Patents Examined by Matthew Theis
  • Patent number: 10165845
    Abstract: A pack system adapted for carrying hand tools includes a tool-carrying container constructed to be worn on a user's person and having a bottom portion, a first shell portion, a second shell portion defining and enclosing a main storage compartment. A releasable closure is connected between the first and second shell portions. At least one tool panel is removably disposed within the main storage compartment and has one or more tool receivers each constructed to retain a hand tool. A panel-retaining structure between the tool panel(s) and the bottom portion of the pack releasably retains the tool panel(s) in the main storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ty-Flot, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau, Reginald J. Moreau
  • Patent number: 10166415
    Abstract: A system includes a carrier system adapted to be worn by a user and to support at least one of a plurality of differently sized tanks of breathing gas, a bracket connector attached to the carrier system, and a plurality of brackets. The carrier system may, for example, be part of a breathing apparatus such as a self-contained breathing apparatus. Each of the plurality of brackets has a different configuration. Each of the plurality of brackets is attachable to an associated one of the plurality of differently sized tanks and to the bracket connector. For each one of the plurality of brackets, an assembly that includes the one of the plurality of brackets and the associated one of the plurality of differently sized tanks, when attached to the bracket connector, positions the associated one of the plurality of differently sized tanks in a predetermined manner relative to the carrier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Marco Tekelenburg, David J. Losos, Bryan J. Peoples
  • Patent number: 10154724
    Abstract: A personal object carrier apparatus includes a harness with a platform mounted to the harness and configured to support an object upon a ventral surface of a body surface of a user. The apparatus further includes a connector mounting the platform to the harness and configured for adjustment and securement of the platform at a desired height along the ventral body surface of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventors: Jacqueline Boino, Kalee Carmel
  • Patent number: 10066901
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to garments with at least one pocket for containing and allowing efficient retrieval of a concealed item, such as a handgun or other weapon. In some embodiments, the garments are upper body garments, such as a shirt, jacket, or vest, with at least one pocket for containing and allowing efficient retrieval of a concealed item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Dahl, Lacey Dahl
  • Patent number: 10035469
    Abstract: A carrier for use in carrying items externally on a vehicle is disclosed having: a rack upon which the items may be mounted which, in use, is supported by the vehicle in such a manner that the rack extends away from the vehicle and that the weight of the rack and any items carried thereon bears against the vehicle; a plurality of straps, each connected at a proximal end to the rack and having, at a distal end, a catch to enable engagement of the strap with the vehicle; wherein tension in a pair of the straps is simultaneously adjustable by means of a movable handle located on the rack, wherein motion of the handle causes retraction of each strap of the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventor: Martin Dickinson
  • Patent number: 9980882
    Abstract: A disposable emesis bag comprising a soft cushioning material at the opening of the bag to improve the user's comfort while and after vomiting. The soft cushioning material can be attached only to the portions of the bag that come into contact with the user's nose or chin, or around the entire perimeter of the opening of the bag. The bag may be scented or odor-absorbing, and is preferably waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Sheila P. Barry, Cynthia Lynn Obuchi
  • Patent number: 9963078
    Abstract: A rack for a vehicle comprises a first bracket; a second bracket adapted to removably hang over the rear-most roll bar of a Jeep Wrangler; a longitudinally-extending support bar having a front end and a rear end, the front end attached to the first bracket and the rear end attached to the second bracket; and at least one hanger attached to the support bar and extending downwards, wherein each hanger has two hooks for supporting items to be carried on the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Aaron E. Zimmermann, David M. Lowe
  • Patent number: 9943149
    Abstract: A carrying case includes a first compartment made of a rigid material, the first compartment defining an interior volume; and a second compartment coupled to the first compartment, the second compartment made of a flexible material, the second compartment defining an interior volume that is separate from the interior volume of the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Pelican Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Murphy
  • Patent number: 9931994
    Abstract: A variably positionable bicycle wheel anchor for fixing a bicycle wheel at a desired location along an elongate support rail. The bicycle wheel anchor includes a body configured to be slidingly coupled to an elongate support rail for variable, fixed positioning of the body along a length of the elongate support rail. The underside of the body has a support rail engagement surface and the upper side of the body has a bicycle wheel receiver. The wheel anchor has a deployable interference mechanism coupled to the body and having a deployed configuration in which at least a portion of the interference mechanism protrudes beyond the underside of the body for releasable engagement with the elongate support rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Joseph Settelmayer
  • Patent number: 9919845
    Abstract: A combination sealing and cutting assembly for a bag comprises a first sealing strip and a second sealing strip. The first sealing strip and second sealing strip are connected at their corresponding ends. A slider block is movable along the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip. Movement of the slider block in a first direction brings the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip into sealing engagement with one another while movement of the slider block in a second direction releases the first sealing strip and the second sealing from said sealing engagement. A cutting mechanism is mounted on the slider block and moves with the slider block along the first sealing strip and the second sealing strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Roy Ruddell, Robert J. Halas
  • Patent number: 9913465
    Abstract: A wearable aromatic device that can be opened and closed, depending on whether the user wants the device to emit aromas. Aromatics include any substances that are dispersed into the air, regardless of whether they are detectable by humans. Placing an aromatic into a substantially airtight chamber allows the user to allow the device to emit aromas only when desired. A resealable lid can be placed in an open position when aromas are desired, or a close position when they are not. The device is wearable in that it can be worn with a wristband, a pet collar, a belt clip, or any other suitable wearable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Adeco Int'l, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Metzger, Clive Li
  • Patent number: 9901163
    Abstract: A strap for a bag provides and includes a main body having a first end attached to a first attachment location of the bag and a second end attached to a second attachment location of the bag. The strap also includes a tension element that extends between the first end and the second end. The tension element is movable between a tightened state and a relaxed state. The tension element also applies a force on the first end and the second end in the tightened state to change the relative position of the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre A. Pactanac, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Matthew C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 9879705
    Abstract: An electronic device caddy includes a first tray portion with at least two spaced lengthwise channels and an end cage and a second tray portion also including an end cage and at least two lengthwise rails slideable in the spaced channels of the first tray portion to load and accommodate different size electronic devices between the end cages. A locking mechanism releasably locks at least one rail in its channel. A mounting bracket is attached rearward of one tray portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Delta Cycle Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Downes, Errol Drew
  • Patent number: 9877595
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a seat flap to support a baby's buttocks and thighs in a sling like fashion. The seat flap has a top edge, a bottom edge and side edges. A first means joins the top edge to an upper portion of a baby carrier with the seat flap being positioned on an interior portion of the baby carrier. The baby carrier is configured to carry the baby on the front or back of a caregiver's body with the baby facing outward or inward. The baby carrier is operable to support the baby in an upright position without the use of the seat flap. A second means joins the bottom edge to a lower portion of the baby carrier, wherein the baby sits upright and the baby's legs are supported at an angle of at least ninety degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Suling Wang
  • Patent number: 9801453
    Abstract: An exoskeletal backpack system includes a pelvic superstructure, a trunk superstructure, and an articulating connector. The pelvic superstructure is configured to be carried by a user, such as, for example, a person. The trunk superstructure also includes a user engagement element that is configured as a pair of flexible composite shoulder extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Lance Hoag
  • Patent number: 9776721
    Abstract: A holder apparatus for holding an object relative to an airplane cabin window frame can include a structure that locates in opposing window shade channels of the frame, and at least one tray pivotably mounted relative to the structure. A system for holding an object relative to an airplane cabin window can include a holder apparatus with a structure that engages a window frame of the window, and at least one tray pivotably mounted relative to the structure. The structure can engage opposing window shade channels of the window frame in response to rotational displacement of the structure relative to the frame. A method for installing an apparatus in a window can include placing the apparatus between channels of the window, rotating and engaging ends of the apparatus with the window frame channels and displacing it to the bottom of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Donald Wilson Alford
  • Patent number: 9730507
    Abstract: A retractable shoulder strap for portable objects, such as bags, purses, briefcases or carry-on luggage, comprises a shoulder pad, an elongated strip of pliant material, a plurality of holes positioned at substantially uniform intervals along the length of the elongated strip, and retractors located inside the shoulder pad. Extendible guide wires passing through the plurality of holes connect the ends of the elongated strip to the retractors, which are spring-biased to automatically retract the guide wires and stow the elongated strip inside internal storage spaces in the shoulder pad, thereby eliminating slack in the strap when no tension is applied to the ends of the elongated strip. When tension is applied to the ends of the elongated strip, the portions of the elongated strip stowed in the internal storage spaces of the shoulder pad are automatically extracted, thereby increasing the length of the strap to facilitate normal over-the-shoulder use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Wendler
  • Patent number: 9707904
    Abstract: A receptacle for attachment to a rim is disclosed, being primarily used to store wheel lug nuts into said receptacle for storage and transportation of lug nuts with their associated wheels. The receptacle comprises a lid, a container and a securing pin. The container secures the wheel lug nuts, while the lid fastens onto the container to secure its contents, and meanwhile the securing pin secures the lid onto the container and ultimately onto the rim of the wheel, such that the wheel lug nuts are easily stored with the rim. This procedure is primarily performed before the winter or summer seasons, or when the wheels are changed for wheel leasing purposes or the transportation of wheels with their associated lug nuts, to ensure that the wheel lug nuts are never misplaced or lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Francis, Donald Francis
  • Patent number: 9687062
    Abstract: A checkpoint-friendly backpack for allowing a laptop computer stored in a dedicated portion thereof to provide a clear, unobstructed, and distinct image thereof when X-ray screened at an inspection station without having to remove the laptop computer from the dedicated portion. The backpack includes a dedicated compartment and a non-dedicated compartment. The non-dedicated compartment stores items other than the laptop computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TUMI, INC.
    Inventor: Paul V. Scicluna
  • Patent number: 9681737
    Abstract: Shoulder strap retention devices that are used to secure the shoulder straps of an article in position relative to a separate chest panel or protector so that they do not slip off the chest panel or the shoulders of a user carrying the article are disclosed. In one embodiment, the shoulder strap retention devices include a retention strap and anchoring strips that are secured to the retention strap and used to attach the shoulder strap retention device to an article having shoulder straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Mystery Ranch
    Inventor: Dana W. Gleason