Patents Examined by Katherine M Moran
  • Patent number: 11963586
    Abstract: This disclosure shows a belt with a strap made of material which is substantially not elastically extendable. However, the belt adapts itself elastically to changes in the user's waist while maintaining the external appearance of the belts with a strap made of non-extendable material, because it has an elastic insert made of an elastic material, for example in polyester, folded on itself and fixed to an end of the strap in a longitudinally opposite position to a tip of the strap of the belt, and a buckle. The elastic insert is fixed to the strap so as to retain an anchoring bar of the buckle, so that the buckle can be removed longitudinally from the stem with a traction force that overcomes the restoring force of the elastic insert. A method of manufacturing such a belt with an elastic insert, for example in polyester, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: DANKE PELLETTERIA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Daniel Giaconia
  • Patent number: 11957195
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward a garment that is comfortable to wear and can safely, with easy accessibility, securely and inconspicuously store a cell phone and other important items. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a pair of shorts, with an elasticized waistband that can be tightened by a non-elasticized drawstring cord. There is a seamless, knitted inner layer similar to “boy short” style underwear. This seamless, knitted “boy short” style underwear inner layer provides comfort to the user. Two vertical side hip interior pockets are sewn onto the inner liner of the seamless, knitted “boy short” underwear at the hips of the user, making it comfortable for a user to carry a cell phone and/or other items. The shorts have a thin line of reflective fabric sewn into the hip seams and on the hem of the shorts, providing safety for the user during times of low visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Cynthia Bolker
  • Patent number: 11957198
    Abstract: A convertible hat is disclosed. The convertible hat of the present invention comprises: a band (110) coupled to the head of a user; and a brim (120) provided horizontally in a certain area on the front surface of the band (110) to block sunlight. Furthermore, the convertible hat of the present invention preferably includes a pair of shape transformation crowns (130, 130a) that each have one end coupled to the band (110) and the other end spread out over the band (110), and are positioned in either a cap position in which the crowns cover the head of the user, or a sun cap position in which the crowns extend from the side surface of the brim (120) to increase the sun blocking area of the brim (120). Accordingly, a single convertible hat can be used by transforming into the two forms of a cap and a sun cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Min Sok Kim
  • Patent number: 11937654
    Abstract: A device, attachable to a waist band of a garment, facilitates the use of suspenders. An elongate rectangular body of the device has a front surface and a back surface. This body has ratio of length to width that is the range of about 4:1 to about 10:1, and a ratio of width to thickness in the range of about 8:1 to about 20:1. At least one knob having a head held in spaced-apart relationship with the body by a post is used to secure the suspenders. The elongate rectangular body and each knob are formed from a thermoplastic, preferably in an integral manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventors: Randall S. Henson, Randall S. Henson, II
  • Patent number: 11930879
    Abstract: A helmet accessory mounting system includes a mounting device configured to couple to an outer surface of a side of a helmet. The mounting device includes a plurality of mounting locations configured to removeably couple to at least one accessory. A plurality of the plurality of mounting locations each includes an electrical node. A power supply is coupled to the mounting device. An electrical supply line electrically couples the power supply to each of the electrical nodes and the electrical supply line is contained at least partially within the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Franzino, Stephen Bourque, Scott W. James, Daniel Berry, Ross Fade Barber, Zoltan S. Brutler
  • Patent number: 11925231
    Abstract: Protective goggles for human use including a pair of protective goggles for human use with at least one lens, an upper edge that is positioned against the user's forehead and a lower edge that is positioned against the user's cheek. Each of the user's eyes are covered by a separate section of lens and each of these sections extends along at least one line of curvature. It is intended that each lens section has a first and a second line of curvature that, at least in substantial part, are positioned transversely to one another, and along which the individual sections of lens extend; furthermore, that the lines of curvature of one lens section are inclined towards the lines of curvature of the other lens section in terms of their positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Moldex-Metric, Inc.
    Inventors: Torben Skov, Roman Skov
  • Patent number: 11918062
    Abstract: A clothing article having a support member is provided. The clothing article includes an outer shell, a portion of the outer shell being dimensioned to fit loosely on a body of a wearer. A support structure has a support member supporting the body of the wearer when positioned thereon, and fits snugly on the body of the wearer, At least one tether portion extends between the support member and at least one connection region that is secured to the outer shell. At least a part of the at least one tether portion is dimensioned to enable the outer shell to move substantially freely relative to the support member when the clothing article is worn by the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: LUNAR APPAREL LTD.
    Inventors: Charles Ryan Corrigan, Bastien Jourde, Philippe Lefebvre, Audrey Labelle
  • Patent number: 11910858
    Abstract: A helmet for work or sports, including a structure having a substantially convex outer surface and a substantially concave inner surface; a protective body of polystyrene, having a first portion engageable to the inner surface and a second portion having a concavity for receiving the head of a user. The protective body includes: a base element made up of a first material for shock and/or impacts absorption having a predetermined first density value, the base element having a concave surface defining the concavity and a housing cavity facing away with respect to the concave surface; a protective insert made of a second material for shock and/or impact absorption having a second predetermined different density value, preferably lower, than the first density value of the first material, the protective insert being at least partially insertable in the housing cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: KASK S.P.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Gotti
  • Patent number: 11896889
    Abstract: A hip thrust exercise guard comprising a pad, a bar insert in the pad to hold the bar of a barbell, and an adjustable band. The bar insert grips the bar of a barbell to prevent slippage during the hip thrust exercise, while still allowing slight side to side adjustments, in order to center the bar in the safest and most comfortable position. The attached adjustable band secures the pad around the hip in the optimal position for comfort, protection, and stability. The pad's soft foam construction and sculpted design contours to the hip area of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventors: David Stubbers, Christopher Maier
  • Patent number: 11896063
    Abstract: Free cut edges on undergarments help to minimize the appearance of visible panty lines. However, typical free cut undergarments are flat and do not conform to the shape of the body. The undergarment disclosed herein has free cut edges and a gusset panel that addresses the limitations of existing free cut undergarments. The gusset panel is gathered along its left and right edges using elastic thread or elastic bands. The gathering provides elasticity and shape to the gusset panel, and limits the extent to which the gusset panel slides and becomes displaced on the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Spanx, LLC
    Inventors: Wendy Hanson Allen, Deneb Torano
  • Patent number: 11896071
    Abstract: New garment-fastening techniques are provided. In some embodiments, a new form of adjustable hair tie is provided. In some such embodiments, a new form of scrunchie is provided. In some embodiments, the new form of scrunchie includes widely-variable, user-adjustable tension, elastic cushioning disposed on or about a contact area with a user's hair, and a smooth (e.g., silk) surface. In some embodiments, the contact area surrounds and defines a central hair-gripping void with a user-variable size, and includes a substantially flattened support and profile. In some embodiments, a new form of waistband, wristband, or other clothing-fastening band of material is provided. In some such embodiments, a new form of garment enhancement device, incorporating a unique pattern of alignment- and grip-enhancing sub-elements, is provided on or about such a band, which improves garment positioning, and provides a non-stick hold on a user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventors: Ashley Merrill, Alisha Lipman, Kathryn Kirby
  • Patent number: 11889880
    Abstract: An improved design for a helmet to reduce injuries caused by helmet-to-helmet collisions. Certain embodiments include novel quick release features that permit the detachment of a facemask from a helmet in 30 seconds or less so as to attend to an injured player in a rapid fashion. Other aspects relate to impact energy absorbing constructions employing an inner layer, an outer layer spaced apart from the inner padding layer, at least one layer that includes an array of polygonal structures, and at least one layer having a shock-absorbing elastomer, a visco-elastic polymer, an impact dispersing gel, or shape memory material. Still other embodiments include a wireless device with a sensor module coupled to the football helmet generating sensor data in response to an impact to the football helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventors: Carter J. Kovarik, Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 11877611
    Abstract: Provided is a glove comprising an outer shell comprising a back portion; and a mirror secured to the back portion at one or more points, where the mirror can be adjusted to a plurality of positions on the back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jacque
  • Patent number: 11871808
    Abstract: A nape pad for use with a helmet, the nape pad comprising: a base comprised of a rigid material and having an outer surface and an inner surface, a left side and a right side, and a top edge and a bottom edge, the outer surface being generally convex from the left side to the right side and having an upper portion proximate the top edge and a lower portion proximate the bottom edge, the upper portion being generally smooth and configured to extend into and slide along an inner surface of the helmet, the inner surface of the base being generally concave from the left side to the right side; a fastener coupled to the lower portion of the base and configured to releasably couple to a retention system of the helmet; and at least one compressible comfort pad coupled to the inner surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Hanudel, Duco Noordzij
  • Patent number: 11864615
    Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes a shell and a shock absorbing liner attached to the shell. The shock absorbing liner includes a cavity. The helmet a shock absorbing insert formed of a material different than the material of the shock absorbing liner. The cavity is configured to retain the shock absorbing insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignees: Smith Sport Optics, Inc., Koroyd SARL
    Inventors: James A. Chilson, John Lloyd, James Rogers, Piers Storey
  • Patent number: 11850189
    Abstract: Goggles include a goggle frame, a goggle strap, and a goggle strap connector. The goggle strap has a direction of strap tension when the goggles are worn by a user. The goggle strap connector includes a female bracket and a male bracket. The female bracket is directly coupled to the goggle frame or the goggle strap, including first and second bracket walls, a channel defined between the bracket walls, projections, and recesses. The male bracket is configured to mateably couple to the female bracket, including a sliding bar and an enlarged bar end. First movement of the goggle strap in the strap tension direction may move at least one of the bar bumps of the enlarged bar end past at least one of the projections to position the at least one of the bar bumps within at least one of the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Ximena Prugue, David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11849780
    Abstract: A garment includes a torso portion adapted to cover a wearer's torso; a first sleeve extending from the torso portion at a proximal end of the first sleeve; a second sleeve extending from the torso portion at a proximal end of the second sleeve; a first flap spanning between the torso portion and the first sleeve; and a second flap spanning between the torso portion and the second sleeve. One or more openings along a side of the first flap adjacent to the torso portion and one or more openings along a side of the second flap adjacent to the torso portion are adapted to allow a personal flotation device vest to be secured to the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Eric William McMullin
  • Patent number: 11844390
    Abstract: Helmets and methods for manufacturing a helmet are described. An example helmet includes a shell and a shock absorbing liner attached to the shell. The shock absorbing liner includes a cavity. The helmet a shock absorbing insert formed of a material different than the material of the shock absorbing liner. The cavity is configured to retain the shock absorbing insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignees: Smith Sport Optics, Inc., Koroyd SARL
    Inventors: James A. Chilson, John Lloyd, James Rogers, Piers Storey
  • Patent number: 11832676
    Abstract: A helmet with an automatic vent that is normally open and responds to external air pressure to close. The vent is pivotally mounted to the body of the helmet to move between a closed position, wherein the vent does not permit any flow of air into the cavity of the body, and an open position, wherein the vent allows the flow of air into the cavity of the body. A spring provides a biasing force that urges the vent into the open position. The biasing force provided by the spring is overcome by air pressure on the vent when the helmet is in motion so that the vent closes. The vent may be a windshield that closes when the user travels at a predetermined velocity and opens when the user is stationary, thereby avoiding the need for the user to manually open and close the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Shary Nassimi
  • Patent number: 11825896
    Abstract: A glove includes a glove body configured to cover a hand of a wearer. The glove body has an outermost layer including cellulose particles and constituting an outer surface of the glove. At least some of the cellulose particles are at least partially exposed from the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: SHOWA GLOVE CO.
    Inventors: Kodai Kozuki, Kotaro Yoshimoto, Daisuke Kobayashi