Patents Examined by Andrew W. Sutton
  • Glove dispensing apparatus and glove cartridge for use therewith and glove dispensing method
    Patent number: 9414706
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a disposable glove and applying it to the hand of a user. A stream of air drawn into an enclosed glove applying chamber through a constricted opening aligned with the heel of the glove inflates the topmost glove in a stack of gloves in the chamber so that a user can readily insert his hand into the glove. After the user has donned the glove on the hand, a wall of the chamber is opened to permit the user to readily withdraw his hand from the glove applying chamber while the air flow which originally inflated the topmost glove is disrupted. Upon closure of the chamber wall, the re-established air flow automatically inflates the next lower glove in the glove stack to prepare the next glove for receipt of another hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventors: David Scott Purcell, John Robert Morris
  • Fabric treating systems and accessories
    Patent number: 9410281
    Abstract: A fabric treating system having an enclosure having a first wall, a second wall, and a fabric receiving space defined by the enclosure. The fabric treating system also has a support member positioned proximate to the first wall. The support member is configured to support one of a hanger configured to support a piece of fabric and the piece of fabric within the fabric receiving space. The fabric treating system also has a fabric tensioning system positioned at least on the second wall. The fabric tensioning system has at least a first fabric grasper configured to be attached to at least a first portion of the piece of fabric to apply tension to the piece of fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Roselle, Corey Michael Bischoff, Christopher Lawrence Smith, Markus Sabisch, Oliver von Sartori-Montecroce, Christof Kleemann, Stefan H. Hollinger, Benjamin Janes Beck, Robert Hans-Joachim Damaschke, Stephan James Andreas Meschkat, Heiko Ullrich, Douglas Arthur Marsden
  • Cycling suit with a seat pad
    Patent number: 9399164
    Abstract: A cycling suit (1) comprising a seat pad (2) in the crotch area, said seat pad (2) comprising a soft fabric piece (3) and a padding (4), said fabric piece having a multi-layered structure comprising at least a first layer (5) in contact with the skin and an outer layer (7) opposite to said first layer, wherein said outer layer is perforated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Assos of Switzerland GmbH
    Inventor: Roger Maier
  • Baseball glove with floating pad fit adjustment
    Patent number: 9393480
    Abstract: A closed-back athletic glove capable of receiving a human hand is provided. The glove comprises an exterior glove having a wrist back portion corresponding approximately to the area where the back of the user's hand meets the user's wrist. A wrist strap is connected to the interior surface of the exterior glove shell at a first attachment point. The wrist strap runs from the first attachment point along a portion of the interior surface of the wrist back portion to a second attachment point. An adjustment pad is connected to the wrist strap such that when the glove is worn by the user, the adjustment pad is between the wrist strap and the user's hand and such that when the wrist strap is tightened, the wrist strap exerts a force on the adjustment pad that tightens the adjustment pad against the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Garth Roy Gibby
  • Dynamic load-absorbing materials and articles
    Patent number: 9386817
    Abstract: A double-shell helmet is disclosed. The double-shell helmet includes an outer shell, an impact absorbing material layer affixed to the outer shell on a first side of the impact absorbing material layer, an inner shell affixed to the impact absorbing material layer on a second side of the impact absorbing material layer opposite the first side of the impact absorbing material layer, and a foam layer affixed to the inner shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Eric Nauman, Evan Louis Breedlove, Anne Dye Zakrajsek, Thomas Michael Talavage
  • Combination shoe horn and sock donning and doffing apparatus
    Patent number: 9386875
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination shoe horn and sock donning and doffing apparatus. The device includes an elongated rod that is composed of anodized aluminum so that it is lightweight and resistant to breaking. The rod includes a sock hook attached to a first end and a shoe horn attached to a second end. The sock hook is generally U-shaped and includes two terminal ends with a rubber tip. The shoe horn is oval shaped and has a curvature so as to follow substantially the contour of the back of a shoe. The rod also includes handle portions with a non-slip padding thereon. The device enables a user to don or remove footwear without bending over. In this way, the present invention is ideal for use by users who have limited mobility and cannot bend at the waist or the knees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Garry Clifton
  • Clothing rack device
    Patent number: 9380901
    Abstract: Clothing rack device (1) for suspension of clothes, in which a magnet (2) is arranged in a section of the clothing rack device (1) adapted to attach the clothing rack device (1) with a bonding surface (4) to a separate surface (5), where in the clothing rack device (1) further comprises a release device (7) adapted to be moved between a first and second state, in which the magnetic force between the magnet (2) and a separate surface (5) abutting the bonding surface (4) is greater in the first state than in the second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Moette i Garderoben AB
    Inventor: Tommy Axlinder
  • Zipper attached sports glove with fly cover protection
    Patent number: 9375036
    Abstract: A method of protecting a participant user, participant player, players, referee, official, coach or spectator from skin contact with an exposed connector by isolating the connector of a sports glove, which includes a front palm portion having finger stalls for insertion of fingers therein, and a rear back joinable portion which is attachable to said front palm portion by a connector, such as a zipper. The method includes the step of removably covering the zipper connector with a friction fit fly cover having an attachment end and a free end, wherein further lifting of the free end of the fly cover exposes the zipper for participant user engagement therewith. The fly cover prevents any exposure of the metallic or plastic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Chorne
  • Mohawk cap
    Patent number: 9375042
    Abstract: In order to highlight a person's hairstyle and specifically a Mohawk style a piece of head gear with a removable insert can be used. The head gear can take many forms including a baseball cap, for instance. The insert can be removed to highlight the hairstyle. Because the piece of headgear will be exposed to the elements it should be made of durable material and material that is used currently with baseball caps will be satisfactory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Koziol
  • Anti-fog visor with opposed vents
    Patent number: 9375044
    Abstract: A head-protector is described herein having a shell that is dimensioned to fit on the head of a user. The shell is formed with an opening to expose the face of the user. A locking mechanism attaches a lens to the shell and allows the lens to be pivoted between an operational position in which the lens covers the opening of the shell and a stowed position. Vents are established between an edge of the lens and the shell to establish an airflow over the inside surface of the lens to reduce fogging when the head-protector is subjected to an outside airflow such as wind. The vents can include a first vent that extends across the forehead of the user between the edge of the lens and the shell and a second vent that extends across the chin of the user between the edge of the lens and the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SQUARE ONE PARACHUTES, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Domenico
  • Decorative interchangeable bound edge for hats
    Patent number: 9370218
    Abstract: A device to bind the edge of a hat brim that is easily applied to a hat and can be reformed and removed as desired. A malleable forming member, enveloped by a covering material, allows the device to be folded over the edge of a hat brim and the brim formed to the desired curvature. The covering material that envelops the forming member provides a finished appearance to the device and may be comprised of textiles in any color or texture, so it may be interchanged with other devices to suit the appearance of the hat or its wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Kingto Tsai
  • Headwear with storable accessory
    Patent number: 9364040
    Abstract: Headwear in which a storage area or pocket is formed in one side of the hat portion where an accessory is stored in the pocket when not in use. The free end of the accessory can be removed from the pocket by the wearer and pulled across the wearer's face after which the free end of the accessory is detachably secured to an opposite side of the hat portion so that the accessory remains positioned over the wearer's face. After use, the free end of the accessory is detached from the hat portion and returned for storage in the pocket. The invention is described in an embodiment for use in a ski hat in which the accessory is a goggle. Also described is the provision of a non-permeable layer in the hat portion that prevents moisture from reaching the goggle to prevent it from fogging up during its use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory Saladino
  • Mittens wearable with the fingers and thumb either exposed or covered
    Patent number: 9364036
    Abstract: A mitten is constructed of two fabric sleeves sewn together about the perimeter of respective outer ends, one sleeve drawn into the other to be coextensive and nested together, with a thumb hole on one side of the sleeves adjacent a respective outer end. Insertion of a wearer's hand into an inner sleeve allows the fingers of the wearer to protrude through an opening defined by the perimeter of the sleeve ends and the thumb to protrude out through the thumb opening. When the wearer inserts a hand between the outer and inner sleeves, the fingers and thumb are covered. The sleeves are constructed of fabric panels sewn together, and may be of contrasting color and/or textures, allowing different appearances to be created by reversing the mitten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Theresa Clark
  • Helmet comprising surface reinforcing component with embedded anchors
    Patent number: 9364041
    Abstract: Described herein are helmets comprising at least one surface reinforcing component. In some embodiments the surface reinforcing component comprises at least one anchoring feature embedded in a structural feature of the helmet, such as a force absorbing element. In other embodiments, the surface reinforcing component comprises fasteners configured to mate with a respective fastener on a shell of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Smith Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Chilson
  • Sock with heel padding and method of making same
    Patent number: 9364029
    Abstract: Embodiments of socks having at least one heel padding are disclosed herein. The at least one heel padding can be attached to the heel pocket area of a sock, preferably in the top half of the heel pocket area. Such socks can be particularly advantageous in improving the comfort, as well as the fit of shoes on a person's feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Hiten Patel
  • Tactical dress belt assembly
    Patent number: 9339102
    Abstract: The tactical dress belt assembly allows a wearer to readily and comfortably carry a variety of tactical items, while maintaining a conventional dress appearance. The tactical dress belt assembly is a two or three component system, including an inner belt, and either a combined outer utility belt with an integral front dress belt section or separate dress belt over an outer utility belt. The inner belt is worn to hold up the wearer's trouser and typically is run through the belt loops of the wearer's trousers. The outer belt fits over the inner belt and provides a comfortable load bearing platform for a variety of carried items. The integrated front dress belt section or separate dress belt covers the front of the inner belt so that only the outer dress belt is visible when a coat or jacket is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: 323, LLC
    Inventors: David Iosilevich, Jill H. Aaron
  • Impact protection device
    Patent number: 9301560
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an impact protection device including a base member, a cushioning layer secured to a peripheral edge of the base member and an impact shield operatively attached to an outer surface of the base member. The impact shield may be deflectable and/or moveable relative to the base member, and may be attached to the base member at a plurality of discrete locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Shock Doctor, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon G. Wong
  • Cardiopulmonary lightning protection garment
    Patent number: 9301558
    Abstract: A cardiopulmonary lightning protection garment fabricated of an electrically conductive textile, or other suitable body shielding material, forms a fast flashover facilitating, electrical shield of at least an upper portion of the body, and includes a region of reduced conductivity adjacent the wearer's heart. The protective garment also includes a grounding member providing a movable connection between the conductive body shield and a local ground plane. Various configurations of the basic garment are contemplated, including a hooded jacket, hooded raincoat, padded vest, rain poncho, and the like. In various embodiments, the grounding member is a strap-like tail attached to the electrical body shield at an upper end, and having a weighted lower end for maintaining a sliding contact with the ground. In other embodiments, the lower end is attached to a wearer's shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Dan Schlager
  • Adhesive mountable stack of removable layers
    Patent number: 9295297
    Abstract: An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Racing Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bart E. Wilson
  • Automatic gloving machine and method and glove package for use therewith
    Patent number: 9295352
    Abstract: Examples described herein relate to a gloving machine for applying gloves to the hands of a person. The gloving machine may include an actuator mounted onto the frame of said gloving machine and operable to generate a movement and a drive assembly coupled to the actuator for advancing a package of gloves having opposing layers from a storage area to a gloving position accessible to the hands of the person to be gloved. The drive assembly may include a first roller positioned adjacent a second roller. The first roller may be configured to rotate in a first direction and the second roller may be configured to rotate in a second direction different from the first direction. The first roller may be attached to one of the opposing layers of the package of gloves by one or more fasteners and the second roller may be attached to the other of the opposing layers of the package of gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Llewellyn Angelo Williams