Patents Examined by Lester L. Vanterpool
  • Patent number: 11453345
    Abstract: This disclosure details multi-purpose brackets for mounting accessory devices within vehicle cargo spaces. Exemplary multi-purpose brackets include a doubling flange, a first opening formed through the doubling flange, and a second opening formed through another location of the bracket. A first accessory device may be mounted within the first opening, and a second accessory device may be mounted within the second opening. The multi-purpose bracket may be formed in a stamping process that involves folding and clinching the doubling flange to a platform of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Weyrauch, Joseph Prescott Hickey, Michael Kozak, Jeffry Smith
  • Patent number: 11452361
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an external frame of a backpack system and a game strap. The external frame includes a horizontal and vertical sections. The horizontal section is pivotably coupled to the bottom of the vertical section. The horizontal section rotates between a vertical position and a horizontal position. The horizontal section supports the vertical section in a vertical position when the horizontal section is in the horizontal position. A bottom of the game strap is coupled to an end of the horizontal section of the external frame. The end is distal to where the horizontal section pivotably couples to the vertical section. A top of the game strap is coupled to the vertical section of the external frame. The game strap includes openings sized to accommodate a snout of a head of an animal. The bottom or the top of the game strap are releasably coupled to the external frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: ROKMAN, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Hoge, Zachary K. Hillman, Brandon J. Bair
  • Patent number: 11447053
    Abstract: A retractable cup holder is provided, including: a main base, disposed with a plurality of guide grooves inside located at different heights, and with a placement surface as a top; a gear set, located inside the main base; at least three surrounding arms, each including a sliding element and a surrounding element connected to each other, the sliding element being located movably in the corresponding guide groove; the plurality of the surrounding elements being erected around the main base, each peripheral gear being positioned corresponding to the sliding element, and the actuating gear meshing with the actuating rack; when one of the surrounding arms moving, the rest of the surrounding arms moving synchronously through the meshed gear set; a stopper; partially restricted in the main base but movable for a short distance; after the stopper engaging a sliding element, the surrounding arm becoming unable to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Eagle Fan
  • Patent number: 11432639
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a versatile sling system, apparatus and hub, the apparatus and system comprising a strap having a first end, a second end, a width, and an adjustable length, the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap being coupled such that the strap forms a loop; and a hub coupled to the strap such that the hub is suspended from the loop. The hub of the apparatus is configured to releasably attach at least one accessory, such as a handle or leash; the system configured to allow the wearer of the strap to transfer at least a portion of the weight and/or force of an item or animal being carried by the wearer and/or attached to the at least one accessory to the torso and shoulder of the wearer. The disclosure further relates to accessories compatible with the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: LifeHandle, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph S. Wold, Brendan Truscott
  • Patent number: 11426324
    Abstract: A load-reducing massage backpack comprising the pack body and the back belt. An interlayer with an upper opening is arranged on the pack body against the back, an elastic fixed laminate is provided in the interlayer, the lower end of the fixed laminate is provided at the bottom of the interlayer and the upper end can extend out of the opening and is connected to the back belt, and the back of the pack body is against the waist and the massage apparatus. The present invention overcomes the defects existing in the prior backpack without massage function and in the prior massagers which only massage the waist, shoulder or back alone but cannot massage these positions simultaneously. An elastic fixed laminate is arranged on the backpack and a massage apparatus is disposed on the fixed laminate to massage the waist, shoulder and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Li Zhijian
  • Patent number: 11412838
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable coupling system is configured with a retractable coupler that is tethered to a coupler body to retain valuable item to a person or other item. An extendable coupling system has a dual coupler having a fixed coupler that is stationary, or configured on the coupler body and a retractable coupler that is coupled to the coupler body by a tether. The retractable coupler may be coupled to a valuable item, such as a mobile phone and the fixed coupler may be coupled to a person clothing, such as to a belt loop, for example. The user may then extend the tether to use their mobile phone and place the phone back into a pocket when not in use. The tether may prevent the valuable item, such as the mobile phone, from dropping to the ground and being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventors: Michele Amoroso, John H. Phares, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11414020
    Abstract: A retractable load carrier system for a vehicle comprising a rail assembly comprising a first rail and a second rail, wherein each rail is configured to be mounted to a vehicle roof. The system can further include a rack assembly comprising a first support member and a second support member generally parallel to each other, wherein the first support member and second support member can be coupled together with at least one cross members, wherein the rack assembly has a first end and a second end, wherein both the first and second end can include a handle portion. A locking means can be coupled to the handle portion of the rack assembly, wherein the locking means comprises a plurality of engagement members configured to latch to engage the grooved portion of the rail assembly or the pins are configured to engage the pinion portion of the rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventors: Aaron Daniels, Michael Boyle, Marc Scuiletti, Scott Daniels
  • Patent number: 11399620
    Abstract: A connector is disclosed for fastening and dismantling a load to or from, respectively, a belt that can be worn by a carrier that comprises a buckle male configured for swift fastening the load to the belt and a buckle configured for swift dismantling the load from the belt using one hand of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Marom Dolphin Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehonatan Shtriker
  • Patent number: 11395536
    Abstract: Golf bag strap systems and methods to manufacture the same are generally described herein. In one example a strap system may include a strap connector having a body portion, a plurality of slots in the body portion, and a plurality of ports extending orthogonally into the plurality of slots. The strap connector may include a plurality of self-adjusting strap fitments pivotally coupled to the strap connector. Each of the plurality of self-adjusting strap fitments may independently self-pivot relative to the strap connector. Other examples may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Duane E. Pacha, Candace Chen, William W. Sliger, II
  • Patent number: 11388981
    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: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Cooper, Austin Orand, Nadia M. Panian, Peter P. Williams, II
  • Patent number: 11382403
    Abstract: A wearable carrying system for a container such as a backpack or a bag has one or two straps that extend over the shoulder(s) and torso of a user. The strap or straps include a bladder system that is sequentially inflated or deflated by the controllable introduction and removal of a fluid into and out of the bladder system. A shoulder pad is located on a portion of the strap, the shoulder pad having an additional controllable bladder system to adjust the load bearing position of a strap on the shoulder of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Gantz, Russ Knize
  • Patent number: 11369185
    Abstract: Backpacks are described herein. An example backpack may comprise a main body. The main body may define a cavity for carrying a load. The example backpack may comprise one or more shoulder straps. The one or more shoulder straps may be coupled to the main body. The one or more shoulder straps may be configured to extend adjacent a first surface of the main body. The example backpack may comprise one or more multi-use stays. The one or more multi-use stays may be disposed adjacent the first surface of the main body. The one or more multi-use stays may comprise a generally curvilinear stay body configured to provide support to the main body. The stay body may comprise a first utility feature disposed adjacent at least one of a pair of longitudinal ends thereof. The stay body may comprise a second utility feature formed therein between the longitudinal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Jansport Apparel Corp.
    Inventors: Ahren Bonnema, Howard Li, Jayson Yagi
  • Patent number: 11357312
    Abstract: A working machine support belt includes: a back plate portion; a left shoulder belt and a right shoulder belt; a waist belt; a left suspender band that connects the left shoulder belt and the waist belt; a right suspender band that connects the right shoulder belt and the waist belt; a left side belt that extends left-downward from the back plate portion, turns forward, and is connected to a left end portion of the waist belt; a right side belt that extends right-downward from the upper portion of the back plate portion, turns forward, and is connected to a right end portion of the waist belt; a locking member that locks the left end portion and the right end portion of the waist belt; and a pad member supported via a rear support band and a front support band, and provided with a hook that supports a working machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 11344104
    Abstract: A backpack (11) provides a protective utility vestment including a panel of armor material fully stored beneath the openable cover (22) an anterior chamber within the backpack, obscuring its existence. A pair of hand-graspable pull-tabs (31) connected to opposite lateral sides of the vestment allow rapid deployment of the vestment over the user's head and into position on the user's chest. The pull-tabs can be obscured on the shoulder supports (14,15) of the backpack until used. Decoy bands (43) on the shoulder supports can further enhance the obscuring effect. The pull-tabs can secure to the hip support pads (16,17) to further secure the vestment on the user's chest. A bottom deployed utility caddy can be stowed within a hidden medial compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Brian M. Miller
  • Patent number: 11337509
    Abstract: A backpack includes a back panel having an airflow system. The airflow system includes protrusions extending from a base of the back panel and defining boundaries of lateral and vertical flow channels. The flow channels are configured to promote active airflow through the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Chrome Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Valvano, Peter Hill, Wendy Lai, Michael Leoniak
  • Patent number: 11332933
    Abstract: The present technology relates to beams having a cross section defining a plurality of channels and assemblies comprising the beams. The beams can be used to form a beam assembly that is installed inside the truck bed of a pick-up truck. A ladder loader and a solar panel assembly can be pivotably secured to the beam assembly along either the driver side wall or the passenger side wall of the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Harsoyo Lukito
  • Patent number: 11324305
    Abstract: A carrier assembly including a harness and a front bullet-proof chest plate; a first strap provided with a first element of a first quick connector; a second strap provided with a first element of a second quick connector; a third strap provided with a second element of the first quick connector; a fourth strap provided with a second element of the second quick connector; the front bullet-proof chest plate including third and fourth elements for cooperating respectively with the first and second elements of the first quick connector; and fifth and sixth elements for cooperating respectively with the first and second elements of the second quick connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE, SARL MKM
    Inventors: Jordane Grenier, Marc Menetrier
  • Patent number: 11304501
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel configurable strap apparatus that may comprise end clasps attachable to zipper sliders disposed on a zipper edge of the strap. An end clasp may attach to a zipper slider creating a strap loop that facilitates wearing the strap around the neck, or over the shoulder. An accessory, such as a carrying pouch, may be attached to and thereby suspended from an end clasp. Alternatively, an end clasp may attach to a zipper slider creating a strap loop that facilitates capturing and thereby suspending an accessory such as a beverage bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Dzuy Doan
  • Patent number: 11304540
    Abstract: A baby carrier device configured to secure a baby an upper body of the person, and comprising a support pad, shoulder straps, and at least one vertical strap. The support pad is configured for receiving and supporting at least an upper body of the baby, and extends substantially vertically between a top end and a bottom end thereof and substantially horizontally between lateral sides thereof. The shoulder straps are joined to the support pad, and configured to removably join the support pad to shoulders of the person carrying the baby. The vertical strap is located at or near the bottom of support pad, has a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion extending below the bottom end of the support pad, the vertical strap being configured for encircling a hip seat worn by the person carrying the baby to removably join the baby carrier to the hip seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Tamara Edlin Rant
  • Patent number: 11299101
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a carrier including first, second, third, and fourth carrier members and a strap disposed across opposing first and second carrier members. The strap includes a first end fixedly coupled to the first carrier member and a second end adjustably coupled to an attachment assembly disposed on the second carrier member. A rod is disposed transverse to the strap and is coupled to opposing third and fourth carrier members, wherein the attachment assembly includes an adjustment mechanism for setting a usable length of the strap, and wherein the usable length includes a first usable length, a second usable length, and an intermediate length between the first usable length and the second usable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Busse