Patents Examined by Corey Skurdal
  • Patent number: 9862296
    Abstract: A cup holder system is provided for a motor vehicle. The cup holder system includes a storage bin having a housing and a cover. Further the cup holder system includes a cup holder, a first mounting feature in the storage bin for receiving and holding the cup holder in a first use position and a second mounting feature at a second location in the motor vehicle outside the storage bin for receiving and holding the cup holder in a second use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Parlow, John Louis Miklas, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello, David Frederick Lyons, Jr., Anthony Michael Zingalie
  • Patent number: 9862439
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bicycle carrier having a support mast, an elongate support member extending from the support mast, and a cradle disposed along the elongate support member. The cradle is for receiving a fork crown of a bicycle. The cradle includes a first hook member extending angularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support member and a second hook member extending angularly relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support member. The first hook member and the second hook member are spaced-apart so as to allow the fork crown to be received by the cradle. A head tube of the bicycle is disposed between the first hook member and the second hook member. The first hook member and the second hook member are disposed between fork tubes of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: North Shore Racks, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm Thomas Hammond
  • Patent number: 9862330
    Abstract: A three-dimensional rack useful in a pick-up truck or trailer having a bed with raised vertical side walls and a hinged rear tailgate. The rack has a first crossbar the ends of which are pivotally received at the opposed inside walls of the truck or trailer bed, a pair of matched spaced apart arms affixed to the first crossbar and a second crossbar affixed to said pair of arms, the arms being shaped so that the crossbars are horizontally and vertically displaced from each other while being parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dennis Sayegh, Michelle Marie Messang Sayegh
  • Patent number: 9862329
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a housing connected to one or more articulating arms. The housing may have a receiving section, such as a holster, for receiving an item for storage. The articulating arms may position the housing in a concealed location and then on command reposition the housing in a more readily accessible location so that the item may be retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Fesler Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Fesler, Christopher Cowen
  • Patent number: 9861178
    Abstract: A system and method for attaching a device to a user includes securing a first plate to a user. The first plate can be secured to the user, for example, via one or more straps and/or a hook and loop fastener. The system and method further include securing a second plate to the first plate, wherein an article of the user's clothing is sandwiched in between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and second plate may be secured to each other by a magnetic connection, by engagement of a sliding pin that pierces a portion of the first plate and the second plate, or a combination of a magnetic connection and an engagement of a sliding pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: WatchGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert V. Vanman, Jim Dulaney, Larry Hall, Gary Burton, James Walter Exner
  • Patent number: 9856895
    Abstract: The present invention comprises generally a friction hinge to hoist a display unit above a base and suspend it in the air to a unique cantilevered viewing position. The universal support has the shape of the base in an “H” or “I” configuration with angled feet to maximize stability when resting on the chest. The “H” shape is designed to fit well around the user's breasts. The base is reversible around the cantilever arm such that the top surface of the base may either face up or down such that the base may rest against an uneven surface with the top surface of the base facing up and may rest against a flat surface with the top surface of the base facing down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Sean Kieley
  • Patent number: 9849843
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mounting bracket configured to mount to an outer surface of a body panel of a vehicle, a latch mechanism coupled to the mounting bracket, and an elongate member detachable from the mounting bracket and insertable into the opening. The elongate member comprises a body and a handle comprising a rod having a diameter smaller than the opening to allow the elongate member to be inserted into and removed from the opening; a handle comprising a coupling mechanism configured to engage with the latch mechanism so that the elongate member can be secured to the mounting bracket such that, when secured, at least a portion of the body of the elongate member is positioned within an inside cavity of the body panel; and a detachable coupling mechanism configured to detachably engage with one or more tool ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew W. S. Kogut
  • Patent number: 9848686
    Abstract: A backpack which includes at least one panel defining an interior compartment adapted to store objects for transport in the backpack, wherein the at least one panel has a bodyfacing surface. The backpack further includes a pair of shoulder straps attached to the at least one panel for use in carrying the backpack on a user's back, each of the shoulder straps having another bodyfacing surface. A bodyside liner covers the bodyfacing surfaces of the at least one panel and the pair of shoulder straps. The bodyside liner is free from attachment to the at least one panel and the shoulder straps except along a peripheral edge of the bodyside liner, wherein the peripheral edge of the bodyside liner is attached to the at least one panel and the pair of the shoulder straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Exxel Outdoors, LLC
    Inventor: Erin E. Doubleday
  • Patent number: 9844255
    Abstract: A cover-type containing structure for flexible enclosures primarily includes a front cover sheet, a rear cover sheet and a flexible enclosure. The front cover sheet includes a first joining edge and a cover piece, whereas the rear cover sheet includes a cover assembly corresponding to the cover piece. The flexible enclosure includes a second joining edge and by engaging the first joining edge with the second joining edge, the front cover sheet and the flexible enclosure are fixed. Besides, the containing structure further includes a holding portion. Under a contained state, the holding portion is used to contain smaller objectives; whereas, in an unfolded state, in addition to using the flexible enclosure to contain larger objectives, the holding portion can be also used to contain smaller objectives. The present invention can be also applied to a piece of clothing combined with a bag unit or other flexible enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Che-Wen Lin
  • Patent number: 9839280
    Abstract: A bottom opening back-strap-bucket with an adjustable lever. A bucket or large container body has a bottom opening, operable by a lever that permits an operator to pick up, carry and deposit items, leaving the operator's hands free when traveling. The invention utilizes leg and upper body strength, which allows the operators hands and arms to rest or be available for other tasks, such as for loading. The invention allows a user to travel anywhere, even hauling or carry heavy items up and down steps or ladders. The lever is operable to open the bottom plate to deposit items carried within the bucket at a selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Keith J. Wingfield
  • Patent number: 9841253
    Abstract: Described herein is an adapter for converting a single sling mount to dual-sling mount. The adapter comprises a body having a modified “H” configuration with two opposing legs joined to two outwardly extending arms. The two opposing legs each have a transverse bore linearly aligned with one another. Each outwardly extending arm also has a transverse bore. The resulting gun sling assembly allows one to carry the gun across one's back in a backpack fashion. An adapter having a modified “Y” configuration allows one to carry a military-style gun across one's back in a backpack fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Kyle Anthony
  • Patent number: 9839302
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide infant carrying devices. In particular, embodiments described herein provide infant inserts to carry an infant in a child carrier. Inserts according to various embodiments can comprise a flexible panel having a curved shape that narrows toward one end of the panel. The panel can define a front opening to an area to hold the infant. A cushion can be disposed at the bottom of the area to hold the infant. The infant insert can be adapted to support an infant in a wearer facing position with the infant's knees raised. In particular, embodiments of infant inserts can be adapted to promote a spread-squat-position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: The Ergo Baby Carrier, Inc.
    Inventor: Karin Annette Frost
  • Patent number: 9834152
    Abstract: A load carrier foot includes a support body having a support surface configured to rest against a first surface of a vehicle, a first bracket configured to grip about a second surface of the vehicle, a second bracket configured to grip about a third surface of the vehicle, and a tensioning arrangement configured to impart a clamping force at between the support surface and the first and the second brackets to retain the load carrier foot to the vehicle. The first and the second brackets are pivotally connected to each other. A load carrying foot according to the present invention has relatively few components while still providing a rigid and strong connection to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Stefan Almhill, Claes Johansson
  • Patent number: 9833056
    Abstract: A shoulder sling retainer comprising a substantially planar exterior directed wall flanked on one end thereof by an abutment wall which extends substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The retainer is configured such that the shoulder sling rests atop the exterior directed wall, and is prevented from sliding off of the exterior directed wall via the abutment wall. A bottom side of the retainer, which is oppositely situated from the exterior directed wall, is configured to rest securely on a shoulder portion of a garment, and, to that end, has a generally concave configuration. An engagement member that secures the retainer to a shoulder portion of the garment may be integrally formed with the bottom side of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Erwin A. Brown
  • Patent number: 9833058
    Abstract: An electronic device harness assembly includes a yoke that may be placed around a neck of a user. A harness is movably coupled to the yoke. The harness may be positioned on a chest of the user when the yoke is worn around the user's neck. A clamp is movably coupled to the harness and the clamp may be positionable at a selected angle with respect to the user's chest. The clamp may engage an extrinsic electronic device. Thus, the extrinsic electronic device may be positioned at an accessible location with respect to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Chester Bryant
  • Patent number: 9833893
    Abstract: A drop-prevention pouch for a cordless power tool has a battery pack that defines a battery pack perimeter. The drop-prevention pouch includes a pouch floor and a sidewall extending transversely from the pouch floor and having a sidewall rim portion defining a pouch opening. The pouch floor and the pouch sidewall define a chamber sized to receive the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the cordless power tool. A flexible conduit extends along the sidewall rim portion. A drawstring extends through the flexible conduit and is capable of restricting the pouch opening to be smaller than the battery pack perimeter, thereby preventing the drop-prevention pouch from being removed from the battery pack when the battery pack is attached to the cordless power tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau
  • Patent number: 9827915
    Abstract: The Expandable Cargo Rack System (ECRS) is a cargo rack assembled from a front section, a rear section and one or more intermediate sections that are interconnected in a sequential string with one or more intermediate sections to change the length of the rack. An alternative embodiment of the (ECRS) has a forward section with a gradual downward slope to contour a windshield of an automobile as an ornamental feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan Patrick Chappell
  • Patent number: 9828045
    Abstract: A spare wheel carrier for a vehicle includes a wheel frame having an upright axis, a rotary bearing, and multiple surface-mountable linear slides. The wheel frame includes a hub and multiple outboard generally planar wheel-bearing wheel faces. The wheel faces have circumferentially-spaced respective inclined orientations whereby the wheel faces are inclined towards one another in a converging relationship, and each wheel face is configured to support a spare wheel on its side in its inclined orientation. The rotary bearing is configured to support the wheel frame, by its hub, for axial rotation. The linear slides, on the other hand, are configured to carry a bridge between them, and support the rotary bearing, and the wheel frame, via the rotary bearing, on the bridge for radial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Harris, Scott L. Frederick
  • Patent number: 9826816
    Abstract: A modular wearable object includes a main body, two combination plates, and a carrier. The main body includes a main portion and at least one extension portion. The extension portion extends outward from an end of the main portion. A part of each of the combination plates is fixed on the extension portion. Each of the combination plates has a first connecting portion located on a surface thereof facing the main body. The carrier includes a bearing portion and a positioning portion, wherein a space is formed therebetween to be passed through by the main portion. The positioning portion has a second connecting portion located on a surface thereof opposite to the main portion. The second connecting portion is adapted to be detachably engaged with each of the first connecting portions. A relative position between the main body and the carrier can be adjusted, and the carrier is replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Teng-Yao Chang
  • Patent number: 9826819
    Abstract: A tool bag includes: a main bag body having an upward opening, defining a receiving space, wherein a periphery defining the upward opening is stitched in such a manner to form a space for receiving a flexible edge plate such that the upward opening defines a gap that gradually decreases from a middle portion toward two opposite ends of the middle portion. Two flexible sheets are attached to inner side surfaces of the bag body to define an upper opening proximate to the upward opening and a lower bottom that is distal from the upward opening, that is located within the receiving space and that define a cross section smaller than the upper opening so as to prevent falling of tool from the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Castip Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Heng-Fong Huang