Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
  • Treatment of tobacco
    Patent number: 9918492
    Abstract: Methods of modifying the tobacco-specific nitrosamine content of a tobacco material are described herein. One exemplary method comprises contacting a tobacco material with a composition comprising salt, sugar, enzyme, lactic acid bacteria, yeast, or a combination thereof to reduce the total bacterial content; curing the tobacco material; and fermenting the tobacco material in the presence of one or more microorganisms. The method can provide a fermented tobacco material having a tobacco-specific nitrosamine content that is reduced relative to a fermented tobacco material that has not been subjected to the disclosed method steps. In certain embodiments, the tobacco-specific nitrosamine content of the fermented tobacco material is no more than that of the cured tobacco material. Tobacco-containing products including such treated tobacco materials are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Jerry Wayne Marshall, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Luis Monsalud, Jr., Alton Busbee, Jo Ann Hill Hart, Annett Milling
  • Packaging sleeve
    Patent number: 9918493
    Abstract: A sleeve operable to at least partially contain a cylindrical article, the sleeve including opposing planar side panels; bowed dust flaps extending upwardly from said side panels; front and back panels, each having rounded, upper corner portions; and overlapping top panels in superposing relation to upper portions of said bowed dust flaps, said overlapping top panels being mutually secured, whereby said bowed dust flaps are retained in a bowed condition that conforms with said rounded upper panel portions of said front and back panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Scott Fath, Ryan J. Sousa, Steven R. Rinehart
  • Smoking article comprising an airflow directing element
    Patent number: 9918494
    Abstract: A smoking article is provided, having a mouth end and a distal end, including a heat source; an aerosol-forming substrate; an airflow directing element including an air-permeable segment downstream of the substrate and defining an airflow pathway; and at least one air inlet for drawing air into the segment, wherein the pathway includes a first portion extending from the inlet towards the substrate and a second portion extending from the substrate towards the mouth end, wherein the first portion is defined by a low resistance-to-draw portion of the segment that extends from proximate to the inlet to an upstream end of the segment, and the segment further includes a high resistance-to-draw portion that extends from proximate to the inlet to a downstream end of the segment, and the ratio of the resistance-to-draw of the high portion to the low portion is higher than 1:1 and lower than 50:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS S.A.
    Inventors: Oleg Mironov, Daniele Sanna, Frederic Lavanchy, Stephane Roudier
  • Atomizer for an aerosol delivery device and related input, aerosol production assembly, cartridge, and method
    Patent number: 9918495
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to atomizers for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The atomizer may include a liquid transport element and a wire extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The wire may define contact portions configured to engage heater terminals and a heating portion configured to produce heat. The heating portion may include a variable coil spacing. In other atomizers, the wire may extend at least partially through the liquid transport element proximate the contact portions. Related inputs, cartridges, aerosol production assemblies, and methods of forming atomizers are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John DePiano, David Smith, Patsy Coppola, Charles Jacob Novak, III, Steven Lee Alderman, James William McClellan, John William Wolber, Frank S. Silveira, Michael Laine, Paul A. Brinkley, Grady Lance Dooly
  • Electronic smoking article
    Patent number: 9918496
    Abstract: An electronic smoking article includes a reservoir containing a liquid material and having an outlet, a capillary having a capillary inlet and a capillary outlet, the capillary inlet of the capillary in communication with the outlet of the reservoir, a heater operable to heat the capillary to a temperature sufficient to at least initially volatilize liquid material contained within the capillary, and a shuttle valve between the outlet of the reservoir and the capillary inlet. The shuttle valve is operable to prevent release of liquid material from the reservoir when the shuttle valve is in a closed position and is operable to release liquid material from the reservoir when the shuttle valve is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: David B. Kane, David R. Schiff, Tony Gatta, Chris Carrick, Jonathan D. Albert
  • Electronic vapor provision device
    Patent number: 9918497
    Abstract: An electronic vapor provision device comprising a battery assembly 8 and a vaporizer 24, wherein the battery assembly 8 comprises a power cell 10 and a computer 12, the vaporizer 24 is releasably connectable to the battery assembly 8 and the computer 12 comprises a computer processor 16 and a memory 18; wherein the computer 12 is configured to detect whether the vaporizer 24 is connected to the battery assembly 8 without use of the electronic vapor provision device by a user; and to substantially remain in a sleep mode until the vaporizer 24 is connected to the battery assembly 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher Lord
  • Electronic cigarette
    Patent number: 9918498
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided. The electronic cigarette includes: an electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is provided with a smoking end, a cigarette liquid container, an atomizing assembly and a battery rod assembly. The atomizing assembly includes a liquid guiding mechanism and an atomizing core. The atomizing core is provided with a first limiting part and a second limiting part, a first clamping part and a second clamping part are arranged at two positions on the electronic cigarette body corresponding to the first limiting part and the second liming part on the atomizing core, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Brassiere providing continuous adjustability between different lift positions and/or convertibility between minimizer and maximizer support
    Patent number: 9918499
    Abstract: An adjustable support brassiere comprises traditional bra elements—a bra band with closure; left and right breast cups; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise left and right inner support cups having inner ends pivotally attached, respectively, to the left and right breast cups, and a respective support strap having a bottom end attached at a distal (outer) end of each inner support cup, with a top end of each support strap fixedly secured to a clamp member. Each of the left and right clamp members may be releasably secured to a infinite number of positions of the shoulder strap, to cause individual lifting and reconfiguring of the left and right inner support cups to produce a desired amount of lifting to each of the woman's breasts. Adjustments may be made by a woman throughout the day to alter her appearance as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Brandon Solotoff
  • Wrap front bra
    Patent number: 9918500
    Abstract: A sport bra having an adjustable underband tightening assembly is provided herein. The sport bra comprises a front portion having a pair of breast covering structures, a pair of shoulder straps, and a front underband segment having a first end and a second end. The sport bra further comprises a back portion having a central body portion, a pair of shoulder straps secured to the shoulder straps of the front portion, and a back underband segment comprising a first wing extending away from a first side of the back underband segment and terminating in a first end and a second wing extending away from a second side of the back underband segment and terminating in a second end. The first and second ends of the back underband segment are adapted to releasably and adjustably secured to the front underband segment in an as-worn configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Laura Tempesta
  • Goggle facial cushion
    Patent number: 9918501
    Abstract: A facial cushion for a goggle may have a plurality of layers which provide cushioning, cooling and ergonomic fit functions. The top layer which contacts the wearer's face may have an embossed pattern which creates an air space between the wearer's face and the top layer for providing a cooling function. The embossed top layer also increases the total surface area of the top layer thereby increasing its wicking ability and reduces the total skin contact surface area of the top layer reducing heat. Additionally, the cushion may be thicker at left and right end portions to maintain contact with the wearer's face despite pulling of the left and right ends of the goggle when the goggle is worn with a helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Spy Optic Inc.
    Inventor: Brent Sandor
  • Conditioning garments
    Patent number: 9918502
    Abstract: A conditioning garment has an array of tubes (11) for passing heated/cooled fluid to heat/cool a wearer of the garment. The array of tubes (11) terminate at a connector (16) for connection to a source of heated/cooled liquid. The connector (16) comprises a male part (15) and a female part (17) with a releasable latch (22, 34, 40) acting between the male and female parts (15, 17) to hold the male part (15) in engagement with the female part (17). The releasable latch includes a release member (40) moveable in a rectilinear path away from the connector (16) to release the latch and allow separation of the male part (15) from the female part (17). The male and female parts (15, 17) are self-sealing on disengagement. This allows for automatic separation of the male and female parts (15, 17) in an emergency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SURVITEC GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Alan Paul Oliver, Brendan Patrick Smith
  • Garment having interchangeable portions
    Patent number: 9918503
    Abstract: A garment worn on the upper body is disclosed having a right and left body portions that are joined at the front and rear by a corresponding fastening mechanism. This allows the right body portion and left body portion to separated from one another and interchanged with other body portions to vary the visual characteristics of the garment. The right and left body portions can have different visual characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Mia Macfarlane
  • Sensitivity enhancement glove
    Patent number: 9918504
    Abstract: A sensitivity enhancement glove having at least one sleeve with a unique aperture to enhance performance by capitalizing on neuroanatomy and create hyper sensitivity and thereby enhance effects on proprioception and simultaneous musculoskeletal functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Lanny L. Johnson
  • Garments having a pocket designed with a microfiber drying panel
    Patent number: 9918505
    Abstract: Garments having a pocket designed with a microfiber drying panel are provided. A representative garment includes a garment material, a body section that is made of the garment material and covers a body, at least one limb section that is made of the garment material and covers a limb of the body, and a pocket section that is located at either the body section and the at least one limb section. The pocket section includes a slit section on the garment material. A top portion of the slit section is attached to a top portion of a microfiber drying panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Paul Dorn
  • Helmet safety system
    Patent number: 9918506
    Abstract: A helmet safety system for enhancing visibility of a helmet in a hazardous area includes a helmet that may be worn in a hazardous area. A lighting unit is removably coupled to the helmet. The lighting unit may emit light thereby enhancing visibility of the helmet in the hazardous area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Glenn Tatum
  • Protective helmet
    Patent number: 9918507
    Abstract: A protective helmet includes a primary inner shell, a first outer impact shell, and a second outer impact shell. The primary inner shell is configured to be worn on a user's head and the primary inner shell comprises a crown portion and a rear portion. The first outer impact shell is located above the crown portion and the second outer impact shell is located above the rear portion. Each of the first and second outer impact shells has a first end and a second end. The first end is hingedly secured to the primary inner shell and the second end is coupled to the primary inner shell by at least one shock absorber. The at least one first shock absorber is configured to resist rotational movement of the first and second outer impact shells toward the crown and rear portions of the primary inner shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Charles Eaton
  • Attachable optical element arrangements and methods
    Patent number: 9918508
    Abstract: Described is a kit, an optical insert assembly and a method for attaching an optical insert to a viewing lens of an eye-shielding device. The kit includes an optical insert with an outer perimeter, and a flexible border attachment element with an inner periphery area extending inward of the outer perimeter of the optical insert, and an outer periphery area extending outward of the outer perimeter of the optical insert, and having a first adhesive area for attachment to the optical insert and a second adhesive area for attachment to the viewing lens. When attached, the border attachment element defines a buffer zone spanning the inner periphery and outer periphery areas. The optical insert assembly includes the elements of the kits described herein, attached to a viewing lens of an eye-shielding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ALPHAMICRON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: William Ryan, Roy E. Miller, Eui-Yeul Park, Bahman Taheri
  • Ventilated helmet assembly
    Patent number: 9918509
    Abstract: A ventilated helmet assembly for cooling a user when the user wears a helmet includes a helmet that may be worn on a head. A ventilation unit is coupled to the helmet. The ventilation unit may urge air inwardly and outwardly from the helmet. Thus, the ventilation unit may cool the user when the user wears the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Juan Moreno
  • Article of footwear having a textile upper
    Patent number: 9918510
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction with varying properties. In some aspects, the properties comprise different yarn types. Various warp or weft knitting processes, including circular knitting, may be utilized to form the textile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
  • Article of footwear having a textile upper
    Patent number: 9918511
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may have a first area with a first property and a second area with a second property. Various warp or weft knitting processes, including flat knitting, may be utilized to form the textile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
  • Footwear with support and traction
    Patent number: 9918512
    Abstract: A layered engagement structure includes a first layer with a multiple of openings, the first layer at least partially corresponds to a shape of a foot sole and a multiple of columns, each of the multiple of columns correspond with one of the multiple of openings in the first layer to extend at least partially therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Sequence LLC
    Inventors: Daniel B. Lazarchik, Nicholas Huber, Stephanie F. Connaughton
  • Reversible protective footwear
    Patent number: 9918513
    Abstract: This disclosure relates in certain embodiments to protective footwear comprising a flexible strap that can be wrapped around a bare foot in order to provide protection and traction to the ball and heel of the foot. The footwear can provide protection from rough or hot surfaces, for example swimming pool decks or hot sand at the beach. The footwear can also provide traction for the user on wet or slippery surfaces. The footwear is designed to minimally cover the foot, giving the user a “barefoot” feeling, while still providing protection and traction to the pressure points (e.g., ball and heel) of the foot. The footwear can be securely fastened to the user's foot such that it does not fall off during routine physical activity (e.g., swimming, walking, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Shahab Vakili
  • Article of footwear for soccer
    Patent number: 9918514
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole including a toe portion and a heel portion, a toe bumper disposed on the toe portion, the toe bumper being configured to contact a ball, and a heel bumper disposed on the heel portion, the heel bumper being configured to contact the ball, wherein at least one of the toe bumper and the heel bumper has an asymmetric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: John Droege, Paul Hooper, Tetsuya T. Minami, Morgan Stauffer
  • Footwear with dynamic arch system
    Patent number: 9918515
    Abstract: The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Shlomo Piontkowski, Sharone Piontkowski
  • Lace 'N lock shoe tying system
    Patent number: 9918516
    Abstract: A shoe tying system is provided enabling those who have difficulty reaching their shoe laces to tighten and loosen their laces by coiling and uncoiling to/from a rotatable drum using a specially configured key that can be positioned at the end of a cane, rod, or the like and used to manipulate the rotatable drum as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: LNZ Products Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Hall, Harley Marie Hobbs, Chad Adam Lamfrom, Hank F. Graygo
  • Footwear articles with extension apparatuses and methods of using the same
    Patent number: 9918517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a footwear article, such as a boot, having a knob, hook, platform or other extension protruding on an upper portion thereof. The knob, hook, platform or other extension may be utilized for engaging with a cart, dolly or other movable object for moving the same by moving the wearer's foot. Methods of using the same are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Randy L. Hansen
  • Wading crampon
    Patent number: 9918518
    Abstract: A non-cleated, soft metal traction device reduces or eliminates slippage on wet and hard surfaces, such as mossy rocks beneath the water surface of a body of water. The traction device includes at least one external metal shank, plate or bar attachable to a footwear item with a desired binding system. The shank is preferably made from a soft metal material, such as a non-heat-treated aluminum alloy, so it is soft enough to grip and elastically conform to moist, wet or otherwise slippery rock and shale. The contact surface of the shank may include grooves, ribs, spaced apart ridges, or other small surface variations to improve the traction of the device in transition environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Patagonia, Inc.
    Inventor: Yvon Chouinard
  • Medial rotational traction element arrangement for an article of footwear
    Patent number: 9918519
    Abstract: A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements of a first group are associated with a lateral side of the sole structure. Traction elements of a second group are associated with a medial side of the sole structure. Traction elements of the second group include medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping. Stud elements may be aligned laterally across the sole structure with traction elements of the first group. Stud elements may be aligned longitudinally across the sole structure to be arranged in different configurations along an outside medial side or an inside medial side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuya T. Minami
  • System and method for printing a pattern on footwear
    Patent number: 9918520
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for applying a pattern onto the upper of a shoe or other footwear. The footwear is preferably made by injection molding where raw materials are injected into a mold to form the shape of a footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: William Paul Lambert, Oliver Ma, Otto Ting, Patrick Liao
  • Adjustable buckle
    Patent number: 9918521
    Abstract: An adjustable buckle for a strap includes a slider, a nylon coating disposed on the slider, and an anti-slip coating such as rubber disposed on the nylon coating. The slider is configured to be attached to a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Fastech, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Fink
  • Ratchet belt system and related accessories
    Patent number: 9918522
    Abstract: A ratchet belt system including 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. In an embodiment, the tab is coupled to a release lever that is oriented toward a receptacle portion of the buckle for ergonomically improving the release mechanics. In another embodiment the belt comprises a first notch strip about a first surface of the belt and a second notch strip about a second surface of the belt opposite of the first surface. Other improvements include accessories configured to engage with the ratchet belt system for display and storage thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: KORE ESSENTIALS, INC.
    Inventor: Robin Laatz
  • Buckle assembly
    Patent number: 9918523
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a first buckle member, a second buckle member and a locking arrangement. The first buckle member includes a first buckle body and an insertion member. The second buckle member includes a second buckle body having a receiving slot, a first buckle latch and a second buckle latch pivotally connected to the second buckle body to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a plurality of resilient elements mounted in the second buckle body. The locking arrangement includes a first locking member extended from one of the first buckle member and the second buckle member to retain one of the first buckle latch and the second buckle latch at a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Frank Hsu
  • Multifunction key fob
    Patent number: 9918524
    Abstract: A multifunction key fob for retaining a plurality of keys and extending a selected key into a useable position. The multifunction key fob includes a housing with a motorized key tray inside the housing for selectively aligning a key with an ejection port in the housing. The key tray includes a plurality of key slots and a moveable key carriage in each key slot for moving a key up and down inside its respective slot. When a button on the surface of the housing is pressed, a key in a corresponding slot is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Desmond Byrd, Brian Byrd
  • Touch fastener structures
    Patent number: 9918525
    Abstract: Touch fastener products, as well as apparatus and methods for manufacturing such products, are described. The methods and apparatus feature certain mold cavity shapes that are designed to facilitate demolding of hammer hook touch fastener elements exhibiting desirable fastening properties. Such mold cavity shapes can be combined with particularly soft molding resins to produce useful fastening products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gallant, Andrew Collins
  • Mold-in touch fastening product
    Patent number: 9918526
    Abstract: A male touch fastener strip includes an elongated base and a field of male fastener elements each having a stem extending from a broad face of the base and a head for engaging fibers. The fastener element stems and broad face of the base together form a unitary mass of resin, such as a resin containing a magnetically attractable substance. Wings extend from respective longitudinal edges of the base and define discrete corrugations extending in a series along the fastener strip and forming corresponding undulations in the rear face of the strip along its longitudinal edges. The corrugated wings can also support a foam gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Velcro BVBA
    Inventors: Karl S. Mascarenhas, Michael Cina, Paul Joseph Voigt
  • Concealable slide fastener
    Patent number: 9918527
    Abstract: A slide fastener includes first and second rows of slide elements and first and second tapes secured with the respective rows of slide elements. The slide elements of the first row of slide elements are configured to engage with slide elements of the second row of slide elements and each slide element of the first and second rows includes a base, a head, a neck extending between the base and the head, a top surface, a facing surface, and one or more shoulders. A first vertical distance between a lowermost surface of the head and the first end of the first tape is greater than a second vertical distance between a lowermost surface of the base and the first end of the first tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Suguru Ogura
  • Beaded decorative accessories and methods of making beaded decorative accessories
    Patent number: 9918528
    Abstract: A decorative accessory includes a plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of openings extending through said plate, and a frame connected with and extending around an outer perimeter of the plate, whereby the frame projects from the bottom surface of the plate to define a partially enclosed area located beneath the bottom surface of the plate. The accessory includes at least one bead overlying the top surface of the plate, and at least one flexible securing element passing through the at least one bead, the at least one flexible securing element having first and second free ends that pass through different openings in the plate. The first and second free ends of the at least one flexible securing element are joined together beneath the bottom surface of the plate for securing the at least one bead to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Dee Taylor
  • Joining mechanism for jewelry ring and band set
    Patent number: 9918529
    Abstract: A jewelry joining mechanism is disclosed for coupling a main ring having a lower body portion and a neck portion, to a band including at least a first ring-shaped body and a second ring-shaped body. The mechanism comprises an integrally formed protruding notch extending along the lower body portion of the main ring, the notch having a greater maximum cross-sectional width than the main ring neck portion, and an integrally formed open-ended groove extending between the first and second ring-shaped bodies of the band, the groove being bounded in part by aligned and opposing flanges extending along at least a portion of a length of the groove, the flanges defining an open top end of the groove, wherein the groove is adapted to receive the notch such that, when the notch is fully disposed within the groove, the main ring and the band maintain a substantially fixed angular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Simply Bliss, Inc.
    Inventor: Bliss Lau
  • Portable secure carrier arrangement
    Patent number: 9918530
    Abstract: A secure personal wearable carrier for valuable items is disclosed. The wearable carrier includes a secure compartment for valuable item storage to be worn by users during their common activities, including physical exercises. The carrier is constructed to maintain the security and safety of the valuable item while withstanding strenuous activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander Bouganim, Samantha Bouganim
  • Travel case luggage with compartments
    Patent number: 9918531
    Abstract: A hard travel case is described comprising a main body with a main compartment, two sub-compartments, each hinging on a first side of the main body between a closed position and open position, whereby in the closed position together the sub-compartments close the main compartment, and in the open position access is provided to the main compartment, wherein each sub-compartment comprises an access door hinging on a first side of the sub-compartment between a closed position whereby the access door closes the sub-compartment and an open position allowing access to the sub-compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Barmes
  • Interchangeable luggage perimeter
    Patent number: 9918532
    Abstract: Interchangeable luggage perimeters are disclosed. Example interchangeable luggage perimeters may comprise an interchangeable base element adapted to securely and releasably couple with exchangeable components such as exchangeable foot pads, exchangeable wheels, or exchangeable handles. The interchangeable base element may be interchangeable by having a configuration supporting repositioning of the interchangeable base element at multiple different edges of a luggage piece, e.g., any of at least two or four edges of a luggage piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: CONTRAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Lawrence Bloom, John Spencer Bandringa
  • Carrying case
    Patent number: 9918533
    Abstract: A carrying case includes a first storage unit and a second storage unit. The second storage unit is moveable away from the first storage unit from a stowed position to an extended position to define a gap between the first storage unit and the second storage unit in the extended position. A tray extends across the gap from the first storage unit to the second storage unit. At least a portion of the tray is disposed in the second storage unit in the stowed position and extends along the gap in the extended position. Contents of the first storage unit and/or the second storage unit may be removed from the storage unit and supported on the tray during use of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: PB Products LLC
    Inventors: Diane Lynn Copek, Aaron Lown, Michael Joseph Byrne
  • Cover for an electronic device
    Patent number: 9918534
    Abstract: A cover for an electronic device comprises a back sheet portion comprising a first section and a second section and a front sheet portion comprising a first section and a second section. The second end of the front sheet portion is connected to the second section of the back sheet portion, and the first end of the front sheet portion is connected to the first section of the back sheet portion at a distance of the first end of the back sheet portion, the cover having an end section. The cover is foldable between a cover position and a support position. In the cover position, the back sheet portion and the front sheet portion are substantially planar and resting against each other. In the support position, at least a part of the end section rests against at least a part of the first section of the front sheet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sami Säilä, Jose M. Perez
  • Luggage extension handle having a pocket
    Patent number: 9918535
    Abstract: A handle includes a first handle rod having a distal end and a proximal end, a second handle rod having a distal end and a proximal end, the second handle rod coupled to the first handle rod and disposed parallel to the first handle rod, a grip coupled to the distal end of the first handle rod and to the distal end of the second handle rod, and a pocket disposed between the first handle rod and the second handle rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Boban Jose
  • Luggage extension handle having a ring-shaped grip
    Patent number: 9918536
    Abstract: An extension handle includes a handle portion having a first handle rod slidable relative to an item of luggage, a ring-shaped grip attached to the handle rod, at least one engagement latch in the handle rod that fixes the handle rod relative to the luggage item, a push-button in the grip, a motion transfer ring in an interior space of the ring-shaped grip and coupled to the push-button such that the motion transfer ring is configured to move linearly when the push-button is depressed, a motion transfer rod passing through an opening connecting the grip interior to a handle interior, contacting the motion transfer ring so it moves into the handle when the intermediate member moves toward the handle portion, at least one actuator in the handle portion that slides in the direction of the engagement latch when motion the transfer rod extends into the handle portion, disengaging the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Boban Jose
  • Smart device programmable electronic luggage tag and bag mountings therefore
    Patent number: 9918537
    Abstract: Luggage tag has a body with one bistable electronic visual display assembly and one screen, a radio receiver and a processor configured to convert short range command signals detected by the receiver into signals suitable to modify the image on the display screen. A manually operated switch activates the receiver and processor with a battery for a short time period sufficient to receive the command signals and modify the display. The electric components are encapsulated with an RFID transponder assembly in one resiliently flexible, plastic laminate body or the transponder assembly is encapsulated in a planar, plastic laminate flap permanently attached to a separate rigid protective case housing the remaining electric components. The tag is secured to a bag with a flexible connector, under tension, to retain the tag in a fixed position always exposing the sole display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Vanguard Identification Systems
    Inventor: Richard O. Warther
  • Apparatus and method to realize personalized cosmetic compositions
    Patent number: 9918538
    Abstract: An apparatus to realize a personalized cosmetic composition including a feeder to expose a base stored in a chamber, a dispenser to dispense a selected treatment mixture onto the base and form a treated base, a collector to collect the treated base from the chamber and depose the treated base onto a collection container, and a compacter to compact an accumulation of the treated base inside the collection container. The dispenser includes a plurality of reservoirs containing a plurality of additives to be selectively incorporated into the selected treatment mixture, wherein the plurality of additives includes a plurality of pigments to produce the selected treatment mixture in a selected of color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Eric Wing-Jing Lam, Guive Balooch, Rafal M. Pielak, Yunzhou Shi
  • Hand held dermaplaning device and dermaplaning process
    Patent number: 9918539
    Abstract: A method and a hand-held device for dermaplaning is disclosed that includes a blade with a safety cage forming an assembly removably mounted to a housing. The dermaplaning device is configured to limit the depth that the blade can penetrate the skin which makes the device safe for use by non-professionals. The dermaplaning device is electrically powered to cause the blade to vibrate at a predetermined frequency. Various embodiments of the hand-held dermaplaning device are disclosed for vibrating the blade. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the blade includes a safety guard for limiting the amount of penetration of the blade into the facial skin to enable the device to be safely used by non-professionals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: DD Karma LLC
    Inventor: Dara Levy
  • Support vest
    Patent number: 9918540
    Abstract: A support vest configured to conform to a wearer's natural movements, allowing forces to be applied to selected areas, and permitting varying attachment points for a supported load. The support vest has a waistband, ventral and dorsal spar systems extending upward therefrom, the ventral and dorsal spar systems attached to a ventral and dorsal plate, respectively and connected to one another via should straps. Pivot systems are provided at the superior and inferior ends of the spar systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: John Christopher Fawcett, Garrett W. Brown, Jerry Holway
  • Wearable device
    Patent number: 9918541
    Abstract: A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes a clip type wearing part including at least two first and second openings, and a body configured to fit to and to separate from the clip type wearing part. The clip type changeable wearing part includes a safe mounting part which is formed to have a shape of covering a circumference and bottom of the first opening, and to which the body is fitted, and at least a portion of the second opening is opened in the safe mounting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Hyun Byun, Dong-Hyeon Kim, Byoung-Uk Yoon, Young-Jin Yi