Patents Issued in April 12, 2011
  • Patent number: D636136
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Allen Hoyle, Rebecca Diaz
  • Patent number: D636137
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Derek S. Chesser
  • Patent number: D636138
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Talerico Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Talerico
  • Patent number: D636139
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Harper Brush Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Jones, Randy Cox, Michael Jackson
  • Patent number: D636140
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas D. Cavanaugh
  • Patent number: D636141
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Andreas Lupold Hydrotechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Lupold
  • Patent number: D636142
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Derek Loeppky, Silvia Monica Loeppky
  • Patent number: D636143
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kito Corp.
    Inventors: Youichi Nagase, Naoya Ogawa, Fujito Yudate, Kazuho Furukawa
  • Patent number: D636144
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kito Corp.
    Inventors: Youichi Nagase, Naoya Ogawa, Fujito Yudate, Kazuho Furukawa
  • Patent number: D636145
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Mohammed Hadi
  • Patent number: PP21862
    Abstract: A new and distinct Miniature Rose plant having attractive Red flowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Nor'East Miniature Roses, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Saville
  • Patent number: PP21863
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemagaurd’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif. with Standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Fruit with an attractive orange skin color. 2. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 3. Fruit with an average Brix of 18.0° and a good balance between acid and sugar. 4. Regular and productive bearer of fruit. 5. Vigorous, semi-spreading tree growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Neil Zaiger, Leith Marie Gardner, Grant Gene Zaiger
  • Patent number: PP21864
    Abstract: A new and distinct plum tree variety, Prunus salicina, cv. ‘Suplumforty’ is characterized by ripening mid-season. The new variety is further characterized by dark skin and reddish flesh color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sun World International, LLC
    Inventor: Terry Bacon
  • Patent number: PP21865
    Abstract: A new and distinct plum tree variety, Prunus salicina, cv. ‘Suplumthirtynine’ is characterized by ripening very late in the harvest season, about three weeks later than ‘Suplumsix’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,747). The new variety is further characterized by relatively large-sized fruit for the season and amber-colored flesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sun World International, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Cain, Terry Bacon
  • Patent number: PP21866
    Abstract: A new and distinct Mandevilla plant named ‘Tsurumarunoaka5155’ of upright and vining plant habit, relatively small glossy foliage, freely branching habit, freely flowering habit, and being in full flower around Mother's Day as illustrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Norio Sonoda
  • Patent number: PP21867
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Veronica plant named ‘Atomic Lilac’, particularly distinguished by lilac-colored flowers, compact habit, healthy foliage, and good mildew and rust resistance, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Jan Verschoor
  • Patent number: PP21868
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ivy Geranium plant named ‘Pacruby’, characterized by its outwardly spreading to trailing and cascading plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; semi-double-type deep red-colored flowers; and relatively good garden performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Elsner PAC Jungpflanzen GbR
    Inventor: Martin Geibel
  • Patent number: PP21869
    Abstract: A new cultivar of hybrid Coreopsis named ‘Caliente’ characterized by its inflorescences with ray florets that are vibrant red in color with the red blending with orange on the apex of the petals to produce the effect of having an orange-red rim, its bushy and relatively short plant habit, its floriferous and long blooming habit, its relative sterility, and its vigorous growth habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Darrell R. Probst
  • Patent number: PP21870
    Abstract: A new and distinct Echinacea plant named ‘Little Angel’ characterized by numerous white, medium-small inflorescences, a well branched, compact, dwarf habit, and excellent vigor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harini Korlipara
  • Patent number: PP21871
    Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by it salmon-rose spring leaves to rose-purple summer leaves, large leaves and habit, and excellent vigor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: Janet N. Egger
  • Patent number: PP21872
    Abstract: A new and distinct hybrid of Heuchera plant characterized by large, gold to lime colored leaves, red colored veins in cool temperatures, white flowers on a short flowering stems, excellent vigor, and excellent tolerance to heat and humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
    Inventor: Janet N. Egger
  • Patent number: RE42278
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: WIHA Werkzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Kienzler
  • Patent number: RE42279
    Abstract: A method of preparing a compound semiconductor crystal is able to dope the crystal with carbon with high reproducibility. The method includes the steps of sealing a carbon oxide gas of a predetermined partial pressure and a compound semiconductor material in a gas-impermeable airtight vessel, increasing the temperature of the vessel to melt the compound semiconductor material sealed in the vessel, and then decreasing the temperature of the vessel to solidify the melted compound semiconductor material to grow a compound semiconductor crystal containing a predetermined amount of carbon. With this method, a compound semiconductor crystal with a carbon concentration of 0.1×1015cm?3 to 20×1015cm?3 is prepared with high reproducibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kawase, Shinichi Sawada, Masami Tatsumi
  • Patent number: RE42280
    Abstract: A bun dispensing device for a hot dog dispensing machine operative for dispensing buns from a bun containing element which includes a plurality of individual bun containers and a common film to which the bun containers are releasably attached one after the other, the device has a unit for pulling the bun containing element, a unit for separating the bun containers with buns accommodated therein from the film of the bun containing element and located upstream of the pulling a unit, and a unit for guiding the bun containing element and located upstream of the separating unit, the separating unit being formed so that each of the bun containers with the bun accommodated therein is individually separated from the film under the action of the separating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: LHD Vending Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonid Leykin, Aleksandr Kofman
  • Patent number: RE42281
    Abstract: A scintillator panel 1 uses a glass substrate 5, having heat resistance, as a base member for forming a scintillator 10. Glass substrate 5 also functions as a radiation entry window. Also, a dielectric multilayer film mirror 6 is disposed as a light-reflecting film between the scintillator 10 and the glass substrate 5. Furthermore, a light-absorbing film 7 is disposed on the radiation entry surface of glass substrate 5 and this absorbs the light that has been emitted from scintillator 10 and has passed through the dielectric multilayer film mirror 6 and the glass substrate 5. Light components that are reflected by the radiation entry surface, etc., and return to the dielectric multilayer film mirror 7 and the scintillator 10 therefore do not occur and the optical output of the scintillator panel 1 is not subject to degrading effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventor: Takuya Homme
  • Patent number: RE42282
    Abstract: A dehumidifying element includes a super absorbing polymer (SAP), and a hygroscopic base, thereby maintaining hygroscopic characteristics regardless of aging and a high humidity absorbing rate and needing a smaller amount of energy for regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Stephen Faust, Guido Falk, Dae-Young Lee
  • Patent number: RE42283
    Abstract: A TFT liquid crystal display device is disclosed, which includes two substrates and a liquid crystal layer provided in between the substrates, one substrate having a surface providing with a plurality of data signal lines, a plurality of scan lines, a plurality of pixel electrodes, and a plurality of functional components having source electrode, gate electrodes and drain electrodes. Moreover, the projection of one of the signal electrode and the drain electrode on the gate electrode having at least one bridging zone and one conducting zone. The width of the bridging zone in the direction in parallel to one side of the gate electrode is smaller than the width of the conducting zone in the direction in parallel to the side of the gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Jen Chu, Ming-Hsuan Chang, Chien-Kuo Ho, Nai-Jen Hsiao
  • Patent number: RE42284
    Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for remote control of a locomotive in a model railroad layout having an interruptible DC power supply coupled to the railroad track. The locomotive motor is isolated from the track so as to allow use of polarity reversals on the track power signal for controlling remote effects in the locomotive such as sound effects. An on-board electronic state generator is provided in the locomotive for maintaining one at a time of a predetermined set of states, at least one of the states having a corresponding remote effect associated therewith. Remote control signals such as a reverse in polarity of the DC track power signal are used to clock the state generator to a desired state, thereby permitting control of a plurality of remote effects using only the traditional DC power supply interface. The locomotive motor is controlled by a motor reverse unit so that the motor direction is controllable independently of the polarity of the DC power signal applied to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Frederick E. Severson, Patrick Allen Quinn
  • Patent number: RE42285
    Abstract: An Applications Processor (14) including a centralized database system is used in a wireless location system (WLS). The APs 14 may be used to manage resources in the WLS, including signal collection systems (SCSs 10) and TDOA location processors (TLPs 12). Each AP 14 contains a database containing triggers for the WLS. The WLS can be programmed to locate only certain pre-determined types of transmissions. When a transmission of a pre-determined type occurs, then the WLS is triggered to begin location processing. Each AP 14 also contains applications interfaces that permit a variety of applications to securely access the WLS. These applications may access location records in real time or non-real time, create or delete certain types of triggers, or cause the WLS to take other actions. Each AP 14 is also capable of certain post-processing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: TruePosition, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Anderson, Michael John Kovach, Jr., Anthony Richard Brigidi, John Solley, Edwin E. McCook, Vineet Sachdev, Thomas Ginter, Joseph W. Sheehan, Louis A. Stilp
  • Patent number: RE42286
    Abstract: The present invention provides an image data processing system to increase the speed of on-screen display (OSD) image processing. The image data processing system comprises M color code registers for storing a plurality of color codes and a first multiplexer electrically connected to every output port of the M color code registers. The first multiplexer comprises a control port for inputting an N-bit image code, and the first multiplexer chooses one of the outputs of the M color code registers as its output according to the N-bit image code. The image data processing system comprises a processor for storing M color codes in the M color code registers and periodically transmitting a plurality of N-bit image codes to the control port of the first multiplexer so that the first multiplexer periodically chooses one of the color codes stored in the M color code registers as its output according to one of the N-bit image codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Transpacific Optics LLC
    Inventors: Kuei-Hsiang Chen, Cheng-Pang Chien, Tian-Quey Lee
  • Patent number: RE42287
    Abstract: A method for smoothly transitioning between different object representations in computer animation using stochastic sampling. The method allows for level of detail transitions between object representations made up of different geometric primitives, of different types, with different rendering attributes, and even different topologies without “popping” or other visual artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: PIXAR
    Inventors: Anthony A. Apodaca, Mark T. Vande Wettering, Larry I. Gritz
  • Patent number: RE42288
    Abstract: A medical video-teleconferencing and treatment system, having a central video-conferencing station and one or more remote video-conferencing stations and a communications link establishing video-conferencing communication therebetween. A central video monitor and audio system is located at the central video-conferencing station, and a controller unit is coupled with the communications link. The remote video-conferencing stations each have a mobile emergency center cart including a remote video monitor and audio system and a video-conferencing camera controlled by the controller unit via the communications link and capable of responding to control signals of the controller unit for panning and zoom movement of said video-conferencing camera by a medical practitioner located at the central video-conferencing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Emtel, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Degioanni
  • Patent number: RE42289
    Abstract: An image system which captures, along with the images, information defining both the position and the orientation of the camera along with the distance to the subject. A video camera is attached to three accelerometers, two gyroscopes, and a rangefinder. Data gathered from these devices and defining the pitch, yaw, and roll of the camera, the camera's acceleration, and the distance to the subject is captured and recorded along with video images. The video images are later stored within a computer's data base along with data defining the position and orientation of the camera and the distance to the subject for each image, this latter data being computed from the captured data. The images may then be presented to the user in a three-dimensional display in which the user can navigate through the images using a joystick device, with the images located in positions corresponding to the positions in space of the objects that were imaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Transcenic, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Vincent
  • Patent number: RE42290
    Abstract: A first scan unit sequentially transports and scans documents from a document tray, and a second scan unit scans a document placed on a glass plane. A first select unit selects the first or second scan unit according to a predetermined rule when a start instruction is accepted. An accept unit accepts a change instruction, a continue instruction or a print instruction after the first scan unit scans all documents from the document tray or the second scan unit scans the document placed on the glass plane. A second select unit selects the first or second scan unit according to the predetermined rule when the continue instruction is accepted. A storage unit stores new image data provided by the first or second scan unit corresponding to an additional document until the print instruction is accepted. Then, a print unit prints image data stored in the storage unit during a period starting from when the start instruction is accepted and ending when the print instruction is accepted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignees: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Noboru Ogino
  • Patent number: RE42291
    Abstract: A digital communication system for transmitting and receiving Digital Visual Interface (DVI) communication data signals and Display Data Channel (DDC) communication signals over a transmission line comprises an open-loop equalizer circuit and a DDC extension circuit. The open-loop equalizer circuit is operable to receive DVI communication signals transmitted over the transmission line and output equalized DVI communication data signals. The DDC extension circuit is operable to inject a boost current at the receive end of the transmission line during a positive transition in the DDC communication signal, and clamp the receive end of the transmission line during a negative transition of the DDC communication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Gennum Corporation
    Inventors: Aapoolcoyuz Biman, Birubi Ram Biman, John Hudson, Eliyahu D. Zamir, Stephen P. Webster
  • Patent number: RE42292
    Abstract: A lock in pinned photodiode photodetector includes a plurality of output ports which are sequentially enabled. Each time when the output port is enabled is considered to be a different bin of time. A specified pattern is sent, and the output bins are investigated to look for that pattern. The time when the pattern is received indicates the time of flight. A CMOS active pixel image sensor includes a plurality of pinned photodiode photodetectors that use a common output transistor. In one configuration, the charge from two or more pinned photodiodes may be binned together and applied to the gate of an output transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir Berezin, Alexander I. Krymski, Eric R. Fossum
  • Patent number: RE42293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing a clock speed of a host bus to extend battery life and its operating time when a battery is supplying electric energy for a portable computer. A bus clock controlling apparatus according to the present invention includes power mode detecting means detecting a current power mode, the power mode indicative of which power source supplies the portable computer with electric energy; and clock adjusting means adjusting frequency of an applied clock from a clock generator based on the detected power mode by said power mode detecting means, and applying the frequency-adjusted clock to one or more controlling devices. Due to this invention, an electric energy stored in a battery equipped in a portable computer is saved, as a result, the battery life is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jang Geun Oh
  • Patent number: RE42294
    Abstract: A method for designing a semiconductor integrated circuit is provided which comprises compacting a design layout of a semiconductor integrated circuit on the basis of a given design rule to obtain a compacted pattern, predicting a pattern to be formed at a surface area of a wafer for forming the semiconductor integrated circuit on the basis of the compacted pattern, obtaining an evaluated value by comparing the predicted pattern with the compacted pattern, deciding whether the evaluated value satisfies a predetermined condition, and modifying the design rule when the evaluated value is decided as not satisfying the predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiya Kotani, Satoshi Tanaka, Soichi Inoue
  • Patent number: RE42295
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar S07-03JR108674 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar S07-O3JR108674 and its progeny, and methods of making S07-03JR108674.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Syngenta Paricipations AG
    Inventors: Roger McBroom, Julia Brown
  • Patent number: 7921467
    Abstract: A diving suit made of a rubber material comprising HNBR (hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber) is disclosed, as well as a process for the production of the diving suit and the use of HNBR in a rubber material of a diving suit for use in contaminated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Trelleborg AB
    Inventor: Kristin Geidenmark
  • Patent number: 7921468
    Abstract: Protective eyeglasses provide hearing protection from elevated noise levels. The protective eyeglasses have safety lenses for protection of each of the eyes. Support members extend from the lenses of the eyeglasses to the ears, and have earplugs or protectors thereon which are inserted into the ears. The side support members are spring biased towards each other so that the side members provide pressure to hold the plugs in the ears of the wearer. Ear plugs are mounted so as to swivel relative to the side support members. The side support members are telescoping and are adjustable in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Joseph Conrad Sutton
  • Patent number: 7921469
    Abstract: A bib for use by an individual seated in a vehicle having a vehicle cup holder mounted in the vehicle adjacent the seated individual, includes an upper section for covering at least a portion of the seated individual's front torso which is attached in such a way as to maintain the upper section in a substantially vertical position on the seated individual, a lower section for covering the seated individual's lap and thighs, and a lateral section extending from the lower section to beyond the vehicle cup holder, with a portion of the lateral section adapted to be inserted in the vehicle cup holder and releasably maintained therein. The bib includes an upper absorbent surface for absorbing liquid spills and a lower impermeable surface for preventing liquid spills from contacting the seated individual or the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Lucilious Ward, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7921470
    Abstract: A sleeve holder for maintaining a garment sleeve in a rolled or gathered condition on the wearer's forearm above the wrist, is disclosed. The sleeve holding device comprises an elongated body of a truncated cone shape having opposite ends. The narrower end includes an elastic core located within its interior defined by a cover. The elastic core has a relaxed length and a relatively longer stretched length in response to an applied tensile force. The opposite end of the sleeve holding device is wider in circumference than the elastic core, creating a pocket where the sleeve of the garment is held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Kuffco, LLC
    Inventor: Barbara Doran
  • Patent number: 7921471
    Abstract: A coat for use by emergency responders, such as firefighters, is described. Certain aspects of the coat include a barrier resistant liner for protection against chemical and biological agents, a compression zone that can improve safety when working in hazardous areas, and a flame resistant shell including zippered sleeves that can facilitate the donning of protective gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Globe Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Mark Mordecai, Julie Snedeker
  • Patent number: 7921472
    Abstract: Garment (10) comprising means (20, 30) for active protection of the upper part of the body against falls and/or impacts with obstacles, in which a single active protection means (20, 30) extends from one side to the other of the chest above the sternum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Alpinestars Research SRL
    Inventor: Giovanni Mazzarolo
  • Patent number: 7921473
    Abstract: The head cooling apparatus is housed in a case removably fitted within an existing hat crown of a hat, without structural modification to the hat. The case has a plurality of air vents including an intake and a trio of vents which direct air across a hat wearer's head. The fan within the case is adjacent to the intake. The non-evaporative refreezable cooling cartridge is removably fitted within the case. The switched power source within the case is in communication with the fan and a power source. The fan forces air into the intake, across the cooling cartridge and out the vents toward a wearer's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Tyler D. Winters
  • Patent number: 7921474
    Abstract: An inner belt fits along the juncture of a person's stomach and thighs. The inner belt has first and second arches with a garment supported by the arch and the arch sized to offset the garment's waistline from the inner belt. Each arch has a front end a rear end fastened to the inner belt. The front end of each arch is located so it fastens to the inner belt adjacent the user's crotch during use. The rear end of each arch is located so it fastens to the inner belt at or before the hips of the user during use. A first loop extends from each arch, over the waistline and a normal, outer belt threads through the first loops and also through the normal belt loops on the garment. The outer belt supports the garment and the first loop and arches support the outer belt in a position offset from the inner belt. One or more second loops can optionally be fastened to the back of the inner belt to extend over the waistline and support the outer belt along the user's back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Edward A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7921475
    Abstract: An impact attenuating chin protector comprises a hard outer shell with a narrowed central area to better dissipate impact forces and an inner foam member. The foam member includes a series of alternating foam columns and recesses with perforations at controlled locations to provide additional force dissipation, improved ventilation, and protection from the edges of the hard outer shell. The interior surface of the foam member is configured so that almost the entire interior surface contacts the wearer's chin except for the perforations. The columns and recesses are configured so that recesses are located around two pressure points on the chin. Since the columns absorb the impact of a collision, the two pressure points on the wearer's chin are not directly impacted. The outer shell does not completely cover the foam member leaving the upper and lower edges of the foam member to extend beyond the edges of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Nascimento, Dave M. Harbour
  • Patent number: 7921476
    Abstract: Swimming goggles include a frame unit, lenses assembled on the frame unit, and a strap unit. The strap unit comprises at least a head strap with at least a free end, and a buckle for securing and adjusting the head strap. The free end defines a plurality of stop grooves therein. The buckle includes a base and a press portion movable radially relative to the base. The base has a first axis and a second axis respectively formed on opposing ends thereof for supporting the head straps. A first abut portion and a second abut portion are formed on the base. The press portion comprises a first stop portion and a second stop portion, an operating portion between the first stop portion and the second stop portion, and a first branch and a second branch respectively on opposite sides of the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Herman Chiang
  • Patent number: 7921477
    Abstract: A seat for a lavatory pan, which includes within its thickness at least one cavity for a deodorizing filter and at least one cavity in the seat or the filter for an electrically powered fan. Air inlet openings are provided in the seat through which air can pass into the filter cavity. The openings are situated around the inside edge of the opening in the seat or in a region of the underside of the seat which does not make sealing contact with the rim of the pan when the seat is lowered and in use and is subject to the weight of a person seated thereon. An air outlet by which odor-free air can exit after being drawn through the filter by operation of the fan, is situated in the rear edge of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Enzo Casale