Patents Issued in December 26, 2017
  • Patent number: 9848640
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a reclosable pack (1) of smoking articles, said pack comprising a sealed enclosure having a front wall, a back wall, two side walls (7), a top-end wall (8) and a bottom-end wall (6), said enclosure comprising a flexible packaging laminate around a bundle of smoking articles (2), the laminate comprising a built-in easy-opening access, said laminate comprising a permanently tacky adhesive layer (3) sandwiched between an inner layer structure (9) and an outer layer structure (12) comprising an outer score line (13) formed through the thickness of the outer layer structure (12) and an inner score line (14) formed through the thickness of the inner layer structure (9), both delimiting separable opening portions, in which a region of the outer opening portion between the outer and inner score lines (13, 14) is attached to an underlying surface of the inner layer structure (9) via a permanently tacky adhesive (3), the outer opening portion being peelable from the underlying surface of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Amcor Flexibles
    Inventor: Jens Pilzecker
  • Patent number: 9848641
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nicotine inhaling device and a method for making the same. Such device allows a user to ingest nicotine vapours orally and it is primarily intended to be used as a smoking cessation aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: John Wollin
  • Patent number: 9848642
    Abstract: An aerosol generator device has an elongate body with an interior passageway extending longitudinally to its mouth end. The device receives an interchangeable, pressurized canister charged with a nicotine containing liquid that is discharged in a metered dose on manual actuation of a button member that causes a valve in the canister to open and discharge through a discharge tube. A sleeve releasably couples the canister to the body. The button member is slidably mounted on the body for reciprocal movement along a trigger axis Y-Y? extending transversely of the longitudinal axis X-X? of the device, and has a manually depressible surface portion and a camming surface portion that drives a slidable nozzle member to press the discharge tube inwardly of the canister to open its valve and release liquid into the nozzle member. Nozzle forms an aerosol from the liquid, which is delivered to the consumer through outlets in the mouth end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventor: Steven Michael Schennum
  • Patent number: 9848643
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette, in which an atomizer assembly protective cartridge is provided outside of the atomizer assembly, and a battery assembly protective cartridge is provided outside of the battery assembly. An atomizing seat fitted with the holder is provided at an inner end of the atomizer assembly. At least a coating layer is provided outside of the atomizer assembly protective cartridge, the holder and the battery assembly protective cartridge, and enables connection between the atomizer assembly protective cartridge, the holder and the battery assembly protective cartridge. In the overall process of assembling the electronic cigarette, since there is no pushing or squeezing action between the atomizer assembly and the battery assembly, it is possible to effectively avoid oil leakage caused by an inclination and a deformation of the atomizing seat under uneven force is effectively avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9848644
    Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a liquid supply region including liquid material and a heater-wick element operable to wick liquid material and heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol. The heater-wick element is formed of a carbon or graphite foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Susan E. Plunkett, David B. Kane
  • Patent number: 9848645
    Abstract: A cartomizer assembly of an electronic cigarette which is formed from automated assembly compatible parts comprises a container assembly including a container and a heater coil surrounding a wick in an airflow space of the container. The entire coil of the heater coil is inside the container and the heater coil is configured to heat liquid on the wick to generate an aerosol mist during a vaporization process. A liquid storage space is in liquid communication with the wick and is operable to supply liquid to the wick. The heater, the wick, and the container are shaped such that the heater and wick can be dropped into the container during automated assembly thereof and be directed to and located at a desired location in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SIS Resources Ltd.
    Inventors: Zvika Feldman, Arie Holtz, Eyal Peleg, Sammy Capuano
  • Patent number: 9848646
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette and a battery device thereof. The battery device applied to an electronic cigarette, includes a cylindrical body, a first airflow channel, and two conductive members. The first air flowing channel extends axially through the cylindrical body. The conductive members are mounted to opposite ends of the cylindrical body, and keep insulation from an anode and a cathode of the battery device. The two conductive members further is electrically connected to each other. By virtue of the airflow channel defined in the cylindrical body of the battery device, it is easily to maintain the airflow channel being consistent, thereby enhancing the consistency of electronic cigarettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited
    Inventor: Pingkun Liu
  • Patent number: 9848647
    Abstract: A re-fillable and re-chargeable e-cigarette PV in which the PV is locked securely in a heating position by a locking system in a portable case, during which time the PV is heating its atomizer while connected to a power source in the case and, after the PV has been sufficiently heated, is released from the locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BEYOND TWENTY LTD.
    Inventors: Kaveh Memari, Adrian Bennett, Ian Murison, Stephen Marsh
  • Patent number: 9848648
    Abstract: A portable, personal storage and carrying case for an e-liquid e-cigarette PV in which the case includes a movable holder or chassis into which the PV can be inserted to bring electrical charging contacts on the PV into direct or indirect engagement with electrical charging contacts in the case that are connected to a power source in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BEYOND TWENTY LTD.
    Inventors: Kaveh Memari, Adrian Bennett, Ian Murison, Stephen Marsh
  • Patent number: 9848649
    Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a liquid supply component, an atomizing assembly, and a pricking means. The liquid supply component is configured for storing tobacco liquid. The liquid supply component has a sealing means for sealing the tobacco liquid therein. The pricking means for pricking the sealing structure so that the tobacco liquid flows to the atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly is configured for heating the tobacco liquid to form aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yonghai Li, Zhongli Xu, Xingbing Zou, Long Cai, Hongxing Duan, Lizhou Shen
  • Patent number: 9848650
    Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes a main body, an atomizing component received in the main body, and a liquid chamber configured for receiving tobacco liquid. The atomizing component is configured for generating aerosol from the tobacco liquid. The atomizing component and the liquid chamber cooperatively define a liquid passage therebetween. The atomizer further includes a liquid blocking element defining a notch. The liquid blocking element is capable of rotating relative to the main body between a first position where the liquid blocking element prevents the tobacco liquid in the liquid chamber from flowing into the liquid passage, and a second position where the notch is in alignment with the liquid passage, so that the tobacco liquid flows to the atomizing component via the liquid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yonghai Li, Zhongli Xu
  • Patent number: 9848651
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic atomization device, which includes a suction nozzle, an oil cup assembly, an atomization core assembly and an electrode assembly. The atomization core assembly includes a heater support with a first stepped structure, an atomization core body supported by the heater support, a sealing washer sleeved on the atomization core body and closely contacting with the first stepped structure, an electrode connecting part connected with an end of the heater support via an insulating ring and an air hole connecting part disposed in the atomization core body. The oil cup assembly includes an oil cup body having an airway tube for connecting with the air hole connecting part, a first connecting element removably connected with the suction nozzle and a second connecting element having a second stepped structure formed therein for fitting the sealing washer. According to the present invention, its atomization core is easy to be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SHENZHEN JIESHIBO TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jianyong Wu
  • Patent number: 9848652
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cotton-free electronic cigarette preventing liquid spill, comprising a vaporizer assembly, a mouthpiece assembly and a battery control assembly. The vaporizer assembly comprises an outer sleeve, a liquid storage cup, a vaporizer unit and a heat insulation sleeve. An air passage is formed between an exterior longitudinal flat surface of the liquid storage cup and the heat insulation sleeve. The liquid storage cup is sheathed with the outer sleeve, an inner wall of the outer sleeve and an exterior arc surface of the liquid storage cup forms an arc-shaped slit. An inner wall of the outer sleeve and the exterior longitudinal flat surface of the liquid storage cup forms a vapor flow passage. The vapor flow passage is interconnected to the arc-shaped slit. The mouthpiece assembly is fixed to one end of the outer sleeve to seal an outlet of the arc-shaped slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Guangrong Lin
  • Patent number: 9848653
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cotton-free electronic cigarette, a heat-insulating and heat-dissipating component of a vaporizer device of the cotton-free electronic cigarette, and a method for heat insulation and heat dissipation. The heat-insulating and heat-dissipating component consists of a heat insulation sleeve and a vapor flow passage. The heat insulation sleeve is provided inside an outer pipe and outside a vaporizer unit. The heat insulation sleeve, the outer pipe and the vaporizer unit have a same central longitudinal axis. A method for heat insulation and heat dissipation of the cotton-free electronic cigarette comprises: dissipating heat generated from the vaporizer unit along the vapor flow passage formed between an exterior longitudinal flat surface of a liquid storage cup and the heat insulation sleeve, and discharging the heat outside the cotton-free electronic cigarette through thermal conductivity of the heat insulation sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Guangrong Lin
  • Patent number: 9848654
    Abstract: The invention discloses an oval-shaped electronic cigarette and manufacturing process thereof. Inner housing of vaporization assembly is arranged inside outer housing of vaporization assembly and sleeved on vaporization assembly which comprises e-cigarette liquid cup and vaporizer having an outer wall in close fit with inner wall of the inner housing of vaporization assembly. A space is formed between outer wall of the e-cigarette liquid cup and inner wall of the inner housing of vaporization assembly to serve as a vapor flow channel. The inner housing of vaporization assembly is arranged at one end with vapor flow outlet, the outer edge of which is hermetically connected with and pressed against bell-mouth structure formed on the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Guangrong Lin
  • Patent number: 9848655
    Abstract: An electrically heated aerosol generating system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form the aerosol and a power supply for supplying power to the at least one heating element. The power supply includes a voltage source, two or more supercapacitors, and switches between the voltage source and the two or more supercapacitors. The switches are arranged so that, during a charging mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to be charged by the voltage source and, during a heating mode, the supercapacitors are connected so as to discharge through the at least one heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Felix Fernando, Franck Pourrat, Jean-Pierre Cordey
  • Patent number: 9848656
    Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes an outer tube extending in a longitudinal direction, an inner tube within the outer tube and including a pair of opposing slots, a liquid supply comprising a liquid material, a coil heater, a wick and a mouth end insert. The coil heater is located in the inner tube. The coil heater is formed of an iron-free, nickel-chromium alloy and has substantially uniformly spaced windings. The wick is surrounded by the coil heater such that the wick delivers liquid material to the coil heater and the coil heater heats the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol in the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Geoffrey Brandon Jordan, Barry S. Smith, Ali A. Rostami, Michael J. Mullins
  • Patent number: 9848657
    Abstract: A pair of socks is provided. The first sock defines a first toe end and a first upper end. The first sock includes an elastically deformable first aperture formed through the first sock proximate the first upper end. The second sock defines a second toe end and a second upper end. The second sock includes an elastically deformable second aperture formed through the second sock proximate the second upper end. When the first toe end of the first sock is drawn through the second aperture of the second sock and the second toe end of the second sock is drawn through the first aperture of the first sock the first and second socks are secured together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Martin A. Urban
  • Patent number: 9848658
    Abstract: A backless bra in a halter form comprises a pair of breast engaging cup panels formed of a circular, flattened elastic, preferably nylon knit material. The L-shaped cup panels can be secured to a waistband and can also be provided with rearwardly and side engaging side panel pieces. When the breasts are placed within the cup panels, the weight of the same causes the knit nylon to become rigid and support the breasts from below in a sling like manner. In the halter embodiment of the invention, a view from the rear, has only the back of the neck engaging segments of the straps and the rear of the waist band visible. Preferably, the primary component of the bra is elastic, tubular knit nylon, formed from conventional circular nylon knitting machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Annette V Azan
  • Patent number: 9848659
    Abstract: A load-bearing jacket. More specifically, a jacket comprising an outer layer made of heavy-duty cloth material, removable jacket sleeves, a vest shell, a removable vest liner, an integrated connector system, and an integrated tool belt system. The integrated tool belt system, in some embodiments, includes at least one belt strap permanently affixed to the jacket on one end and having a locking system on the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Rudick Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Rudick
  • Patent number: 9848660
    Abstract: A garment having an outer waistband and an inner waistband, the outer waistband and the inner waistband connected by a fabric portion, wherein in a first operative mode the outer waistband is disposed adjacent the inner waistband and the fabric portion is hidden, and in a second operative mode the outer waistband droops beneath the inner waistband, and the fabric portion is visible and extends the length of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Dwayne Castro
  • Patent number: 9848661
    Abstract: A method is provided for attaching a hair extension to a recipient's hair. The method comprises defining an anchoring structure for receiving attachment of the hair extension; positioning the hair extension adjacent to the anchoring structure; employing a hair extension attachment apparatus to attach the hair extension to the anchoring structure; wherein the employment includes manipulating a user manipulable hand member of the apparatus to position a shield mechanism between the recipient's scalp and the fastener as the fastener is being crimped; and to crimp a fastener to attach the hair extension to the anchoring structure. An apparatus is provided for attaching a hair extension to the recipient's hair. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for crimping a fastener to attach the hair extension; and a shield mechanism for preventing the fastener from contacting the recipient's scalp as the fastener is being crimped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: HARRIS WEBB, LLC
    Inventors: Jessica Harris, Dorian Webb
  • Patent number: 9848662
    Abstract: Described is a system and method for attaching the artificial eyelashes to a tape strip. The system includes an elongated tape strip having at least one surface with an adhesive and having opposing edges that run along a length of the elongated tape strip. A plurality of artificial eyelashes having lash ends are attached with the at least one surface along the length of the elongated tape strip. Further, each of the plurality of artificial eyelashes have physical characteristics such that at least two of the plurality of artificial eyelashes have physical characteristics that are different than one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Phu Dinh
  • Patent number: 9848663
    Abstract: A hat assembly and method of use is provided including a striking surface for igniting a flammable instrument. The hat assembly may also provide a receptacle for storing flammable instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Brittany Beaudette Dunn, Steven Winston Dunn
  • Patent number: 9848664
    Abstract: Provided is a form-fitting, eyewear retaining head covering made of an elastic material that snuggly fits the contour of a wearer's head. On each side of the head covering is a retention slot designed to receive the arm of a pair of eyeglass frames. The slots are disposed along the lower edge of the head covering and in horizontal alignment therewith. The slots may be reinforced with a high friction material in order to grip the eyeglass frames and reduce slippage. The normal seat and positioning of the head covering is not adjusted by eyewear and the eyewear is disposed in its natural position. The slots are relatively close to one another to minimize the propensity of the hat lower edge to fold backward in high winds, whereby the lower edge of the head covering is stretched to accommodate the arms of the glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Doug Poldoski
  • Patent number: 9848665
    Abstract: A helmet attachment system is usable to attach a mandible or face or mouth guard. The helmet attachment system also comprises a pair of attachment bases, each arranged on a side of the helmet near to an ear covering of the helmet. The attachment bases each include a metal base plate covered by an attached body block. Each attachment base provides provisions for attaching opposite ends of a mandible to the bases. The metal base plate includes hooks for engaging an edge of the helmet. A pair of strap assemblies is provided, each strap assembly connected to one attachment base. The strap assemblies extend rearward and are connected to the back rail by a buckle member on the end of each strap assembly. The back rail includes a pair of buckle member-receiving slots. The straps assemblies and the hooks provided on the attachment bases secure the attachment bases to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Revision Military S.a.r.L.
    Inventors: Marie-Pierre Gendron, Stéphane Lebel, Martin Bélanger, Richard Coomber, Stephan Morency
  • Patent number: 9848666
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a retrofit sensor module for use with a protective head top with a helmet and a visor. The sensor module includes a sensor housing and an attachment mechanism. The sensor housing encloses a head presence sensor to sense when the protective head top is being worn. The sensor housing also encloses a position sensor to sense the position of the visor relative to the helmet. The retrofit sensor module further comprises an attachment mechanism secured to the housing. The attachment mechanism mates with a first hinge component of a hinge assembly in the protective head top to removably install the sensor module into the protective head top, wherein the hinge assembly allows the visor to move relative to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Marc A. Egeland, Steven T. Awiszus, Charles P. Jents, Benjamin A. Johnson, Kiran S. Kanukurthy, James E. Nash, Milo G. Oien-Rochat
  • Patent number: 9848667
    Abstract: An article of headgear that has a head-covering article, a lens moveably attached to the head-covering article, and a seal attached to the lens, the seal comprising a first polymeric material and a second polymeric material, the first polymeric material having a greater tensile modulus than the second material. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens is moveable from a first, lowered position to a second, raised position, and when in the first, lowered position, the seal sealingly engages the head-covering article. In some embodiments, the tensile modulus of the first polymeric material is at least about 5× greater or even about 10× greater than the tensile modulus of the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Brace, Sean R. Kilmer, Alan J. Solyntjes, Steven W. Stavos
  • Patent number: 9848668
    Abstract: Lighted footwear having a sole member; an illumination system positioned in the sole; and, an upper member providing an illumination path for receiving the light from the illumination system to illuminate at least a first portion of the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Roy R. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 9848669
    Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning device includes a shoe holder, a cleat holder, and an attachment portion. A bicycle shoe is mounted to the shoe holder. The cleat holder is adjustably arranged relative to the shoe holder. The attachment portion supports the cleat holder relative to the shoe holder. The cleat holder is detachably and rotatable mounted to the attachment portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsushi Okamoto, Junichi Kikuta, Tomohiro Nagata
  • Patent number: 9848670
    Abstract: A kicking shoe attachment for use by the rider of a kick scooter having an elongated core with a flat upper surface with an upper sole thereupon, and an opposing curvilinear lower surface with a wear resistant lower sole disposed thereupon. Optionally a heel cup connected to a heel cup carrier plate is slidably supported in a heel cup carrier plate receiver. A latching mechanism allows securing the heel cup and carrier plate in a desired position along a major axis of the elongated core. The elongated core may be split apart horizontally and two or more springs, a block of a resilient material or a scissor jack mechanism may be placed between the portions. An opening may be placed in the upper surface of the elongated body to receive the protruding heel of typically a woman's heeled shoe or boot. A removable plug may fill the hole when unneeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Boris Khurgin
  • Patent number: 9848671
    Abstract: In an item of footwear having a sole and an upper, the sole includes at least one upper layer, which is directed towards the upper, and at least one lower layer, which is directed away from the upper. The upper layer and the lower layer are made of materials having different levels of elasticity, density or hardness. The side of the sole which is directed towards the upper forms a bearing surface for the foot, with a heel zone and a ball-of-the-foot zone. The lower layer passes through the upper layer at least in part such that a bearing surface is formed by regions of the lower layer and of the upper layer. This construction makes it possible to combine the different materials' properties in the region of the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Joya Schuhe AG
    Inventor: Karl Mueller
  • Patent number: 9848672
    Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear includes a knitted component having unitary knit construction. The knitted component has a base portion configured to be disposed adjacent the sole structure. The knitted component also includes one or more side portions that extend from the base portion. Furthermore, the knitted component can have at least a first edge and a second edge that are joined at a seam to define a void that receives a foot. Additionally, the upper can include a tensile strand that extends through a passage defined between an exterior surface and an interior surface of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Patent number: 9848673
    Abstract: A vacuum formed knit sole system for an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component is described. The article of footwear includes a knitted component including a lower portion forming the knit sole system and an upper portion forming a portion of the upper of the article of footwear. A method of vacuum forming the knitted component using an insert member to form the knit sole system is also described. The insert member can be used to form the shape of the knit outsole, including the shape of cleat members, as well as remain within the interior of the upper to reinforce the knit sole system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tory M. Cross
  • Patent number: 9848674
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes a cinching apparatus that is configured to move the upper between an open position and a closed position. The cinching apparatus includes a spring pad with a first, second, and third portion. The third portion is elastic and configured to deform elastically from a first position toward a second position. The third portion is configured to move the first portion relative to the second portion generally in the longitudinal direction as the third portion deforms between the first position and the second position. Also, the cinching apparatus is configured to move the upper from the open position toward the closed position as the third portion of the spring pad moves from the first position toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Casey L. Smith, Michael R. Friton
  • Patent number: 9848675
    Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the positioning of cleats on shoes includes a baseplate to apply the arch of the foot, a gauge provided with a stop that can slide freely on the baseplate to be in contact with the calcaneum of the foot, and a wall for wedging the front part of the foot at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. The stop is fixed on a plate that slides parallel to the baseplate and a support for a shoe corresponding to the foot is fixed to the sliding plate. The support includes a stop to be placed in contact with the shoe counter. A marker is secured to the apparatus base and designed to indicate, on the shoe sole, the location for placing the cleat. The apparatus enables the distance recorded between the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe and calcaneum to be transferred onto the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: 2 FLG
    Inventor: Michel Le Goallec
  • Patent number: 9848676
    Abstract: A buckle connector for releasably connecting a first object to a second object is provided. The buckle connector may include a first clip member and a connector for connecting it to a first object, and a second clip member and a connector for connecting it to a second object. Legs defining opposed grooves are provided on the first clip member and the second clip member is receivable in the grooves. A stop surface is provided on the second clip member and is engageable with a stop surface on the first clip member to prevent relative movement between the first and second clip members, in a first direction. A strap may be connected to the second clip member so that the strap may be positioned in the grooves in the first and second legs on the first clip member before the second clip member is positioned in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Brad W. Maloney
  • Patent number: 9848677
    Abstract: A jewelry clasp is provided that includes a key, a casing, and a locking mechanism. The casing includes an external body with an internal cavity having an opening for receiving the key and another opening into which the locking mechanism is partially disposed. The locking mechanism includes a lever and a spring. The lever has a locking end configured to engage the key in a fixed position relative to the casing, and a pressing end for disengaging the lever from the key. The spring provides tension to the lever to facilitate engagement of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Haider Sayed
  • Patent number: 9848678
    Abstract: A ring assembly includes an annular ring platform having a recess formed in a portion thereof and a column with an opening therein. A collar is received on the ring platform and has a sleeve that mates with the column. An ornamental portion has an anchor that extends through the collar and selectively mates with the column opening. A biasing spring is received in the recess of the ring platform and urges the collar outwardly from the ring platform. The ornamental portion selectively rotates relative to the ring platform whereby the anchor locks with the column and the spring urges the ornamental portion toward locked relation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy J. Drouhard
  • Patent number: 9848679
    Abstract: A Brunnian link is a link formed from a closed loop doubled over itself to capture another closed loop to form a chain. The example kit provides for the successful creation of unique wearable articles using Brunnian link assembly techniques and includes several pin bars that are supported in a desired special orientation by at least one base. The desired special orientation is dependent on the desired linked configuration of the completed article. The pins may be assembled in various combination and orientations to provide endless variation of completed link orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Choon's Design LLC
    Inventor: Cheong Choon Ng
  • Patent number: 9848680
    Abstract: A contact lens case having integrated lens data stowage compartments is provided. The contact lens case includes a left and a right bowl section in an upper portion of a case body for storing a pair of contact lenses, and two lens data stowage compartments in a lower portion of the case body. Each of the bowl section has a closed bottom and an open top detachably closed by a closure cap. Each lens data stowage compartment is positioned underneath one bowl section, and is assessable from a side or a lower base of the contact lens case. The height of the compartments is proportioned for receipt of a lens data sheet having thereon lens data corresponding to a contact lens located in the bowl section thereabove. The lens data stowed in each compartment can be viewed or accessed from the contact lens case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
  • Patent number: 9848681
    Abstract: A travel luggage includes a luggage body including a bottom panel and a back panel connected at right angles and first handle grooves and second handle grooves respectively located on the bottom panel and the back panel and respectively connected in lines, and a direction-changeable retractable handle assembly including a retractable handle and two pivots pivotally connecting the retractable handle to the luggage body so that the retractable handle can be selectively set in a first operation mode position where the retractable handle is positioned in the first handle grooves, or a second operation mode position where the retractable handle is positioned in the second handle grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Wei-Chih Chen
  • Patent number: 9848682
    Abstract: With respect to cases for laptop computers, and the like and, an improvement comprises pair of opposing strap guides through which elastic side retention straps are respectively journaled to prevent the straps from interfering with the closure of the case. A case according to the invention comprises top and bottom covers hinged in the rear of the case, and a closure mechanism such as a zipper is for closing the top and bottom covers. Right and left elastic retaining straps respectively connect the top and bottom portions of the case, and the right and left elastic retaining straps pass through respective strap guides, each attached to the inner surface of the top portion of the case, to prevent the retaining straps from being caught in the hinged portions of the computer or the closure mechanism as the case is closed. Each elastic retaining strap may twist between the bottom cover of the case and each strap guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Zadvinskis, Adam Ostroff
  • Patent number: 9848683
    Abstract: A shoulder assembly for connecting two arms of a hair styling apparatus, the shoulder assembly comprising: a housing; a first coupling member which is attached to the housing and which projects from the housing to couple the housing to a first arm; a second coupling member which is attached to the housing and which projects from the housing to couple the housing to a second arm; wherein both the first and second coupling members are flexible so that the first arm is movable relative to the second arm when the shoulder assembly is connected to the first and second arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: JEMELLA LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Anthony Sayers, Daniel Brady, Jason Palmer
  • Patent number: 9848684
    Abstract: A tubular container includes an applicator that not only easily controls a slope degree of the support body, by installing a rotation control part at an inner side of a support body, when applying contents onto skin by using an applicator or massaging, but also prevents the deformation of an upper portion of the support body which is coupled with the applicator through a rotation control part, such that assemblability with the applicator is improved and thus separation of the applicator is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: YONWOO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: You-Seob Kim, Min-goo Kim, Ki-Young Ham
  • Patent number: 9848685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular case for cosmetics that includes: a case (10) made of a material that can be pressed by a hand and capable of keeping make-up; a cosmetic discharge member (20) thread-fastened to an inlet (11) to the top of the case (10); a cylindrical brush cap (40) fitted on the cosmetic discharge member (20), moved up/down by elastic force of a spring (30) therein, and keeping a brush (41) on the top; and an upper cap (50) covering the top of the cylindrical brush cap (40) and thread-fastened to the lowermost stepped side (21) of the cosmetic discharge member (20). According to the tubular case for cosmetics of the present invention, since an opening/closing protrusion is inserted in close contact in a discharge hole and an O-ring is fitted on an upper stepped portion of a cosmetic discharge member to seal the inner side of a lower cylindrical protrusion, make-up is prevented from leaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Jae Kwang Hwang
  • Patent number: 9848686
    Abstract: A backpack which includes at least one panel defining an interior compartment adapted to store objects for transport in the backpack, wherein the at least one panel has a bodyfacing surface. The backpack further includes a pair of shoulder straps attached to the at least one panel for use in carrying the backpack on a user's back, each of the shoulder straps having another bodyfacing surface. A bodyside liner covers the bodyfacing surfaces of the at least one panel and the pair of shoulder straps. The bodyside liner is free from attachment to the at least one panel and the shoulder straps except along a peripheral edge of the bodyside liner, wherein the peripheral edge of the bodyside liner is attached to the at least one panel and the pair of the shoulder straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Exxel Outdoors, LLC
    Inventor: Erin E. Doubleday
  • Patent number: 9848687
    Abstract: A strap height adjustment apparatus including a backpack, a locking strap adjuster, a non-locking strap adjuster, an adjusting strap, and a shoulder strap. The locking strap adjuster is secured to the backpack at a first attachment point. The non-locking strap adjuster secured to the backpack at a second attachment point. The adjusting strap is configured to be carried by the locking strap adjuster and the non-locking strap adjuster. The shoulder strap is secured to the adjusting strap at a shoulder strap attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Ethan Valesko
  • Patent number: 9848688
    Abstract: A non-scratch tool belt apparatus conveniently contains instruments that are useful for a task adjacent to a user, such as for detailing operations of objects that have delicate surfaces or finishes. The tool belt apparatus is lightweight and generally features only soft exposed materials, such as cotton. The tool belt reduces the likelihood that users will lose an instrument, and also of scratching a surface. The apparatus includes an elongated fabric belt, a buckle, a non-scratch buckle cover, and a plurality of tool bags. The elongated fabric belt wraps around a user and is secured by the buckle. The buckle cover encloses the buckle to prevent scratching. The buckle cover and plurality of tool bags can slide on the belt. The tool bags are each configured to hold at least one instrument, such as a tool or bottle used in detailing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Kevin B. Davis
  • Patent number: 9848689
    Abstract: A sleeping bag having a waterproof bottom and side wall region. The bottom region extending vertically upward is made from a waterproof material. A cavity formed above the bottom region includes an opening into which may be inserted and removed a sleeping pad. A top region creates a cavity for holding insulative material. A sleeping cavity is provided between the top cavity and the bottom cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Nemo Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Cam Brensinger, Kurtis Schnackenberg, Thomas Bath