Patents Issued in April 24, 2018
  • Patent number: 9949501
    Abstract: An EDTA-free mayonnaise having excellent oil oxidation stability can be prepared by incorporating an effective amount of reduced grape juice in combination with a source of acetic acid and egg protein. The invention relates to a method of preparing an EDTA-free mayonnaise, said method comprising incorporating into the mayonnaise reduced grape juice (such as Balsamic vinegar of Modena) in an amount providing 5-2,000 pg gallic acid equivalents per milliliter of aqueous phase; a source of acetic acid in an amount providing 0.2-15% acetic acid by weight of the continuous aqueous phase; and egg protein in an amount of 0.02-4% by weight of the mayonnaise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: CONOPCO, INC.
    Inventors: Parag Acharya, Sara Isabel Da Fonseca Selgas Martins Van Der Maaten, Robert Vreeker
  • Patent number: 9949502
    Abstract: An electrical appliance includes a rotating food processing screw for processing food items exiting the outlet of a chute. The screw is coupled to an electric drive motor for driving the screw in rotation about itself around its central axis. An upper part of the screw has a sweeper for sweeping the outlet of the chute, and a lower part drives down towards the bottom and presses the food fragments coming from the upper part of the screw. Food blocking elements can block the food items. An inscribed sphere, which is geometrically defined by the chute, is movable within the interior of an upper part of a chamber receiving the screw. Two zones of contact between the inscribed sphere and the blocking elements are formed, and a third zone of contact is between the inscribed sphere and the sweeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SANTOS
    Inventors: Nicolas Fouquet, Cedric Gelin
  • Patent number: 9949503
    Abstract: A cigarette tobacco compacting mechanism for making cigarettes in two or more different lengths having a compacting chamber for receiving loose tobacco, a compacting member mounted for reciprocal motion in the compacting chamber to compact the loose tobacco, and one or more retractable sizing members each having a tab mounted for movement across the compacting chamber for shortening the effective width of the compacting chamber to enable the compacting chamber to accommodate hollow cigarette tubes of varying lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: REPUBLIC TOBACCO L.P.
    Inventors: Mei Lin, Jeongqiang Lin
  • Patent number: 9949504
    Abstract: A smoking article (10, 30, 40, 50, 70) with variable ventilation comprises a mouthpiece (12) circumscribed by a first wrapper (24) and a second wrapper (25). The first wrapper (24) and the second wrapper (25) are substantially air impermeable and are movable relative to one another between a low ventilation configuration and a high ventilation configuration. The mouthpiece (12) comprises a first airflow pathway (18, 19) through the first wrapper (24) or the second wrapper (25) and a second airflow pathway (26) through the first wrapper (24) or the second wrapper (25). In the low ventilation configuration airflow into the mouthpiece (12) through the first airflow pathway (18, 19) is restricted and airflow into the mouthpiece (12) through the second airflow pathway (26) is substantially unrestricted. In the high ventilation configuration airflow into the mouthpiece (12) through the first airflow pathway (18, 19) and the second airflow pathway (26) is substantially unrestricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Robert Emmett, Jerome Uthurry, Alen Kadiric, Enrique Dalmau
  • Patent number: 9949505
    Abstract: A smoking article includes a mouthpiece having an outer surface and a cooling agent inclusion complex disposed on the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Alen Kadiric
  • Patent number: 9949506
    Abstract: An electronic pipe includes a first pipe section having an electronic module and a first connector element that communicates with the electronic module. A second pipe section is structured to be removeably attachable to the first pipe section, the second pipe section including a combustible material reservoir having a passageway that communicates with a mouthpiece receiver, with an aperture located on a surface of the second pipe section, the aperture communicating with the combustible material reservoir so that a fluid exterior to the electronic pipe can pass into the aperture, through the combustible material reservoir and into the passageway that communicates with the mouthpiece receiver and a second connector element structured to removeably couple to the first connector element, with both connector elements structured to transmit an electric current from the battery to a heating element located within the combustible material reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Healthier Choices Management Corp.
    Inventors: Gilbert Cyphert, Xuandong Huang, Edwin Balder
  • Patent number: 9949507
    Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device including an aerosol-forming substrate, a heater including at least one heating element for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and a power source for providing power to the heating element, the method including determining the temperature of the heating element; and adjusting the power to the heating element to maintain the temperature of the heating element within a desired temperature range, wherein the desired temperature range is dynamically calculated based on a measured flow rate of gas through or past the device. By controlling the temperature of the heating element, an aerosol with consistent and desirable properties can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Flick
  • Patent number: 9949508
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to connectors that may be employed in cartridges for smoking articles. The connectors may include a single-use mechanism that may include a blocking pin, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The release mechanism may hold the blocking pin in a partially retracted position in which the blocking pin is at least partially retracted from an aperture extending through threads defined by the connector. The release mechanism may include a latch that is displaced from contact with the blocking pin by a release pin upon engagement of the connector with a mating connector. The biasing mechanism may force the blocking pin against an end of the mating connector such that when the mating connector is unscrewed from the connector, the blocking pin extends through the aperture and blocks at least one recess defined between the threads such that the connector may not be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi-Ping Chang, Charles Jacob Novak, III
  • Patent number: 9949509
    Abstract: A sweatshirt having a smoking apparatus as part of the sweatshirt, allowing users to smoke out of the sweatshirt comprises a garment body having a neck opening and sleeves and an elongated cord for tightening the sweatshirt hood around the users head and neck. A hollow tube is positioned inside of the elongated cord. The elongated tube has a smoking apparatus secured thereto which may be a pipe, a vaporizer, an atomizer, a pre-filled electronic cigarette or other apparatus for smoking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Sean Oliver
  • Patent number: 9949510
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes an electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is provided with an atomizer assembly for atomizing a cigarette liquid; a battery assembly for supplying power to the atomizer assembly; an airflow sensing assembly for sensing a smoking action; and a control module for controlling the battery assembly to supply power to the atomizer assembly. An accommodating space is formed between the atomizer assembly and the battery assembly, and a lamp assembly electrically connected to the battery assembly is accommodated in the accommodating space. A light-transmittable portion for transmitting light emitted from the lamp assembly to the outside of the electronic cigarette body is provided on the sidewall of the electronic cigarette body at a position corresponding to the accommodating space, and a fluorescent layer is provided on the outer surface of the electronic cigarette body at an area corresponding to the light-transmittable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9949511
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette and a control method thereof are provided. An electronic cigarette with a heating wire component used for producing heat, where the heating wire component comprises a heating wire having a resistance that varies with temperature; a power source used for providing the heating component with a voltage; and, a controller electrically coupled to the heating wire component and the power source and used for controlling the voltage outputted by the power source. The controller comprises a temperature detection module used for detecting the resistance of the heating wire and thus acquiring the actual temperature of the heating wire component. The temperature detection module presets an upper limit heating temperature and a lower limit heating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN SMOORE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Pingkun Liu
  • Patent number: 9949512
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette, including an atomizing assembly and a battery. A first sealing ring is sleeved on an upper connector of atomizing rod. The upper connector is provided with grooves, facilitating a replacement of an atomizer. An atomizing rod is compressed on the upper connector. A threaded copper, a copper circular ring, and a heating wire presser are sleeved on the atomizing rod in that order, and are compressed on a lower connector of atomizing rod. The lower connector is adapted to fix an atomizer core, and the heating wire presser is adapted to support and tighten the atomizer core. The copper circular ring is adapted to ensure uniform forces on the members when the members are closely coordinating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Tuanfang Liu
  • Patent number: 9949513
    Abstract: A shapewear or activewear garment that includes stays carried by the back fabric panel of the garment. In this regard, the stays act as anchors to keep the garment in place. Further, the stays provide tension that pulls the front fabric panel of the garment such that the front panel shapes and smoothes the wearer's midsection and or provides support and also provides resistance to shift when the garment is worn such that the garment does not ride up or down on the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cupid Foundations, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Angelino, David Welsch, Nancy S. Miller, Jennie M. Aburto
  • Patent number: 9949514
    Abstract: A quick release mechanism for an load carriage vest includes a shoulder connector for connecting two sections of the vest at a shoulder region of the vest, and a flank connector for connecting two sections of the vest at a flank region of the vest. Each of the connectors includes comprising interleaveable knuckles. A pair of flexibly connected locking pins is configured to be inserted through the knuckles of one of the connectors when the knuckles of that connector are interleaved so as to engage that connector. The flexibly connected locking pins are configured such that pulling on the pair of flexibly connected locking pins in a single motion removes the pins from the knuckles of the connectors to concurrently disengage the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SOURCE VAGABOND SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Yoram Gill, Roee Bigger, Hanan Almus
  • Patent number: 9949515
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to support devices to be worn by a user. The support devices include an elongated strip configured to wrap underneath respective breasts of a user and around the neck of a user to provide support to the breasts of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Swittie Girls, LLC
    Inventors: Catherine Wilkins, Elizabeth Tucker
  • Patent number: 9949516
    Abstract: An interactive helmet system and method for reducing brain injuries may provide a helmet and at least one inflatable air pouch. The at least one inflatable air pouch may remain in an active position and may pressurize or further inflate in response to an impact with a surface. Over a predetermined time period, the at least one inflatable air pouch may not depressurize and may instantly pressurize or further inflate. The at least one inflatable air pouch may have an air pouch pressure that increases to a higher pressure and may protect users from brain injury at high impact forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Joshua R&D Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Pickett
  • Patent number: 9949517
    Abstract: A medical face shield (10) is disclosed having a flexible front plate or shield (11), a foam forehead pad (21), and a flexible, stretchable headband (22). The front shield has a viewing window (25) which is positioned to be directly in front of a person's eyes wearing the face shield. The viewing window is surrounded by a translucent, peripheral margin, frame, or window surrounding portion (27) which provides an anti-glare characteristic or capability to the margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Encompass Group, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Ray Howard
  • Patent number: 9949518
    Abstract: An article of apparel includes at least one panel including a first edge and an opposing second edge. The at least one panel includes an auxetic structure defining a primary elongation direction and a secondary elongation direction. A plurality of lace coupling pairs are positioned along the first edge and the second edge of the at least one panel. Each lace coupling pair defines a lace pull direction that is perpendicular to a line extending through two adjacent lace couplings of the lace coupling pair. Each lace pull direction is defined by the plurality of lace couplings substantially in alignment with either the primary elongation direction or the secondary elongation direction of the auxetic structure between the two adjacent lace couplings of the lace coupling pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Toronjo
  • Patent number: 9949519
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating a customized garment design. The method, when executed by a processor, comprises first receiving user data, generating at least one user signal, identifying a preferred garment category by analyzing the user data, retrieving related third-party data and public data, and retrieving features for the identified garment category from a database. For features associated with cuts and fabrics, preferred cut values and preferred fabric values are identified based on previously received data, and corresponding value scores computed. For other features, preferred feature values are identified, and corresponding value scores computed. One or more feature sets are generated by selecting a preferred value for each feature, where an associated feature set score is computed based on the value scores and one or more score adjustments. A customized garment design is generated by selecting a feature set with a high feature set score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Original, Inc.
    Inventor: Chong Jin Koh
  • Patent number: 9949520
    Abstract: A folding hat that eliminates the risk of damaging the cloth by an elastic ring for a long life. The folding hat has the elastic ring sewn in an outer circumferential edge of a brim, and the elastic ring is formed by coupling both ends of a flat wire rod shaped by rolling spring steel round wire. Regarding the elastic ring, both ends of the flat wire rod are preferably coupled by: inserting both ends of the flat wire rod in both sides of a tubular metal stop, respectively; and crushing the metal stop. The metal stop has a pair of facing convex parts on which the tips of both ends of the flat wire rod can respectively abut at an inner center part that may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: CHUO BOHSHI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takao Terada
  • Patent number: 9949521
    Abstract: A shield includes one or more protrusion members having shapes protruding from an outer surface of the shield are provided or, alternatively, one or more recesses having shapes depressed from the outer surface of the shield are carved. The one or more protrusion members or the one or more recesses are located at vicinities of both side positions on the shield for covering a face where the lateral width of the shield in right and left directions becomes a maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SHOEI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eiji Isobe
  • Patent number: 9949522
    Abstract: A suspension connection arrangement for a suspension system for a safety helmet, the suspension system including at least one strap connected to at least one tab, which is attachable between a headband arrangement and at least one headband slot positioned on an internal surface of the safety helmet. The suspension connection arrangement includes: at least one projection member extending from the at least one tab; and at least one keyhole connected to at least one slot, both extending at least partially through a headband member, wherein the at least one keyhole is configured to at least partially receive the at least one projection member therethrough, such that the at least one projection member is configured to slide along the at least one slot, thereby removably attaching the at least one tab to the headband member. A suspension system and a safety helmet are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin R. Ketterer, John F. Rihn
  • Patent number: 9949523
    Abstract: A shock absorber, for use with headgear having a faceguard, has a sliding member that does not extend beyond the support structure of the shock absorber in a way that would leave it vulnerable to damage. A headgear having a faceguard provides a protected mounting location for mounting a shock absorber for the faceguard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Klein, Aaron Engel
  • Patent number: 9949524
    Abstract: Footwear fabrication methods are disclosed, having reduced material consumption and/or waste requirements, compared to conventional methods, as well as the footwear articles made by such methods. The fabrication methods and articles are characterized by the selective use of a bonding agent, in the form of a powder or tackified (e.g., preheated) powder, to bond various material panels, such substrate, mesh, and/or skin panels in the formation of a composite panel (e.g., a bonded mesh composite panel), which may in turn be used to provide a footwear upper and ultimately an article of footwear. The bonding agent is particularly applicable to fabrication processes utilizing a combination of heat and pressure for bonding or fusing material panels, each having a suitable composition, size, shape, and thickness, into the particular configuration of the footwear upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Lyttle, Todd W. Miller
  • Patent number: 9949525
    Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted component having color-shifting properties is provided. Color-shift properties can be generated by one or more lenticular knit structures disposed across the upper of the article of footwear. The lenticular knit structures are formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component. The lenticular knit structures have portions formed with different yarns. The different yarns on the portions of the lenticular knit structures generate a visual effect that changes the color of the article of footwear depending on the viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Meir, Daniel A. Podhajny
  • Patent number: 9949527
    Abstract: A golf sandal for providing comfort, stability, and superior traction. More specifically, a golf sandal having an outsole and midsole made of polyurethane, a gap between the outsole and the midsole, a strap having a central portion located in the gap between the outsole and midsole and ends that secure to each other, and a plurality of soft spikes on the bottom of the outsole, wherein each soft spike is the shape of a webbed foot. The soft spikes enable a wearer to have better traction compared to existing golf sandals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Swannies Footwear LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hau, Joseph Hau, Adam Iversen, Sam Swanson, Matt Stang, Chris Petersen
  • Patent number: 9949528
    Abstract: A ski boot with an element in shell form at least partially contains a plastic compound material. The compound material contains a mixture of caprolactam polyamide and ionomers, such that cations and anions of the ionomers form ion bonds. Elastic components of the compound material form a physical network that is soluble between 60° C. and 100° C., and therefore the element in shell form of the ski boot at least partially containing the compound material can undergo thermoforming below 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Fischer Sports GmbH
    Inventors: Alois Pieber, Franz Resch
  • Patent number: 9949529
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with frusto-conical structures. The sole structure includes a sole plate and outer sole assembly. The outer sole assembly is placed on the outer surface of the sole plate. The outer sole assembly provides frusto-conical structures that protrude towards the outer surface of the sole plate. The frusto-conical structures have recesses facing the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Caleb W. Dyer, Denis Schiller, Timothy J. Smith, Ruzica Krstic
  • Patent number: 9949530
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a plate, a plurality of cleats extending from the plate, and an auxetic structure disposed between the plurality of cleats. The auxetic structure is affixed to the plate such that an outer surface of the auxetic structure is positioned between a lower surface of the plate and a tip surface of at least one of the plurality of cleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Zachary C. Wright
  • Patent number: 9949531
    Abstract: Shoe hole prevention inserts and methods for making same are described. A shoe insert may include a sole pad, a toe guard attached to a first position on the sole pad, and a sidewall guard attached to a second location on the sole pad. The toe guard may be connected to the sole pad such that the toe guard can be moved into a first insertion position. Similarly, the sidewall guard may be movably connected to the sole pad such that the sidewall guard can be moved into a second insertion position. Each of the sole pad, toe guard, and sidewall guard may include an adhesion area for adhering at least a portion of the shoe insert to at least a portion of the inside of a shoe. Thus, when inserted, the insert may prevent holes from forming due to rubbing against the inside of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SHOE ARMOUR LLC
    Inventors: Dan Timco, Kelly Timco
  • Patent number: 9949532
    Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper with multiple components. The upper includes a fastening system with a moveable assembly. The moveable assembly may include a flap portion and a throat portion. The moveable assembly is attached to the upper. The moveable assembly may be readily moved to facilitate entry of a foot into the article of footwear, or exit of a foot from the article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Xanthos, Tobie D. Hatfield, Claudio Innocente, Zachary E. Hull, Samantha Melinyshyn
  • Patent number: 9949533
    Abstract: Provided is a self-fitting and automatically adjustable footwear wherein the shoe upper and/or shoe tongue have or are attached to a shape memory material (‘SMM”). Upon stimulation, the SMM deforms and brings the footwear to self-assemble about a foot, which further brings two clasp members close to each other and facilitates the clasp thereof to form a self-assembled and closed footwear. The clasp members may be integrated with straps or shoelaces, and optionally SMM. The footwear may include a motor, a control unit, and sensors which enable a motor-actuated fine tensioning of the footwear. A push button to enable manual opening of the footwear may be affixed on the footwear or removably attached to multiple surfaces/locations. The entire assembly generates data transmittable to health care providers and other data trackers. The footwear may include a battery, which may be charged by placing the footwear on a charge dock station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Feinstein Patents, LLC
    Inventor: Peter A. Feinstein
  • Patent number: 9949534
    Abstract: A method of making an article of footwear is disclosed. The method may include the steps of selecting a family of article types, selecting a customized article type, manufacturing an article of footwear with the customized article type and shipping the article of footwear to a pre-designated shipping address. The customized article type can be configured with a user selected characteristic. The method can also include limiting the number of article types displayed to a user at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Dirsa, Clifford B. Gerber, Petre Gheorghian, E. Scott Morris
  • Patent number: 9949535
    Abstract: A latch plate is selectively latched to, and selectively unlatched from, a buckle. An extender is moved by the latch plate to a retracted position when the latch plate is latched to the buckle and moves to an extended position when the latch plate is unlatched from the buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Senthil N. Karuppaswamy, Matthew W. Derkach
  • Patent number: 9949536
    Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for removably fastening a decoration to a garment (e.g., a scarf or hat) or other decorative material, such that the decoration is secured in a desired orientation. In one implementation, a decorative fastener includes a decoration and a receiver. The decoration has a decorative member and a pin. The decorative member has a surface displaying aesthetic content and a fastening surface. The pin has a securing portion extending from the fastening surface. The securing portion has one or more securing features. The receiver has at least one receiving feature protruding from a surface and forming a plurality of fastening paths. Each of the fastening paths is configured to receive the securing portion of the pin. An orientation of the surface of the decorative member displaying the aesthetic content is based on a selection of one of the plurality of fastening paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Good Threads, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Norwood, Bryan Krueger
  • Patent number: 9949537
    Abstract: Clasp assemblies for bands (e.g., for watches) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a clasp assembly may include a plurality of pivotally interconnected links, where respective links are releasably coupled to one another, and spring assemblies disposed between respective links impart biasing forces between the respective links. In some embodiments, a clasp assembly may include a clasp body, a clasp cover, and a connecting arm pivotally coupled to the clasp body at a first end of the connecting arm, and pivotally coupled to the clasp cover at a second end of the connecting arm. The clasp assembly may include springs, magnets, elastomer members, and/or other mechanisms, components, or assemblies that impart a biasing force between the clasp body, the connecting arm, and/or the clasp cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Motohide Hatanaka, Hsiang Hung Chen, Erik L. Wang, Michael J. Webb, Douglas J. Weber, Daniele De Iuliis, Kah Sim Quah
  • Patent number: 9949538
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a coated jewelry article or a coated component of a jewelry article, comprising a jewelry article or a component of a jewelry article, a first metallic coating, and a second metallic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Frederick Goldman, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Derrig
  • Patent number: 9949539
    Abstract: A method for making a jewelry ring comprising a substrate, a first coating of a metallic nitride or a metallic boride, and an external metallic coating is additionally provided. Further provided is a method for making a metallic article comprising a substrate comprising tungsten carbide, cobalt, tungsten, titanium, titanium carbide, zirconium, tantalum or aluminum; a first coating of a metallic nitride or a metallic boride; and an external metallic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Frederick Goldman, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Derrig
  • Patent number: 9949540
    Abstract: An intelligent shading object comprises a base assembly and an umbrella support assembly. The umbrella support assembly is coupled to the base assembly and comprises a first processor and a first motor assembly. The first motor assembly rotates an umbrella support assembly about a vertical axis in response to commands and/or signals generated by the first processor. The umbrella assembly further comprises a stem assembly and a center support assembly, where the center support assembly further comprises a second processor, a second motor assembly, a lower assembly, an upper assembly, and a hinging assembly. The second processor communicates signals and/or commands to the second motor assembly and the second motor assembly drives the upper assembly to rotate with respect to the lower assembly via the hinging assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Shadecraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Armen Sevada Gharabegian
  • Patent number: 9949541
    Abstract: A trim, compact combination case dedicated to storing a cell phone (or other small electronic device) and an accessible pair of eyeglasses is disclosed. The combination cell phone and eyeglass case includes a phone housing compartment and an adjacent eyeglass/storage compartment, which are configured to hold a cell phone and eyeglasses side by side. An aspect includes a transparent access window by which a user can view and contact the front touchscreen of an enclosed phone. The compact design allows the combination case to be easily carried in a bag, purse, briefcase or pocket. The combination case advantageously positions the eyeglasses oriented and located for quick retrieval when needed to view the phone screen or buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Philip A Kantor, Connie R Masters, Milton Friedman, Rivka T Friedmam
  • Patent number: 9949542
    Abstract: Method for coloring hair wherein a first composition comprising at least one cationic polymer and a second composition comprising at least one anionic polymer are alternately applied to the hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Noxell Corporation
    Inventors: Matija Crne, Lars Dahne, Gabriella Egri, Christian Funk, Mathias Kurt Herrlein, Klaus Hilbig, Moritz Klickermann, Tatjana Schafer
  • Patent number: 9949543
    Abstract: Method for coloring hair wherein a first composition comprising at least one cationic polymer and a second composition comprising at least one anionic polymer are alternately applied to the hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Noxell Corporation
    Inventors: Matija Crne, Lars Dahne, Gabriella Egri, Christian Funk, Mathias Kurt Herrlein, Klaus Hilbig, Moritz Klickermann, Tatjana Schafer
  • Patent number: 9949544
    Abstract: Method for producing a shading on the hair, comprising the stage consisting in: subjecting an amount of a composition (100) capable of exhibiting a variation in its hair dyeing or bleaching power under the effect of a chemical and/or energy stimulus to the said stimulus, so as to obtain at least two fractions (1000; 2000) of the said amount each having a hair dyeing or bleaching power distinct from that of the other fraction, the composition (100) being subjected to the stimulus before or after it is brought into contact with the hair and the composition producing, after exposure to the said stimulus and being brought into contact with the hair, a shaded dyeing or bleaching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Henri Samain
  • Patent number: 9949545
    Abstract: The system includes a hair color packet assembly having several individual hair color packets and one developer packet, each packet having a pump for delivering selected amounts of material to a mixing assembly. A control assembly operable in response to a user's input controls each of the pumps to deliver selected amounts of color material and developer material to a mixing assembly which mixes the colors and the developer and delivers it to a brushhead/distributor, which has openings through which the selected hair color formulation is delivered. The brushhead/distributor is mountable in a handle having a motor which drives the brushhead/distributor in a linear oscillating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Joseph Grez
  • Patent number: 9949546
    Abstract: A resealable shaving solid applicator comprising an upper section, a support for a shaving solid, a shaving solid, and a lower section is provided. The support for a shaving solid may comprise one or more resilient tabs for engaging a shaving solid to form a mounted shaving solid. Methods for introducing a shaving solid into a resealable shaving solid frame to form a resealable shaving solid applicator are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Shav Shower Bar Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas May
  • Patent number: 9949547
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for modifying a surface. The cartridge assembly has a body and a base, the body defines a reservoir having a standpipe. The reservoir contains a treatment composition pressure element. Between the treatment composition pressure element and the standpipe is the head space, and within the head space there is a treatment composition dispersing device. The cartridge assembly can be used in a device for analyzing and treating tonal imperfections on human skin. The device, or apparatus has an applicator comprising a head and one or more nozzles, preferably the nozzles are arranged in an array and are associated with the cartridge assembly for dispensing a treatment composition therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas Eliott Rabe, Faiz Feisal Sherman
  • Patent number: 9949548
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing cosmetic treatment to skin comprise one material chemically active in a solid form preferably in a tablet form and a second material which is chemically reactive with the first material so that effervescence is produced during the reaction. The chemically active materials may be activated by a user for providing cosmetic treatment to skin. The activation releases effervescence which urges granules of the reacting materials onto the skin. The size of the granules lowers during the reaction thus providing continuously refining peeling to the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: POLLOGEN LTD.
    Inventor: Pinchas Shalev
  • Patent number: 9949549
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a depressible thermal tip and a housing having a reservoir for containing a product, such as a cosmetic product or a medicinal product. The depressible thermal tip comprises a thermal applicator displaceable between open and closed positions. The thermal applicator may be depressibly coupled in a collar fixed to the housing, or the thermal applicator may be depressibly coupled in a button depressibly coupled in a collar fixed to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: HCT GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Armando Villarreal, Timothy Thorpe
  • Patent number: 9949550
    Abstract: A cosmetic pencil includes a tubular body (10); a screw bushing (20) which is inserted and fixed to the body, and is formed with a threaded passageway (21) therein; a lead holder (30) which is threadingly engaged with the screw bushing (20) by a threaded portion (31), and is formed with a lead assembling socket (32) to receive a lead (2) at a front portion; and a rotator (40) fitted for rotation into a rear portion of the body, wherein the lead holder (30) is formed with a polygonal insertion opening (35) at a rear portion thereof in a longitudinal direction, and a front portion of the rotator (40) is formed with a polygonal insertion rod (45) inserted in the insertion opening (35) so that the lead holder (30) turns together with the rotator (40), and the lead (2) is extended from the body (10) while being turned in a spiral direction, preventing release of the lead from the lead holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Eun-chul Bae
  • Patent number: 9949551
    Abstract: A wearable container assembly for holding a topical substance configured to be applied to a portion of a body of a user is disclosed herein. The wearable container assembly includes a base portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, the base portion including one or more decorative elements attached to the top surface thereof; a fastener member attached to the bottom surface of the base portion, the fastener member configured to removably attach the wearable container assembly to hair of a user, a limb of a user, or an article of clothing worn by the user; and a container subassembly for holding a topical substance that is configured to be applied to a portion of a body of the user, the container subassembly removably coupled to the base portion by attachment means. A wearable topical substance container assembly comprising a topical substance is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventors: Alaina Taylor Boles, Kimberly Ann Boles, Joseph Douglas Boles