Patents Issued in August 30, 2016
  • Patent number: 9427004
    Abstract: The present application describes coffee-flavored ready to eat cereal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: David Schlosser, Bradley Strahm
  • Patent number: 9427005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing rice gruel in an aseptic package, whereby original soft texture and taste of grains of rice can be conserved or an extended period of time and protected from microbial contamination. The preparation process of rice gruel includes the steps of: rinsing raw ice and immersing the rice in water; putting the rice in a heat resistant plastic bowl and sterilizing at 130-150° C. for 4-8 seconds four to ten times repeatedly; adding cooking water into the bowl in an aseptic space and cooking the rice; and sealing and wrapping the bowl. By adding the cooking water at two separate times, namely before the cooking process and the wrapping process, the liquid food's unique taste and texture can be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: CJ CHEILJEDANG CORP.
    Inventors: Chang-Yong Lee, Jong-Wook Kim, Sang-You Kim
  • Patent number: 9427006
    Abstract: A method for making a highly soluble Stevia sweetener is described. The resulting sweetener readily provides solutions with up to or greater than 30% concentration which are stable for more than 24 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: PureCircle Sdn Bhd
    Inventor: Avetik Markosyan
  • Patent number: 9427007
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a multiple emulsion of the water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) type for stabilization of natural coloring agents, such as anthocyanin, phycocyanin, carthamus, huito, calcium carbonate, carmine and carminic acid, against changes in pH values, oxidation and light as well as against ingredient interactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Chr. Hansen Natural Colors A/S
    Inventors: Sarah Louise Mason, Marie Bonnet
  • Patent number: 9427008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of myceliation of agricultural substrates for producing functional foods with health benefits, wherein the method comprises of inoculating an agricultural substrate with one or more species of pure fungal culture comprising Basidiomycota and Ascomycota derived from liquid state fermentation, enabling mycelial growth on the agricultural substrate by controlling growth conditions and harvesting of a myceliated agricultural product after the mycelial growth reaches a desired stage. The present invention further provides a myceliated agricultural product enriched with nutrients, processed into a nutraceutical or functional food for human consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: MYCOTECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Brooks John Kelly, James Patrick Langan
  • Patent number: 9427009
    Abstract: The invention relates to an edible product containing a decontaminant. Particularly, the invention relates to an edible product, for instance, a food-like product, containing an effective amount of activated charcoal to mitigate, substantially reduce or cause the cessation of at least one adverse effect associated with the ingestion of a toxic substance. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing such a decontaminant edible product and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: DENOVO INC.
    Inventor: Michael A. Stang
  • Patent number: 9427010
    Abstract: A carotenoid-containing composition, comprising: a carotenoid component comprising at least one crystalline carotenoid, at least 90% by mass of the crystalline carotenoid being non-crystalline; a (poly)glycerol fatty acid ester having from 1 to 6 glycerin units and from 1 to 6 fatty acid units and having at least one hydroxyl group from a glycerin unit; and at least one phenolic antioxidant selected from the group consisting of aromatic carboxylic acids, cinnamic acids, and ellagic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichiro Serizawa
  • Patent number: 9427011
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-allergenic food product, comprising an amino acid fraction comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of amino acids and peptides having a degree of polymerization of 7 or less; and a lipid fraction comprising at least one fatty acid selected from the group consisting of arachidonic acid and docosahexanoic acid, the composition having a content of proteins and other peptides having a molecular weight of 1000 dalton or more of less than 0.01 wt. %, based on the dry weight, preferably less than 0.001 wt. %, more preferably less than 0.0001 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: N.V. Nutricia
    Inventor: Robert Johan Joseph Hageman
  • Patent number: 9427012
    Abstract: A softgel capsule containing microencapsulated probiotic bacteria is manufactured such that the softgel capsule is stable for at least about 24 months at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: R.P. Scherer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Claudia Valla, Rosa Bertolami, Giovanni Rosina, Karen Helson
  • Patent number: 9427013
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing rape seeds (A.A), according to which the seeds are hulled and separated into kernels (S.E) and hulls (S.G), the kernels (S.E) being subjected to one or more pressings in order to extract oil (P.A; P.C), leaving behind a press cake (P.B; P.D) containing solids and oil. Said method is carried out in such a way that the press cake (P.B; P.D) is either directly distributed or distributed after at least one further grinding process (K; W) as a raw material, filler or additive (K. D) for animal feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Teutoburger Ölmühle GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Rass, Christian Schein
  • Patent number: 9427014
    Abstract: A method for creating hexahedron or cubed nut cluster having a high level of nuts or seeds. The invention is an improved process for manipulating and shaping high content nut and seed food products. In one aspect, the invention manipulates processing conditions to provide a nut slab high nut content nut slab that is conducive to slicing and cutting. In one aspect, the invention manipulates unit operation conditions so as to provide a method of slicing a high content nut slab into longitudinal strips in a continuous operation that minimizes or eliminates jamming at the cutting and/or slabbing conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: David Wallice Graham, Carol McCall, Mohan Rao, Scott Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9427015
    Abstract: A beverage specifically designed for cleansing the palate, hereafter a palate cleansing beverage (“PCB”), is a carbonated beverage made of water, citric acid, pectin, sucrose, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, and carbon dioxide to cleanse the palate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SANTASTI, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Macaluso, Nicole Amy Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 9427016
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the function of a pasteurization installation, and to a pasteurization installation having a device for monitoring the function, providing a quick and simple way of detecting malfunctions. For this purpose, a theoretical expected value of the resource consumption, in particular of the energy and/or water consumption, is calculated, the actual value is determined and from a deviation between the expected value and the actual value a malfunction of the pasteurization installation is concluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Falko Wagner
  • Patent number: 9427017
    Abstract: Use of thermoplastic elastomer to increase oxygen scavenger activity of functionalized polyolefin films. An oxygen-scavenging composition comprising (I) an oxidizable metal component, (II) an electrolyte component, (III) a non-electrolytic, acidifying component, and (IV) a copolyester or copolyamide thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: ALBIS PLASTIC GmbH
    Inventors: Edoardo Menozzi, Enrico Galfre
  • Patent number: 9427018
    Abstract: Equipment for treatment of tobacco or another bulk material sensitive to mechanical stress, the equipment having: (i) a rotatable treatment drum with a material inlet and a material outlet; (ii) a treatment fluid inlet; (iii) a treatment fluid excess outlet; (iv) a drive motor for the rotatable treatment drum; and (v) a temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Souza Cruz, S.A.
    Inventors: Geraldo Henrique Nunes De Oliveira, Gilson Rufino Sant'anna, Carlos Adriano Costa Urbano
  • Patent number: 9427019
    Abstract: Tobacco articles having tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco articles can provide tobacco to an adult consumer in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to furnish tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. The tobacco can be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC
    Inventors: Frank Scott Atchley, James Arthur Strickland, James M. Rossman
  • Patent number: 9427020
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for grinding and depositing ground material, the apparatus comprising a grinder configured to grind material and a chamber communicatively connected to the grinder, the chamber configured to receive the ground material. In use, the material is ground in the grinder then deposited in the chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber is configured to receive at least one pre-formed tube wherein, in use, the material is deposited in the at least one pre-formed tube in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Ewhan Ruzycky
  • Patent number: 9427021
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cigarette paper onto which a composition is applied in the form of a pattern which has a Tamura coarseness of at most 0.22 mm, preferably at most 0.2 mm. According to ISO 2470-1 the absolute difference in whiteness between an area of the cigarette paper over the whole of which the composition is applied and an area of the cigarette paper onto which the composition is not applied is at least 25% in the dry state, preferably at least 35% and particularly preferably at least 40% and at most 60%, preferably at most 55%. Furthermore, the opacity according to ISO 2471 of an area of the cigarette paper over the whole of which this composition is applied is higher, when the composition is in the dry state, than the opacity of an area onto which this composition is not applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: delfortgroup AG
    Inventors: Roland Zitturi, Irene Rohregger, Maria Gleinser
  • Patent number: 9427022
    Abstract: Devices and methods for vaporizing active ingredients of a selected substance for inhalation using a portable vaporization device are provided herein. In certain aspects, the device includes a portable power source, a heating portion, an inhalation sensor, a temperature sensor, a distal light source, and a grinding portion. In response to an inhalation by a user, the power source energizes a heating element of the heating portion so as to heat air flow to a desired vaporization temperature within a few seconds of detecting inhalation, using convection and radiative heating. The device may include a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing a pre-prepared substance, such as a liquid, gel, powder, or solid brick, and a grinding portion to allow a user to grind intact portions of cellulose-based material into smaller pieces to facilitate vaporization by manually rotating portions of the device relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: UPTOKE, LLC
    Inventors: Jason R. Levin, Adam J. Tavin, Artem Mishin, Howard Allen Wilson, Saroj Kumar Sahu, James Juma
  • Patent number: 9427023
    Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette device, the electronic cigarette includes a sucking cylinder, a sucking nozzle configured at an end of the sucking cylinder; wherein the sucking cylinder and/or the sucking nozzle are processed with wooden material; wherein the wooden material is natural timber. The electronic cigarette device includes the above-mentioned electronic cigarette, and further includes an electronic cigarette casing, for accommodating and charging the electronic cigarette; the electronic cigarette casing includes a bottom box and a box cover, the bottom box and/or the box cover are made of the wooden material. The electronic cigarette and the electronic cigarette casing are of health, hygiene, environmental protection and good taste and good feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9427024
    Abstract: The invention provides an electronic cigarette casing and an electronic cigarette device, the electronic cigarette casing comprises a case body for accommodating electronic cigarettes, a first power supply configured in the case body and a charging control system for controlling the first power supply to charge the electronic cigarettes, the first power supply comprises a farad capacitor. The electronic cigarette casing using the farad capacitor instead of the traditional batteries to supply electrical power, can achieve the technical effects of safe and reliable charging/discharging, rapid charging, and more charging and discharging times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9427025
    Abstract: This present invention relates to the field of an electronic cigarette, comprising an atomizer, a battery rod, and a connecting structure mounted at a butt-jointed position between the atomizer and the battery rod; the connecting structure includes a first connecting member mounted at an end of the atomizer and a second connecting member mounted at an end of the battery rod; a side surface of the first connecting member is provided with at least one snap that is capable of elastically moving inward along a radial direction of the atomizer, the second connecting member defines a butt-jointed slot configured for receiving the first connecting member, and a slot wall corresponding to the butt-jointed slot defines at least one snap-fit portion matching the snap. The electronic cigarette of the invention can prevent the used atomizer from being misused and repeatedly used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9427026
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises an atomizer and a battery component connecting with the atomizer at one end thereof. The battery component comprises a battery sleeve, a rechargeable battery received in the battery sleeve, a battery seat disposed at the other end of the battery component opposite to the one end thereof to connect with the atomizer, and a pneumatic switch disposed in the battery component to electrically connect between the rechargeable battery and the atomizer. An opening is formed at a distal end of the battery seat facing away from the atomizer to allow electrical connection between a power supply and the rechargeable battery extending through the opening. The pneumatic switch is responsive to air flowing in the battery component so as to control electrical connection between the rechargeable battery and the atomizer and start the atomizer based on the air flowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SMACO TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Yangyang Wu
  • Patent number: 9427027
    Abstract: A cable controlling shirt system having a shirt with a front, a back, a neck area, a waist area, armholes, an interior surface, and an exterior surface. A channel patch has an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The side edges are coupled to the shirt. The channel patch and the shirt form a channel with an open upper end and an open lower end. At least one pocket has an upper extent and a lower extent. Pocket stitching couples the lower extent of the pocket to the shirt at an elevation below the channel patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventors: Michael E. Frierson, Diane A. Frierson
  • Patent number: 9427028
    Abstract: A hosiery system for giving the appearance of well-groomed feet featuring a pair of stockings at least ankle-high wherein toenails are disposed on the stockings and are positioned to align with and lay atop the user's own toenails. Elastic surrounds the opening of the stockings and the elastic is concealed by a piece of jewelry such as an anklet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Barbara Martin
  • Patent number: 9427029
    Abstract: A garment that includes a first shape control material layer and a second shape control material layer fused to the first shape control layer. The first shape control material layer has a first degree of stretch and is shaped in a basic garment shape. The second shape control material layer has a second degree of stretch and is shaped to correspond to a portion of a wearer's body that is less than that covered by the first shape control material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: MAIDENFORM LLC
    Inventor: Steven Castellano
  • Patent number: 9427030
    Abstract: A brassiere and a decorative element having a relatively flat configuration, a set of suspension straps symmetrically arranged about a vertical plane between the brassiere cups serving to locate the decorative element symmetrically about the vertical plane above, and free of contact with a bridge between the cups, the suspension straps on each side of the decorative element including a first suspension strap attached to a mid-section of an associated cup and to an adjacent side edge of the decorative element and a second suspension strap spaced above the first suspension strap and attached to the adjacent side edge of the decorative element, the first and second suspension straps being arranged to maintain a face of the decorative element facing in a direction to which the cups project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Tracy Buescher
  • Patent number: 9427031
    Abstract: A storable poncho includes a belt having a first end, a second, opposite end configured to be releasably attached to the first end, an upper edge and a lower edge. The storable poncho further includes a first flap secured to the belt adjacent to one of the upper edge and the lower edge of the belt, and a body portion including fabric material configured to cover at least a portion of a user's body when worn. The body portion is secured to one of the upper edge and the lower edge of the belt. The body portion is covered by the first flap when configuring the body portion in a stored condition. Other embodiments of the storable poncho and methods for wearing a storable poncho are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: David Apostoloff
  • Patent number: 9427032
    Abstract: A casual aesthetic garment constructed with hidden panels of padded material. The padding is some kind of open or closed cell foam. The outer fabric is made of a blend or nonblended fabric including cotton and/or polyester. The padding is affixed to the inside of the garment to be hidden from the outside of the garment, to give the appearance of the user not wearing a padded garment. The internal pads are affixed, and cannot be removed, to ensure the user is more protected then when not having any pads present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Grindzco, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Robinson, Robin H. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9427033
    Abstract: A device for warming a first arm and shoulder of a wearer includes a single arm portion and a torso portion. The single arm portion is comprised of a substantially flexible material and is configured to substantially cover the first arm of the wearer from the shoulder to a position beyond an elbow of the first arm. The torso portion is connected to the single arm portion and includes at least one pocket. At least one weight is retained in the pocket of the torso portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Sanders Blakely, Jeffrey Allen Dorton
  • Patent number: 9427034
    Abstract: A glove has a finger section receiving the fingers, an intermediate section receiving the palm, and a wrist section receiving the wrist of a person. The glove has a front, a back, and sides. An inner layer of fluid retaining cotton material is provided to be worn in direct contact with the fingers and the palm. A middle layer of moisture barrier material is provided in contact with the inner layer. An outer layer of stretchable material is provided in contact with the middle layer and the wrist. A slit extends in the front through the outer layer and the middle layer. Fluid moistens the inner layer prior to wearing by passage through the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Roberta Press
  • Patent number: 9427035
    Abstract: Disclosed are garments that reveal body art and methods for wearing these garments. The garments have one or more tattoo-revealing windows or openings in them. Each of the windows or openings has a border around its underside. The border is comprised of a silicone ink which may be deposited on the garment by, e.g., screen printing. The method of wearing a tattoo-revealing garment includes wearing the garment such that the opening or window is centered on a piece of body art and is maintained in place by the border of silicone ink. The garment may be sold as a part of a kit that also includes a piece of temporary body art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: TATTEES, LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca Coll, Carmen Milagro Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9427036
    Abstract: An adjustable fashion belt has elongated outer and inner layers of material secured in adjacent alignment to each other. A strip of ferromagnetic material extends between substantially the length of the layers. Magnets are secured at the ends of the layers. The wearing circumference of the belt can be varied, according to the waist size of the user, and secured in position by encircling the wearer and then by placing the magnets on selected locations on the outer surface of the belt, where they are attracted to the ferromagnetic metal strip. One or more belt ornament components are provided, each having a magnetic section an ornament section. The magnet section of the belt ornament component is positioned on the outer surface of the belt and is removeably attracted to the belt by the ferromagnetic metal strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Lia Key
  • Patent number: 9427037
    Abstract: A clip for fabric includes a pair of pivotally connected jaws which can be opened to accept fabric and closed to grip the fabric. The distal ends of the jaws combine to form a ratchet which allows the jaws to be closed, but once engaged prevents the jaws from re-opening. The proximal ends of the jaws form a spreading mechanism which causes the proximal ends of the jaws to spread apart as the clip clamps down on the fabric. This spreading action results in an even distribution of pressure upon the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Debra Ann Atherton
  • Patent number: 9427038
    Abstract: A sun/rain hat comprising a crown having a base, a brim extending outwardly from the base, and a liner coupleable to the crown. The liner has a posterior pouch therein configured to contain a prominent mass of hair and protect same from water or other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SHORE SUNHATS, LLC
    Inventors: Tracy M. Bundy, Donna M. Morrow, Kim M. Laguzza
  • Patent number: 9427039
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating helmet usage information during operation of an activity device are provided. One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for communicating helmet usage and includes one or more position sensors, one or more activity sensors and one or more computing devices. The one or more position sensors can be configured to be positioned on a helmet, to detect placement of the helmet on a user's head and to transmit signals indicative of such placement. The one or more activity sensors can be configured to be positioned on an activity device, to detect operational indicators relative to the usage of the activity device and to transmit signals indicative of such operational indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Katelyn Eustace
  • Patent number: 9427040
    Abstract: A headgear support device (109) supports a face shield (160). The device includes a headband (106) having an elongated slot (103) and a pivot element (120) which is affixed to the face shield (160). The pivot element is slidably located within the slot to enable translational movement of the face shield. The pivot element is also rotatable within the slot to enable rotational movement of the face shield. The device also includes a retaining element for retaining the pivot element in the slot to enable translational movement of the pivot element and face shield. Translational movement of the pivot element enables the face shield to be positioned closer to, or further from, a user's face in order to provide greater comfort for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Scott Health & Safety Limited
    Inventors: Sally Leyland, Christopher Hall
  • Patent number: 9427041
    Abstract: A heated article of footwear that includes an outer shell and a removable inner liner is described. The inner liner includes a heating system with a toe cap heating element. The toe cap heating element is disposed around a perimeter of the forefoot region of the inner liner. The heating system is integrated within the inner liner and is removable with the inner liner from the outer shell. A power source for the heating system is contained within a battery compartment area disposed along a cuff of the inner liner to provide access to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaroslav J. Lupinek, Patricia L. Smaldone
  • Patent number: 9427042
    Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper formed of a flexible upper material and a sole formed of a flexible sole material, wherein the sole is rolled, folded, or collapsed onto itself to reduce the volume of the article of footwear. The article of footwear in a collapsed state can then be packaged in a container. This container can be dispensed by a vending machine in a convenient urban area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Reebox International Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Gillespie
  • Patent number: 9427043
    Abstract: A chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer and including a plurality of tethers extending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensile member layer. The chamber may include stitching through the tensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurized with the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. In addition, the first tensile member layer is held in contact with the second tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region, thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay A. Kodad
  • Patent number: 9427044
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole including an outer member having an outer surface and an inner surface disposed closer to a wearer's foot than the outer surface. The outer member may include at least a first flex groove formed as an elongate recess in a first flex groove region, causing both the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer member to curve upward. The sole may include a reinforcing member disposed closer to the wearer's foot than the outer member, and may be relatively more rigid than the outer member. The reinforcing member may include a first bridge portion disposed in the first flex groove region and joining the first portion and the second portion together. The lateral width of the first bridge portion may be less than the lateral width of the first portion, and less than the lateral width of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Humble, Cory B. McCullagh
  • Patent number: 9427045
    Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for securing a shoelace are described. In accordance with embodiments, the shoelace is secured without forming a knot with the ends of the shoelace. In described examples, a shoe tie assembly includes a housing with at least two apertures configured to individually receive one of the ends of the shoelace that is inserted in a first direction along a lengthwise axis of the shoelace. A securing device is included in the assembly to secure the shoelace and housing to substantially permit movement of the shoelace in the first direction generally and to substantially prevent movement of the shoelace in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction in the first configuration. The securing device is also operable to obtain a second configuration in which the securing device permits the shoelace to move in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Gerald Hannon
  • Patent number: 9427046
    Abstract: A flexible manufacturing system for an article of footwear includes a printing system for printing graphics onto the footwear. The flexible manufacturing system also includes a projection system for aligning a projected graphic with a predetermined portion of the article prior to printing the graphic to the article. The graphic can include a masked portion that corresponds to a design element on the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Miller
  • Patent number: 9427047
    Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may have material layers and a plurality of strand segments. The material layers are located adjacent to each other and in an overlapping configuration, and the material layers are located in a lace region and a lower region of the upper. The strand segments extend from the lace region to the lower region. The strand segments may be located and secured between the material layers in the lace region and the lower region. The strand segments may form both an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper in an area between the lace region and the lower region. The material layers may define an opening between the lace region and the lower region, and the strand segments extend across the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Shane S. Kohatsu, Chin-Chen Huang, Daniel A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9427048
    Abstract: An article, such as an article of footwear, includes a polymeric component that has a first surface, a second surface, and a thickness between the first surface and the second surface. The article has ink injected into the polymeric component at a predetermined depth from the first surface such that the ink is embedded in the polymeric component at least partially between the first surface and the second surface. The polymeric component includes multiple layers. The ink is embedded in at least one of the layers. An apparatus for establishing a graphical image on a polymeric component includes a support frame, a jig connected to the support frame and configured to hold the polymeric component, and the needle. A method for manufacturing an article includes inserting a needle into a polymeric component, and injecting ink through the needle so that the ink provides a graphical image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Dervin A. James
  • Patent number: 9427049
    Abstract: A latching system is operable to prevent inadvertent total release of two straps secured by the latching system as the two straps are being latched together. The latching system includes a buckle affixed to an end of a first strap and a plurality of fixed studs affixed to a second strap to be secured to the first strap. The plurality of fixed studs successively latch with the buckle as the second strap is pulled through a first section of the buckle. One of the fixed studs will catch in the buckle even if the first strap is pulled away from the second strap before latching is completed. Latching is completed by passing the second strap through a second portion of the buckle. In one embodiment, when latching is complete, two fixed studs engage the buckle to secure the second strap to the first strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: World's Best Halter, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny Shelton
  • Patent number: 9427050
    Abstract: A fastening system for mounting detachable covering components, like panels, on other components (17), like carriage parts (19), has at least one spacer (1) with a spacer body (3). One spacer body side can be attached to the covering component. The opposite side has an adhesive closure part (7) detachably engaged with a corresponding adhesive closure part (16) attached to the other component (17). At least on one border of the side of the spacer body (3) connected to the covering component, a flat mesh (21) abuts to enlarge the connection area between the covering component and the spacer (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: GOTTLIEB BINDER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Konstantinos Poulakis
  • Patent number: 9427051
    Abstract: A slider is structured such that a tab attaching rod is integrally formed in a cantilevered state in an upper blade of a slider body, and a blocking member blocking an insertion gap which is formed between the upper blade and a free end portion of the tab attaching rod is engaged with a mounting portion of the slider body so as to be immovably fixed, and is provided with an occlusion retaining structure which retains a blocked state of the insertion gap at a time of fixing the blocking member and can prevent the other member from intruding into the insertion gap. Accordingly, the slider can easily attach a tab afterward to the tab attaching rod. Further, it is possible to securely prevent the other member from intruding between the upper blade and the free end portion of the tab attaching rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Hsien Hsiang Hsu, Morimasa Yoneoka
  • Patent number: 9427052
    Abstract: A slider provided with a stopping mechanism has a press molded slider body and a stopping pawl body. The stopping pawl body has a main body, a pawl portion extending from one end side of the main body, an extending portion extending from the other end side of the main body, and a projecting portion projecting from a tip portion of the extending portion, and the extending portion has a rotation support part of the stopping pawl body. A contact surface with which the rotation support part of the upper blade is in contact is formed into a flat surface. According to this constitution, a defect and failure of the stopping mechanism hardly occur in the slider, so that the stopping mechanism can be stably operated for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yamagishi, Keiichi Keyaki
  • Patent number: 9427053
    Abstract: A wearable device is provided with a wearable device structure. The wearable device has a first end and a second end. A plurality of magnets is positioned at the first and second ends that provide for coupling of the first end to the second end of the wearable device. At least a portion of the magnets are magnetized through their widths or thickness, e.g., depth. ID circuitry is provided at a surface or an interior of the wearable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Hello Inc.
    Inventors: James Proud, Bryan Fan, Robert Shook, Joaquin Fernandez