Patents Issued in December 6, 2016
  • Patent number: 9510601
    Abstract: The present invention provides yeast having increased resistance to freezing stress in which POG1 gene is inactivated, a method for producing such yeast, and a method for using such yeast in food production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION NARA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takagi, Yu Sasano, Jun Shima, Yutaka Haitani
  • Patent number: 9510602
    Abstract: Provided herein is a continuous production line for a dressed proteinaceous patties with a solid food grade particulate using a coordinated volumetric toothed dispensing cylinder and variable speed conveyor for precisely controlled introduction of the particulate to a stream of proteinaceous material which is then formed into a patty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Cardinal Meat Specialists Limited
    Inventors: Brent J. M. Cator, John Pound, Frank Florindo, Kelly Moriyama, Carlos DaSilva
  • Patent number: 9510603
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method of filleting and cleaning a cephalopod, including squid. The apparatus for use in filleting a cephalopod including, a body having a first end being shaped for insertion into a cavity of a mantle of the cephalopod and a second end graspable by a user, a cutting member located at, or adjacent, the first end, for severing an internal membrane of the cephalopod, a guide located adjacent the cutting member, wherein upon insertion of the first end in through an opening of the mantle, the guide acts to constrain the movement of the cutting member such that it is directed along a junction between the internal membrane and an inner surface of the mantle, to thereby detach the internal membrane therefrom, wherein the mantle is inhibited from being perforated by the cutting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CROSSFORD ENTERPRISES PY LTD
    Inventor: Rodney Cross
  • Patent number: 9510604
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooking or smoking and a fuel combustor therefor. In the cooking or smoking apparatus and method, combustion products produced by the combustor, by a gas burner, or by other means are preferably delivered upwardly through an upwardly extending inner flow gap which at least partially surrounds a cooking or smoking chamber. The combustion products are preferably then delivered downwardly through the cooking or smoking chamber and then upwardly through an upwardly extending outer flow gap which is outside of the inner flow gap and which also at least partially surrounds the cooking or smoking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: W.C. BRADLEY CO.
    Inventor: Mallik Ahmed
  • Patent number: 9510605
    Abstract: A crisp food product is prepared in a first phase from thin food pieces of raw fruit, vegetable or gelatinizable proteins, by blanching them (if necessary) and drying them. A second phase takes place in a vacuum chamber, where the dried thin food pieces are exposed to heat to expand them, are quickly removed from the heat source and are cooled, before being removed from the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Tania Maria Melnyczuk
  • Patent number: 9510606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating components from milk. The invention also relates to compositions prepared from the separated components. The present invention relates to nutritional milk compositions and products which are designed to include per serving size a specified percentage range of one or more components separated from milk. The compositions of the present invention can optionally include non-essential but nutritionally functional components. The complete nutritional milk compositions of the present invention can be provided as unflavored milks, flavored milks, ice creams, yogurts and milk powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: fairlife, LLC
    Inventors: Shakeel Ur-Rehman, John M. Dunker, Michael J. McCloskey, Timothy J. Gomez, Richard J. Seguin
  • Patent number: 9510607
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a fondant containing at least one sweetness enhancer, isomaltulose, preferably isomaltulose and trehalose, in the form of a crystalline phase and glucose in the form of a non-crystalline phase, a method for preparing same, the use of the fondant as a coating for baked goods and baked goods that are coated completely or partly with the fondant according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Südzucker Aktiengesellschaft Mannheim/Ochsenfurt
    Inventors: Thomas Walter, Stephan Marhöfer, Tillmann Dörr
  • Patent number: 9510608
    Abstract: A new method for making an air-containing mixture introduces air into a viscous mass of raw mixture for forming the air-containing mixture. The introduction of air is performed in connection with introducing the mixture in a treating unit. The raw mixture is pumped under pressure through a nozzle for forming at least one jet which is sprayed through an air space against the surface of the mixture. Air is entrained in the jet of the mixture. The air-entraining jet enters the mixture, forming the air-containing mixture. The air-containing mixture formed thereby is subsequently introduced into the treatment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Gram Equipment A/S
    Inventor: Tage Petersen
  • Patent number: 9510609
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a seamless capsule which easily dissolves in the oral cavity etc. The present invention provides a seamless capsule comprising a capsule content solution, and a capsule shell enclosing the capsule content solution, wherein the capsule shell comprises a gelatin having a bloom value of 50 to 190 and wherein the seamless capsule has a capsule shell-dissolution time of 60 seconds or less when the dissolution time is determined by a disintegration test using water as a test solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MORISHITA JINTAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosei Kamaguchi, Osami Nakano, Hisaaki Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 9510610
    Abstract: A process for producing precooked bacon slices comprising the steps of (a) conveying bacon slices through a spiral oven, (b) indirectly cooking the bacon slices in the spiral oven using a cooking medium which is circulated within the oven at a low rate sufficient to prevent the bacon slices from being displaced on the conveyor, and (c) adding steam to the cooking medium as necessary to at least reduce the percentage or substantially eliminate the presence of air in the cooking medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Unitherm Food Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David Howard
  • Patent number: 9510611
    Abstract: Stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni. The compositions are able to provide a superior taste profile and can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: PureCircle Sdn Bhd
    Inventors: Siddhartha Purkayastha, Avetik Markosyan, John Martin, Marcia Petit
  • Patent number: 9510612
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel flavor and fragrance use of 2,6-dipropyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-thiopyran-3-carbaldehyde.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Cannon, Adam Jan Janczuk, David O. Agyemang, Zhen Chen
  • Patent number: 9510613
    Abstract: A panaxadiol-containing composition, containing: panaxadiol; and at least one of sucrose fatty acid ester and lecithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Takamura, Mitsuru Nomura, Hideaki Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 9510614
    Abstract: Food products prepared from whole grain oat flour having soluble components. The soluble whole oat flour maintains its standard of identity as whole grain and thus has the characteristics of whole grain oats. Aspects of the present invention relate to the use of the soluble oat flour in liquid food products such as beverages, semi-solid food products such as yogurt, and solid food products such as bakery items in order to provide enhanced health benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Gary D. Carder, Yongsoo Chung, Ronald G. Deutsch, Juan Carlos Fernandez Feito, Justin French, Ursula Vanesa Lay Ma, Mayte Lee, Margaret J. Miller, Holly Ramage, Robert E. Chatel
  • Patent number: 9510615
    Abstract: Provided is a modular vacuum storage apparatus and method for storing, dispensing, preserving and shipping perishable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Edward P. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 9510616
    Abstract: A method of defrosting a food item, including: monitoring a temperature of a first part of a first food item; and controlling a surrounding temperature of the first food item in dependence on said monitored temperature. The controlling includes: decreasing the surrounding temperature of the first food item, using an unheated fluid having a temperature less than the surrounding temperature of the first food item, when the surrounding temperature is greater than a target surrounding temperature for a given temperature of the first part. Embodiments also relate to a control system, apparatus and a computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NEW ENGLAND SEAFOOD
    Inventors: Neil McCormick, Terry Walden, Cesar Basalo
  • Patent number: 9510617
    Abstract: Nutritious granular materials of fine particle sizes agglomerated within versatile micropellets are useful for inserting significant amounts of nutritious properties into snack foods. Expandable micropellet-containing formulations provide for introduction of fine particle ingredients such as proteins, minerals and other components or desirable nutrients into food processing lines not typically amenable to the fine particle sizes. Micropellet-containing formulations may consist entirely of micropellets, or may contain an expandable starch such as, for example, corn meal, sheeted doughs, and expanded collet products onto which the micropellets may be basted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan K. Baier, Ajay Rajeshwar Bhaskar, Eugenio Bortone, Pierre Faa, Chien-Seng Hwang, Jorge C. Morales-Alvarez, Deepali Palta
  • Patent number: 9510618
    Abstract: A juice extracting device contains a collecting assembly, a covering set, a body, and a pumping member. The collecting assembly includes a cavity defined, an open segment having a pouring hole, a collection segment having a guiding hole, and at least one limiting seat. The covering set includes a hollow neck and a circular holder. The body includes a filtering disc, a plurality of defining ribs for retaining with the at least one limiting seat, a hollow column; a hollowly conical post having a cutting edge, a stop piece, and an extraction portion. The pumping member is served to draw juices in the collecting assembly and includes a spray head and a drawing tube for drawing the juices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Tsung Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 9510619
    Abstract: The apparatus is for mounting a coconut firmly for making an initiating saw cut in the middle circumference of its shell in a direction transverse to the grain of the shell such that the coconut can be split into two desired half sections easily and simply by inserting a wedge into the saw cut and splitting it with a twisting motion over an intended coconut water receptacle. It has a three-point mount for securing the coconut and a pivotable V shape saw guide for positioning a sawing instrument in making the initiating cut. The apparatus can also be used for mounting a split half section of the coconut securely for grating its flesh with a grater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Rudland Edward Ingles, David R Gater
  • Patent number: 9510620
    Abstract: A method for forming and cooling an initially hot and therefore flowable melted cheese (1), which is applied via a supply nozzle onto a moving metallic cooling belt (3?), wherein individual shaped bodies (6) are formed out of the melted cheese (1) in that a shaping roller (5), which comprises molding cavities (7) located in the surface, impinges upon the cooling belt (3?), wherein a pressure of the shaping roller (5) against the cooling belt (3?) is provided during forming that induces full displacement of the still-hot melted cheese (1) from the region of the separating webs (8) delimiting the individual molding cavities (7) and bearing against the cooling belt (3?), wherein the formed bodies (6) are released from the molding cavities (7) and are cooled by remaining on the moving cooling belt (3?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hochland SE
    Inventors: Roland Zeuschner, Walter Hartmann, Franz Stadelmann
  • Patent number: 9510621
    Abstract: A cigarette comprising a tobacco rod comprising a tobacco filler and a cigarette paper which is wrapped around the tobacco filler, a filter comprising a filter member and a filter wrapping paper which is integrally wrapped around the filter member, and a tipping member which is bonded onto the tobacco rod and the filter with a pressure-sensitive adhesive to connect the tobacco rod and the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyoshi Ono
  • Patent number: 9510622
    Abstract: A packet for tobacco products includes an inner container housing a group of tobacco products. A bottom wall is positioned at end portions of the tobacco products. An outer container houses the inner container slidably in parallel with axes of the tobacco products, thus allowing the inner container to slide between a retracted position, and an extracted or raised position. The bottom wall of the inner container forms a supporting portion abutting the end portion of one of the tobacco products. The top wall of the outer container includes an opening, and each sliding action of the inner container towards the raised position causes an axial movement towards the top wall of the outer container of the tobacco product abutting the supporting portion and causing a pickup portion of the tobacco product to come out through the opening in the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: G.D. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Patrizio Roila, Roberto Polloni, Marco Ghini, Stefano Negrini
  • Patent number: 9510623
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. The electronic cigarette can also include an air flow diverter which directs incoming air away from a heating zone of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Geoffrey Brandon Jordan, Barry S. Smith, Ali A. Rostami, Charles E. B. Glenn, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9510624
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a disposable electronic cigarette. The disposable electronic cigarette includes a housing, a battery assembly and an atomization device. The housing is hollow, and defines openings at two opposite ends. The battery assembly and the atomization device are connected, and disposed inside the housing. The atomization device includes a liquid absorption member, a glass fiber tube, an electrical heating component and a liquid stopper. The electrical heating component further includes a heating wire and a liquid-conducting core. The battery assembly includes a cell core, a controller and an LED lamp. A lampshade is provided on a first end of the housing, and a mouthpiece cover is arranged at a second end of the housing. The beneficial effects are that the battery assembly and atomization device are provided inside the housing to form one piece, avoiding assembling before smoking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yonghai Li, Zhongli Xu
  • Patent number: 9510625
    Abstract: The two tab cuff closure is a closure for the sleeve(s) of a shirt. The two tabs are positioned on one edge of the cuff and will connect to fasteners that are positioned on the opposing cuff edge. The double tab design ensures that the cuff fabric will lay flat and not pucker or bulge. The tab structure arrangement could be adapted for utilization with cuff links or buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Cecelia Henderson
  • Patent number: 9510626
    Abstract: A respirator apparatus includes a respirator body, a filter cartridge receiver integral with and extending from the respirator body, and a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a nozzle element being integral with the filter cartridge. The respirator body and filter cartridge are configured to be fluidically coupled through sleeve-fit engagement between the filter cartridge receiver and nozzle element and the filter cartridge receiver and nozzle element define an airflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David M. Blomberg, Michael J. Cowell, William A. Mittelstadt, Carl W. Raines, III, Nathan A. Abel
  • Patent number: 9510627
    Abstract: A medical apron apparatus for use by a medical patient is provided, the medical apron apparatus comprising: an apron; and at least one pocket on a surface of the apron, wherein the at least one pocket is sized and shaped to carry one or more patient medical devices. In example embodiments, the medical apron apparatus is used to manage and store patient medical devices, prevent damage to a patient's clothing, prevent an operation or surgery location on a patient, or the medical device itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Carole Trimble, Dawn Peterson
  • Patent number: 9510628
    Abstract: A construction for a glove or other article of clothing for use in hazardous environments is disclosed, comprising a first layer comprising a laminate that includes an inner layer comprising a woven, nonwoven, or knit material, an intermediate layer comprising a barrier to the passage therethrough of liquids that overlies the inner layer, and a thermal layer affixed to and overlying the intermediate layer in at least a portion of a bridge area. The thermal layer is approximately 0.30 mm thick. The construction also includes a second layer attached to and overlying the first layer to form an outer portion for the glove or other article of clothing. The first layer and the second layer combined provides a thermal protection performance (TPP) of at least approximately 75% greater than a reference combination of the first and the second layer that does not include the thermal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SHELBY GROUP INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Ragan
  • Patent number: 9510629
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stitched garment comprising a stitched background, a stitched pattern sewn into the background, and an opening through which an article can be inserted. The opening is integrated into the stitched pattern such that the opening is hidden from view by the stitched pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Danica Lause
  • Patent number: 9510630
    Abstract: A Disposable Underarm Perspiration Pad that comprises a light-weight moisture wicking and absorptive material that is worn as a perspiration shield between a person's underarm and the next level of outer garment is presented. The inventive device is configured to enable attachment to the upper bicep area of the arm and concealment under the outer garment while at the same time providing wearing comfortability to the user. Attachment to the upper bicep area of the arm can be accomplished with a fixed or adjustable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory Michel Lawrence
  • Patent number: 9510631
    Abstract: An artificial hair package assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base member including a first body and a second body, the first body including a first exterior surface and the second body including a second exterior surface; a first securing member including a first interior surface; a second securing member including a second interior surface; and a hair product including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being disposed between the first interior surface of the first securing member and the first exterior surface of the first body and the second portion being disposed between the second interior surface of the second securing member and the second exterior surface of the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SHAKE-N-GO FASHION, INC.
    Inventors: Hye Sun Kim, James K. Kim, Peter Ough
  • Patent number: 9510632
    Abstract: One or more battery-operated fans are integrated into a hard hat and pull air through a filter to remove contaminants in the air. The filtered air passes through one or more channels in the hard hat and exits the hard hat through an air curtain exit located near the user's face. The exiting air leaves with sufficient velocity to form an air curtain. A user wearing goggles or other protective eyewear will have the filtered air current pass in front of the eyewear. Paint and other contaminant particles that are in the air will not be able to contact the outer surface of the eyewear, as the particles will not be able to pass through the curtain of filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Poma 22 LLC
    Inventors: Steve Harvey Perusse, Steve Harrington, Joy Salvatin Lee, Bill Campbell, Judy Emaus, Joshua Lee, Bryan Brutlag
  • Patent number: 9510633
    Abstract: A helmet for receiving the head of a hockey or lacrosse player, the helmet having an outer shell and an inner lining covering at least partially the inner surface of the outer shell. In one embodiment, the helmet comprises a skeleton at least partially covered by the inner lining, a movable occipital pad and movable temple pads. The inner lining can be made of an absorptive material such as foam, expanded polypropylene or expanded polyethylene and can be overmolded onto the skeleton. The occipital pad and the temple pads may be arranged with an inward bias so as to help the helmet self-adjust to provide an advantageous fit on the player's head. In some embodiments, the outer shell and skeleton, or the outer shell and the inner lining, cooperate to define a ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY INC.
    Inventors: David H. Rudd, Thierry Krick
  • Patent number: 9510634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, devices, methods, and systems for securing a hat to a wearer. In certain non-limiting embodiments, it includes the use of a hat lanyard including a lower strap having a first end and a second end and a lower strap fastening mechanism that is adapted to releasably fasten the lower strap to a user's article of clothing; an upper strap comprising a first end and a second end with a first and second fastening section that are adapted to releasably attach to form a loop; and a connector strap having a first end a second end that connects the upper strap to the lower strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ALPHASOURCE INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Bookbinder, Brian Bookbinder
  • Patent number: 9510635
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure engaged with the upper. The sole structure includes a polymeric foam member for supporting an entire plantar surface of a wearer's foot, and this polymeric foam member is formed from a foam material having a density of less than 0.25 g/cm3. The foam material forms an exposed side surface of the sole structure. The sole structure further includes a protective member engaged with the polymeric foam member to cover at least 60% of a surface area of a bottom surface of the polymeric foam member. This protective member constitutes a web base surface with traction elements extending downward therefrom, and a thickness of a majority of the web base surface at locations between the traction elements is less than 2 mm thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, Matthew J. Holmes, Troy C. Lindner, Benjamin Nethongkome, Dolores S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9510636
    Abstract: Articles of footwear are described that incorporate a knitted component that has an upper and an integral knit tongue. The integral knit tongue is formed of unitary knit construction with the upper and extends through a throat area of the knitted component. The integral knit tongue includes raised elements formed of unitary knit construction with the tongue. Methods of manufacturing a knitted component for an article of footwear may include knitting the upper and the integral knit tongue during a knitting process on a knitting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Bruce Huffa, Adrian Meir, Benjamin A. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 9510637
    Abstract: An article includes a knitted component. The knitted component includes a knit element that is configured to stretch between a neutral position and a stretched position. The knitted component also includes a tensile strand. The tensile strand is at least partially inlaid within the knit element. The tensile strand includes a portion that is arranged as a stretch limiter element that is configured to move between a slack position and a taut position as the knit element moves between the neutral position and the stretched position. The stretch limiter element is in the slack position when the knit element is in the neutral position, and the stretch limiter element is in the taut position when the knit element is in the stretched position to prevent stretch of the knit element beyond the stretched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Podhajny, Tory M. Cross
  • Patent number: 9510638
    Abstract: A sandal including a sole having a front region and a back region and an interior side and an exterior side, having a first opening in or near the back region at the interior side and a second opening in or near the back region at the exterior side. A primary strap is threaded through the first opening, then looped around the back region, and threaded through the second opening, thereby defining a heel region of the primary strap between the first opening and the second opening. The sandal further includes an adjustable securement strap that attaches on one side to the interior side of the heel region of the primary strap and on the other side to the exterior side of the heel region of the primary strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LUNA SANDALS
    Inventors: Ted McDonald, Scott Smuin, Brandon Smuin, Philip B. Stark
  • Patent number: 9510639
    Abstract: A hockey skate includes a composite boot form having a rigid lower portion and a less rigid upper portion. The upper portion may be made of a thermoformable material that conforms to the shape of a wearer's foot and ankle. The construction of the boot form—particularly the lower portion of the boot form—may be varied across different size ranges by, for example, varying the fiber angles in the composite material. Varying the stiffness of the lower portion of the boot form in this manner allows the flexibility of different sized boots to be substantially equalized. A skate quarter and other skate-boot features may readily be attached to the upper portion of the boot form via stitching, rivets, or other connectors. The boot form also may include an integral toe cap having a flange or other element to which the skate tongue and other elements may be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY, INC.
    Inventors: David Cruikshank, Aky Hung, Dmitry Rusakov, Ian Fung, Will Keegan, Mike Snow
  • Patent number: 9510640
    Abstract: A ventilating sole element (173) for a shoe according to the present invention comprises a side wall (608). A channel structure (178) is formed in the ventilating sole element (173) that comprises a plurality of channels (181, 183, 184). At least some of the lateral ends of said channels (181, 183, 184) are formed as air and moisture discharging ports (182), and at least one of the channels (181, 183, 184) is a peripheral channel (183) that intersects with a plurality of channels (181, 184). The channels (181, 183, 184) and the side wall (608) form functional pillars (400, 401); and said ventilating sole element (173) has a ratio of top surface area (Ap) of the functional pillars (400, 401) to top surface area (Ac) of the channels (181, 183, 184) between 0.5 and 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH, W. L. Gore & Associates Scandinavia AB, ECCO Sko A/S
    Inventors: Christian Bier, Stane Nabernik, Thorger Hübner, Tore Strömfors, Frank Jensen, Jakob Møller Hansen
  • Patent number: 9510641
    Abstract: A waterproof boot assembly provides waterproof boots that can be collapsed and stored in a storage case while not in use. The assembly includes a boot having an upper end, a lower end, and a perimeter wall extending between the upper and lower ends. The perimeter wall defines a hollow body having the upper end being open. The boot is comprised of a waterproof material. A sole has a top side being attached to the lower end. A first pad is coupled to the boot. The first pad is positioned in and lines the hollow body. A second pad is coupled to the first pad such that the first pad is positioned between the boot and the second pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Frank Skinner, Dara Skinner
  • Patent number: 9510642
    Abstract: A shoe with waterproof and vapor-permeable upper and sole, including: an upper assembly including, in a stratified manner, a vapor-permeable or perforated outer upper, a vapor-permeable inner lining, and, between them, a functional element; an insole including at least one waterproof vapor permeation region; and a bottom with a breathable sole. The functional element of the upper is firmly joined to the upper which ends toward the insole with a sealing band covered by an edge associated with a perimetric rim of the insole. The insole selectively includes or is joined to at least one lower functional element including at least one band which is free from the protective element. A mutual waterproof seal is provided between the functional element of the upper, at the sealing band, and the at least one lower functional element at the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
  • Patent number: 9510643
    Abstract: A pair of sport shoe inserts may be shaped differently to provide support to different areas of the feet during movement while participating in a sporting event. The right, back corner of the right foot may be supported by a lateral flange having an inclined slope that declines inwardly and forwardly. The left, back corner of the left heel may be supported with a lateral flange having an inclined slope that declines inwardly and forwardly, but at a smaller degree than with the right heel. The right heel may have a medial area that is uncovered or unsupported, such as to allow the right ankle to roll during a swing or other movement. The left heel may have a medial area that is supported with an arch or other support that may provide for push off during a swing or other player movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan A. Blum
  • Patent number: 9510644
    Abstract: Natural mobility footwear, including a sole and an upper which together, define separate seats for toe or toe groups, the thin sole comprises at a bottom at least one distribution of ridges and valleys configured like an enhanced version of the body's own skin, the multiple parts/pieces of the sole provide a wider range of movement, much like being barefoot, the thin sole also improves the level of environmental feedback received by the foot and body, this feedback enables the body to make adjustments or corrections, which might improve balance, agility, and stability during exercise or activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: VIBRAM S.P.A.
    Inventor: Marco Bramani
  • Patent number: 9510645
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a multi-directional sole structure including a flex groove system is disclosed. The flex groove system includes a plurality of longitudinal flex grooves and lateral flex grooves that divide the sole structure into a plurality of segments. The flex groove system also includes a plurality of diagonal flex grooves that intersect the corners of the plurality of segments. The flex grooves system can provide enhanced flexibility for the sole structure and can enhance multi-directional flexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Avar, Aaron A C Cooper, David J. Dirsa, Thomas Foxen, Tom Luedecke
  • Patent number: 9510646
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper forming a void within the footwear, a sole structure secured to the upper, and a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The sole structure includes a depression. The chamber is located within the void of the upper and located on the depression of the sole structure. The chamber may include a plurality of fluid-filled subchambers, a manifold, and a connection fluidically-connected at least one of the subchambers to the manifold. The subchambers may enclose the pressurized fluid at different pressures. The subchambers may be separated from one another by a bonded area in the direction extending between the heel and toe of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Holt
  • Patent number: 9510647
    Abstract: There are disclosed high heel shoes where separate components combine to create load balancing internal footwear technology. A two-piece system includes interlocking toe bed and shank constructed of complex three dimensional curved surfaces which create an intricately sculpted volume to provide structural support down the length of the entire foot. The toe bed provides a wide base and keeps the big toe pointed straight (at an approximately 10° angle). A heel maximizes the surface area of the bottom of the heel at the point of strike with the ground while retaining a minimal and aesthetically appealing silhouette from the side view. The toe bed and shank feature a composition of layered materials which when combined work to provide both stability and shock absorption to the ball of the foot during the foot strike of walking. An internal support structure provides a padded barrier and intermediary between the rigidity of the shank and the softness of the shoe upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Thesis Couture, Inc.
    Inventors: Navjeet K. Singh, Matt Thomas, Amanda Parkes
  • Patent number: 9510648
    Abstract: The invention relates to the joining together of laces and laces with detachable applications and, in particular, to lace systems (100) for exchanging laces, joining parts especially suitable for this purpose and the attachment of applications to such an exchangeable lace. Such a lace system allows guided laces to be exchanged and comprises a device (110) with a lace guide (112), wherein the device is at least part of a shoe (182), a garment (184), a rucksack (186) or a bag (188). Furthermore, such a lace system comprises a first lace (120), which is guided in the lace guide and has a joining part (122), and a second lace (140), which has a joining part (142), wherein the first and second laces can be joined by means of the joining parts and the joining parts have a diameter that is not substantially any greater than the diameter of the first lace or the lace guide, such that the laces joined by means of the joining parts can be pulled through the lace guide together with the joined joining parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sigrun Schneider
    Inventor: Alexander Moreno-Stolz
  • Patent number: 9510649
    Abstract: A disconnectable snap button connection for connecting electronic devices to fabrics, the disconnectable snap button connection and a method for making the same is described herein. The disconnectable snap button connection includes a component, a piece of conductive material, a piece of non-conductive material; wherein the piece of conductive material is attached to the piece of non-conductive material, a male portion of the disconnectable snap button, wherein the male portion of the disconnectable snap button is attached to the component, and a female portion of the disconnectable snap button, wherein the female portion of the disconnectable snap button is attached to the piece of conductive material. When the male portion of the disconnectable snap button is inserted into the female portion of the disconnectable snap button, a connection is made between the component and the piece of conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Weifeng Liu, Murad Kurwa, Anwar Mohammed, Zhen Feng
  • Patent number: 9510650
    Abstract: In a knitted fastener stringer, a fastener element is fixed by a fixing chain stitch yarn disposed on an element attaching portion of a fastener tape. This fixing chain stitch yarn has a first needle loop which is knitted into a ground structure and a second needle loop which fixes upper and lower leg portions of the fastner element. As a result, it is possible to achieve an improvement of productivity and a large reduction of a manufacturing cost by increasing a knitting speed and further to stably obtain flexibility and a soft texture in the knitted fastener stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Uozumi, Hidenobu Kato, Yoshito Ikeguchi