Patents by Inventor James Garofalo

James Garofalo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9197018
    Abstract: A child-resistant plug includes a plug body, at least one prong, and at least one tab extending from the plug body. In one embodiment, a tab is positioned adjacent each of the upper and lower portions of the plug body and each tab is attached to the plug body by a hinging member. The hinging member allows the tabs to rotate between a folded and an unfolded position. When a tab is in its unfolded position, the tab is sized and positioned such that an aperture in the tab aligns with a pre-existing aperture in an electrical outlet cover plate. A fastening member may be used to attach the tab to the cover plate, preventing a child from unplugging a device or accessing the electrical socket. When the tab is attached to the cover plate, and a person pulls the plug or cord with a pre-determined amount of force, the hinging member will break, and the plug will release from the electrical socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: NUK USA LLC
    Inventors: James Garofalo, Brooks Rorke
  • Patent number: 8986040
    Abstract: A child safety plug lock for releasably securing a plug within a power outlet. The plug lock comprises a body portion including a through-hole and left and right sides. The plug lock also includes left and right arm portions which extend from the left and right sides, respectively, of the body portion. Each arm portion includes an inwardly facing flange. The plug lock is designed to be secured to an outlet via the through-hole in the body portion. The flanges are sized and positioned to engage and retain a plug in the power outlet when the plug lock is attached to the power outlet via the through-hole. The left and right arm portions are flexible, and are sized and positioned such that pressure applied to an arm portion causes that arm portion to flex laterally away from the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: NUK USA LLC
    Inventors: James Garofalo, Brian Vodvarka
  • Publication number: 20140322959
    Abstract: A child safety plug lock for releasably securing a plug within a power outlet. The plug lock comprises a body portion including a through-hole and left and right sides. The plug lock also includes left and right arm portions which extend from the left and right sides, respectively, of the body portion. Each arm portion includes an inwardly facing flange. The plug lock is designed to be secured to an outlet via the through-hole in the body portion. The flanges are sized and positioned to engage and retain a plug in the power outlet when the plug lock is attached to the power outlet via the through-hole. The left and right arm portions are flexible, and are sized and positioned such that pressure applied to an arm portion causes that arm portion to flex laterally away from the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: NUK USA LLC
    Inventors: James Garofalo, Brian Vodvarka
  • Publication number: 20140242830
    Abstract: A child-resistant plug includes a plug body, at least one prong, and at least one tab extending from the plug body. In one embodiment, a tab is positioned adjacent each of the upper and lower portions of the plug body and each tab is attached to the plug body by a hinging member. The hinging member allows the tabs to rotate between a folded and an unfolded position. When a tab is in its unfolded position, the tab is sized and positioned such that an aperture in the tab aligns with a pre-existing aperture in an electrical outlet cover plate. A fastening member may be used to attach the tab to the cover plate, preventing a child from unplugging a device or accessing the electrical socket. When the tab is attached to the cover plate, and a person pulls the plug or cord with a pre-determined amount of force, the hinging member will break, and the plug will release from the electrical socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: NUK USA LLC
    Inventors: James Garofalo, Brooks Rorke
  • Publication number: 20120112900
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for operating a wireless signal indicating safety belt compliance. The wireless signal may in turn cause a visual indicator that is ascertainable from a position external to the vehicle to indicate safety belt compliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: James Garofalo, Marlo Rae Trainhan, Edward Joseph Pavone, Troy Jeffrey Tompkins, Dina Marie Tompkins