Segmented tunnels on articles
US10144173B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2016 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 15, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/727
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Collapsible tunnel systems or segmented tubular structures may be printed on or otherwise attached to base layers on articles of apparel, articles of footwear, or other articles of manufacture. The collapsible tunnel systems have two or more tubular structures attached to the base layer, with tunnels extending through the tubular structures. A tensile strand may be laced through the tunnels in the tubular structure such that when tension is applied to the tensile strand, the tunnels may collapse into a structure with a continuous tunnel through two or more tubular structures. In some embodiments, two or more segmented tubular structures each have two spaced-apart tubular structures joined by a connecting portion, and a tensile strand extending through tunnels in the tubular structures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.