Patents by Inventor Ross V. Bulkley
Ross V. Bulkley 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).
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Patent number: 11926089Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device. The lid includes an aperture.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2023Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, John P. Fitzgerald, Douglas A. Kempel, Jamie L. Johnson, Ross V. Bulkley, Adam J. Havens, Grady E. Barfoot
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Patent number: 11805195Abstract: A screen protector assembly includes a glass screen protector, a removable film, and an application film. The screen protector is configured to be adhered to a display of an electronic device. The removable film at least partially covers a first adhesive on a rear surface of the screen protector. The application film is removably adhered to the front surface of the screen protector. A first end of the adhered application film extends beyond a first edge of the screen protector and includes a post aperture for the post of an installation tool. A second end of the adhered application film extends beyond a second edge of the screen protector and includes alignment apertures for teeth of the installation tool. The screen protector is aligned with the display of the electronic device when the electronic device is centered in the installation tool and the application film is installed on the tool.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Ross V. Bulkley, Bryan W. Goings, Elise S. Niedringhaus, George Russell Price, Jamie L. Johnson, David J. Bohman, Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, Jonathan B. Miksch, Jonathan H. Guerdrum
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Publication number: 20230271376Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device. The lid includes an aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JOHN P. FITZGERALD, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, ROSS V. BULKLEY, ADAM J. HAVENS, GRADY E. BARFOOT
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Patent number: 11695861Abstract: A screen protector installation tool includes a first portion, a second portion, and an elastic element. The first portion and the second portion each have corner alignment features. The second portion slidably engages the first portion to form a receiving area for receiving an electronic device between the corner alignment features to align the electronic device in the receiving area of the screen protector installation tool when one of the first portion and the second portion is moved relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion. The elastic element is configured to apply a force to move the one of the first portion and the second portion relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion to capture the electronic device in the receiving area between the corner alignment features.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Ross V. Bulkley, Bryan W. Goings, Elise S. Niedringhaus, George Russell Price, Jamie L. Johnson, David J. Bohman, Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, Jonathan B. Miksch, Jonathan H. Guerdrum
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Patent number: 11685106Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device, the lid including an aperture. The apparatus includes a gantry including a roller configured to contact a screen protector through the aperture in the lid. The gantry is movable with respect to the lid and configured to affix the screen protector to the supported electronic device when the gantry moves from a first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, John P. Fitzgerald, Douglas A. Kempel, Jamie L. Johnson, Ross V. Bulkley, Adam J. Havens, Grady E. Barfoot
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Patent number: 11665269Abstract: A tool for facilitating attaching a screen protector of a screen protector assembly to a display of an electronic device includes a tray, an alignment block, and a spring. The tray includes a first corner alignment feature, a second corner alignment feature, and an engagement feature for engaging the screen protector assembly. The tray also includes a movable arm for holding the screen protector assembly on the engagement feature. The alignment block is slidably attached to the tray to define an interior of the tool. The alignment block includes a first corner alignment feature, a second corner alignment feature, and an engagement feature for engaging the screen protector assembly. The spring is configured to push the alignment block toward the first and second corner alignment features of the tray to center the electronic device is in the tool for the attaching of the screen protector to the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Ross V. Bulkley, Bryan W. Goings, Elise S. Niedringhaus, George Russell Price, Jamie L. Johnson, David J. Bohman, Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, Jonathan B. Miksch, Jonathan H. Guerdrum
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Publication number: 20220040910Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device, the lid including an aperture. The apparatus includes a gantry including a roller configured to contact a screen protector through the aperture in the lid. The gantry is movable with respect to the lid and configured to affix the screen protector to the supported electronic device when the gantry moves from a first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JOHN P. FITZGERALD, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, ROSS V. BULKLEY, ADAM J. HAVENS, GRADY E. BARFOOT
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Publication number: 20220030098Abstract: A screen protector installation tool includes a first portion, a second portion, and an elastic element. The first portion and the second portion each have corner alignment features. The second portion slidably engages the first portion to form a receiving area for receiving an electronic device between the corner alignment features to align the electronic device in the receiving area of the screen protector installation tool when one of the first portion and the second portion is moved relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion. The elastic element is configured to apply a force to move the one of the first portion and the second portion relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion to capture the electronic device in the receiving area between the corner alignment features.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: ROSS V. BULKLEY, BRYAN W. GOINGS, ELISE S. NIEDRINGHAUS, GEORGE RUSSELL PRICE, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, DAVID J. BOHMAN, RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JONATHAN B. MIKSCH, JONATHAN H. GUERDRUM
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Patent number: 11186031Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base having a platform for supporting the electronic device, a lid attached to the base, and a positioning mechanism for aligning the electronic device on the platform. The positioning mechanism includes a first positioning jaw movable between a first and a second position. The positioning jaw includes a first surface configured to contact the first corner of the electronic device and a second surface configured to contact the second corner of the electronic device when the first positioning jaw moves from the first position to the second position. Moving the lid from a first position to a second position at least partially covering the electronic device moves the first positioning jaw from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, John P. Fitzgerald, Douglas A. Kempel, Jamie L. Johnson, Ross V. Bulkley, Adam J. Havens, Grady E. Barfoot
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Patent number: 11044354Abstract: A tool for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device is provided. The tool includes first and second segments slidably attached to define an interior of the tool. The first segment has a first side, a second side attached to the first side by a first corner alignment feature, and a third side attached to the second side by a second corner alignment feature. The second segment similarly includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first and second corner alignment features of the first segment and the first and second corner alignment features of the second segment are configured to center the electronic device in the interior of the tool when the first segment is slid relative to the second segment.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Ross V. Bulkley, Bryan W. Goings, Elise S. Niedringhaus, George Russell Price, Jamie L. Johnson, David J. Bohman, Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, Jonathan B. Miksch
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Publication number: 20210185157Abstract: A screen protector assembly includes a glass screen protector, a removable film, and an application film. The screen protector is configured to be adhered to a display of an electronic device. The removable film at least partially covers a first adhesive on a rear surface of the screen protector. The application film is removably adhered to the front surface of the screen protector. A first end of the adhered application film extends beyond a first edge of the screen protector and includes a post aperture for the post of an installation tool. A second end of the adhered application film extends beyond a second edge of the screen protector and includes alignment apertures for teeth of the installation tool. The screen protector is aligned with the display of the electronic device when the electronic device is centered in the installation tool and the application film is installed on the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: ROSS V. BULKLEY, BRYAN W. GOINGS, ELISE S. NIEDRINGHAUS, GEORGE RUSSELL PRICE, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, DAVID J. BOHMAN, RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JONATHAN B. MIKSCH, JONATHAN H. GUERDRUM
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Publication number: 20210176351Abstract: A tool for facilitating attaching a screen protector of a screen protector assembly to a display of an electronic device includes a tray, an alignment block, and a spring. The tray includes a first corner alignment feature, a second corner alignment feature, and an engagement feature for engaging the screen protector assembly. The tray also includes a movable arm for holding the screen protector assembly on the engagement feature. The alignment block is slidably attached to the tray to define an interior of the tool. The alignment block includes a first corner alignment feature, a second corner alignment feature, and an engagement feature for engaging the screen protector assembly. The spring is configured to push the alignment block toward the first and second corner alignment features of the tray to center the electronic device is in the tool for the attaching of the screen protector to the electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2021Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: ROSS V. BULKLEY, BRYAN W. GOINGS, ELISE S. NIEDRINGHAUS, GEORGE RUSSELL PRICE, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, DAVID J. BOHMAN, RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JONATHAN B. MIKSCH, JONATHAN H. GUERDRUM
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Patent number: 11031969Abstract: A protective case for use with an electronic device includes a case portion configured to cover a back and sides of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The case portion defines an aperture for directly accessing a front of the installed electronic device. The aperture has dimensions greater than or equal to corresponding dimensions of the electronic device. The case portion includes a first fastener material permanently attached to an inside back surface of the case portion. The protective case also includes a second fastener material configured to be permanently attached to the back of the electronic device at a location configured to align with the first fastener material when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The second fastener material is configured to removably adhere to the first fastener material to removably retain the electronic device in the case portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: David B. Nebel, Ross V. Bulkley, Alex S. Breeden, Matthew M. Glanzer
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Publication number: 20210046692Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base having a platform for supporting the electronic device, a lid attached to the base, and a positioning mechanism for aligning the electronic device on the platform. The positioning mechanism includes a first positioning jaw movable between a first and a second position. The positioning jaw includes a first surface configured to contact the first corner of the electronic device and a second surface configured to contact the second corner of the electronic device when the first positioning jaw moves from the first position to the second position. Moving the lid from a first position to a second position at least partially covering the electronic device moves the first positioning jaw from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JOHN P. FITZGERALD, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, ROSS V. BULKLEY, ADAM J. HAVENS, GRADY E. BARFOOT
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Publication number: 20200366777Abstract: A tool for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device is provided. The tool includes first and second segments slidably attached to define an interior of the tool. The first segment has a first side, a second side attached to the first side by a first corner alignment feature, and a third side attached to the second side by a second corner alignment feature. The second segment similarly includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first and second corner alignment features of the first segment and the first and second corner alignment features of the second segment are configured to center the electronic device in the interior of the tool when the first segment is slid relative to the second segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: ROSS V. BULKLEY, BRYAN W. GOINGS, ELISE S. NIEDRINGHAUS, GEORGE RUSSELL PRICE, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, DAVID J. BOHMAN, RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JONATHAN B. MIKSCH
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Patent number: 10841409Abstract: A tool for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device is provided. The tool includes first and second segments slidably attached to define an interior of the tool. The first segment has a first side, a second side attached to the first side by a first corner alignment feature, and a third side attached to the second side by a second corner alignment feature. The second segment similarly includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first and second corner alignment features of the first segment and the first and second corner alignment features of the second segment are configured to center the electronic device in the interior of the tool when the first segment is slid relative to the second segment.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Ross V. Bulkley, Bryan W. Goings, Elise S. Niedringhaus, George Russell Price, Jamie L. Johnson, David J. Bohman, Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, Jonathan B. Miksch
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Publication number: 20200204664Abstract: A tool for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device is provided. The tool includes first and second segments slidably attached to define an interior of the tool. The first segment has a first side, a second side attached to the first side by a first corner alignment feature, and a third side attached to the second side by a second corner alignment feature. The second segment similarly includes a first side, a second side, and a third side. The first and second corner alignment features of the first segment and the first and second corner alignment features of the second segment are configured to center the electronic device in the interior of the tool when the first segment is slid relative to the second segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2019Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: ROSS V. BULKLEY, BRYAN W. GOINGS, ELISE S. NIEDRINGHAUS, GEORGE RUSSELL PRICE, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, DAVID J. BOHMAN, RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JONATHAN B. MIKSCH
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Publication number: 20200204205Abstract: A protective case for use with an electronic device includes a case portion configured to cover a back and sides of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The case portion defines an aperture for directly accessing a front of the installed electronic device. The aperture has dimensions greater than or equal to corresponding dimensions of the electronic device. The case portion includes a first fastener material permanently attached to an inside back surface of the case portion. The protective case also includes a second fastener material configured to be permanently attached to the back of the electronic device at a location configured to align with the first fastener material when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The second fastener material is configured to removably adhere to the first fastener material to removably retain the electronic device in the case portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: DAVID B. NEBEL, ROSS V. BULKLEY, ALEX S. BREEDEN, MATTHEW M. GLANZER
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Patent number: 10623043Abstract: A protective case for use with an electronic device includes a first case portion having an attached first resilient compressible pad and a second case portion having an attached second resilient compressible pad. The second case portion is configured to be removably attachable to the first case portion. The attached first and second case portions define an aperture for directly accessing a front of the installed electronic device. The aperture has dimensions greater than or equal to corresponding dimensions of the electronic device. The first and second resilient compressible pads are each configured to be compressed by opposing sides of the installed electronic device. The first and second resilient compressible pads are further configured to apply opposing forces to the opposing sides of the installed electronic device, respectively, to retain the installed electronic device in the protective case.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: David B. Nebel, Ross V. Bulkley, Alex S. Breeden, Matthew M. Glanzer
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Patent number: 10448718Abstract: A protective enclosure for an electronic device includes a back structural member configured to connect with a front structural member, the back and front structural member connected with clasping features and forming a hard shell shaped to and surrounding an installed electronic device. An external cushion member can be disposed over the hard shell of the protective enclosure. An internal cushion member can be lined in between the back structural member and the electronic device. The front structural member can include a portion that extends over the touchscreen of the installed electronic device, the portion of the front structural member that extends over the touchscreen of the installed electronic device having the same material as the remaining portion of the front structural member.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Otter Products, LLCInventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Jonathan H. Guerdrum, Aaron M. Gaylord, Shanshan Li, Ross V. Bulkley