Patents Issued in May 15, 2018
  • Patent number: 9968144
    Abstract: A protective glove includes a floating cuff joined with a hand portion, the floating cuff configured to encircle a wearer's wrist and/or forearm, the floating cuff being the only layer of protection over a posterior of the wearer's wrist/forearm. The glove can include a first wing panel and a second wing panel, distal from one another, and extending rearward from a rearward edge of the hand portion. The floating cuff can include a primary cuff portion disposed between the first and second wing panels, with the exteriors of all of the primary cuff portion, first and second wing panels lying at a common level and/or laying generally flush with one another. The floating cuff provides enhanced flexibility to the glove, particularly during wrist extension, and can be configured to ride up a wearer's forearm during such wrist extension to provide increased coverage of the forearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew W. McPhail
  • Patent number: 9968145
    Abstract: An ambidextrous or hand-specific glove including a wrist region, a palm region, and a digit region. The glove may be fabricated of nitrile rubber that is free of or essentially free of zinc, sulfur and accelerators to reduce allergic reactions in populations required to frequently wear protective gloves. A band region that partially or fully encircles a user's finger knuckles may be provided for easier finger bending. Texturing may be provided on glove surfaces that are used to grip articles. The tip regions on the front surface of the index and middle finger regions may be un-textured or smooth to enable a user to take a patient's pulse. These tip regions may be of reduced diameter and circumference so as to pull the glove material tightly around the tips of the user's finger so that even a faint pulse in a patient may be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Summit Glove Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Hull
  • Patent number: 9968146
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a protective guard accessory for protecting the cuff of a pant leg. In a version of the invention, the clothing accessory generally comprises a cuff protection sleeve comprising an annular wall portion with an upper enlarged portion and an inwardly curved bottom lip defining a circular channel. The circular channel adapted to receive a respective bottom cuff of the pants. In addition, an inner fastening ring is provided comprising an external annular channel configured to couple with the upper enlarged portion of the cuff protection sleeve. Wherein, while in use, the fabric of the pants is pinched or sandwiched between the top enlarged portion of the cuff protection sleeve and the inner fastening ring while simultaneously engaging the cuff within the circular channel. Thereby, engaging the clothing accessory with the lower end portion and bottom cuff of the respective pant leg and providing a barrier between the pant leg and respective shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Francwau Dubose
  • Patent number: 9968147
    Abstract: A garment having an improved pocket construction. The garment includes a garment body and at least one partial bag pocket attached to the garment body. The garment may also include a finished edge along the lower portion of the at least one partial bag pocket for providing reinforcement. Finally, the garment may also include a closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Wrangler Apparel Corp.
    Inventor: John D. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 9968148
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a nursing cover is constructed of a flexible cover body that is configured to cover a mother's front, particularly areas exposed while nursing a baby. For convenience of reference, the cover body can be described in terms of a top end, a bottom end and two sides. A track is coupled to the top end of the cover, and at least one clip is slidingly engaged with the track to permit the clip to slide along the track. In this way, not only does the cover provide privacy protection to a nursing mother, but the cover also includes a slidable clip that can serve a variety of functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The Boppy Company, LLC
    Inventors: Haley Gibbons, Clarice Bonzer
  • Patent number: 9968149
    Abstract: A garment comprising an extensible garment fabric having an edge fixed in length by a relatively inextensible tape or cord, the tape or cord being made from a material which can be eliminated or made extensible by subsequent processing; and an extensible waistband, the edge of the garment fabric fixed by the tape or cord being attached to the waistband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TALON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Morris
  • Patent number: 9968150
    Abstract: What is claimed is an natural hair extension. The hair extension is formed with a foundation of an elastic mesh into which wefts of natural hair are sewn. The elastic may also be covered by a ribbon to prevent irritation of the scalp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Daisy Curbeon
  • Patent number: 9968151
    Abstract: A transport hood protects conveying personnel from exposure to blood and body fluids of a detainee and avoids discomfort and breathing difficulty to the detainee if the blood and body fluids accumulate and are retained within the transport hood. The transport hood includes a top portion made of an open mesh material that is positioned over the head of the detainee to below the eyes of the detainee. A bottom portion made of a breathable material impervious to the blood and body fluids of the detainee is joined to the top portion below the eyes of the detainee and extends downwardly to below the chin of the detainee. The bottom portion has a plurality of perforations formed through the breathable material that allow the blood and body fluids issued by the detainee to drain from the bottom portion of the transport hood under the influence of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: John C. Cominsky
  • Patent number: 9968152
    Abstract: Combination knitted hat and earphone assembly includes knitted hat including double-knitted bucket portion of elastic fabric defining therein head-receiving space for putting onto the user's head, brim portion extended from the bucket portion around the head-receiving space of the knitted hat and two storage pockets disposed inside the double-knitted bucket portion and respectively defined therein storage chamber and opening, and earphone set including two earphone speakers respectively inserted through the openings into the storage chambers of the storage pockets and two transmission wires extended from the earphone speakers and terminating in respective electrical signal input end for connection to control device that is mounted in the folded brim portion outside the double-knitted bucket portion, or external mobile electronic device being carried by the user. Thus, the user can use the earphone set to listen to music when the knitted hat is put on the head to keep the head warm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SOUND TEAM ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsung-Pai Chiang
  • Patent number: 9968153
    Abstract: An illuminable helmet assembly is disclosed. The helmet assembly may include a helmet body having an outer shell, an energy management layer and a fit system. A light diffuser is coupled to an outer surface of the helmet body, the diffuser having an illumination surface with an outer perimeter and defining a footprint of the illumination surface extending inward from the illumination surface to a center of the helmet body. A light source is positioned adjacent to and in some cases outside of the outer perimeter and the footprint of the illumination surface. The light source is positioned to emit light toward the illumination surface at an acute angle to the illumination surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Thompson, Samuel Kass
  • Patent number: 9968154
    Abstract: A protective helmet having a protective shell with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A padding layer is affixed to the interior surface. The padding layer comprises a compliant material and a frangible material, such as glass foam. At least the frangible material is enclosed in a container. A detection circuit detects compromise of the frangible material, and outputs an indicator in the event the compromise is detected. The detection circuit may include a frangible wire configured to break in the event the frangible material is compromised. The indicator may include an LED, and/or radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency signal may include an identifier for the helmet. The padding layer may include a plurality of pads each containing compliant material and frangible material. The plurality of pads may include one or more fasteners for releaseably affixing the pads to the interior surface of the protective shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Marie Hochstein
  • Patent number: 9968155
    Abstract: An eye protector includes a lens configured to protect the wearer from projectiles, and an optically clear stack attached to the lens. The stack can have one or more removable layers. The eye protector also includes an optically clear dry mount adhesive layer attaching the stack to the lens. The dry mount adhesive may be self-wetting to attach the stack to the lens so that air between the stack and the lens can be removed after the stack is attached and/or adhered to the lens, for example, by applying pressure across the surface of the stack. The refractive indices of the lens, the dry mount adhesive, and each removable layer are matched to within about 0.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Racing Optics, Inc.
    Inventor: Bart E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9968156
    Abstract: An article of footwear incorporates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component removed from a knitted textile element of unitary warp knit construction. The knitted component may include a first knitted component portion in the form of a seamless bootie and a second knitted component portion associated with the first knitted component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be tucked-in or folded into a pocket of first knitted component portion, such as a knitted dynamic fit component portion or a knitted tongue component portion. In some embodiments the second kitted component portion may be wrapped around at least part of the first knitted component portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie A. Huffman, Amy Lyttle, Thomas G. Bell
  • Patent number: 9968157
    Abstract: Improved soles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. A sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, is provided that includes a midsole with randomly arranged particles of an expanded material. The sole further includes an element having a higher deformation stiffness in at least one direction than the expanded material. The material of the midsole at least partially surrounds the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Angus Wardlaw, John Whiteman, Tru Huu Minh Le, Stuart David Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 9968158
    Abstract: A system assesses activity and displays a unitless activity value. A detector senses activity of a user. A processor reads sensed activity data from the detector. A display displays the unitless activity value. An enclosure houses the detector and the processor. The processor periodically reads the sensed activity data from the detector and processes the data to generate an activity number, the number being used to generate the unitless activity value based upon a maximum number and a display range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Perry Youngs
  • Patent number: 9968159
    Abstract: A shoe may comprise an upper and a sole structure that includes a plurality of support elements located in a plantar region. Each of the support elements may be non-destructively removable from and replaceable into the sole structure. The shoe may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to measure force exerted in a footbed region of the article of footwear, as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the sensors. The processor may be configured to receive input indicative of forces measured by the sensors and to transmit data based on that input. Methods utilizing the article may include removing a support element and replacing the removed support element with a replacement support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine F. Morrison, Scott C. Holt, Dervin A. James, Ty A. Ransom
  • Patent number: 9968160
    Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear has a curved spring plate that stores and releases spring energy to aid in forward propulsion. The curved spring plate has a center portion and opposite end portions extending from the center portion. A retaining member is secured to the end portions such that the retaining member spans across and bows the center portion. Flexing of the spring plate stores spring energy in the spring plate that urges the center portion to unflex and release the spring energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Peyton
  • Patent number: 9968161
    Abstract: Shoe constructions having upper assemblies with independent booties and/or decoupled sole assemblies are disclosed herein. A shoe configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper assembly attached to a sole assembly. The upper assembly can include a throat portion defining an opening configured to receive a foot and a bootie attached the overlay primarily at the throat portion. The bootie can be movable relative to the remaining portion of the upper assembly and the sole assembly. The sole assembly can include a midsole and an outsole that together define a first portion in a forefoot region of the shoe and a second portion in a heel region of the shoe. The first portion and second portions can be decoupled from each other. The midsole can include a stability plate that provides medial and lateral stability to the sole assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Brooks Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Pete Humphrey, Eric Rohr, Zachary Richard Adam Boteilho
  • Patent number: 9968162
    Abstract: A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements include cut step features. Cut step features provide a traction element with a stepped height. Cut step features on medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping include arc-shaped or straight cuts. Cut step features on traction elements disposed in a heel region are aligned laterally across the sole structure. Traction elements also include raised platform members. Cut step features can be combined with raised platform members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuya T. Minami
  • Patent number: 9968163
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing shoes is provided that includes two or more pieces of equipment used in the customization and manufacturing of shoes and an alignment fixture that may engage with each piece of equipment by way of an alignment mounting member. The alignment fixture may secure to it a portion of a shoe, such as an upper portion, wherein the shoe portion remains in a flat position, and in a fixed relationship to the alignment fixture, throughout the various processes performed by the pieces of equipment. These processes may include, for example, printing, laser, embroidery, forming, cutting, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tricia Kamakeeaina, Jeremy Petty, Eric Graham, Melody Crisp
  • Patent number: 9968164
    Abstract: A fastener system comprising a strap incorporating a plurality of teeth and comprising a buckle incorporating a plurality of slots. The strap can be engaged by the buckle such that the strap resists disengagement by a separating force applied generally equally across the width of the strap and the buckle, but will disengage upon application of an asymmetrical force applied proximate either just to the top edge or just to the bottom edge of the buckle and strap. The fastener system can be associated with a cuff or other article so as to releasably maintain two opposing side edges of the cuff in proximity to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: THINLINE, LLC
    Inventor: Evan Michael Gerhardt
  • Patent number: 9968165
    Abstract: A key fob protector for use with an electronic key fob that prevents inadvertently unlocking a vehicle door by covering a plurality of control buttons on a key fob so that no buttons are activated when the key fob is stowed in a bag, purse or pocket. The key fob protector has a gap, exposing a panic button, so that the panic button can easily be activated in an emergency situation without opening the cover. The key fob protector is easily installed using a strap that wraps around the key fob securing the key fob protector in place when the strap is fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Fatima J. Ramadhan
  • Patent number: 9968166
    Abstract: There is provided a slide cover for a slide fastener. A pair of second guide element passages are formed in a space among an upper plate, a lower plate, a pair of outer wall portions and a pair of inner wall portions to guide a pair of separated element rows into a first element guide passage of a slider. The upper plate, the lower plate and a connection post have a concave surface, which is recessed in a disengaging direction of the slider, in a surface facing toward an engaging direction of the slider. The pair of second guide element passages are configured so that tip ends of the pair of inner wall portions in the engaging direction are located at the same positions as or at a side of the engaging direction relative to tip ends of the pair of outer wall portions in the engaging direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Inukai
  • Patent number: 9968167
    Abstract: At least one twelve-different-application rotatable and pivotable umbrella each comprises: at least one pivotable pole receiver each having: a pole-centering sleeve and receiver gears; a rotatable adjustor having: adjustor gears for engaging to the receiver gears and bottom gears; a trailer-hitch-adapting tube for engaging to a trailer hitch; at least one curved-surface-adapting plate each releasably attached to the trailer-hitch-adapting tube; a spiral-shovel spike having: a spiral blade and digging shovels for securely burying the spiral blade in soil and sand; a base attached to the trailer-hitch-adapting tube or the spiral-shovel spike, and having: base gears for engaging to the bottom gears, two wrenching-and-strapping handles for wrenching and strapping the base, and a surface-conforming-and-protecting adaptor attached thereto; at least one base-securing strap and ratchet for attaching the base to bumper, bench, table, hand rail, post, column, tree, tail gate, e.i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Dee Volin
  • Patent number: 9968168
    Abstract: An umbrella includes a supporting frame, an umbrella frame supported by the supporting frame, an umbrella awning, and a functional module. The umbrella includes a guiding arm, an upper hub securely coupled at a top end of the guiding arm, a plurality of awning arms radially and pivotally extended from the upper hub, and an awning cap detachably coupled on the upper hub. The umbrella awning is supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the umbrella awning, wherein a center portion of the umbrella awning is securely sandwiched between the upper hub and the awning cap to retain the umbrella awning in position. The functional module is detachably coupled on the awning cap for providing an additional function of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Oliver Jeon-an Ma
  • Patent number: 9968169
    Abstract: A protective case for a mobile device having a retractable home button protective cover is disclosed. The home button cover is configured to allow the user to reversibly cover and uncover the home button of the mobile electronic device by moving the home button cover from a fully open position to a fully closed position. When in the closed position, the home button cover physically protects or isolates the home button from user interaction. A child-proof locking mechanism is provided to secure and lock the home button in the closed position. In one implementation, the protective case is configured to have a front portion that includes the retractable home button cover and a back portion to which the front portion is reversibly secured. The front portion is configured to retain the mobile device for insertion into the back portion. Various aspects of the construction and implementation of the protective case and the home button mechanism and its use are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Incipio, LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer Jo Pelton, Andy Fathollahi, Peter Tu
  • Patent number: 9968170
    Abstract: A suitcase made from hard shell material, preferably a pilot suitcase, including a lower suitcase portion which is open at the top, with a front panel, a rear panel and two side end panels, and a bottom panel, and a hinged lid for closing, wherein a telescopic handle can be pulled out in an upwards direction is arranged on the rear panel of the lower suitcase portion for pulling or pushing the suitcase, the lid having a narrow stationary lid element which extends along the entire length of the lower suitcase portion along the rear panel and has an opening in the middle of the length, through which opening the telescopic handle can be pulled out, and, next to the opening for the telescopic handle, the lid having a hinge which connects the stationary lid element to a fold-down wide lid element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Rimowa GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Morszeck
  • Patent number: 9968171
    Abstract: A multifunctional hair treatment device. A handpiece in the shape of a glove has nozzles on fingers thereof. A device body draws in and heats ambient air, thereby creating hot wind. A blower tube connects the nozzles of the handpiece to the device body to supply hot wind created in the device body to the nozzles of the handpiece. A user can dry and style hair using the handpiece worn on his or her hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ARAM HUVIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dong Soon Park
  • Patent number: 9968172
    Abstract: A wax applicator is provided for applying epilation wax to nasal cavities, comprising a stem for handling the wax applicator, a nipple at one end of the stem, and a collar disposed around the stem at a base of the nipple, wherein the nipple has a contoured surface that narrows at its base where it meets the collar, operatively to achieve formlock with hardened epilation wax following cooling of hot epilation wax applied to the nipple, and thereby allowing removal from their roots of hairs set in the hardened epilation wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: Sue Seham Ismiel, Samoel Ismiel
  • Patent number: 9968173
    Abstract: An automated method for producing fingernail tips. Reinforcing fibers are provided as a strip and the strip is moved at a specific travel rate in the longitudinal direction of the strip. The strip is covered on one side and impregnated with the plastic, and then shaped in a shaping station, where is it bent into a curve that corresponds substantially to the shape of a natural fingernail or toenail. The strip maintains its shape after the plastic is cured and the covering is then removed. The fingernail tips are punched from the strip in a cutting station. The automated method allows the strip to be continuously or virtually continuously transported and then the fingernail tips to be automatically counted, sorted, and packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Hermann Hogg
    Inventor: Hermann Hogg
  • Patent number: 9968174
    Abstract: Provided is a cosmetic container containing an antimicrobial impregnating material made of a polycaprolactone polyol foam in an antimicrobial sealed container, and more particularly, an antimicrobial cosmetic container containing an antimicrobial material which may reinforce disadvantages of polyester polyol foam- and polyether polyol foam-type impregnating materials, such as water resistance (hydrolysis resistance) and oil resistance and inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DMT CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Youn Oug Seo
  • Patent number: 9968175
    Abstract: An applicator for a liquid or viscous cosmetic and packaging assembly thereof. The applicator extends in a longitudinal extension direction (X) and comprises a distal end and a proximal end. The applicator comprises an end piece, at the proximal end, which can be attached to a rod of an applicator assembly, a spatula at the distal end, and a base which connects the end piece and the spatula. The end piece, the base, and the spatula being a single piece made of a polymer material. The spatula comprises at least two tongues, each having an end connected to a solid portion of the spatula and an opposite end, and at least two applicator tabs formed in the extension of each tongue in the region of the opposite end, each tab having a free end which forms the distal end of the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: ALBEA SERVICES
    Inventor: Kyle Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 9968176
    Abstract: An image processing method including: determining whether an operation mode of a system is a control mode for still image display or a view mode for video display; and performing processing in accordance with the operation mode. Processing in the control mode includes: specifying a specific video frame image including a suitable image of a subject of image processing, from among video frame images of a video constituted of a plurality of video frame images each including an image of the subject; displaying the specific video frame image as a still image; and receiving control related to image processing from a user. Processing in the view mode includes: performing image processing with respect to each video frame image that is input, one video frame image at a time; and displaying the result of image processing for the user to view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroto Tomita, Phu Nguyen, Tadanori Tezuka
  • Patent number: 9968177
    Abstract: A system is provided for selecting and dispensing a cosmetic material. The system includes a dispensing apparatus configured to hold a plurality of cartridges each having a different cosmetic material and to dispense at least one cosmetic material from at least one of the cartridges; a user interface configured to receive a selection of a color from a user; and circuitry configured to receive the selection of the color received at the user interface, determine an amount of each of one or more cosmetic materials to form the selected color, transmit the determined amount of each of the one or more cosmetic materials to the dispensing apparatus, and control the dispensing apparatus to dispense the determined amount of each of the one or more cosmetic materials from the plurality of cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Géraldine Thiebaut, Jean-Baptiste Blanc, Frank Giron, Eric Wing-Jing Lam, Helga C. Malaprade, Rafal M. Pielak, Henri Samain, Marcie Lynne Hamilton, Philipe Roget Manoux, Andrew Timm Windler
  • Patent number: 9968178
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a sleep apparatus with a base having an asymmetric design, featuring an integrated sleeve such that a pad may be inserted into the sleeve. The sleep apparatus may also have a net that provides for an enclosure. The asymmetric design of the base and the pad that fits into the integrated sleeve provide for a substantially flat surface for a user to lie on while using this sleep apparatus. This substantially flat surface creates a more-uniform pressure against a user's body allowing for the sleep apparatus to be comfortably resided-in for longer periods of time when compared with a traditional hammock. The net of the present invention creates a means for suspending the insect net above a user. The sleep apparatus may be optionally equipped with a storage pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: HAMMOCK BLISS, PTY LTD
    Inventors: Thomas Frazer, Mark Gruskin
  • Patent number: 9968179
    Abstract: A disposable sheet dispensing system may include a removable refillable cartridge having a disposable sheet. The disposable sheet dispensing system may include an elongate tubular body having a first end and a second end configured to receive the removable refillable cartridge. The disposable sheet dispensing system may include a fastener proximate the first end of the elongate tubular body. The disposable sheet dispensing system may include a longitudinal slit formed in the elongate tubular body between the first end and the second end configured to dispense disposable sheets from the removable refillable cartridge. The first end and the second end of the elongate tubular body may be configured to be fastened together. The fastener may be configured to selectively adjust the length of the elongate tubular body when the first and second ends are fastened together such that the holder may be adjustably worn by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventors: Akshay Avnissh Patel, Krish Avnissh Patel
  • Patent number: 9968180
    Abstract: A drop prevention apparatus and system for hand tools includes a drop prevention anchor having an anchor body with a proximal body end portion, a middle body portion and a distal body end portion, a leader aperture through the proximal body end portion, a first tool aperture through the middle body portion, and a second tool aperture through the distal body end portion where the drop prevention anchor is securely attached to a hand tool and where one of the first tool aperture or the second tool aperture is configured for attaching a tool lanyard connector and the other is configured for attaching a tool securing connector of a tool pouch such that one of the tool lanyard connector or the tool securing connector are securely connected directly to the drop prevent anchor at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ty-Flot, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell A. Moreau, Andre W. Moreau
  • Patent number: 9968181
    Abstract: A cleaning system is adapted to clean a surface and includes a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side. Bristles are formed within the second side. Bumps are formed within the first side. Finger holes are formed between the first side and the second side at the third side. An opening is formed between the first side and the second side at the fourth side. In one embodiment, fingers are inserted into the finger holes, enabling a user to clean the surface with two different textures with the housing over the user's fingers. This enables fingertip control on either the brush side or the bump side. In one embodiment, fingers are inserted into the slotted side to enable a user to clean the surface with two different textures with the housing in the palm of the user's hand. This enables greater pressure onto the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Lisa Nomura-Rodgers
  • Patent number: 9968182
    Abstract: A cleaning device with fluid dispenser is a device that is used to clean a surface. The device includes an elongated hollow handle with an internal cavity for holding cleaning fluid. A cap is removably engaged to an open end of the elongated hollow handle while a one-way valve plate is positioned within the open end. A cleaning implement is slidably engaged through the cap and is positioned adjacent to an expandable slot of the one-way valve plate. The expandable slot is opened when the cleaning implement is pressed against the expandable slot, enabling cleaning fluid within the elongated hollow handle to exit through the expandable slot and into the cleaning implement. The cleaning implement includes a plurality of bristles that may be saturated by the cleaning fluid after the fluid exits the elongated hollow handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Gregory R. Reichmuth
  • Patent number: 9968183
    Abstract: A fingernail brush that includes bristles that are angularly adjustable by a user of the brush. In one embodiment, the fingernail brush includes a housing and a bristle assembly having a bristle support and at least one row of bristles. The bristle assembly is rotatably coupled to the housing so that a user can rotate the bristles to a desired relative bristle angle. In some embodiments, the bristles are present in a bristle channel formed as a recess in a face of the housing. The angular adjustability of the bristles allows a user to set the bristles to a relative bristle angle appropriate for the way the user intends to orient their fingertips relative to the fingernail brush. In some embodiments, a fingernail brush of the present disclosure may include one or more vibration generators that cause bristles to vibrate at a sonic frequency, an ultrasonic frequency, or both, to enhance cleaning efficacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Andrea Forrest
  • Patent number: 9968184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a knock down table suitable for food preparation that includes extension legs and terminal legs that are interconnected with a threaded connector and threaded receiving plugs in the connecting ends of the extension and terminal legs. One of the receiving plugs in each connection protrudes from the end of its legs and is configured to extend into the connecting leg and abut with the receiving plug in the other leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Palazeti
  • Patent number: 9968185
    Abstract: A sturdy lightweight table support system offers advantages of self-squaring, sturdy design, a low unassembled volume combined with simple parts that enable easy assembly, a system that enables user specification of table size that will result in easily prepared components thus all but eliminating stocks of different sized components, and sturdy lockable height adjustments. The self-squaring is achieved with a corner bracket system that uses a corner bracket that is inset with respect to a cross member within which it is mounted so that bolted assembly will result in a large, even pressure about the butt end of the cross member against the post that is extremely resistive to angular displacement of the cross member with respect to the post in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: John Blick
  • Patent number: 9968186
    Abstract: An adjustable keyboard tray with an adjustable mouse pad is disclosed. A connection mechanism of the keyboard tray provides: vertical height adjustment of the keyboard tray relative to an object to which it is connected; horizontal translational adjustment of the keyboard tray relative to the object; swivel movement of the keyboard tray about a vertical axis; and adjustable typing angle of the keyboard tray relative to a horizontal axis. A connection mechanism of the mouse pad is configured to: permit the mouse pad to be connected to either side of the keyboard tray; provide for angular adjustment of the mouse pad relative to the keyboard tray; and provide for height adjustment of the mouse pad relative to the keyboard tray. In this manner, the fully articulated keyboard tray may be arranged at an angle relative to horizontal, and the mouse pad may simultaneously be arranged in a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: John Failing
  • Patent number: 9968187
    Abstract: A modular furniture unit can be configured to provide power distribution in conjunction with other furniture features. Embodiments of furniture arrangements may utilize one or more modular furniture units to provide one or more of such features (e.g. storage, seating, privacy, work surface, lighting, etc.). In some embodiments, the modular furniture unit includes an elongated upper member having an upper slot that has a first end and a second end opposite its first end. At least one leg is attached to the first end and at least one leg is attached to the second end. The elongated upper member may have a channel through which power cabling passes and outlets that are connected to such cabling. Different elements can be connected to the upper member via the upper slot or a downward facing opening of the upper member and/or to the legs to provide different furniture arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Masamichi Udagawa, Sigrid Moeslinger, Ronald Snyder
  • Patent number: 9968188
    Abstract: A lockable electronic tablet stand is described that allows rotation and fixes the tablet stand in a locked relation. The stand includes a base that allows the tablet stand to rotate about the base while cords extend through a center of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Engineered Network Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Floersch, Stephen A. Nistler, Aaron Z. Mclaughlin, Paul M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9968189
    Abstract: A platform system removably mountable within an interior compartment of a storage device having a back wall and side walls providing an interior storage compartment. Connecting passages are provided through the back wall and side walls to removably mount the platform system in the interior compartment. The platform system includes a platform and a plurality of connector members attached to the platform and removably connectable through the connecting passages; each connector member including a spring member as part of the construction. The spring members permit automatic downward and movement of said platform as a function of the weight of articles supported on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Penco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Berlino
  • Patent number: 9968190
    Abstract: A storage device having discrete drawers includes a housing having a frame assembly. A drawer assembly is movably received in the housing. A cover is fixedly mounted atop the drawer assembly preventing access to the contents of the drawer assembly. The drawer assembly is further divided into at least two discrete compartments. An actuator is connected to the frame assembly, the actuator operating to move the drawer assembly along a drawer slide slidably outward from the housing. At least two second actuators are connected to said drawer assembly, each actuator operating to move one of the at least two discrete compartments outward from the drawer assembly such that the cover does not move along with the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: TOUCHPOINT MEDlCAL, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Olson
  • Patent number: 9968191
    Abstract: An ejector assembly for a movable furniture part, for example a drawer, composed of two ejector units that are interconnected by a synchronizing bar. The ejector units are provided for ejecting the movable furniture part in an opening direction of an item of furniture in relation to a furniture base unit of the item of furniture. The synchronizing bar synchronizes a switching function of the ejector units. At least one ejector unit is designed in such a manner that the synchronizing bar on a receptacle of the first ejector unit is slidable so far inward that said synchronizing bar may be introduced into a receptacle of an opposite second ejector unit. A positioning member for positioning the synchronizing bar in a functional position between the ejector units is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Albrecht, Stefan Baur
  • Patent number: 9968192
    Abstract: A device for moving a movable furniture part, including a force accumulator such that by way of the fitted device the furniture part under action of the force accumulator is capable of being put in the opening direction of the furniture part, wherein in a tensioned position of the force accumulator the force accumulator is charged for the opening movement of the furniture part. The device has a locking assembly having a displaceable locking member for locking the tensioned position of the force accumulator, wherein the locking member in the tensioned position assumes a locking position which is unlockable. The locking member in the case of an unlocking procedure is movable from the locking position in a releasing direction, wherein a transmission installation by way of which a movement of the locking member is transmittable to a functional unit which is spaced apart from the locking member is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Albrecht, Stefan Baur
  • Patent number: 9968193
    Abstract: A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a first driving device, a second driving device and a switch. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail. The first driving device is configured to drive the second rail to open relative to the first rail when the second rail is pushed at a retracted position along a first direction. The second driving device is configured to drive the second rail to close relative to the first rail when the second rail is moved from an open position to a predetermined position. The switch is configured to enable the first driving device in a first state and disable the first driving device in a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD., KING SLIDE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Chun-Chiang Wang