Patents Issued in December 19, 2017
  • Patent number: 9844198
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01063894. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01063894. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01063894 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01063894 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Tyler
  • Patent number: 9844199
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01058475. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01058475. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01058475 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01058475 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hall, Maqsood Rehman
  • Patent number: 9844200
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01058749. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01058749. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01058749 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01058749 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Tyler
  • Patent number: 9844201
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050745. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050745. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050745 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050745 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Roger L. Lussenden, Catherine N. Nyinyi Hatcher
  • Patent number: 9844202
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2TP5 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2TP5 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2TP5 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2TP5 or a locus conversion of PH2TP5 with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Travis Korry Coleman, Gustavo Marcelo Garcia
  • Patent number: 9844203
    Abstract: An invention engaged in a program or system to toilet-train a house pet in two or three stages after which said pet will routinely relieve itself into the toilet bowl. The initial embodiment may be in an outdoor venue, as in the case of a dog. The second stage may commence in the bathroom, on the floor, where the owner will continue the training program. Ultimately, the preferred embodiment will be resting atop the toilet seat or the toilet bowl rim where the trainee will deposit its excreta directly, without hesitation or ceremony.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Tyrus Mori
  • Patent number: 9844204
    Abstract: A folding corral system is operable to define an enclosed space and to selectively adjust the size of the enclosed space. The folding corral system broadly includes a corral structure, a swingable corral panel, and a powered drive system. The corral structure is operable to be installed adjacent the enclosed space. The corral panel is pivotally supported relative to the corral structure to swing about an upright pivot axis. The corral panel is swingable relative to the corral structure into and out of a deployed condition where the swingable corral panel at least partly defines the enclosed space. The powered drive system is drivingly attached relative to the swingable corral panel. The powered drive system is operable to drive the swingable corral panel into and out of the deployed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: RK Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne D. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9844205
    Abstract: A non-skid container having a base portion including a flat portion and a plurality of studs, an outer bowl including a sidewall, a plurality of posts, a top opening, a bottom opening and a recess, wherein the posts are configured to be coupled to the studs, thereby coupling the outer bowl to the base portion and an inner bowl configured to be coupled to the outer bowl by inserting the inner bowl into the recess of the outer bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: AFJ INDUSTRIES LLC
    Inventors: James Smaldone, Al Smaldone
  • Patent number: 9844206
    Abstract: Specifically, a computer implemented animal management program having modules which function to match animal information retrieved from a radiofrequency identification device(s) implanted in an animal(s) with animal information retrieved from a database of at least one computer to assess animal condition and time treatment events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Bella Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas P. Rettedal, Stephen M. Weilnau, Scott R. Cockroft, Billy J. Yeager
  • Patent number: 9844207
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a tug-toy tooth brush. In one example, the tug-toy tooth brush includes a structural frame that provides support for at least one sliding element. The structural frame includes channels that guide the sliding element while sliding within the structural frame. The sliding element is configured to slide from a first position to a second position within the structural frame. The sliding element includes bristles that extrude through the structural frame. The tug-toy tooth brush also includes at least one handle attached to a distal end of the sliding element, where the handle is configured for travel through the structural frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: OWL INNOVATIONS, LLC.
    Inventors: Samuel Wayne Wright, Brian Coutts, Tyler Brown
  • Patent number: 9844208
    Abstract: A leash includes a container housing to be carried on a collar, chain, harness or other similar restraint, readily available for use. An outer end of a leash strap can be pulled by a user to dispense the leash strap for use, and the leash can be retracted and rewound in the container housing. The leash can be latched in a retracted configuration to prevent unwanted extension of the leash, and can be unlatched by a user for extension or storage of the leash in the retracted configuration. In one form the leash includes a thumb wheel that can be turned by a user on an inner rotatable spool in an unlatched position, and rotation of the thumb wheel is prevented in a latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: John Robert Harris, II
  • Patent number: 9844209
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems for stimulating a desired response, such as ovulation and egg laying, hunger, growth, mood and sexual maturity in birds, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail and ostrich, by controlling the duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of photon bursts to a bird, through the high frequency modulation of photons in an individual color spectrum to the bird and duty cycle, where the photon modulation and duty cycle is based upon the specific needs of the bird.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Xiant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon Daren Suntych
  • Patent number: 9844210
    Abstract: Methods and systems of promoting fertilization of eggs of an avian. While inseminating a plurality of avian eggs a spectrum substantially concentrated within a narrow range of wavelength irradiates the plurality of inseminated avian eggs to increase the motility of the sperm to increase the probability of conception of avian from the inseminated eggs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Once Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Zdenko Grajcar, John Lilly, Kevin Payne
  • Patent number: 9844211
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a transgenic non-human animal model having germ cells and somatic cells containing an endogenous MMTV-SV40-Spy1A gene sequence introduced into said animal model or an ancestor of said animal model at an embryonic stage, wherein said gene sequence comprises a mouse mammary tumor virus gene (MMTV), a functionally disrupted SV40 gene (SV40) and a human Spy1A gene. In another aspect, the present invention provides a transgenic non-human animal model whose germ cells and somatic cells contain an endogenous Spy1A-pTRE-Tight gene sequence introduced into said animal model or an ancestor of said animal model at an embryonic stage. Preferably, the Spy1A-pTRE-Tight animal model expresses the Spy1A gene and develop cancer, preferably breast cancer, when administered with tetracycline, preferably doxycycline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventors: Lisa Porter, Bre-Anne Fifield, Dorota Lubanska, Espanta Jalili
  • Patent number: 9844212
    Abstract: Genetically modified mice are provided that express human ? variable (hV?) sequences, including mice that express hV? sequences from an endogenous mouse ? light chain locus, mice that express hV? sequences from an endogenous mouse ? light chain locus, and mice that express hV? sequences from a transgene or an episome wherein the hV? sequence is linked to a mouse constant sequence. Mice are provided that are a source of somatically mutated human ? variable sequences useful for making antigen-binding proteins. Compositions and methods for making antigen-binding proteins that comprise human ? variable sequences, including human antibodies, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, Cagan Gurer, Andrew J. Murphy, Karolina A. Meagher
  • Patent number: 9844213
    Abstract: Handles, apparatus devices, and methods for clamping and using an extra handle onto fishing rods that provides enhanced leverage while holding the existing elongated handle on the rod between clamps on the extra handle, as well as being used for carrying the rod before and after it is being used. The extra handle has bent member between two clamp ends with an inner generally wide flat smooth face, and lower and upper smooth perimeter edge surfaces, that provide a comfortable surface against the back of the hand of the fisherman and helps provide leverage to the fisherman while fishing with the rod and carrying the rod before and after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Olsen
  • Patent number: 9844214
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing macular degeneration in a subject. The disclosure also provides compositions and methods for preserving organs and tissues for transplantation, and for preventing cellular injury in organs or in subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: MUSC Foundation for Research Development
    Inventors: Gautam Ghatnekar, Robert Gourdie, Jane Jourdan
  • Patent number: 9844215
    Abstract: Apparatuses and techniques for subterranean placement or positioning of one or more items are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is configured to form a hole in the ground and subsequently provide a pathway for positioning one or more items in the hole. In one form, the items that may subterraneously placed or positioned using the apparatus may include agricultural products such as seeds or delivery vehicles that include one or more fertilizers or pesticides or combinations of these materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventor: Ronald L. Cassell
  • Patent number: 9844216
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chemical composition comprised of hydrogen peroxide and a nanoemulsion of long-chained alcohols which in combination these constituents act synergistically boost the kill-time rate of hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide based nanoemulsion formulation for application to skin includes a cosmetically approved peroxide containing compound present in a range to give from about 0.1 to about 4 wt./wt. % released hydrogen peroxide, an organic acid present in a concentration from about 0.01 to about 5 wt./wt. % for adjusting a pH of the formulation in a range from about pH 1 to about pH 4, a long-chained (C9 to C22) aryl and/or alky! alcohol, present in a concentration from about 0.1 to about 20 wt./wt. %, and an emollient present in a concentration from about 0.1 to about 40 wt./wt. %, and an emulsifier present in a concentration from about 0.1 to about 20 wt./wt. % to render the formulation a nanoemulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Deb IP Limited
    Inventors: Pierre Grascha, Mylène Battut
  • Patent number: 9844217
    Abstract: Composition of allomones and kairomones derived from the uropygeal gland of ducks and chickens are described, as well as methods to treat Arachnids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Institut de Recherche en Semiochimie et Ethologie Appliquée
    Inventor: Patrick Pageat
  • Patent number: 9844218
    Abstract: Provided herein are compounds that exhibit activity as acetyl-CoA carboxylase modulators (e.g., inhibitors) and are useful, for example, in methods for the control of fungal pathogens in plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Urszula Slomczynska, Matthew W. Dimmic, William P. Haakenson, Jr., Jennifer L. Bennett, Barry J. Shortt, Christina M. Taylor, Deryck Jeremy Williams, Martin Slater
  • Patent number: 9844219
    Abstract: The present invention provides ?-keto peracids and methods for producing and using the same. In particular, ?-keto peracids are useful as antimicrobial agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: CHD BIOSCIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Edwin D. Neas, John D. Skinner
  • Patent number: 9844220
    Abstract: Novel active compound combinations comprising a carboxamide of the general formula (I) (group 1) in which A, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the description, and the active compound groups (2) to (23) listed in the description have very good fungicidal properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ulrike Wachendorff-Neumann, Peter Dahmen, Ralf Dunkel, Hans-Ludwig Elbe, Anne Suty-Heinze, Heiko Rieck
  • Patent number: 9844221
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for controlling apple scab caused by Venturia inaequalis comprising spraying the bark of an apple tree with an effective amount of 3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-[(3R)-1,1,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydroinden-4-yl]pyrazole-4-carboxamide and a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: VALENT U.S.A. CORPORATION
    Inventor: Billy R. Corbin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9844222
    Abstract: A metal nanoparticles-doped porous carbon bead having an average size of about 0.4 millimeter (mm) to about 0.6 mm is provided. The metal nanoparticles-doped porous carbon bead is doped with silver, copper, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KANPUR
    Inventors: Nishith Verma, Ashutosh Sharma, Prateek Khare
  • Patent number: 9844223
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for producing insecticidal black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) frass, and using the frass for nutritional and insect pest control activity in soils and/or on foliage. The methods include processes for using BSF frass to reduce damage to crops caused by wireworms (i.e., click beetle larvae, in the Elateridae family) and/or other Coleopteran (i.e., beetle) insect pests. Also provided is an insect trap comprising BSF frass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: ENTERRA FEED CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Vickerson, Reed Radley, Brad Marchant, Oliver Kaulfuss, Todd Kabaluk
  • Patent number: 9844224
    Abstract: Disclosed are bitter alkaloid-containing consumables comprising bitter blockers for a reduced alkaloid-derived bitterness and methods of forming said consumables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: GIVAUDAN SA
    Inventors: Zhonghua Jia, Kimberley Gray, Rajesh Venkata Potineni
  • Patent number: 9844225
    Abstract: Jelly confectionery products and methods of producing the jelly confectionery products are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a jelly confectionery product having 1) an ingredient including fruit juice, fruit puree or a combination thereof, and 2) a jelly blend including a stabilizer and a fiber. The jelly confectionery product can be free of added sugar or corn syrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Vivek Dilip Savant
  • Patent number: 9844226
    Abstract: A substance is described which is capable of imparting a kokumi, which shows a more excellent kokumi-imparting effect, in particular, the initial taste-imparting type of kokumi-imparting effect, which is excellent in the stability and which can easily be produced at a low cost. Additionally, a kokumi-imparting composition which includes a substance as well as a kokumi-imparting agent including the substance and other substances possessing the CaSR agonist activities in combination. More particularly, the present invention herein provides a kokumi-imparting composition consisting of ?-Glu-Abu (L-?-glutamyl-L-2-amino-butyric acid) and a complex kokumi-imparting agent which includes the foregoing substance and another substance having a CaSR agonist activity, in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: AJINOMOTO CO., INC.
    Inventors: Fumie Futaki, Reiko Yasuda, Seiichi Sato, Takashi Miyaki, Naohiro Miyamura, Yuzuru Eto
  • Patent number: 9844227
    Abstract: Disclosed are stabilized nutritional compositions having a stabilizer system including starch, or a combination of starch and maltotriose, and methods for manufacturing the compositions. The retrogradation effect commonly seen with starch stabilizers is substantially reduced or even eliminated in the disclosed nutritional compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Mustafa Vurma, Gul Konuklar
  • Patent number: 9844228
    Abstract: A spray composition and method are provided that are effective for reduction or elimination of the psychological hunger for foods for which a patient wishes to reduce consumption. Such ingredients preferably include but are not limited to cinnamon, lemon powder, coffee grounds, alcohol, citric acid, vanilla, and sugar and/or an artificial sweetener such as saccharin. The composition of the invention is preferably sprayed into the mouth, resulting in a lessening or elimination of psychological hunger. The method and spray composition saturate a person's craving for foods by penetrating to the blood through the oral mucosa, and satisfying taste buds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Cherkassky
  • Patent number: 9844229
    Abstract: A juice pressing machine and methods for pressing juice from a foodstuff includes embodiments having a removable pressing chamber and one or more filters which may be assembled and loaded with macerated foodstuff to form thin layers separated by a pressing plate. Once a juicing operation has been completed, the pressing chamber can be removed from the machine for emptying the pressed filters and solids contents therein. The empty pressing chamber may then be rinsed if needed and reattached to the machine for a subsequent pressing operation with newly filled filter(s). The platen may also be easily removed from the machine for cleaning as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventors: Dale Wettlaufer, Eric Wettlaufer
  • Patent number: 9844230
    Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to nitrosamines members of which class are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of nitrosamines from biological fluids. Such molecularly imprinted polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LTD
    Inventors: Sumita Bhattacharyya, Kevin McAdam, Anthony Rees, Börje Sellergren, Christine Widstrand
  • Patent number: 9844231
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting an organoleptic quality to a recipient product using a sensate substance obtained from a donor product, the apparatus comprising a donor product storage chamber; and a recipient product storage chamber, the apparatus being arranged to allow a fluid to circulate repeatedly between the donor product storage chamber and the recipient product storage chamber so that at least one sensate substance obtained from the donor product is conveyed from the donor product storage chamber into the recipient product storage chamber and into contact with the recipient product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Louis Barber, Andrew McLellan, Richard Hepworth, Mark Cassell, Robert Whiffen, Aaron Brookbank
  • Patent number: 9844232
    Abstract: Smoking article inspection systems configured to inspect smoking articles are provided. The systems may include imaging devices configured to capture images of an exterior of the smoking article and an analysis unit configured to analyze the images captured by the imaging devices. The analysis unit may execute an edge detection tool configured to determine a position of the smoking article based on an edge location of the smoking article and a defect detection tool configured to determine whether the smoking article is defective after the position of the smoking article is determined. The imaging devices may be configured to capture images of the smoking articles during the assembly thereof. Thereby, the analysis unit may determine any operations during assembly causing damage to the smoking article from analysis of the images of the smoking article captured during assembly. Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Gary Lee Wood, Derwin Hiatt, Larry McCann, Mike Shockley, Eddie Nuckols, David R. Hall, Frank Brantley, Isaac Martin, Martin Sama, Charles Reddell, Mike Whitley
  • Patent number: 9844233
    Abstract: An airflow preheating device, includes a heating pipe and a flow guide pipe, where the flow guide pipe is embedded in the heating pipe; a flow guide device is provided on an outer wall of the flow guide pipe; a ventilation pipe is provided inside the flow guide pipe; an air flow space is formed between the ventilation pipe and the flow guide pipe; an air flow enters between the flow guide pipe and the ventilation pipe from a top end of the ventilation pipe, and then enters between the outer wall of the flow guide pipe and an inner wall of the heating pipe via an air flow hole on a wall of the flow guide pipe, and flows out via the flow guide device. Because an optimized air flow channel is used, an outer wall of a smoking set is not easily heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SMISS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiatai Chen
  • Patent number: 9844234
    Abstract: There is provided an aerosol generating system for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The system includes a liquid storage portion for storing the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, and a leakage preventer for preventing or reducing leakage of the liquid aerosol forming substrate from the liquid storage portion. The leakage preventer may include one or more of a porous plug at least partially located within the liquid storage portion, a first sealer between the liquid storage portion and a capillary wick, and a second sealer between the liquid storage portion and an electrical connector of an electric heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Thorens, Jean-Marc Flick, Olivier Yves Cochand, Flavien Dubief
  • Patent number: 9844235
    Abstract: One non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes an athletic garment including a garment configured to snugly fit a torso wherein the garment has a front portion and a rear portion. The athletic garment further includes a pocket secured to the rear portion of the garment providing a pocket for containing items therein. The pocket includes a secured portion and a hanging portion wherein the secured portion is secured to the garment and the hanging portion is not secured to the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Asnis, Jason Israel
  • Patent number: 9844236
    Abstract: A convertible garment includes a waist portion having a continuous upper edge and a pair of leg portions extending downwardly from the waist portion. Each leg portion includes a lower end. The convertible garment includes an upper auxiliary portion having a continuous lower edge coupled to the upper edge of the waistband and an opposed free upper edge. The upper auxiliary portion is movable between a folded configuration adjacent the waist portion and an extended configuration extending away from the waist portion. The convertible garment includes a pair of lower auxiliary portions each having an upper edge coupled to respective lower ends of respective leg portions and an opposed free edge, respective lower auxiliary portions being movable between a folded configuration adjacent respective leg portions and an extended configuration extending away from respective lower ends of respective leg portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Melanie A. Miller
  • Patent number: 9844237
    Abstract: A bowtie module is described having first and second modules, each having a first and second side and a first and second end. A connector element is disposed on a first side of the first module and another connector element is disposed on the second side of the first module. The second module includes a hole defined therethrough for receiving one of the connector elements, thereby connecting the first module to the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Brooks Brothers Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Cristodero, Adriana Lucin, Asher Von Stein
  • Patent number: 9844238
    Abstract: An attachment system for a helmet, the system having a buckle and a stud. The stud has an engaging portion and the buckle extends along a longitudinal axis and has first and second slots for receiving an adjustable strap and a rim defining a housing having an opening for receiving the engaging portion, the housing opening extending in a direction that is transversal to the longitudinal axis of the buckle. The rim is configured to allow sliding engagement with the engaging portion in a direction that is transversal to the longitudinal axis of the buckle between a first position wherein a section of the rim retains the engaging portion in the rim housing for locking the buckle into the stud and a second position wherein the engaging portion is no longer retained in the rim housing for releasing the buckle from the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY, LLC
    Inventors: Glen Lemoine, Charles-Antoine Desrochers, David Rudd
  • Patent number: 9844239
    Abstract: A device enables a wearer to obtain a personal zone of cooling effect. Specifically, a headwear is provided that incorporates a stabilizing and aerating platform to house and support an array of photo-voltaic cells that in turn power strategically placed and positionable personal variable speed fans. The device anticipates and counters the power decreases typically encountered by photo-voltaic cells when operating in elevated temperatures. The present invention, and also provides dual modality of use to provide a smaller photo-voltaic cell array in situations where a sacrifice in power is acceptable relative to a sizing of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: John O. Plain
  • Patent number: 9844240
    Abstract: An apparatus for sandals with interchangeable upper section consists of an upper portion, a sole, and a securing system. The upper portion is the only interchangeable component, and users can interchange different upper portions with one specific sole. The securing system consists of a plurality of male connectors and a plurality of female connectors. The plurality of male connectors is connected with the sole, and the plurality of female connectors is connected with the upper portion. The upper portion can be attached to the sole, when the plurality of female connectors is traversed into the plurality of male connectors. The apparatus for sandals with interchangeable upper section consists of many different colors and styles in order to complement a wide variety of customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Richard George
  • Patent number: 9844241
    Abstract: A ski boot with removable and interchangeable soles. In one embodiment, the ski boot has a hull with a shaped plate, a sole adapted to be removed from the hull with the sole having a front portion and a back portion that are separated from each other and constrained to the hull via fixing screws. The removable and interchangeable soles allows the ski boot to be configured for specific skiing disciplines and is compatible with ski bindings provided with a plurality of pins integral with the ski that are fitted into corresponding shaped recesses of the hull. The shaped recesses are positioned on the sides of the plate, which is fixedly constrained to the ski boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: LA ROCCA SAS DI ROSATO EDOARDO E DEMIS
    Inventors: Lorenzo Rosato, Giuseppe Rosato
  • Patent number: 9844242
    Abstract: An inner sole board having varying regions of flexibility is provided for use in an article of footwear. The inner sole board may include different materials along its length at different locations that vary its flexibility. An inner sole board is manufactured in an injection molding process requiring only one mold. The process includes a first step of providing a mold, a second step of providing an injection molding assembly, a third step of preparing an injection molding assembly and mold, a fourth step of injecting material into the mold, and a fifth step of establishing the dimensions of a first portion. During the injection molding process, the flow rate of at least one material may be controlled by a nozzle gate to control the shape and size of the flex zone it creates. In this manner, the inner sole board may be customized for a specific sport or individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Baucom, Clifford B. Gerber
  • Patent number: 9844243
    Abstract: A protective member for a graphic transfer assembly includes an interior portion to receive a sole structure of an article of footwear. The protective member may protect the sole structure from heat applied by a graphic transfer assembly. The protective member can also prevent portions of a sole structure from damaging components of a graphic transfer assembly. The protective member can be contoured to improve the seal between deformable membranes of the graphic transfer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Langvin, David P. Jones, Jeremy L. Connell
  • Patent number: 9844244
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include various first strands and second strands. The cutting and second strands may extend from an area proximal to lace-receiving elements to an area proximal to the sole structure. The first strands may have a substantially vertical orientation and the second strands may have a rearwardly-angled orientation. The first strands may be located in a midfoot region of the footwear and the second strands may be located in both the midfoot region and a heel region of the footwear. Angles between the first strands and the second strands may be at least 40 degrees. Additionally, the second strands may have at least fifty percent greater tensile strength than the first strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick J. Dojan, James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 9844245
    Abstract: A two part button system provides secure and easy snap-on/snap-off action between a domed, perforated, flexing decorative top piece and a button base member attached to fabric or apparel. When the parts are in their usable positions with respect to one another, their configurations create a small crevice between opposed perimeter edges. Separation and removal of the top piece from the base member occurs only when a compressing/prying force is applied in the crevice, allowing the top piece to be easily and promptly lifted away from the base member, and optionally replaced by a substitute top piece thus changing the button system appearance. The decorative options for top pieces are unlimited, allowing for a traditional looking and functioning base member that is connected to fabric or apparel in the usual fashion, but able one-at-a-time to accept numerous and various decorative top pieces as desired and changed at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Nathan Naylor
  • Patent number: 9844246
    Abstract: There is provided a slide fastener slider. A front mounting portion and a rear mounting portion are respectively provided with receiving grooves for receiving a lock member. The receiving grooves have right and left side walls. Protrusions are respectively provided on upper end edges of the side walls of the front mounting portion. When the upper end portions of the side walls of the front mounting portion are inclined in a direction of approaching each other, the protrusions approach each other, and the protrusions cover the lock member more largely relative to portions of the side walls other than the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Kouji Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 9844247
    Abstract: A vertically interchangeable and stackable jewelry system which includes a pendant bail clasp and stackable pendants. The bail clasp opens with a hinged lever, which includes a beveled edge opposite the hinged end of the lever. In addition, the clasp contains a complementary beveled edge which locks with the beveled edge of the hinged lever to lock the pendant bail clasp. Each pendant includes a uniform hooking mechanism at an exterior edge to connect pendant to the bail clasp. Differing pendants all have the same hooking mechanism to facilitate proper stacking. Pendants are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes such an infinite number of combinations are available. The front and back surface of each charm is curved to facilitate vertical stacking of the charms upon and beneath each other. The present jewelry system also includes an interior view when ornaments have center openings and are vertically stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Katrina Kelly