patent

　This series introduces patented products that we often see without giving them a second thought.
　Today, I’m featuring no-tie shoelaces. These are a new type of elastic shoelace featuring numerous small loops.

　Don’t you find it a hassle to have to retie your sneakers’ laces every time you just pop out for a quick errand? …That said, for those who aren’t quite ready to go barefoot like in sandals, these no-tie shoelaces are highly recommended.

When I searched online, two major Japanese brands—COOLKNOT and CATERPY—caught my eye. I bought the COOLKNOT version. I immediately tried them on the sneakers I recently bought. The number of eyelets doesn’t quite match up, but please don’t mind that (laughs).

　There seem to be various ways to tie them, but it looks like you can arrange them however you like.

　Once you attach these laces, you can simply grab the tongue and slide your foot in—the laces stretch out, allowing you to slip them on effortlessly. It’s even easier if you use a shoehorn. After you put them on, they return to their original length, so the fit is no problem. They’re made with an elastic fiber called spandex, so they seem perfectly fine for running. There are even versions designed specifically for sports.

　Since a patent number was listed on the back of the package, I looked it up on J-PlatPat (Japanese Patent No. 5079926). That’s when I discovered a surprising fact! It turns out that both “COOLKNOT” and “CATERPY” were originally based on the same technology, but later a patent dispute broke out—perhaps between the manufacturers?—and the losing party apparently shifted to a modified technology to avoid patent infringement.
…It’s hard to notice at first glance, but there seem to be subtle differences between the two companies’ current product lines. If you’re interested, why not look into the patents and trademarks mentioned here?
(blink)

It is said that on July 31, 1877, American inventor Thomas Edison obtained a patent for the phonograph (the date of official approval was February 19, 1878).
This was the day when the recording and playback of sound became a reality. (p)

Citation Links
Thomas Edison – Wikipedia
US200521A – Improvement in phonograph or speaking machines – Google Patents

I saw the words “patented method” on Toyo Suisan’s “Tonpara Hakata Tonkotsu” cup noodles, so I decided to buy a pack.

The package also listed the patent number: “Japanese Patent No. 7080653.”

When I looked it up on J-PlatPat, I found that the invention is titled “Method for producing fried instant noodles to be reconstituted with hot water,” and the applicant is Toyo Suisan. Looking at the claims, it stated that the raw noodle strands are deep-fried without undergoing an α-conversion process. Additionally, Toyo Suisan’s website referred to it as the “Non-Steam Manufacturing Method.”
Toyo Suisan website: Announcement of the New Release of “Tonkotsu Paradise: Hakata Tonkotsu” (Japanese only)
https://www.maruchan.co.jp/news_topics/entry/2026/05/post_20211144.html

This is a different patent from the “special manufacturing method for keeping raw noodles delicious”—also from Toyo Suisan’s Maruchan series—which I covered in a previous blog post!
Past blog post: “Manufacturing method for keeping raw noodles delicious”

The noodles were thin and firm, just like you’d expect from tonkotsu ramen, and the broth was rich and delicious. It’s also great that the wait time is only 2 minutes! (Marron)

　I will introduce patented products that you see every day without even noticing.
　This time, I will be featuring socks that have no right or wrong side and no heel—so you can put them on even with your eyes closed.

　These socks are a product of HONESTIES Co., Ltd. (Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture), which was also featured in the Japan Patent Office’s newsletter “Tokkyo” Vol. 67. They utilize a different patented technology than the one featured in the magazine.

　HONESTIES Co., Ltd. develops innerwear that eliminates the distinction between front and back, as well as right and wrong sides.
　Promoting barrier-free clothing and a stress-free lifestyle for everyone, the company is highly regarded for its universal design that reduces the burden of daily life for all people, including those with visual impairments, those who need assistance changing clothes, those with developmental disabilities, and the elderly.
　In 2020, the company received the “Good Design Award.”

　Here is the actual product. I’ve used it a few times, so it shows some wear—sorry about that! (laughs)

　The key feature is that it can be worn without worrying about which side is up or down, or which is the front or back. Regarding the socks, “There is no inside or outside. There is no heel. Since there is no specific direction, you can put them on even with your eyes closed.”
　is how they describe them (Website).

　After trying them out, I found the fabric to be sturdy and durable on both sides, and you can wash them without fixing the sides.
　What’s more, once they’re dry, you can just slip your feet right back in. You can’t see the heel, but when you put them on, it’s amazing how naturally they mold to your heel.

　It’s a product that makes a part of your busy daily life just a little bit easier.
(blink)

Hello, this is Hiro. During a recent business trip to Tokyo, I stayed at APA Hotel. When I took the elevator down to the first floor to check out, my eye was caught by a kiosk labeled “Express Checkout.” Following the instructions, I inserted my key card into the slot, and my checkout was completed in the blink of an eye. Although this is limited to cases where no additional charges are required, it is a very convenient system that allows you to complete the procedure quickly without involving hotel staff. APA Hotel seems to call this “1-Second Checkout.”

In the lower right corner of the signboard, it said “Patent Registered No. 7430491.” Whenever I see a patent number in my daily life, I can’t help but want to check what it’s about.
　 This patent pertains to a “Room key collection box and checkout system using the same” and it is configured not merely as a collection box but as a device integrated with an operational system.

[Claim 1] (Excerpted verbatim from the patent publication)
The room key collection box includes a housing provided with a room key collection port for collecting a room key in an accommodation facility, and is installed in an arbitrary place to be movable.
A guide path that guides the room key inserted from the recovery port;
A room information reading unit configured to read room information held by the room key;
A room information output unit that outputs the room information to a front office device of the accommodation facility;
A light emitting unit provided at or around the recovery port;
A sensor configured to sense approach of a user
The sensor detects approach of a user and turns on the light emitting unit
A sound output device that emits a reading sound when the room information reading unit normally reads the room information, when the room information reading unit does not normally read the room information, or when a room key moves in the guide path
Wherein an upper surface of the housing is inclined downward toward a front side.

Figure 1 of Patent No. 7430491 (Excerpt from the Patent Gazette)

To briefly explain the invention of Claim 1, it is a “collection box that automatically performs the acquisition of information necessary for check-out and related processing simply by inserting a room key.”
First, this device is equipped with a collection slot, and the user completes the operation (check-out procedure) simply by inserting the card key. Internally, the inserted key passes through the guide path, and room information is acquired by a reader unit installed along the path.
The acquired information is transmitted to the front desk’s operational system and used for check-out processing and subsequent tasks (such as cleaning the room after the guest’s stay). In other words, this device is not a standalone machine but is designed to integrate with the front desk system.
Furthermore, it incorporates features designed with user convenience in mind. The device is equipped with sensors that cause the area around the return slot to light up when a user approaches. This allows users to intuitively understand where to insert the key. It also features a mechanism that emits sounds based on reading status and operation, providing feedback to users.
Another distinctive feature is that the top surface slopes forward. This is a functional design intended to make the return slot easier to recognize and the key easier to insert, rather than merely a visual design element.
As described above, Claim 1 is characterized by the integration of functions such as “key transport,” “information reading,” “transmission to the system,” and “user guidance.” Although the device appears simple at first glance, the design—which automates business processes triggered by users’ natural actions—is protected by this patent. This serves as a prime example demonstrating that even innovations developed at the service site can qualify for patent protection if expressed as a technical configuration.

Reference: Patent Grant Announcement (APA Hotel (Japanese only))

I’m Swimmer.
I sometimes get an uncontrollable craving for instant ramen, and since I saw a sale on it at a nearby supermarket, I bought a 5-pack.

I’d known about this product for a while, but this was my first time trying it.
Even though they’re dry noodles, they were fully cooked and separated in just 3 minutes, with a nice firm texture—I finished the whole bowl in no time.

On the back of the bag, above the cooking instructions, there’s a patent number listed. I immediately looked it up on J-PlatPat, where I found descriptions of the problems to be solved in instant ramen and the methods used to address them.
I found it quite interesting and decided to try a different flavor next time.

Dried Noodles and Method for Producing the Same
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1801/PU/JP-2012-002540/19/en