Patents Examined by Gary L. Welch
  • Patent number: 7788738
    Abstract: A versatile self-adjusting accessory is disclosed. The accessory has a base member and the base member includes a self-adjusting member of shorter length than the base member, and the self-adjusting member may be coupled to an inner portion of the base member. An end portion of one or more assemblies of streamer members may be coupled to an inner portion of the base member. A portion of the base member may self-adjust to conform to an outer surface of an object when an opposite end of the one or more streamer members is coupled to at least one of a portion of the object and a portion of the self-adjusting accessory. Methods of producing and using the self-adjusting accessory, as well as kit comprising the self-adjusting accessories are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Scarlett Haworth
  • Patent number: 7784654
    Abstract: A collapsible clothes hanger particularly for use while traveling comprises upper and lower segments of a triangular-shaped hanger hingedly attached thereto each other with a hinge. This hinge allows the hanger to fold in half to a collapsed state. Because the hanger apparatus conveniently fits in a suitcase, it is ideal for travel. To unfold to a deployed state, the lower segment is opened and locked in place. An alternate embodiment is adapted to accept multiple articles of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Geraldo Mercado
  • Patent number: 7784115
    Abstract: Foot Alignment Socks are a uniquely designed adaptation of regular socks used to alleviate minor foot problems. Foot Alignment Socks differ from traditional socks in that there is no covered toe assembly. Instead the socks have four separators which fit in between the toes. They are cylindrical and sturdy yet soft and yielding as they are constructed from the same fabric as the body of the sock. The separators stretch and align toes into proper position in respect to the rest of the foot. This toe alignment counters the harmful effects of daily foot compression and stress caused by tight and ill-fitting shoes as well as relieving foot pain from excess walking, standing, jogging, or strenuous sports and activities. With consistent use Foot Alignment Socks soothe and straighten crooked and deformed toes. They are ideal as an over-night foot maintenance treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Eva Nemcik
  • Patent number: 7784112
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holder for removably securing a magnetizable golf ball marker. The holder is preferably made of a resilient material. A magnet is secured to the holder such that the magnet is flush with the outer surface of the holder. The holder includes a raised ridge appropriately shaped to mate with and properly position the marker over the magnet. The marker is removed by sliding the marker away from the magnet and over the ridge or through a gap in the ridge. To aid in sliding the marker over the ridge, a sloped portion of the holder surface within the ridge causes the marker to tilt when pressure is applied to the marker to slide the marker off the magnet. A sloped portion adjacent a gap in the ridge can also tilt the marker for ease in grasping the marker when lifting the marker off the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Shwartz, Charles Lord
  • Patent number: 7779487
    Abstract: A glove used for roping steer and other animals such as in rodeo competition and ranching has a front side, which covers a wearer's palm and a palm side of the wearer's fingers, and a back side, which covers the wearer's hand and the back of the wearer's fingers. The front and rear sides of the glove are joined by thread. The front side is made of a woven fabric that has an outer layer of one hundred percent aramid fiber such as Kevlar®, and an inner layer of a woven and breathable fiber, the inner layer and outer layer being joined by glue. The fibers are preferably in yarn form. Both the inner and outer layer along with the glue have a weight of about 245 gm/m2 of material, plus or minus 50 gm/m2 of material. The wearer holds the rope having it rest on the middle finger and guides the rope with the index finger and thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Bitzer
  • Patent number: 7780028
    Abstract: A cooling tray for keeping food cool is provided. The cooling tray has a body that at least partially defines a cooling chamber for a cooling medium. A lid is included and is located on one end of the body. A first container is releasably attachable to the lid. At least a portion of a side and a bottom of the first container are located in the cooling chamber when the first container is attached to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Todd Michael Hoffine
  • Patent number: 7775410
    Abstract: A hanger includes first and second holding members, for reversibly grasping a pair of boots, which members are spaced apart from one another along a first axis and along a second axis, the first being approximately orthogonal to the second, and both the first and second being approximately orthogonal to vertical. This spacing allows the pair of boots to be held side-by-side so that a heel portion of one boot of the pair is approximately aligned with an arch portion of the mating boot. The hanger may include a neck and a pair of arms, which extend from the neck to support the holding members, and the neck and arms of the hanger may be formed from a single piece of wire. A holding device may include both the hanger and a covering to fit around the boots held by the hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Boottique, Inc.
    Inventor: Lindsay J. Zamzow
  • Patent number: 7774859
    Abstract: In order to provide a garment which incorporates a plaything which can be operated within an element of surprise, the garment comprises a concealment space such as a pocket (2), in which a plaything such as glove puppet (8) can be stored. The concealment space comprises a concealment aperture (9). There is an operating aperture (10) through which a wearer may place their hand in order to operate the plaything. The plaything is configured to have a first position in which it is stored in an interior of the concealment space (2) and a second position in which it extends through the concealment space aperture (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Pocket Puppets Ltd.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Murray, Rebecca J. Nagan
  • Patent number: 7774861
    Abstract: A non-fabric head or body band is made from compressed cellulose pop-up sponge material for cooling the wearer. The band comprises a reversible strip of pop-up sponge material in which one or more holes or passageways are formed, the ends of which are connected by an elastic band. The band is wetted causing the pop-up sponge material to expand, such that the inner and outer surfaces are approximately ?th of an inch apart, between which is held a supply of water/liquid. The inner surface is substantially in contact with the wearer, while the outer surface is exposed to the elements. During the cooling process, the strip draws heat and/or sweat away from the user, into the cellulose material, and toward the outer surface of the strip, allowing relatively rapid evaporation of sweat and dissipation of heat from the cellulose material as it is cooled from exposure to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Donald H. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7775353
    Abstract: A mechanism cooperable with the stand mechanism in a stand golf bag secures the clubs in position when the bag is not on the ground and releases the clubs when the bag is set on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Alan M. Kagen
  • Patent number: 7770236
    Abstract: A detachable collar is provided. The collar is useful in association with a garment including a permanent collar. The detachable collar includes a collar body which includes a front side, a back side, and an interfacing layer. The collar body may be substantially trapezoidal, and variable in length. The collar body also includes a left pocket and a right pocket, which engage the permanent collar. The pockets are located on the back side of the collar body. The detachable collar also includes at least one fastener coupled to the collar body. The fasteners may be located at the base and on the back side of the collar body. The fasteners may be configured to engage the permanent collar, or a collarless garment along the neckline. The fasteners may include a pin and a cap. The pin pierces the permanent collar, and the cap in turn engages the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Lori Gulisano
  • Patent number: 7770239
    Abstract: A suspension system and chin strap assembly for a helmet including two downwardly extending top straps; strap adjusters coupled proximate the end portions of each top strap; a helmet attachment means coupled to each of the top straps; a headband coupled to each of the top straps; a front strap that is adjustably coupled to a first front strap adjuster and a second front strap adjuster; a nape pillow pad is coupled to the front strap, and a portion of a quick release buckle and a strap ring are slideably coupled to the front strap; a chin strap coupled to the quick release buckle and a strap ring; and a back strap that is adjustably coupled to a first back strap adjuster and a second back strap adjuster and attached to a nape pillow pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventors: Marty Goldman, Fredrick W. Storms, Jr., Eric M. Yeates, Thomas A. Marx
  • Patent number: 7765622
    Abstract: A replacement pad kit for use in an Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) system helmet comprises a plurality of replacement pads for disposition within an ACH helmet. At least one of the replacement pads comprises a fabric layer for contacting the skin of a wearer, an anti-bacterial hydrophilic foam layer, a shock absorption SRF foam layer, and a hook and loop fastener material for engaging some of the plurality of pad receiving hook and loop type fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: William A. Wiles
  • Patent number: 7765617
    Abstract: An apparatus including an inner face, an outer face coupled to the inner face, an opening for receiving a hand of a wearer, and means for separating the pocket created by the coupling of the inner and outer face such that the apparatus fits securely around the wearer hand. A thumb covering is connected to the apparatus in order to allow the wearer to fully use an opposable thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Foreston Trends
    Inventor: David A. Alden
  • Patent number: 7765614
    Abstract: A disposable wearing diaper includes a front panel section and a rear panel section facing each other so as to define respective waist regions. The rear panel section overlaps the outer side of the front panel section and these front and rear panel sections are connected to each other along transversely opposite side edges of the respective panel sections. The disposable diaper has finger-grips provided at positions on an upper end of the rear panel section at which the rear panel section overlap the front panel section. The finger-grip comprises a proximal zone and a distal zone extending from the proximal zone which is contiguous to the rear panel section and the distal zone is placed aside with respect to the proximal zone toward a lower end of the rear panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Shunsuke Takino, Takayuki Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 7757311
    Abstract: A seat pad for a cyclist garment, including a first side, an opposing second side, perforations formed through the seat pad so as to traverse from the first side to the second side and allowing passage of fluid therethrough, and at least one channel defined in the first side connecting together at least two of the perforations and being configured to direct fluid flow when the garment is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Louis Garneau Sports Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Garneau
  • Patent number: 7757909
    Abstract: A garment hanger for lingerie. The hanger includes a hook, an elongate body suspended below the hook and engaging members at the ends of the body. Each engaging member includes a one first leg flexibly connected at one end to the body and at the other end to a second leg. As a result the two legs and the body form an S-shape that acts as a spring to maintain tension in front display portion of the garment hung on the hanger. The engaging member also ensures that any excess material of the garment not forming part of the display portion is held out of view at the back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Mainetti (UK) Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Edward Jones
  • Patent number: 7752682
    Abstract: A personal protection system is mountable to a user for distributing air to the user includes a shell providing structure. A fan module is supported by the shell for generating a flow of air. Cushioning is provided between the fan module and the shell to reduce vibrations and noise. The fan module includes a fan with blades having an airfoil shape for added noise reduction. An air flow channel is in fluid communication with the fan module for routing the flow of air. A pair of nozzle tips are in fluid communication with the air flow channel and are rotatably adjustable to allow directional adjustment of the flow of air toward a neck of the user. The personal protection system also includes a face shield with multiple removable layers which are sterilized as a unit using gamma radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. VanDerWoude, Bruce D. Henniges, Richard F. Huyser, Marshall K. Proulx
  • Patent number: 7753241
    Abstract: A hanger for suspending multiple articles, such as automotive floor mats, is injection-molded in one piece from a suitable polymer. The hanger has at least four stationary article gripping members and four mobile article gripping members which are fastenable to respective ones of the stationary gripping members. Article-supporting fingers of the stationary gripping members extend horizontally away from the hanger body, two in one direction and two in another. The stationary gripping members are arranged in pairs, with one member in a pair extending in one direction, and the other member of the pair extending in an opposite direction. In one embodiment, a shared structural plate makes up a portion of the “C” channel for each gripping member in the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: MacNeil IP LLC
    Inventor: Frederick W. Masanek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7748581
    Abstract: A three-dimensional collar shape retaining hanger prevents collars of a plurality of garments from being crushed and is capable of being stacked in a large number. The hanger has a hook portion and a hanger body. Between the hook portion and the hanger body, a connecting plate part which is a central collar supporting portion body is provided to connect the hook portion and the hanger body. A pair of first curved parts which protrudes toward a rear side of the hanger so as to abut on a rear neck portion of a collar is connected to right and left sides of the connecting plate part. To end portions of the first curved parts, a pair of second curved parts is connected at each distal end thereof. Each base end of the second curved parts is connected to the hanger body. A portion between the distal end and the base end of each of the second curved parts protrudes toward the front side of the hanger so as to abut on an inside of a front portion of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Maruso Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Yamada