6,945,543 Snow-board binding 14 2000
 
NORTH SAFETY PRODUCTS LTD. (1)
6,708,376 Length adjustment mechanism for a strap 23 2002
 
P.W. MINOR AND SON, INC. (1)
4,463,761 Orthopedic shoe 16 1982
 
PUMA RUDOLF DASSLER SPORT (1)
5,181,331 Shoe with flexible upper material provided with a closing device 48 1992
 
Q-MOTUS, INC. A CORP. OF COLORADO (1)
5,178,137 Segmented dynamic splint 15 1990
 
ROLLERBLADE, INC. (1)
5,596,820 Adjustable shell for sports shoes 14 1995
 
SCOTT ORTHOTIC LABS, INC. (1)
6,976,972 Suspension walker 13 2003
 
SKIS ROSSIGNOL S.A. (1)
5,732,483 Shoe for the practice of snowboarding 28 1996
 
STILLS, MELVIN L. LEWISVILLE, TX (1)
4,433,679 Knee and elbow brace 60 1982
 
TGZ ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC (1)
5,891,061 Brace for applying a dynamic force to a jointed limb 32 1997
 
THERAPEUTIC ENHANCEMENTS, INC (1)
6,685,662 Weight bearing shoulder device 5 2002
 
TOP SHELF MANUFACTURING, INC. (1)
7,819,830 Knee brace with mechanical advantage closure system 3 2006
 
VANS, INC. (1)
7,082,701 Footwear variable tension lacing systems 8 2004
 
VEY SYSTEMS, INC. (1)
5,755,044 Shoe lacing system 40 1996
 
WARRIOR SPORTS, INC. (1)
8,056,150 Helmet adjustment system 7 2008
 
WEBER ORTHOPEDIC INC. (1)
7,442,177 Hand brace 4 2005
 
WEINMANN GMBH & CO. KG., A GERMAN CORP. (1)
4,748,726 Ski boot fastener 41 1987
 
OTHER [CHECK PATENT PROFILE FOR ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION] (43)
4,261,081 Shoe lace tightener 30 1979
4,267,622 Hose clip apparatus 9 1979
4,408,403 Sports shoe or boot 81 1981
4,654,985 Athletic boot 65 1984
4,722,477 Scented hunting strap 35 1986
4,780,969 Article of footwear with improved tension distribution closure system 18 1987
4,856,207 Shoe and gaiter 48 1988
4,870,761 Shoe construction and closure components thereof 33 1988
5,016,327 Footwear lacing system 29 1990
5,158,428 Shoelace securing system 45 1991
5,157,813 Shoelace tensioning device 49 1991
5,259,094 Shoe lacing apparatus 24 1993
5,357,654 Ratchet diving mask strap 36 1993
5,395,304 Active pivot joint device 28 1993
5,335,401 Shoelace tightening and locking device 22 1993
5,430,960 Lightweight athletic shoe with foot and ankle support systems 43 1993
5,433,648 Rotatable closure device for brassieres and hats 7 1994
5,535,531 Shoelace rapid tightening apparatus 26 1994
5,557,864 Footwear fastening system and method of using the same 16 1995
5,599,000 Article securing device 10 1995
5,619,747 Protective brace for figure skaters 13 1995
5,718,021 Shoelace tying device 27 1997
5,819,378 Buckle device with enhanced tension adjustment 15 1997
6,052,921 Shoe having lace tubes 52 1998
2002/0052,568 Joint braces and traction devices incorporating superelastic supports 23 2001
2002/0178,548 Closure 9 2002
6,942,632 Wrist support apparatus for bowling 3 2003
2003/0204,938 Footwear lacing system 44 2003
7,076,843 Shoestring tying apparatus 16 2003
2005/0098,673 Cord taking-up and releasing device 9 2004
7,402,147 Body limb movement limiter 8 2005
2005/0273,025 Braces having an assembly for exerting a manually adjustable force on a limb of a user 4 2005
2006/0053,658 Unique systems and methods for fastening footwear 5 2005
7,367,522 String fastening device 16 2005
7,331,126 Automated tightening shoe 12 2005
7,617,573 Shoelace fastening assembly 5 2007
2008/0060,167 REEL BASED CLOSURE SYSTEM 19 2007
7,789,844 Body limb movement limiter 2 2008
2010/0251,524 String securing device 3 2009
2011/0191,992 STEPLESS FASTENING DEVICE 4 2010
2011/0306,911 ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE JOINT BRACE 2 2010
2011/0004,135 Orthotic brace 2 2010
2011/0098,618 Cable Knee Brace System 2 2011

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