Patents Examined by Fenn C. Mathew
  • Valve assembly for a drinking cup and a drinking cup having a valve assembly
    Patent number: 10213034
    Abstract: A lid assembly includes a closure member and a valve assembly. The closure member has a socket in fluid communication with a liquid passageway. The socket has a wall with a cutout therein. The valve assembly includes a plug adapted for insertion into the socket to form a seal between the socket and the plug. The plug has a base, a side wall, and an interior chamber cooperatively defined by the base and the side wall. A portion of the side wall of the plug with a minimum thickness is disposed adjacent the cutout when the plug is inserted into the socket. The seal formed between the plug and socket is selectively moveable from a sealed configuration to an unsealed configuration by vacuum pressure being applied to the interior chamber of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Handi-Craft Company
    Inventors: Xiangwen Zhang, Douglas Hanneken
  • Golf bag accessory bag
    Patent number: 10201734
    Abstract: A pocket for a golf bag includes a main body defining a storage compartment. The pocket includes a first attachment mechanism movable between an attached state attaching the main body to a first attachment location of the golf bag and a detached state allowing the main body to be separated from the first attachment location. The pocket also includes a second attachment mechanism movable between an attached state attaching the main body to a second attachment location of the golf bag and a detached state allowing the main body to be separated from the second attachment location. The pocket includes a carry mechanism operable to allow the main body to be carried separately from the golf bag when the first attachment mechanism is in the detached state and the second attachment mechanisms is in the detached state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Pactanac, Heather LeAnne Herron, Mark Andrew Alan, Harlan Charles Peden, III, Sherry Lynn Jones, James Huang Lua
  • Multi-material structure and forming of a luggage case
    Patent number: 10201217
    Abstract: A luggage case shell may be formed in a molding step. The luggage case shell may including an outer layer formed from a softer material, and a skeletal frame formed from a harder material. The skeletal frame may support the outer layer. A base frame may be joined to the outer layer and the skeletal frame. The base frame may support a telescoping handle and wheels. A foam layer may be positioned between the skeletal frame and the outer layer. Inner surfaces of the skeletal frame and the foam layer may be substantially co-planar. The outer layer and the skeletal frame may be joined in a pressing or molding operation. During the pressing or molding operation, the shell may also be shaped. The base frame or the foam layer may also be joined to the outer layer and the skeletal in the pressing or molding operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Reinhard Meersschaert
  • Shipping container integrating a sharps disposal container with a new product storage container
    Patent number: 10202222
    Abstract: A shipping container integrates a sharps disposal container with a new product storage container for shipping. The storage container stores new product. A sharps disposal container receives used sharps. One of the storage container and the sharps disposal container is disposed within the other of the storage container and the sharps disposal container for shipping. A lid is adapted to be connected to the outermost container of the sharps disposal container and the storage container for shipping and to a top of the sharps disposal container for receiving used sharps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Charles Hwang, Joshua D. Horvath, Christopher Schlenk, Roman Tunkel, Zenia Zaveri
  • Utility handbag
    Patent number: 10194726
    Abstract: A 2-in-1 handbag with an adjustable compartment system for providing a foundation handbag, an insulated secondary inner handbag with an adjustable compartment system to create separate compartments for storage and organization of items such as wallet, cosmetics, baby items, clothing, shoes, toiletry and/or food within the handbag system. The 2-in-1 handbag with an adjustable compartment system generally includes a foundation handbag, insulated secondary inner handbag with an adjustable compartment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Sherrill W. Mosee
  • Vented bottle
    Patent number: 10195117
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention features nursing bottle. The nursing bottle includes a container for holding a liquid and having a rim defining an open end and a nipple assembly secured to the container at the open end. The nipple assembly includes a flexible nipple extending away from the container and defining an interior nipple volume, a vent bulb disposed within the interior nipple volume and defining an interior bulb volume, a tube extending into the container to a distal end disposed in a closed end of the container, and a vent manifold. The vent manifold defines a first aperture providing fluid communication between the container and the interior nipple volume, a second aperture providing fluid communication between the tube and the interior bulb volume, and a vent conduit providing fluid communication between the interior bulb volume and atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: James J. Britto
  • Frame structure for a luggage article
    Patent number: 10194727
    Abstract: A luggage article may include first and second opposing panels each forming a major face panel, first and second opposing side panels each forming a minor face panel and first and second end panels. The panels together may form an article defining an enclosed space. At least one panel of the major face panels the minor face panels, or the end panels may define a groove adjacent to the periphery thereof. The luggage article may further include a first frame structure having a first frame member. The first frame member may define a ring structure positioned about the periphery of the at least one panel. The first frame member, the at least one panel, and at least one adjacent luggage panel may be joined together by a fastener positioned through the first frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Reinhard Meersschaert, Dirk Santy
  • Inflatable container for feeding babies
    Patent number: 10195116
    Abstract: The invention provides an elastomeric expandable container having a first opening adapted to enable the introduction of a comestible fluid under pressure to inflate the same, and a second opening provided in a nipple-like projection extending from said container and adapted for nursing babies, said second opening being closed by valve means, and said valve means being opened and closed by the natural nursing actions of the baby to enable fluid to flow under pressure of the inflated container through said nipple and out of the opening thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Elchanan Vaserman
  • Purse protecting apparatus and associated use thereof
    Patent number: 10188187
    Abstract: A combined purse and security fastener includes a purse including a storage section and a flexible shoulder strap affixed thereto, and a security fastener slidably coupled to the purse. Such a security fastener includes a flexible chain and a shoulder pad adjustably engaged with the flexible chain. Advantageously, the flexible chain is looped through the flexible shoulder strap and interlinked therewith such that the flexible chain rests along a first axis during use and the flexible shoulder strap rests along a second axis during use. Notably, the first axis intersects the second axis such that the flexible chain overlaps the flexible shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Angela Smith
  • Pinball machine cover systems and methods
    Patent number: 10179682
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for covering a pinball machine. Some systems may include a first shell configured to receive and cover an upper cabinet of a pinball machine. The first shell may include a first-shell fastening apparatus configured to secure the upper cabinet within the first shell. Some systems may include a second shell configured to receive and cover an upper cabinet and a lower cabinet of a pinball machine. The upper cabinet may be folded on top of the lower cabinet and secured to the lower cabinet using a cabinet fastening apparatus. The second shell may include a second-shell fastening apparatus configured to secure the upper and lower cabinet within the second shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Pinball Armor, Inc.
    Inventor: Darren Brehm
  • Device for placing and holding soiled items therein
    Patent number: 10173836
    Abstract: A device (1) for placing and holding soiled items, in particular soiled items such as soiled diapers, therein, comprising a container (2) and a lid (3), wherein the lid (3) includes a hollow cylinder (5), which is open at least at one end (4), in which cylinder (5) a body (6) is capable of reciprocal motion, wherein the lid (3) can pivot relative to the container (2) between a first position, in which an Item can be inserted into the cylinder (5) from outside; and a second position, in which the body (6) can move downward in the cylinder (5) under the influence of the force of gravity so as to push the item into the container (2), and wherein the device (1) is provided with a locking device (12) for locking the lid (3) in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: SANALIFE B.V.
    Inventor: Theodoor Jacobus Robert Schuur
  • Dual configuration bottle assembly
    Patent number: 10166172
    Abstract: A bottle assembly includes a container and a vent assembly positionable at least in part of a rim of the container. A collar assembly generally defines a closure for the container and is releasably engaged with a neck of the container. The collar assembly and the vent assembly are configured relative to one another to permit selective configuration between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the collar assembly urges the vent assembly onto the rim of the container such that at least a majority of a cross-section of a lateral vent of the vent assembly is disposed below the rim. In the second configuration, in which the vent assembly is omitted from the bottle assembly, the collar assembly substantially sealingly engages the rim of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: HANDI-CRAFT COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott Rhodes, Bernard J. Kemper, Charles H. Miller
  • Cookware item with spoon receiving recess
    Patent number: 10165893
    Abstract: Cookware containers are provided with a handle member which also serves as a support to rest a utensil during cooking. Particularly, the spoon supporting handle member is afixed to the cooking container in a laterally aligned direction, rather than the normal perpendicular configuration with respect to a top opening of the container. The container can support a cooking utensil on the spoon supporting handle without having to be moved about on a stove top to avoid burners or the handles of other pots or pans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Alice Gail Smith
  • Rolling collapsible travel luggage
    Patent number: 10159318
    Abstract: A rolling luggage bag includes a cover coupled to a base, the base including a first side opposite a second side and a bottom face extending there between, a first wheel and a second wheel coupled to the base, the first and second wheels configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and separated by a first distance along the axis of rotation, at least a portion of each of the first and second wheels projecting from the first side and from the bottom face, and a third wheel and a fourth wheel coupled to the bottom face, the third and fourth wheels configured to independently swivel about a respective swivel axis and separated by a second distance extending between the swivel axes. When the rolling luggage is in an upright position, the first, second, third, and fourth wheels all contact a surface the luggage bag stands on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. McGuire, Ryan Bruce
  • Air conditioner debris cone
    Patent number: 10156370
    Abstract: An air conditioning (A/C) cover is provided that includes a mesh material configured as a cone. The cone has a lower base circumference that is designed to cover an exhaust fan opening of an A/C unit. The cover can be formed from metal or plastic mesh. In some embodiments a breathable material on a frame is configured as a cone with a lower base circumference that is designed to cover an exhaust fan opening of an A/C unit. A process of protecting an exhaust fan from debris infiltration includes the provision of a flat sheet of a mesh material to an end-user with instructions how to form a cone from the mesh material and how to use fasteners to retain the shape of the cone; and coupling the cone to a housing around the exhaust fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Maynard
  • Flexible, lockable cargo covers and containers
    Patent number: 10150602
    Abstract: A secure flexible and lockable container or cover in which to store items, keep items out of sight or to protect the items being covered and adaptable for use in vehicles comprising a multi-layered sheet which includes an intermediate mesh-like theft-proof layer having an outer surrounding adjustable cable with a locking mechanism, one or more tension anchors to secure the unit in place to a fixed article, a locking mechanism, an anchor mounting platform and cable stays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin Gomolski
  • Garment holder and hamper traveler
    Patent number: 10136712
    Abstract: Solutions may provide for a traveler including a plurality of front two-in-one pockets, each of the front two-in-one pockets having a water repellent hamper pocket inside of a front pocket. The traveler may also include a plurality of hanging straps extending from a top portion of the traveler. In one example, the water repellent hamper pockets and the front pockets are sized to hold approximately an equivalent amount of items. Additionally, the water repellent hamper pockets may include a waterproof material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: LaQuita Taylor-Phillips
  • Luggage bag with organizer
    Patent number: 10123599
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a luggage bag and an overhead luggage bag, which include an outer container and an organizer that is contained therein. The organizer includes a built-in compartment and a plurality of removable foldable compartments. The organizer can be stored within the outer container and covered by an outer flap. The compartments can stack and fold onto each other and can fold into and out of the outer container. The compartments can be removably attached to each other. The compartments can be modular such that the organizer can be configured to include any desired number of compartments. The compartments of the organizer can unfold, deploy, and extend from the outer container. The overhead luggage bag can include one or more easy-access portals through which contents of the luggage bag can be conveniently accessed without fully opening the luggage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: OREGAMI, LLC
    Inventors: David Kao, Richard P. Christen
  • Garment bag
    Patent number: 10104947
    Abstract: Embodiments of a garment bag which not only can be used for storage and transport of garments, but also may be used as a shipping package. The garment bag may compress the contents, reduce or eliminate loose straps, hooks, or other elements which could damage the garment bag during shipping, and protect the contents against water and rough handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Rent The Runway, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Renee Graham, Charles F. Ickes
  • Wine glass
    Patent number: 10098487
    Abstract: A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: govino, LLC
    Inventors: Boyd I. Willat, Joseph T. Perrulli, Amber R. Willat, Paul H. Velick, Gary D. Delgado