| COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR NORTH AMERICA, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120099299 | APPAREL WITH LIGHT-VIEWING PORTION - Embodiments of apparatus, methods and systems are described herein for providing apparel with a light-viewing portion. In various embodiments, apparel, including outerwear such as a jacket, may include a power supply; a light source coupled to the power supply; and an external textile layer with a light-viewing portion adjacent the light source, the light-viewing portion including one or more apertures through which light from the light source passes. In various embodiments, a heat source and controls for causing the heat source to provide various temperatures may also be provided. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096629 | ADJUSTABLE WAIST BAND - Embodiments of apparatus, methods, systems and apparel are described herein for tightening a waist band. In various embodiments, apparel may include a waist band. In various embodiments, apparel also may include an elongate tab having a first end fixed to an outer surface of the waist band and a second end, opposite the first end, that is selectively attachable to multiple portions of a fastening member extending along an outside side or front surface of the waist band. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096627 | WAISTBAND SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS - Embodiments provide a waistband system including a flap of material coupled to a pair of pants at or near a waistband of the pants. The flap may be rotated (e.g., folded) between an extended position in which at least a portion of the flap rises above a waistline (i.e., top edge) of the pants, and a folded down position in which the flap is substantially or completely disposed in an interior portion of the pants below the waistline. When the flap is in the extended (folded up) position, the flap may provide a user of the pants protection from snow, rain, liquids, and/or debris, above the waistline of the pants. On the other hand, the folded down position may provide more comfort and/or aesthetic appeal. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096622 | ADJUSTABLE FIT JACKET - Various embodiments may provide an adjustable fit garment that allows the fit of the garment to be adjusted by a user according to the user's preferences. In various embodiments, the garment may be a jacket configured to be worn on an upper body of the user. The jacket may have an outer surface and an inner surface, and a front side and a back side. In various embodiments, one or more zippers may be disposed along the outside surface of the jacket. Each zipper may include two sets of opposing zipper teeth (e.g., first and second sets of zipper teeth) configured to be coupled together. The jacket may further include a gusset coupled between the sets of zipper teeth (e.g., on an interior portion of the zipper) to allow for a limited expansion of the jacket when the zipper is open. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120074128 | HEAT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to the field of outerwear, and more particularly to a heat management system configured to provide heat to one or more predetermined regions or zones, such as the upper or lower body, torso, chest, back, neck, arms, shoulders, wrists/cuffs, hands, fingers, feet, toes, and the like. In various embodiments, these heating zones may be controlled by an actuator switch and control electronics that may allow individual heating zones to be actuated alone or in combination, and in some embodiments, in a predetermined sequence. Some embodiments of the actuator switch may include color-coded lighting elements that may indicate the current temperature, zone activation, heating program, and the like. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073026 | INTEGRATED WAIST SUSPENSION SYSTEM - Embodiments herein are directed to outerwear garments having an integrated suspension system that allows a user to carry the garment around the user's waist when the garment is not needed. One or more straps are provided that may be coupled to an interior surface of the outerwear. A single strap may extend around the body of the user, or, alternatively, multiple straps may be provided that are coupled to the outerwear and which may be coupled to each other to secure the straps. In various embodiments, the ends of the one or more straps may be coupled to one another to form a waist belt for attaching the outerwear about the waist of the user when the garment is not being worn. When the outerwear is no longer needed, for instance because of changing weather conditions or body temperature, the user may simply remove the outerwear and attach the garment around his or her waist using the waist belt suspension system, for instance by coupling two ends of the one or more straps, thus forming a belt around the waist of the user. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120015155 | ZONED FUNCTIONAL FABRICS - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of performance characteristic elements coupled to a base material to direct heat, absorb heat, emit heat, and/or wick moisture while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, two, three, four, or more performance characteristic elements may be included in a piece of body gear, for example in desired zones of the body gear. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20110318529 | MULTI-LAYER FOAM STRUCTURE - Embodiments herein may provide multi-layer structures for straps or utility packs. Embodiments include a multi-layer structure for support elements of a utility pack, such as straps (e.g., backpack straps, duffle bag straps, etc.) and/or panels (e.g., the back panel of a backpack). The multi-layer structure may have improved breathability while still retaining other desired properties, such as resilience, strength, comfort, padding/cushioning, and/or durability. Some embodiments of the multi-layer structure also may be thinner and/or lighter than conventional padded support structures. Various embodiments may provide utility pack straps including a reinforcing layer coupled to at least one of an inner structural layer and an outer structural layer. In some embodiments, the straps may include both the inner structural layer and the outer structural layer. The inner structural layer may contact the body of the user when the strap is in use, and may be designed to provide cushioning to the user. The reinforcing layer may provide strength and/or stability to the strap. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110281100 | WATERPROOF BREATHABLE FABRIC AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - In various embodiments, a waterproof breathable (WPB) fabric and method of producing the same are provided wherein a WPB membrane is laminated to a first side of a fabric, the laminated fabric is then treated with a treatment agent, and the treated fabric is cured. The treatment agent may include at least one of an oleophobic (oil repellent) compound and/or a hydrophobic (water repellent) compound. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic compound may be a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. The treatment agent may provide protection for the fabric by repelling oil-based and/or water-based substances. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110277218 | PERFORMANCE SOCK - Embodiments relate generally to the field of footwear, and more particularly to performance footwear, such as socks, for the prevention of bruising, blisters, irritation and moisture accumulation. In some embodiments, dynamic cushion socks are provided that may include independent cushioning segments in the midfoot region that allow for improved impact cushioning, while also reducing weight and improving ventilation. Some embodiments also include a medial tab for protecting the ankle bone (e.g., the malleolus) from scrapes, abrasions, friction, and/or impact. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110203783 | HOLOGRAPHIC PATTERNED HEAT MANAGEMENT MATERIAL - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of holographic heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat-directing elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110119295 | REUSABLE PACKAGING HISTORY TRACKING SYSTEM AND QUERY INTERFACE - Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, and non-transitory, tangible computer-readable media associated with utilizing a central storage and maintainer which has knowledge of one or more reusable boxes, and maintains information about the boxes. The system maintains reusable box information with respect to a unique identifier or tracking code which is associated with each tracked box. The association between a unique identifier and a box allows future shipping using the box to be tracked using the identifier. This enables a narrative of the box's travels to be developed through the addition of narrative entries or comments provided by recipients of the box. The narrative may in turn be searched for and displayed via one or more web-based interfaces, providing a snapshot of the box's travels. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110107771 | FOOTWEAR TEMPERATURE CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS - Embodiments herein relate to footwear, such as a boots and shoes, and in particular to footwear having a removable element, such as a liner, that includes temperature control elements for controllably regulating and/or altering the temperature of the footwear and thus the wearer's foot. Various embodiments also include an electrical contact in the foot bed adapted to couple to the temperature control element in the liner, and a power source, controller, and actuator coupled to the footwear upper. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110041234 | APPAREL SKIRT SYSTEM - Embodiments herein may provide a powder skirt system that may include an outer shell/layer, an inner removable liner configured to be optionally coupled to the shell, an envelope of material coupled to a lower portion of the shell, and a powder skirt coupled to the envelope. The envelope may be coupled to either the shell or the removable liner, such that the powder skirt can be used whether or not the removable liner is coupled to the shell. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20100282433 | PATTERNED HEAT MANAGEMENT MATERIAL - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular to methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing material elements include heat management elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and may be directed towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100192332 | SNAG RESISTANT SLIDE FASTENER - A conventional zipper is the preferred means for closure of many jackets and other outerwear. Conventional zippers are prone to jamming and snagging due to the introduction of the liner into the slider body as the zipper is opened and closed. Embodiments herein provide modified slider bodies with one or more features such as an elongated spring cap, a protrusion on the bottom plate and/or plate coupler of the slider body, and/or vertically offset side rails. These features may minimize introduction of loose fabric, such as the lining of a lined garment, into the tape slot of the slider body, thereby help reduce jamming of the slider body during operation of the slide fastener. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100176171 | UTILITY PACK - Utility packs having a flexible frame system are disclosed and described herein. A plurality of flexible frame members engage guides in the pack body to provide the pack with a resilient structure, and to further provide content protection and accessibility. Packs in accordance with various embodiments may also include a floating coupling between the shoulder harness and the pack body to enhance freedom of movement of the wearer. Embodiments may also include flexible frame members directly coupled to a waist harness to shift pack loads to the wearer's waist. Finally, a unique structure forming rod is disclosed which includes an outer member and inner member that gives items structure, durability, flexibility and resiliency. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100154179 | WEATHER RESISTANT SLIDE FASTENERS - Embodiments provide a weather resistant slide fastener with a modified slider body including a top control rib and tightly controlled inner dimensions. In embodiments, a water-resistant coating and/or an adhesive may be applied to the zipper tape, resulting in a highly water-resistant zipper and finished garment. Embodiments further provide a slider body that may accommodate longitudinal edge portions of the outer layer of fabric, allowing the edges of the fabric to be brought into close proximity/contact, substantially covering the zipper teeth and minimizing ingress of water and/or wind through the zipper tape. Additional embodiments provide methods of manufacturing and installing weather resistant slide fasteners. | 06-24-2010 |
