Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9615612
    Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 having a mask body 12 formed of a filtering structure 16. The mask body 12 has at least one transversely extending stiffening member 50, formed by an s-shaped or tri-fold pleat permanently connected, such as by welding. The at least one stiffening member 50 increases the integrity of the mask body 12, when in the opened cup-shaped configuration, inhibiting collapse of the mask body, due to, for example, increased pressure drop across the mask body 12 due to dirty or moisture laden air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dean R. Duffy
  • Patent number: 9615613
    Abstract: A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Andre Michalak
  • Patent number: 9615614
    Abstract: A pouch having a flap and a closure system featuring a face fastener attached to the front wall of the pouch body, and a mating flap fastener as part of the flap. One fastener of the closure system is a loop fastener component carrying a field of hook-engageable fibers. The other fastener of the closure system is a hook fastener component with an array of hooks. A significant majority of the hooks are oriented such that their heads point in a common lateral direction. The flap is elastically stretchable by pulling on its free edge, such that the flap maintains the loop fastener component securely engaged to the hook fastener component when under tension, and such that stretching the flap reduces engagement between the loop fastener component and the hook fastener component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventor: Alan Lamper
  • Patent number: 9615615
    Abstract: A garment worn over a portion of a body of a wearer comprises a garment wall and an airflow inducer. The garment wall has a first garment wall airflow passage extending therethrough. The airflow inducer is attached to an exterior surface of the garment wall over the first garment wall airflow passage such that the airflow inducer encompasses the first garment wall airflow passage. The airflow inducer and the garment wall jointly define an air chamber. The first garment wall airflow passage is exposed within the air chamber. The airflow inducer is deformable such that the air chamber has a volume dependent upon a state of deformation of the airflow inducer. An airflow passage of the inducer provides for airflow between the air chamber and an ambient environment surrounding the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Adam E. Slank
  • Patent number: 9615616
    Abstract: A therapeutic bra and its method of use are presented. The therapeutic bra is intended for use by individuals recovering from shoulder surgery or otherwise having areas of discomfort in the shoulder region. A single strap is provided for interconnection above the cup of the bra that is associated with the non-sensitive, unaffected shoulder. The strap extends across the unaffected shoulder and then makes interconnection with any of various receiving sleeves along a top edge of the back portion of the bra. The receiving sleeve employed will typically be a function of the anatomy of the user and the associated cup size. The single bra strap may be connected around the neck of the user and to the top of each of the cups of the bra to be used as a halter, or the strap can be totally removed and not used at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Golda, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Corrado, Donald R. Burck
  • Patent number: 9615617
    Abstract: A baseball cap with an interchangeable bill is disclosed whereby the user can change the bill of the cap with ease. The design of this product creates a separable bill and crown that integrates into one piece, the adjustment means and brim reinforcement means of the cap and maintains the ease at which one can switch out one bill and replace it with another. An embodiment is also disclosed whereby the replaceable bill is secured in place to prevent accidental dislodgement of the bill when one grabs at the hat to put it on. Another embodiment allows the user to replace the entire crown of the cap without even removing it from the user head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Derrelle P Davidson, Philip Madison Jones
  • Patent number: 9615618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that stabilizes and/or protects the head and spine from injuries. An immobilization device includes one or more pillars with multiple segments that protect the head and spine of a user. The pillars typically run along the part of the head and spine and pelvis that the device protects. A wire or cable runs through these segments in the pillars. By design, when the pillars of the invented system are not activated and the system is in normal use, the pillars are designed to be as flexible as possible and allow full physiologic motion of the protected body part. Activation of the system confers rigidity to the system and prevents or lessens harmful, non-physiologic motion of the body part intended to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Konstantinos Margetis, Thomas Mroz
  • Patent number: 9615619
    Abstract: An indicator device comprising a first carrier material; a first pigment disposed in the first carrier material, the first pigment capable of being degraded by exposure to UV radiation; and wherein the first carrier material is configured so as to have a varying thickness such that upon exposure to UV radiation, a visible change in the pigment will occur which will result in a varying visible change over a first surface of the first carrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jan L. Folkesson
  • Patent number: 9615620
    Abstract: A lid liner adapted for use as an add-on for a garment such as a hat or cap. The inventive lid liner is a removable multilayer construction of absorbent material adapted for easy manual removal without the use of scissors or tools of any kind. The lid liner includes: a first wicking layer, a second absorbent layer, a third water repellent layer and a fourth adhesive layer for retaining the layer of absorbent material between a wearer and the garment. The first, second, third and fourth layers are disposed in adjacent parallel relation whereby the first layer has first and second edges thereof that extend at least partially over the second and third layers and terminate on and are secured by the fourth adhesive layer. The material is positioned in the cap or hat to absorb perspiration from the wearer and thereby protect the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Louis Miranda
  • Patent number: 9615621
    Abstract: A sole structure with an integrated cleat member includes a plate member with a protruding portion that forms a first portion of the cleat member. A second portion of the cleat member is attached to the first portion and may be made of a less rigid material than the first portion. A supporting structure can be disposed inside the protruding portion. A method of forming the sole structure can include reshaping a portion of a plate member to form a protruding portion, molding a cleat tip portion onto the protruding portion and molding a supporting structure into a concave inner portion of the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Foxen
  • Patent number: 9615622
    Abstract: A high jumping shoe may include a sole structure that includes a base plate and a rim attached to the base plate on a lower surface. Portions of the rim may extend into and fill openings in the base plate. Traction element receptacles may be embedded in those rim portions. The rim and base plate may be formed different materials. The shoe may further include one or more reinforcing straps on a medial side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher S. Cook
  • Patent number: 9615623
    Abstract: Methods and systems relating to an ankle and foot support system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a covering having a cable tightening mechanism may be associated with a cable that is slidably engaged with the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may be slidably engaged with a tube guide that is attached to the cover. In some embodiments, the cable may form an exposed loop that associates with a loop receiving member. In some embodiments, the loop receiving member may be attached to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Hurd, Clifford B. Gerber
  • Patent number: 9615624
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole with a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion. The sole has a ground-facing side and a foot-facing side opposite the ground-facing side. The article of footwear includes a support system that has one or more rods spaced from the sole and extending longitudinally from the forefoot portion to the heel portion on the foot-facing side. The rod is operatively connected to the sole at the forefoot portion and at the heel portion. A sling is suspended from the rod over the midfoot portion. The rod bends when the sole is flexed to thereby lift the sling away from the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis
  • Patent number: 9615625
    Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear having a midsole defining a sidewall channel in the forefoot and a sidewall channel in the heel. The forefoot and heel channels terminate at the arch. The sole assembly includes a plate disposed below the midsole. The plate may include an arch portion, forefoot legs extending along the medial and lateral sides of the forefoot and heel legs extending along the medial and lateral sides of the heel. The medial forefoot leg may extend almost the full length of the forefoot. The lateral forefoot leg may extend about half-way through the forefoot. The lateral heel leg may extend almost the full length of the heel. The medial heel leg may extend about half-way through the heel. The sole assembly may include an outsole with slots in the heel and forefoot. The slots may terminate short of the peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Wolverine Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Huard, Myra G. De La Cruz-Williams, Ian M. Cobb, Yahn C. Lebo, Ryan C. Dowd
  • Patent number: 9615626
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an upper layer comprised of a plate member and a lower layer comprised of a plurality of segmented portions separated by flexing regions. The flexing regions may comprise portions of a compressible material. The sole structure accommodates vertical bending and torsion, while limiting lateral bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rushbrook
  • Patent number: 9615627
    Abstract: Shoes and/or shoe elements facilitate natural foot motion and/or reduce forces tending to fight natural foot motion. In at least some such structures, a wearer's heel is secured to the hindfoot region of a shoe (e.g., by a strap system) in a manner that permits heel/forefoot rotation and that allows the lower leg to remain straight. In other structures, a shoe can include a heel supporting component that is separate from a midsole component, and this heel supporting component can move toward the lateral side and/or medial side of the shoe along an interface between the heel supporting component and the midsole component. Other suitable shoe and shoe component structures also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Nurse, Bruce J. Kilgore, Gregory R. Leedy, Jennifer L. Bishop, John Hurd
  • Patent number: 9615628
    Abstract: A method, apparatuses and a system for manufacturing an insole, a shoe or a sole for a shoe. Foot information is determined on the shape and dimensions of a foot, and a pin matrix is formed at least partially based on the foot information. An insole or sole preform is placed on the pin matrix for shaping the insole preform, and an insole or sole is formed from the preform based on the foot information using the pin matrix. A positive and a negative pin matrix at least partially based on the foot information can be formed wherein the negative pin matrix essentially corresponds to the positive pin matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: FOOTBALANCE SYSTEM OY
    Inventor: Erkki Hakkala
  • Patent number: 9615629
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Stash Sporting Goods, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Cashel, Carol Stanley
  • Patent number: 9615630
    Abstract: A method for modifying a high heel shoe to reduce the angulation of the wearer's foot includes obtaining an external pad defining an outer contour and having a top surface, the external pad being at least as large as the area of the toe region outsole that contacts the ground when a wearer walks and having a thickness within the range of one half inch to two inches. The toe region of the shoe outsole is cleaned and the external pad is affixed to the toe region of the shoe outsole. The outer contour of the external pad is trimmed to conform to the outer contour of the outsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Shantel Christine Jackson
  • Patent number: 9615631
    Abstract: A ratchet belt system includes a belt having a notch strip extending along a portion of the length thereof. The notch strip is formed of a plurality of adjacent notches, each being configured to engage a ratcheting tab of an associated buckle. The belt is configured with a first belt layer, a second belt layer, and a monolithic insert disposed between the first and second layers. The belt with monolithic insert can be configured for use with a gun holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KORE ESSENTIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Robin Laatz
  • Patent number: 9615632
    Abstract: To enable a tongue to be more compact in size even when a seat-belt locking member is disposed and to achieve satisfactory mountability. A tongue (7) includes a resin mold portion (12) having seat belt lock guide holes (21) and (22). The resin mold portion (12) is provided with a seat belt lock (13) such that it is movable between an unlocking position where it does not lock a seat belt (4) and a locking position where it locks the seat belt (4) while being guided by the seat belt lock guide holes (21) and (22), and the seat belt lock (13) is set in the unlocking position under normal conditions and is set in the locking position in emergency. The seat belt lock (13) is continuously urged toward the unlocking position by a torsion spring (14). In emergency, the seat belt lock (13) is set in the locking position by a pressing force from the seat belt (4) against the urging force of the torsion spring (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TAKATA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Motonori Okano, Yuuki Tabata, Yoshihiko Kawai
  • Patent number: 9615633
    Abstract: A buckle which includes a socket and a plug. The socket includes: a cylindrical main body; a hollow part formed within the main body; a pair of left and right openings continuous to the hollow part and penetrating through wall parts of the main body; and a pair of left and right first latch surfaces defined on opening-side wall surfaces of the wall parts of the main body and inclined in a direction intersecting with an insertion direction of the plug. The plug includes: a base; arms; and a pair of left and right second latch surfaces protruding outward from outer sides of the arms and inclined in the direction intersecting with the insertion direction of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9615634
    Abstract: Clasp for a watch bracelet comprising a cover connected on a first side to a first bracelet strand and on a second side to a second bracelet strand, a connecting means being inserted between the second bracelet strand and the cover of the clasp, the connecting means comprising an end link sliding along a longitudinal direction of the clasp between a first position in which the end link is at least partially engaged in the cover of the clasp, and a second position in which the end link is disengaged from the cover of the link, the end link comprising a push-button which, when pressed, causes a toothed element to change from a first position, in which the toothed element is in mesh with a rack toothing integral with the cover of the clasp, to a second position, in which the toothed element is released from the engagement thereof with the rack toothing; the clasp being characterized in that the end link includes a housing in which there is arranged at least one spring, the spring being covered by the push-button
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Omega SA
    Inventors: Cédric Kaltenrieder, Rocco Catanese
  • Patent number: 9615635
    Abstract: A watchstrap including two separate strap sections, a first section including one or more holes in correspondence to which fastening a second section, to fasten the strap and the watch around a wrist. The strap includes a fastening system with a male part removably fixed to the first section through one of the holes to set a predefined width of the strap, and a female part, fixed on the second section and provided with a receiving seat for snap-engagement of the male part, for an automatic and pre-adjusted fastening of the strap around the wrist, the female part for releasing the male part, to open the strap. Also a fastening system for the strap of a watch and a watch comprising the strap with the corresponding fastening system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PREZIOSI POINT SAGL
    Inventor: Silvano Argiolas
  • Patent number: 9615636
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a canopy system and a method for manufacturing at least a portion of the canopy system. The canopy system may include: a canopy that includes a shaft and a canopy ball coupled to the shaft; a double socket arm connected to the canopy via the canopy ball; and a mount, the mount having a mounting ball, the mount connected to the double socket arm via the mounting ball, the canopy system thus configured for a wide range of canopy articulation with respect to the mount. Alternative embodiments are provided for the shaft, double socket arm and mounts. A manufacturing process is provided for securing the canopy ball to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Always Shady, LLC
    Inventors: Dewitt Gary Harrison, William Greg Harrison
  • Patent number: 9615637
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a fixing tube and a coupling member mounted on an end of the fixing tube. A positioning ring is mounted around and not rotatable relative to the coupling member. A rotational sleeve is rotatably mounted to the coupling member and is spaced from the positioning ring. A driving jacket is mounted around the connecting ring and the positioning ring. The driving jacket is fixed to the positioning ring and is movable between an engagement position in which the positioning ring engages with the connecting ring and a disengagement position in which the positioning ring disengages from the connecting ring. The rotational sleeve is rotatable relative to the coupling member when the driving jacket is in the disengagement position, permitting a change in an orientation of a tilted canopy of the umbrella to face the sun for obtaining a better shielding effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Benson Tung
  • Patent number: 9615638
    Abstract: A wheeling frame for a suitcase which has its own rolling wheels includes a frame supporting a pair of leaning wheels arranged at ends of a pair of pivotable legs, with a first wheel arranged at the end of a first leg and a second wheel arranged at the end of a second leg. The leg positions are adjustable between a stowed position and a deployed, adjustable position extending at an angle to the frame. The legs have a movable pivoting axis and adjustable lengths. A handle system at a proximal end of the frame is adjustable in length and angle, and is operable in conjunction with the leaning wheels to roll the suitcase in a stable leaning position, to allow walking the suitcase on steps of a staircase, and to be converted into a suitcase table, to ease packing and unpacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Max Moskowitz, Dov Katz, Bezalel Katz
  • Patent number: 9615639
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a contact lens package containing a contact lens in a compressed state. In one exemplary embodiment, the overall internal depth of the package is less than the natural sagittal depth of the contact lens. Different single-use contact lens package shapes and configurations may be used. In some embodiments, a spring disc is included in the packages to help present the contact lens to the user when the package is opened. The contact lens packages may be adhered or clipped to a card or other carrier sheet, and may be housed in a number of different secondary packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Menicon Singapore PTE LTD.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Newman
  • Patent number: 9615640
    Abstract: A personal items retrieval system including, at least, a first receptacle for receiving a specific first personal item, a first receptacle label that identifies the specific first personal item, a second receptacle for receiving a specific second personal item, and a second receptacle label that identifies the specific second personal item. Including an individual, separate receptacle as well as a label for a specific item on each receptacle provides a visual cue that an item may be misplaced, for example before the owner needs the item. Each specific personal item is uniquely paired with a receptacle and a label, thereby providing a convenient indication of whether the specific personal item is within its designated location, or whether the specific personal item may need to be located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: FINDER ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Rainer J. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9615641
    Abstract: A container and billfold for carrying credit cards and the like is provided with security protection for shielding surreptitious remote retrieval of the information stored in magnetic means on the cards. The upper edge portions of the cards are exposed in a staggered manner in the container for ready identification, selection and removal of a particular card during use. The container has a spring-loaded cam operated compression spring hinge to maintain it in either a closed condition in a snap action or in a secure opened condition with its upper housing pivoted to a maximum opening position of generally 49 degrees relative to the plane of the lower housing. A paper currency clip is also provided in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Eric Tsz Kin Yeung, Jackie Chi Ki Yeung
  • Patent number: 9615642
    Abstract: An apparatus adapted for use within a luggage item is described which comprises features for conforming to and surrounding one or more objects of various sizes and shapes. The apparatus, which may be removable, further includes features for protecting items from damage due to impact, abrasion, contamination, and other undesired effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Thule Organization Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bergh, Eric Michael Onno Bergman, Thi Phuong-Nam Bagley
  • Patent number: 9615643
    Abstract: A hair styling device is disclosed. In one aspect the hair styling device includes: a body defining a chamber adapted to accommodate a length of hair, the chamber having a primary opening through which the length of hair may enter the chamber; a rotatable element adapted to engage the length of hair adjacent to the primary opening; an elongate member around which, in use, the length of hair is wound by the rotatable element; a guide part adapted to guide the length of hair towards the primary opening, the rotatable element being rotatable relative to the guide part, the guide part being movable relative to the body. The movable guide part may also serve to press the length of hair towards the primary opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TF3 LIMITED
    Inventors: Alfredo De Benedictis, Janusz Lucien Holland, Mark Christopher Hughes
  • Patent number: 9615644
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hair styling device. According to the invention the hair styling device comprises a body adapted to accommodate a length of hair, the body having a primary opening through which the length of hair may pass; a rotatable element adapted to engage the length of hair adjacent to the primary opening; an elongate member around which, in use, the length of hair is wound by the rotatable element; a movable panel having an open position in which the primary opening is open to receive the length of hair, and a closed position in which the primary opening is covered, the movable panel having a heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TF3 LIMITED
    Inventors: Alfredo De Benedictis, Janusz Lucien Holland, Mark Christopher Hughes
  • Patent number: 9615645
    Abstract: A roller assembly for a cosmetic device includes a cylindrical drum portion having an interior and an abrasive outer surface; first and second ends enclosing opposite ends of the cylindrical drum portion; and first and second posts extending from the interior of the cylindrical drum portion and being movable along a longitudinal axis of the roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SOFT LINES INTERNATIONAL, LTD.
    Inventor: Wai Wah Yiu
  • Patent number: 9615646
    Abstract: A cosmetic applicator, comprising a sponge to absorb substance and prevent leakage thereof is provided herein. The sponge having an elastic open-cell of a three-dimensional membrane structure of elastic polymer and is double over molded in combination with the rigid plastic base. The sponge has predefined density enabling to absorb the substance and skin surface having predefined thickness to prevent a spontaneous release of the substance. The substance may be squeezed out of the sponge only when applying pressure on the sponge. A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag is integrated to the rigid plastic base to allow information related storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SYNOIA TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ziv Geva, Ayelet Mofar, Ofer Leizerovich
  • Patent number: 9615647
    Abstract: A makeup application assistance device includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image obtained by photographing a face; a face part acquisition unit that acquires, from the image, face part regions of the face; a face makeup technique selection unit that selects a face makeup technique, which is a face makeup application method, for each face part; a skin condition acquisition unit that acquires the skin condition of the face; a skin correction makeup technique selection unit that selects, on the basis of the skin condition, a skin correction makeup technique, which is a skin correction makeup application method; and a makeup technique presentation unit that presents the selected face makeup techniques associated with the corresponding face part regions, and presents the selected skin correction makeup technique, to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomofumi Yamanashi, Rieko Asai, Aoi Muta, Chie Nishi, Kaori Ajiki
  • Patent number: 9615648
    Abstract: A backpack is provided, which includes a bag, a first to third zippers, a first extended fabric, and a buckle set. The bag includes a first cloth, a second cloth, and a third cloth, which neighbor each other. Three openings are formed among the three cloths. The three zippers respectively seal the three openings. Two first fasteners are provided on the second and the third cloths, wherein a first segment of the third zipper is located between the two first fasteners. The buckle set includes two buckles, connected to the first cloth and the slider of the third zipper respectively. With the first extended fabric and the buckle set, the backpack is double anti-theft; on the other hand, after the two buckles are detached from each other, the bag is easy to be opened by pulling the first extended fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Teng-Yao Chang
  • Patent number: 9615649
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved hydration dispensing device and method for preventing the freeze-up of the hydration line, to dispense potable fluids, such as water, from the hydration dispensing device, eliminating freezing by routing the line under the user's clothes with the line accessible section and extending beyond user's cuff, to be accessible at any time. The device and method comprise a remotely actuated valve mechanism adapted worn and remotely actuated, having a valve means for controlling the flow of potable fluid through the mechanism and a shell, defining an interior cavity, providing a valve seat projecting into the interior cavity, adapted to cooperatively seat the valve means, and operationally adapted to selectively open and close a hydration line when operated. The hydration line attaches to a hydration reservoir, or pack liquid-filled bladder, containing the potable fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Raymond Bradley Melling
  • Patent number: 9615650
    Abstract: An armband includes an electronic device holder including an outer shell for holding an electronic device. A first wing structure with a first strap opening extends outward from the outer shell and a second wing structure with a second strap opening extends outward from the outer shell. The armband further includes a strap with at least one attachment portion located between a first end portion and a second end portion of the strap for detachably securing the first end portion after the strap has passed through the first strap opening and for detachably securing the second end portion after the strap has passed through the second strap opening. An inner layer of the strap includes a moisture wicking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Superior Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Michael Soriano, Vivian Wei-Fen Chou
  • Patent number: 9615651
    Abstract: A holder and mobile platform assembly may include a support plate shaped to fit in the palm of a user's hand. A hand strap may be attached to the support plate and configured to wrap around the user's hand. A mobile platform may be mounted for rotation on the support plate. The mobile platform may include a support surface having a releasable fastener provided thereon for supporting a first device, and a support compartment extending from an edge of the support surface for supporting a second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hand E Holder Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Burns, Daniel Patrick Burns, John Mark Wilson
  • Patent number: 9615652
    Abstract: In respect of the problem of specifying a broom head which can readily sweep up differently sized particles and mixtures of the same, a broom head comprising a basic body (100), from which clusters (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13) of bristles project, characterized in that the clusters (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13) have a cross section which is neither round nor circular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Norbert Weis, Hans-Jörg Clemen, Marc Hunger
  • Patent number: 9615653
    Abstract: A brush has a brushing section and a handle section. The handle section has a recess with an open exterior end. An axial slot is formed in the handle. A core has an enlarged exterior extension. A plurality of parallel bores extend diametrically through the core at spaced locations. A plurality of elastic hair bands, each in a closed loop, are adapted to be positioned within the parallel bores extending from both sides of the bores. The core with extending hair bands is adapted to be inserted into the recess with the hair bands extending through the slot for selective removal by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew C. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9615654
    Abstract: A slimfold table has a plurality of legs, at least one table leaf, an inner cross brace, and an outer cross brace. The plurality of legs, the at least one table leaf, the inner cross brace, and the outer cross brace are movable from a deployed condition to a nested condition. The deployed condition has the plurality of legs all generally parallel each other and spaced apart by the inner and outer cross braces, with the at least one table leaf generally orthogonal the legs. The nested condition has the plurality of legs all generally parallel and adjacent to each other and to the inner and outer cross braces and to the at least one table leaf, with the legs and the at least one table leaf nested within the inner cross brace and the inner cross brace nested within the outer cross brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: GCI Outdoor, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Grace
  • Patent number: 9615655
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism for desk including a first bracket, a second bracket, and at least one cross-arm assembly is provided. The cross-arm assembly has at least three connecting ends for connecting the first bracket and the second bracket respectively. The cross-arm assembly rotates about a first axis to change a shear angle thereof, and drives the first and the second brackets to move close to or away from each other relatively in a second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 9615656
    Abstract: A driver fixing device for an electric adjustable standing desk is provided. The driver fixing device includes a driver, a device framework and a fixing unit. The driver is used for driving the electric adjustable standing desk to ascend and descend, the device framework is arranged around the electric adjustable standing desk, the fixing unit is arranged in the device framework, the fixing unit can be made of an elastic material with a through hole, and the driver penetrates through and is fixed in the through hole. When the driver actuates, the fixing unit allows the driver to slide and move in the through hole for properly regulating a transmission error of the driver, and further, the configuration of a flexible connector is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Chun-Tsair Wang
  • Patent number: 9615657
    Abstract: A corner joint for use in a modular portable stand that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled by one person without using any tools or hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Ortega
  • Patent number: 9615658
    Abstract: A projectile resistant desk. The desk includes a desktop support having a receptacle and a removable desktop hingedly coupled to a slip rod; wherein the slip rod substantially corresponds to the receptacle and allows the desktop to be removably secured to the desktop support. The projectile resistant desk is suited for frame styled or storage styled supports. The desktop can be made of a variety of materials including bullet-resistant glass, polycarbonates, polyurethane, fiberglass and resins and can include one or more handles on its underside. The desk can further include a projectile resistant leg shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventors: Donald Ray Nobles, Alexander Ryan Nobles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9615659
    Abstract: A hanger having a first elongate segment, a second elongate segment, and a third elongate segment disposed in adjacent spaced apart relation, the first elongate segment and the second elongate segment disposed a sufficient distance apart to receive between a thickness of a shelf, the second elongate segment and the third elongate segment disposed a sufficient distance apart to hang a garment on said third elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Vicki LaRae King
  • Patent number: 9615660
    Abstract: A wine rack carousel for storing a plurality of wine bottles comprising one or more inner annular frames and outer annular frames where a plurality of support member pairs, extend between each pair of inner and outer annular frames to support wine bottles. Each pair of support members are parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Darryl Hogeback
  • Patent number: 9615661
    Abstract: A multi level rack apparatus for holding elongated items upright for storage includes a rack frame having an “X” shaped profile defined by four arms which extend out from a center portion. A structural exterior is formed from a top support level, an side wall, and a base support level, and extends across each of the arms. Disposed inside the rack frame is a lower support level which is parallel to and positioned between the top support level and base support level and a vertical support post which helps maintain the relative position of the support levels from the center portion. A plurality of sets of holding sections are disposed in each of the support levels, with each set aligned between the support levels such that an elongated item can be held upright in place by one set of holding sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Hildebrand