Patents Examined by Justin M Larson
  • Tie-down bracket for motor vehicle
    Patent number: 10994662
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a tie-down bracket including a latch pivotably coupled to a body. A method includes, among other things, securing a tie-down line to a tie-down bracket of a vehicle. The method further includes monitoring a load applied to the tie-down bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Kevin Berington Johnson
  • Systems and methods for increased operating room efficiency
    Patent number: 10987100
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SHARP FLUIDICS, LLC
    Inventors: Josef E. Gorek, Kenneth B. Trauner, Douglas G. Rimer
  • Pickup truck tailgate storage carrier and resting surface
    Patent number: 10974656
    Abstract: A storage carrier for use with a tailgate of a vehicle. The storage carrier includes a hinge mechanism attachable to an outer face of the tailgate. The storage carrier includes a cabinet including first, opposing second and rear sides. The first side has a resting surface. The cabinet is attached a hinge mechanism adjacent the second and rear sides. The cabinet pivots between stored and deployed positions. In the stored position the first side is disposed adjacent the outer face and generally disposed in a vertical orientation with the tailgate in a closed position. In the deployed position the first side is generally disposed in a horizontal orientation with the resting surface being exposed away from the outer face with the tailgate in a closed position. The storage carrier further includes a cabinet recess formed in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Theodore J. Keck
  • Truck bed swing-out rail for tailgating accessories
    Patent number: 10974657
    Abstract: A rack system for a vehicle includes a first rack member rotatably coupled to a support element in a cargo bed of the vehicle, a second rack member rotatably coupled to the first rack member, and a third rack member coupled to first rack member so as to be rotatable with respect to the first rack member independently of the second rack member. The rack members may be stowed when not in use, and deployed when the vehicle is stationary to enable various accessories to be mounted from the rack members. This enables the accessories to be spatially arranged for use according to user preferences and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Wentworth
  • Simulated areola nipple complex
    Patent number: 10973738
    Abstract: Briefly, a feeding device embodying features of the present invention approximately conforms to the shape of a human breast and includes at least one housing for storing fluid coupled to a dispensing portion having an apertured dispensing tip for delivering the fluid to an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Soody Tronson
  • Reinforced collapsible box
    Patent number: 10974864
    Abstract: A reinforced box includes a body board including a first material, the body board including a bottom panel defining a first bottom side and a second bottom side, the first bottom side positioned opposite from the second bottom side; a first side panel hingedly attached to the first bottom side of the bottom panel; and a second side panel hingedly attached to the second bottom side of the bottom panel; and an end panel including a second material, the second material being different from the first material, the end panel attached to the first side panel and the second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Pratt Corrugated Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Sollie, Jamie Waltermire
  • Carrying box integrateable in an article of clothing
    Patent number: 10966509
    Abstract: A carrying box is releasably attachable to a portion of a piece of clothing. The carrying box has a top section connectable to a bottom section in a sealing manner. The bottom section has a curved bottom face with a curve radius substantially corresponding with the curve shape of a body part of a human being to be covered by the portion of piece of clothing. The carrying box further is arranged for releasable interconnection with said portion of piece of clothing by at least one attachment means, wherein at least one of a curved inward top face of the top section and the curved bottom face of the bottom section is arranged to carry a compress element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Nexim AS
    Inventor: Björn Hovdenakk
  • Fishing rod holder for covered cargo bed
    Patent number: 10960825
    Abstract: A device for transporting and storing fishing rods in a covered pickup truck cargo bed with easy loading or unloading through the tailgate of the truck without removing a cargo bed cover. This reduces entanglement and potential damage of rods, frees up the lower cargo bed for other materials, keeps rods more securely out of sight and out of the weather. Rods are suspended at the upper region of the cargo bed allowing for smaller cargo to be loaded on the floor of the cargo bed beneath the hanging rods without removal of the rod holder either loaded or empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Gerald Darby
  • Ergonomic access personal bullet-proof shield stowage device
    Patent number: 10960827
    Abstract: The Ergonomic Access Personal Bullet-Proof Shield Stowage Device comprises a nearly transparent articulable plurality of tension positioned suspended support arms having auto body window sill securing clips, and shield position retention securing clips seated between and connectively attached to an upper and a lower auto window frame for the purpose of enabling the suspension and stowage of a bullet-proof or bullet-resistant shield for immediate/urgent ergonomic access by a passenger when exiting a passenger vehicle. The Ergonomic Access Personal Bullet-Proof Shield Stowage Device may alternatively be used in any window with an upper and lower sill whereupon to position the window sill securing clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Carl Clifford
  • Plastic corrugated container with soft score line
    Patent number: 10961038
    Abstract: A box formed from a plastic corrugated material with soft score lines is provided. The soft score lines are formed to enable the top flaps of the box to lay substantially flat against the outer surface of the box when folded to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: ORBIS Corporation
    Inventor: Donald J. Balazs
  • Veteran support backpack
    Patent number: 10952522
    Abstract: A backpack that comprises a series of durable fabric panels that have been sewn together to form a soft and expandable container, which has been equipped with ergonomic shoulder straps and numerous features for the homeless individual that help overcome many of the shortcomings and disadvantages of prior art. The d backpack employs a series of adjustable quick-release straps to provide expandability and Velcro connections for detachability. The backpack employs an internal pleated back pad that is removable to be used as a sleeping pad and in combination with a chevron stitch pattern for added support and user comfort. The backpack also has a closure system for closing the top inner liner of a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Backpacks for Life, Inc.
    Inventor: Brett D'Alessandro
  • Secure fit quick release belt system and method for use
    Patent number: 10952509
    Abstract: Disclosed is a quick release tool belt for the waist of a user, which includes a support strap, a release band with belt teeth on a first end and a binding with a release mechanism on the second end and slidably coupled to the release band. The binding has a base, a release rotationally attached to the base with a tooth lock, a tooth coupling rotationally attached to the base and engaged with the release and the release band, and a lever rotationally attached to the release and engaged with the release band with a tightening tooth. When the release is in the engaged position the tooth coupling and the lever are engaged with the release band and when the release is in the release position, the tooth coupling is operably engaged with the release and the tooth coupling and the lever are disengaged with the release band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: TRU-FIT BELTS, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Ray Simpson, James David Nelson
  • Locking bracket for vehicle accessory
    Patent number: 10953817
    Abstract: A locking bracket for a vehicle accessory that has a main portion and a secondary portion, the main portion is configured to position the vehicle accessory in an operating position and includes opposite first and second faces extending between opposite ends, a spring leaf extending from the first face, first and second ribs extending from the second face, the first and second ribs being spaced from one another and having cooperating geometry to provide force to the spring leaf, at least first and second hinges separated by a distance, the first rib being located between the first and second hinges, and a locking mechanism provided on at least one of the ends, the locking mechanism being configured to maintain the vehicle accessory in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Karasik, Mark Muscat
  • Backpack cover with security and safety features
    Patent number: 10952521
    Abstract: A backpack cover protects the backpack and its contents, and/or the user. The cover envelops substantially the entire backpack, allowing the backpack shoulder straps to extend from the cover for use on the user's back. Front latches/locks deter removal of the cover from the backpack, as the latches/locks are between the backpack and the user's back during carrying of the covered backpack on the shoulders. The latches/locks or their connections to the main body of the cover preferably extend through the backpack shoulder straps to further secure the cover to the backpack. A single latch/lock may be selectively unlatched, allowing the cover top portion to be moved from the backpack top end, for quick access to the backpack's main opening and its contents. The cover may have an internal pocket for holding important items, or to contain a bullet-proof/resistant pad or plate, for added security and safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: John Dacen Haag
  • Surfboard rack for vehicles
    Patent number: 10946805
    Abstract: A surfboard rack device has a center post, two bottom receiver rings, and two top retainer loops. The bottom receiver rings may also have flexible netting forming bottom baskets, into which one end of a surfboard is inserted. The other end of the surfboard rests in one of the top retainer loops and is secured by an elasticized strap that hooks to a strap ring on the top retainer loop or a pair of hinged rigid arcs which lock together. The device is mounted on a vehicle either by sliding a trailer hitch insert into the vehicle's trailer hitch receptacle, or by hooking the flat hooks of the rack support over the top and bottom of the vehicle's trunk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Shawn Skoff
  • Combination backpack and baby carrier
    Patent number: 10945518
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination bag and baby carrier that couple together via a harness. The bag and carrier removably couple to the harness with clips and snaps, for example, to allow the use of the bag and carrier at the same time but also to allow the bag to be removed and the user to rest while holding their baby in the carrier. In an embodiment, a wrap carrier can be used and is coupled to the harness to hold the baby in a wrap-type arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: InnovKids Products, LLC
    Inventor: Una Lutin
  • Vacuum pouch for athletics
    Patent number: 10939745
    Abstract: A pouch or pocket may act as a container and may be used to securely hold objects (e.g., cell phone, keys, wallet, etc.) during athletic activity (e.g., running). The pouch may be a standalone item or integrally formed as part of other items. The pouch may hold the object to be stored in place within the pouch or pocket. The pouch may provide some cushioning or impact force attenuation to protect the object being held within the pouch or pocket. Additionally, the pouch may be attached to a garment, such as running clothes. The pouch includes an outer envelope sealable by a closure and a one-way valve with foam layers located inside the pouch. After the object is placed in the pouch, the closure is closed, and the air within the pouch is expelled via the one-way valve by compressing the foam layers from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Cooper, Austin Orand, Nadia M. Panian, Peter P. Williams, II
  • Portable fire safety enclosure system
    Patent number: 10933264
    Abstract: The portable fire safety enclosure system comprises a backpack, a protective cover, an extinguisher, and a breathing apparatus. The backpack may be adapted to be worn by a user to protect the user while the user exits from a burning building. The protective cover may comprise a flame retardant umbrella coupled to a clear flame retardant curtain. The protective cover may be deployed from within the backpack to surround the user and to prevent contact with burning materials. The extinguisher may be activated to spray a fire-suppressing substance from a nozzle located on the top of the protective cover. The extinguisher may extinguish flames that prevent exit from the burning building. The breathing apparatus may be adapted to provide a breathable gas to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher Strouse, Krista Strouse
  • Carrier assembly for a harness
    Patent number: 10932547
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for a harness for carrying a backpack accessory, the carrier assembly including a back plate including connections for shoulder straps and an interface plate adapted to be attached to the backpack accessory. The back plate includes a coupling interface on a rear face arranged to be removably connected to a corresponding coupling interface on a front face of the interface plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Globe (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lennings, Emma Ekberg
  • Adjustable carrier assembly for a harness
    Patent number: 10920928
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for a harness for carrying a motor-driven power tool, the carrier assembly including a back plate and an interface plate including connections for shoulder straps. The back plate includes a coupling interface on a front face arranged to be removably connected to a corresponding coupling interface on a rear face of the interface plate. The coupling interface of the back plate is adapted to be connected to and disconnected from the coupling interface of the interface plate in an at least partially translational or linear movement which is substantially parallel to the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Globe (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Lennings, Emma Ekberg, Minglong Zhong, Doushi Wang