Patents Examined by Matthew Theis
  • Patent number: 9145094
    Abstract: A storage device attachable to a vehicle roof rack having a removable boat. The storage device comprises a base with a container. The boat is securely releasably attached in an inverted position to cover the container. A shape of the base conforms to a gunwale of the boat. The base has a flange and rim to engage a first side gunwale when the other side of the boat is lifted from the storage device. The boat is securely fastened to the base, such that the boat fits completely over the container to create a water-tight volume from the container base to the inside bottom of the boat. When the boat is released, securing means remain attached to the storage device, and the boat is easily lifted off of the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Howard Berrey
  • Patent number: 9131762
    Abstract: A backpack includes a bag having an interior packing space and a back wall that has a top and a bottom. The back wall includes an opening proximate the top of the back wall. A back contacting surface is attached to the top of the back wall and the bottom of the back wall. A frame is removably mounted to the back wall between the back wall and the back contacting surface. The frame includes a bend configured to space the back wall from the back contacting surface. The frame is insertable and removable to and from the back wall through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Deuter Sport GmbH
    Inventor: Stephen Buffinton
  • Patent number: 9125449
    Abstract: An earpiece bracket that conveniently attaches to a cap worn by a user with length adjustment such that the distance between the cap to the earpiece is adjustable in the bracket. The attachment is pivotable so the bracket may swing the earpiece into and out of its operational position. In use, the earpiece depends in the bracket from the cap into an operational position with the speaker portion of the earpiece urged against the user's ear at the external auditory meatus. The earpiece swings into place during use and away from the ear when not use. The earpiece speaker portion is held against ear at the external auditory meatus under spring bias in the attachment of the bracket to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory Wagemans
  • Patent number: 9064434
    Abstract: A beverage container and object holder apparatus, and installation method, for use in conjunction with a preexisting airplane cabin window frame assembly for use preferably by passengers located in a window seat. The holder apparatus is mountable and dismountable from an airplane cabin window frame assembly utilizing preexisting window shade U-shaped slide channels located within an airplane cabin window frame assembly. Each holder apparatus is comprised of one or more receptacles, with optional attachable upper ends, where each receptacle and/or upper end has an opening for receiving a beverage container or other objects. The various holder apparatus embodiments provide for selective holder apparatus utilization based on the number of receptacles and proximity of an airplane cabin window to the location of a passenger window seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: Donald Wilson Alford
  • Patent number: 9033197
    Abstract: A spool holder and dispenser comprising a body fitted with a belt clip and two spool support arms extending from the body and defining between them a spool space, wherein at least one of said spool support arms is pivotal and spring biased towards said other spool support arm, and at least one of said spool support arms is fitted at its free end with a spool retention member; said spool support arms being displaceable between a retaining position wherein a tape is retained within the spool space, and a dispensing position wherein a tape is free to be discharged therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Nir Bar
  • Patent number: 9022268
    Abstract: A ladder clamp including an anchor part and a ladder retaining part, wherein the anchor part includes an anchor able to be arranged to cooperate with a fixing on a vehicle, and the ladder retaining part includes a body and a securing means, the securing means being co-operable with the anchor part to clamp the ladder retaining part to the anchor part in a releasable manner, wherein the securing means includes a locking element that pivots with respect to the body between clamped and unclamped orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Rhino Products Limited
    Inventor: Dominic Gallagher
  • Patent number: 9011004
    Abstract: A flexible storage bag defines an inner storage area within which is provided a flexible barrier. A user can select a first storage mode wherein the flexible barrier is positioned to one side such that only a single storage zone is available for storing products; or a dual storage mode wherein the barrier divides the storage area into first and second storage zones. The bag preferably includes an upper closure assembly having a loop extending therefrom to aid a user in sealing the bag, as well as potentially hanging the bag from a hook. The bag optionally includes a lower closure assembly on the flexible barrier for selectively sealing one of the multiple storage zones. Offset tabs may be provided to aid a user in opening the bag. In some embodiments, the bag includes a graphical image puzzle constituting multiple graphic images that combine to form a completed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Kathy Wood Paulin
  • Patent number: 8851347
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting cargo on a motorcycle comprises a first rack having a width of about the width of a seat of a motorcycle. The first rack has a first plurality of attachment structures fixedly attached thereto. A second rack has a base with a second plurality of attachment structures fixedly attached to a bottom of the base configured for engaging with and being secured to the first plurality of attachment structures. The second rack is positioned on top of the first rack when secured thereto and includes a pair of upwardly extending elongate members fixedly coupled to the base and angled toward the rear of the motorcycle. The elongate members are each provided with a transversely extending receiving member and a centrally located receiving bracket attached proximate a rearward side of the base, thus forming a three-point attachment structure for attaching an accessory to a motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Weston S. O'Nash
  • Patent number: 8720754
    Abstract: A mechanical mechanism which allows a holster to firmly support and hold steady a pistol or revolver, allowing a smooth and quick release of this locking mechanism when required on the draw. This mechanical mechanism can grip the gun only on the trigger guard area, achieving a solid grip and smooth release by means of a sliding block formed around the shape of the front end of the trigger guard, which slides sideways out of the way as the gun is drawn upwards. Tension adjustment is achieved by applying more or less pressure on this sliding block as it moves up in its track, while the gun is drawn upwards. Total locking is achieved by means of a rotating lever, which locks the sliding block in place, preventing it from moving up at all, when securing the gun is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Saul Kirsch
  • Patent number: 8690431
    Abstract: The present invention provides a package (10) comprising an outer film layer (32) and at least one inner film layer (34,36), the inner and outer film layers being mutually laminated. The package also comprises a pair of mutually spaced lines of weakness (20) in at least the outer film layer, and means (22) for initiating tearing of the film layers. The lines of weakness and tear initiation means are disposed such that activation of the tear initiation means causes controlled tearing of all the film layers along the lines of weakness. The package is particularly suitable for block products such as chocolate bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mondelez UK Holdings & Services Limited
    Inventor: Douglas Vaughn St. Clair Hughes
  • Patent number: 8651352
    Abstract: A holster for a portable device is described. The holster includes a cleaning mechanism for cleaning a surface of a portable device while it is in the holster. The cleaning mechanism comprises a cleaning head movably coupled to a housing of the holster and positioned adjacent an interior surface of the holster; and an actuator coupled to the cleaning head and positioned on an exterior portion of the holster. Movement of the actuator moves the cleaning head, cleaning a portion of a surface of the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey Martin Philippe
  • Patent number: 8628243
    Abstract: The bag for receiving refuse may include a bag body, the bag body including an inside surface, an outside surface, and a rim defining a mouth. The bag may also include a first strip of material disposed on the inside surface of the bag body proximate the rim. The strip may include an inside surface, an outside surface that faces the inside surface of the body, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The bag may also include a front wall, a back wall, and a hem, the hem including a drawstring. The strip may include a printed design. The design could be letters, numbers, pictures, writing, or any other design. When the bag is inserted into a trash receptacle such that the rim of the bag is folded over the rim of the receptacle, the printed design is visible from outside the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Shaun T. Broering, Karin L. Toerner, Robert W. Fraser, Charles B. Snoreck
  • Patent number: 8567652
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reversible backpack comprising at least one wall and at least two shoulder straps (43) to carry the backpack (10), attached to the wall. The wall comprises, on opposite sides and on a area above the wall, first (31a) and second hooking elements designed to be hooked alternatively to correspondent first hooking means (61) attached to first ends (51) of said shoulder straps (43) and on opposite sides and on an area lower than the wall (21), third (33a) and fourth hooking means designed to be hooked alternatively to correspondent second hooking means (62) attached to second ends (53) of said shoulder straps (43). The invention also relates to a couple of shoulder straps (43) for a backpack and to a reversible body (12) for a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: SEVEN S.p.A.
    Inventors: Adriano Di Stasio, Aldo Di Stasio
  • Patent number: 8562214
    Abstract: A large, waterproof bag that is sized to fit into the bed of a pick-up truck. The bag is fully sealed by a zipper and an overlapping flap at an opening at one end of the bag. The flap covers and protects the zipper. The waterproof bag is used to store luggage and other goods in a safe, waterproof environment in the truck bed. The bag features eight hook assemblies attached at each corner of two opposed surfaces of the bag that can be used to secure the bag in place during travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy Mathew Dozier, Philip Mathew Dozier
  • Patent number: 8523028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a child-carrying device designed to help a wearer support a child, baby, infant, or toddler with their arms and accommodate a variety of holding positions. The child-carrying device includes a dual-shoulder harness, a rigid bar assembly including a rigid bar, and a hand/wrist support assembly slidable along the rigid bar. The rigid bar assembly is secured transversely between frontal strap portions of the harness. The movable hand/wrist support assembly can freely move along a portion of the bar toward on either side of the front of the wearer's rib cage, and optionally rotate about the bar. The device allows the wearer to support a child with their arm using minimal exertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Young
  • Patent number: 8505791
    Abstract: A backpack with a self stabilizing shoulder strap system is disclosed. The backpack includes two shoulder straps, an intermediate member, and a bag. The bag is configured to pivot about a first connector associated with the intermediate member. The shoulder straps are configured to pivot about connectors associated with the intermediate member. The configuration of the shoulder strap system allows for the bag to remain substantially vertical during motions as the shoulders are raised and lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fidrych, Tory M. Cross, Christopher M. Helmsworth
  • Patent number: 8496143
    Abstract: A coat or personal item carrier that is worn by a person is disclosed. An example of personal item carrier includes at least one elongated flexible strap, the elongated flexible strap having a first end, a second end, and a mid section, the first end and the second end each including a waist connector that is adapted for engaging the waist portion of the user's garment. A coat hook is attached to the elongated flexible strap at about the mid section of the elongated flexible strap so that the coat hook is positioned over the wearer's back when the elongated flexible strap is worn as disclosed. The coat hook or coat hooks are used to support personal items such as coats, purses, or other items that would otherwise have to be carried in the person's arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald L. Joseph
  • Patent number: 8449185
    Abstract: A free-standing yard refuse collection device including a portable frame body having parallel front and rear frames attached together with braces and a detachable reusable elongated collection bag into which refuse is directly raked or into which a separate leaf collection liner bag is disposed. At least one elongated resealable opening on a top side of the collection bag permits removal of the liner bag filled with yard refuse including leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Larry D. Koon
  • Patent number: 8444319
    Abstract: The bag for receiving refuse may include a bag body, the bag body including an inside surface, an outside surface, and a rim defining a mouth. The bag may also include a first strip of material disposed on the inside surface of the bag body proximate the rim. The strip may include an inside surface, an outside surface that faces the inside surface of the body, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The bag may also include a front wall, a back wall, and a hem, the hem including a drawstring. The strip may include a printed design. The design could be letters, numbers, pictures, writing, or any other design. When the bag is inserted into a trash receptacle such that the rim of the bag is folded over the rim of the receptacle, the printed design is visible from outside the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Shaun T. Broering, Karin L. Toerner, Robert W. Fraser, Charles B. Snoreck
  • Patent number: 8430284
    Abstract: A carrier for a bulk beverage container having a spout includes a shell having walls forming a hollow interior space sized and shaped for receiving the bulk beverage container therein, an opening formed in one of the walls for passage of the spout therethrough, and a flap secured to the shell for selectively covering the opening. The flap hinges between a closed position wherein the flap covers the opening and an open position wherein the flap does not cover the opening. A gasket can be provided at the opening for closely receiving the spout to seal the opening about the spout. Fasteners, such as hook-and-loop type fasteners, can be provided for removably securing the flap in the closed and open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Stable Brands LLC
    Inventors: Craig Broadbent, Kim Bernth