Patents Examined by Andrew W. Sutton
  • Belt buckle
    Patent number: 9521880
    Abstract: A belt and belt buckle design that opens to the front where the strap enters the belt buckle from below. The buckle is made from a single buckle member that is formed and that uses force and/or guidance from the buckle to hold the belt in place. The buckle has a hook region to support the strap of the belt and has a body passing around the strap from the back region of the strap to the front region of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher T. Nealon
  • Permanently folded magnetic pocket square
    Patent number: 9516903
    Abstract: A pocket square, for use with a jacket having an inside surface, an outside surface, and a pocket on the outside surface having a top edge. The pocket square has a base having a top edge and a magnetically attractive core, and a decorative portion extending from the top edge of the base. When the base is placed in the pocket its top edge is aligned with the top edge of the pocket, visibly displaying the decorative portion above the pocket. A magnetic plate is aligned with the magnetically attractive core and placed against the inside surface of the jacket to positionally fix the base within the pocket, such that the pocket square remains in position for the duration that the jacket is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony Gambuzza
  • Hosiery donning device
    Patent number: 9516965
    Abstract: Devices and methods to assist a user in donning hosiery are provided. The device comprises an elongated flexible blade extending between a distal end and a proximal end, the blade configured to contact at least a portion of a user's foot, the blade having a textured inner surface configured to face towards the user's lower leg, and an smooth opposing outer surface relative to the textured inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Assistive Design Concepts LLC
    Inventor: Alan Cohen
  • Helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders
    Patent number: 9511272
    Abstract: A helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders includes features to protect a player's head and face from being struck by a batted ball. The helmet optionally includes side protection, which may include cheek, jaw, temple, or chin protection. The helmet also may optionally include a face mask. The helmet may be used in lacrosse and other sports, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: EASTON BASEBALL/SOFTBALL INC.
    Inventors: Mike Lowe, Chris Bullock, Donald Erickson
  • Protective helmet
    Patent number: 9498014
    Abstract: A protective helmet having an inner shell and an outer shell assembly. Internal padding contacts an inner surface of the inner shell and an energy absorbing layer is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell assembly. The outer shell assembly includes a plurality of rigid, outer shell segments with at least one of the outer shell segments designed and arranged to move relative to the other outer shell segments upon receiving an impact force. The external energy absorbing layer and the outer shell assembly dampens impact energy before it reaches the inner shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: KRANOS IP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael M. Princip, James C. Wingo, Jeremy J. Thompson
  • Vented ballistic combat helmet
    Patent number: 9494388
    Abstract: A ballistic armor helmet has two or more shell elements which are fixed to one another to define one or more ventilation gaps. The shell elements preferably overlap to keep projectiles from entering the helmet. By dividing the helmet into two or more parts, the depth and extent of the compound curvature of the shells being formed can be reduced, reducing or eliminating the need for gores, by bringing the depth of the compound curves within the inherent formability of polymer coated ballistic fabrics. The helmet more efficiently uses materials, and promotes cooling when in use, resulting in a helmet which covers a greater percentage of the head which is more comfortable and less costly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: LINEWEIGHT LLC
    Inventors: Caleb Clark Crye, Eric Owen Fehlberg, Gregg M. Thompson, Scott Thompson
  • Glove
    Patent number: 9486021
    Abstract: A disclosed example glove of a glovebox type includes an identification means arranged at an end portion of a cuff of the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: JUNG GUMMITECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Keil, Alexander Kreisz, Jörg Zell
  • Garment hanger
    Patent number: 9480354
    Abstract: A garment hanger provides a hanger frame with a hook portion and two shoulder sections extending from a base of the hook portion toward opposite ends of a trouser rod that extends between the ends of the shoulder sections, at least one indicator rod substantially parallel to the trouser rod and extending between the two shoulder sections, indicia located on each indicator rod and providing information related to the usage of a garment, at least one indicator located on each indicator rod and adjustable to mark a portion of the information related to the usage of the garment, and a storage compartment for containing items related to the garment and providing access to storage space via a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Eden
  • Undergarment organizing device and method of use
    Patent number: 9480355
    Abstract: An undergarment organizing device having a frame having an inner surface and outer surface, and a first, second, and third retention member that extend outwardly away from the inner surface of the frame, the first retention member having a first undergarment support surface, the second retention member located beyond the first retention member and having a second undergarment support surface, and the third retention member being located beyond the first retention member, having a third undergarment support surface, and being slidable in a direction away from the second support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: Renee Kimberley Manidis, Thomas More Manidis
  • Body-shaping intimacy garment
    Patent number: 9474308
    Abstract: A body-shaping intimacy garment for a woman has an upper portion that supports or at least contacts undersides of the breasts while leaving the breasts exposed, a torso portion extending from the upper portion, a lower portion that encircles the waist, buttocks and hips while defining a crotch opening through the garment for access during intimate encounters, and leg portions that extend to below the knee. The torso portion, lower portion and leg portions each include respective portions of inner and outer layers of stretchable fabrics. The inner layer fabric is worn stretched about the torso, waist, buttocks, hips and legs, with tension in shoulder straps maintaining some inner layer stretch along the torso portion while worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Laurie Cronan
  • Bib with adjustable neck strap
    Patent number: 9468242
    Abstract: A bib assembly is disclosed, and includes a bib and a neck strap. The bib includes a bib body having a pair of strap connectors. The neck strap includes a pair of bib body connectors. One bib body connector (neck strap) is detachably connectable with one of the strap connectors (bib body). Another bib body connector (neck strap) is detachably connectable with the other of the strap connectors (bib body). At least two different coupling locations are possible between each bib body connector on the neck strap and its corresponding strap connector on the bib body to change a length of a loop that extends beyond a top edge of the bib body, all when the neck strap is detachably connected to the bib body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Gordon J. Lee
  • Cushioning helmet liner
    Patent number: 9462843
    Abstract: A liner system and method of thermoforming. A helmet has an energy absorbing inner system positioned inside the shell. The liner has thermoformed interconnected energy absorbing modules. At least some of the modules in the layer have a basal portion with upper and lower sections when viewed in relation to the wearer's head. The upper section has one or more energy absorbing units. At least some of the units are provided with a wall with a domed cap that faces the outer shell. The units at least partially cushion the blow by absorbing energy imparted by an object that impacts the outer shell. The lower comfort section has a tiered arrangement of layers. The layers are relatively compliant and thus provide a comfortable yet firm fit of the helmet upon the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: VICONIC DEFENSE INC.
    Inventors: Joel M. Cormier, Donald S. Smith, Richard F. Audi
  • Hooded garment with integrated peripheral vision
    Patent number: 9462834
    Abstract: Exemplary garments and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary garment may include a body, and a hood extending from an upper portion of the body to provide an enclosure. The hood may include a main portion and at least one laterally disposed portion having a greater transparency than the main portion. An exemplary method of making a garment may include providing a body, and forming a hood extending from an upper portion of the body to provide an enclosure, with the hood including a main portion and at least one laterally disposed portion. The method may further include establishing the at least one laterally disposed portion as having a greater transparency than the main portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Myogrid LP
    Inventors: George Galluzzo, Paul Regan, Randle Strong
  • Bra storage device
    Patent number: 9462906
    Abstract: Described is a bra storage device having a plurality of storage modules. Each storage module includes a base wall provided with bra support members onto which the cups of a bra can be placed. One or more side walls are provided extending from the base wall. First connectors are provided on edges of the side walls remote from the base wall and second connectors are provided on edges of the side walls adjacent the base wall such that the first connectors of the storage module are connectable to the second connectors of an adjacent storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventors: Emma Avison, Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Head protection for reducing linear acceleration
    Patent number: 9462842
    Abstract: Safety head wear for use for example in high risk activities such as sports and industrial purposes where protection from head injuries is required. Components are provided inserted between the liner and outer shell and consists of two parts; a pod and a foam or foam like surrogate or structure. The foam or foam like material is contained in the chamber and is positioned in such a way to create constant force between the surface of the shell and head. The device provides a method of managing compression force characteristics of the helmet around the head designed to decrease brain trauma resulting from high linear acceleration during impacts to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: University of Ottawa
    Inventors: Thomas Blaine Hoshizaki, Andrew Michael Post
  • Convertible sport wrap garment
    Patent number: 9456642
    Abstract: A convertible sport wrap garment is disclosed that may convert to a purse/pack and vice versa. The garment may be formed of a composite fabric structure having an inner sheet and an outer sheet attached together to form a generally tubular shaped body. The garment may comprise an elastic fabric such that it fits snugly around the torso of the wearer. The garment may be worn around the waist and over one shoulder or both shoulders. A selectively closable pocket may be sandwiched between the inner and outer sheets, wherein the pocket may be accessible along one edge joining the inner and outer sheets, and wherein the garment may be folded into the pocket to convert the garment into a purse/pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Uncaged, LLC
    Inventor: Angela A. Lee
  • Roller hockey goalie apparatus
    Patent number: 9446298
    Abstract: A roller apparatus that either attaches to or is incorporated into a roller hockey goalie leg protective member, allowing simulation of “on ice” motion. Rolling may be accomplished through a plurality of ball bearings, protruding from a plane of an apparatus, as well as a plurality of cavities wherein ball bearings may be housed. A recess in the cavities may allow for impact to be absorbed while still allowing the ball bearings to freely roll in one or preferably every direction. Apparatus containing ball bearings may be located on the landings of a roller hockey goalie leg protective member, or other areas most likely to come in contact with a dry surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Ioane Keehu
  • Tools for making bows and methods of use
    Patent number: 9433249
    Abstract: Bow making tools and methods of using the same comprising templates and size guides for crafting bows by hand is disclosed. In some embodiments, the template may comprise a non-rectangular body having (i) a front face, (ii) a back face, and (iii) a plurality ribbon positioning surfaces; a plurality of ribbon securing elements; and optionally, one or more apertures defined within the body. In some embodiments, the size guide may comprise a non-rectangular body having (i) a front face, (ii) a back face, and (iii) a plurality sides; a plurality of ribbon positioning surfaces; optionally, at least one slot defined within the body; and optionally, a combination element comprising at least one ribbon positioning surface and at least one slot. Method of using the provided templates, size guides, or combination thereof, to construct bows are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Karyn E. Ranzau
  • Storable poncho and related method
    Patent number: 9427031
    Abstract: A storable poncho includes a belt having a first end, a second, opposite end configured to be releasably attached to the first end, an upper edge and a lower edge. The storable poncho further includes a first flap secured to the belt adjacent to one of the upper edge and the lower edge of the belt, and a body portion including fabric material configured to cover at least a portion of a user's body when worn. The body portion is secured to one of the upper edge and the lower edge of the belt. The body portion is covered by the first flap when configuring the body portion in a stored condition. Other embodiments of the storable poncho and methods for wearing a storable poncho are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: David Apostoloff
  • Snap-on twist-off tag for a hanger
    Patent number: 9420910
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a hanger and a snap-on-twist-off tag combination is disclosed. In this embodiment, the hanger includes a body, a boss, and a hook. The snap-on-twist-off tag (hereinafter referred to as tag) includes a top end, a bottom end, a body portion connecting the top end and the bottom end, and an opening adjacent to the top end, wherein the body is resiliently expandable. In this embodiment the tag has a locked position, wherein the tag is longitudinally aligned with the body of the hanger, wherein the tag is locked to the top portion of the hanger and cannot be moved freely in any direction, and wherein the boss of the hanger extends through the opening of the tag. The tag also has an unlocked position of the tag, wherein the tag is perpendicularly aligned with the body of the hanger, wherein the boss of the hanger extends through the opening of the of the tag, and wherein the tag is movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Wai Shing Yau