Patents Examined by Terrell McKinnon
  • Patent number: 9352240
    Abstract: The current inventive technology includes methods and apparatus for a balloon display system. In one embodiment, the invention includes an balloon display apparatus having at least one mounting pole; at least one balloon cluster pole bracket secured to a mounting pole having at least one coupling; at least one flexible rod configured to be secured to a coupling; and at least one inflatable balloon configured to be secured to the upper portion of a flexible rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Balloon Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wicken, Gregg A. Wicken
  • Patent number: 9345941
    Abstract: The piñata pole support assembly is a structure that holds a piñata in place during celebrations. The piñata pole support assembly comprises a stand, vertical pole, top pole, brace, pulley, ground post, rope hook, stick holder, and a plurality of hold down pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventors: Manuel Celedon, Linda Celedon
  • Patent number: 9345343
    Abstract: A removable hanging device configured to be retained within one of a lattice fence and a chain-link fence is disclosed, wherein the hanging device includes a retaining element having a substantially square cross-section configured to be received in a square opening formed in a fence, a hanger body configured to allow an article to be supported thereby, and a shaft connecting the retaining element to the hanger body. The retaining element is aligned with and extended through the square opening of the fence prior to being rotated to orient a top surface of the hanger body parallel to a ground surface. The rotation of the hanging device causes the retaining element to be oriented at 45° with respect to the square opening, causing the retaining element to be secured within the fence as the retaining element is unable to be removed from the square opening without first rotating the hanging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Sobb
  • Patent number: 9347691
    Abstract: An interlocking system for connecting photovoltaic module frames to a torque tube, including: (a) an interlock dimensioned to be positioned between the sides of two adjacent photovoltaic module frames; (b) a pair of couplings or flanges, wherein the couplings or flanges connect the interlock to both of the adjacent photovoltaic module frames; and (c) a U-lock connected to the interlock, wherein the U-lock is dimensioned to be connected to a torque tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, David Molina, Brian Atchley
  • Patent number: 9347589
    Abstract: A method for applying a clamp for a construction strut that allows a pipe to be clamped to the construction strut in which the clamp has a fastener that is not exposed above the clamp curvature and in which the fastener head is easily accessible. Also the clamp has a retaining tab and a neck portion such that it can be installed by straight-in insertion at the top of a construction strut. Also, the method has an embodiment in that the clamp can be installed either on the open side of the construction strut or on the closed side using slots in the closed side by straight-in passing the retaining tab past the inturned flanges on the top of the construction strut and by a rotation at the bottom of the construction strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Kwang Oh
  • Patent number: 9347606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for securing at least one flat element, in particular a facade element, comprising at least one substructure securing means, at least one flat element securing means and at least one transversal force absorbing means which interconnects the substructure securing means and the flat element securing means and which absorbs forces that are effective in the plane defined by the flat elements, characterized in that the holding device comprises at least one to energy absorbing means which absorbs energy that is introduced into the holding device by forces that act perpendicularly to the plane defined by the flat elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: JOSEF GARTNER GMBH
    Inventor: Frank Wellershoff
  • Patent number: 9334981
    Abstract: The hanger member for supporting a conduit or bundle of wires is provided as a one piece unitary member. The hanger member has a planar first leg with an open recess extending inwardly from a first side edge of the first leg and a second leg coupled to the first leg along adjoining top edges defined by a fold line. The second leg has an open recess from a second side edge where the open recess is aligned with the open recess in the first leg to define a conduit passage. The bottom portion of the first leg and the bottom portion of the second leg are spaced apart a distance for connecting to the conduit. The top portions of the first leg and second leg are superimposed and continuous with each other for attaching directly to a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9338902
    Abstract: An electronic device with supporting structure includes a connection member, a back shell, two first fixing portions, and two second fixing portions. The connection member is attached to the supporting structure and defines two connection holes. Each connection hole includes a first through hole and a second through hole. A diameter of the second through hole is greater than that of the first through hole. The two first fixing portions are protruding from the back shell and are slidable between the second through holes and the first through holes. The two second fixing portions are attached to the two first fixing portions and can pass through the two second through holes. The connection member can prevent the two second fixing portions passing through the first through holes when the first fixing portions slide to the first through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mei-Hua Liu, Te-Hsu Wang, Chih-Kang Cho, Chun Liu
  • Patent number: 9327868
    Abstract: A novel pallet construction includes a rigid pallet body including a linear conduit passing through the pallet between opposing sides of the pallet and open at the ends of the conduit. The conduit includes a removable lining to prevent destruction of the pallet and conduit during use. In alternative configurations, two offset conduits may be provided to accommodate other hardware and use constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Marquis, Gary Marquis
  • Patent number: 9322169
    Abstract: Technology is provided for a strut hanger for connecting a strut to a hanger rod includes a hook portion configured to engage the exterior surface of the hanger rod, a lever portion, a fulcrum disposed between the hook portion and lever portion, and a strut tab extending from the lever portion and configured to engage a strut. Load placed on the strut tab causes the lever portion to act against the fulcrum to force the hook portion against the hanger rod, thereby supporting the strut from the hanger rods without fasteners attached to the hanging rods. The strut hanger can include a clip extending from the lever portion to engage the hanger rod and maintain a minimum load on the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.
    Inventors: Marco Magarelli, Scott C. Wiley
  • Patent number: 9322536
    Abstract: A support tube assembly for use in mounting traffic signals and other traffic control devices. The tube has a standard 1.9 inch outer diameter with a wider three-quarter inch access slot and a larger internal volume to accommodate five-eighth inch conductors. The support tube assembly may include a secondary mounting assembly for attaching a second traffic control device. The secondary mounting assembly includes a mounting strip that fits inside the access slot and a mounting plate that attaches to the strip. Each edge of the access slot has a contoured profile that mates with the corresponding side on the mounting strip so, when the secondary mounting assembly is attached to the tube, the edges of the access slot are gripped between the back of the mounting plate and the inner mounting strip. A cut-to-fit vinyl closure strip is included to enclose the exposed sections of the access slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: PELCO PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Parduhn, Kennith E. George, Derric K. Drake
  • Patent number: 9314116
    Abstract: A baby carrier swing conversion support device supports an existing baby carrier in a position over a supporting surface while allowing the carrier to swing. The device includes a bar having opposite ends. Each of a pair of supports is coupled to an associated one of the opposite ends of the bar for hanging an infant carrier from the bar between the supports. The supports and the bar define a stand. Each of a pair of hooks is coupled to and extends from the bar for receiving a handle of the baby carrier whereby the baby carrier is suspended from the bar to swing between the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Henry J. Bell
  • Patent number: 9316416
    Abstract: A device for fastening panel-shaped mats, in particular flexible photovoltaic solar panels, to a supporting structure, has at least one clamping clip (10) in the shape of a section of a plastic profiled body. The clip has opposing profiled limbs (12, 14) forming a clamping space (18) for a holding region (8) of the mat received in it. In the clamping space, the profiled limbs (12, 14) rest with a resilient clamping force against the upper face and the lower face of the holding region (8). The profiled limb (14), which in the clamped state rests against the lower face of the holding region (8) facing the supporting structure, forms a fixing surface (26) on its outer face provided with a connecting element (30) for attaching to the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GOTTLIEB BINDER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Konstantinos Poulakis
  • Patent number: 9310013
    Abstract: A cable fastening device comprising at least one connecting piece for fastening a cable to a fastening surface, and at least one binding lug protruding out of the outer surface of the connecting piece, by intermediation of which binding lug one or several cables are fastened to the fastening device, wherein the fastening device comprises a vibration attenuating material layer arranged in between the connecting piece and the fastening surface for the fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Raimo A. Komaro, Kim Komaro
  • Patent number: 9299383
    Abstract: An optical element holder comprises a placement face on which an optical element is placed, the placement face obtained using one face of a sheet of metal; a positioning wall used for positioning the optical element placed on the placement face, the positioning wall being a stepped portion obtained by folding of the sheet of metal; and a spring section, which is a portion obtained by further folding of part of the portion folded over in order to obtain the positioning wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: FUNAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Nishidate
  • Patent number: 9297479
    Abstract: A pipe mounting unit with grounding function, which includes a pipe holding section and a body fixing section, is formed by superposing a lid to a conductive plastic housing, between which there is disposed a conductive rubber clamp that holds a pipe in contact. In the space of the fixing section; a metal clip hooks together with a stud bolt on the housing; the metal clip has a current conducting plate that presses on the threading of the stud bolt, and the tip of the current conducting plate forming an angle to a radial direction of, and contacting the stud bolt, and is arranged such that its length extends beyond the threading of the stud bolt in an axial direction of the stud bolt. A conductive path is formed among the conductive rubber clamp, the conductive plastic housing and the current conducting plate of the metal clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: NEWFREY LLC
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 9297104
    Abstract: A ball support for a suspension rod in top loading washing machines includes a main body, a support segment and a hook capture head for securing the hooked end of the rod between spaced bars of the cylindrical rod support. Attaching and detaching the ball support from the rod requires inversion of the parts relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Chong B. Wong, Michael W. Davis
  • Patent number: 9290367
    Abstract: A tissue roll handling clamp, mountable on a vehicle such as a lift truck, has elongate, substantially equal-length, thin clamp arms with opposed tissue-engagement clamping surfaces. The clamp arms are capable of movement in unison by a frame assembly to alternative positions where the clamp arms extend longitudinally from the frame assembly selectively in either substantially horizontal or substantially vertical directions of extension. The frame assembly is capable of maintaining the respective clamping surfaces at substantially equal elevations to each other during such movement to substantially equalize the distribution of the weight of a clamped tissue roll between the opposed tissue-engagement clamping surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen P. Lyda
  • Patent number: 9293070
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a flat screen television or monitor to a free standing display frame including a first elongate member and a second elongate member, the second elongate member being coupled to and arranged beside the first elongate member, a hook-shaped upper connector coupled to an upper end of the first elongate member, the upper connector including a first upper groove and a second upper groove, the first upper groove and the second upper grooves opening toward the first elongate member, and a generally foot-shaped lower connector coupled to a lower end of the first elongate member, the lower connector including a first lower groove and a second lower groove, the first lower groove and the second lower groove opening away from the first elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Diamond Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon Ray Boycher
  • Patent number: 9284968
    Abstract: A device for mounting objects to a pole is disclosed. The device includes a first part having a channel therein and keys extending therefrom. A second piece also having a channel therein has keyways adapted to slidably receive the keys on the first part. The first and second parts are joined together to suspend objects from a pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Doug Clouser