Napkin Patents (Class 24/7)
  • Patent number: 8679277
    Abstract: A method is provided that includes peeling at least one carrier strip away from an adhesive layer of an adhesive article. The adhesive article includes a flexible substrate with the adhesive layer thereon, wherein the adhesive layer remains mounted to the flexible substrate of the adhesive article after the carrier strip is peeled away, wherein the adhesive article is operative to disintegrate when submerged in water. The method also includes using the adhesive article to adhesively mount a cloth or paper napkin to clothing being worn by a person. The carrier strip or adhesive article may include advertising and/or a coupon printed thereon, which may be taken away by the person after the meal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Dennis F. Reese, Mitchell V. Holden
  • Patent number: 8651275
    Abstract: A flatware napkin holder combining three elements, a rectangularly folded dinner napkin, a triangular-shaped napkin enfolding a place setting of flatware and a customizable pouch having a closed bottom, closed sides and an open top, the dinner napkin, luncheon napkin and flatware sitting inside the pouch, extending through the open top. The pouch is customizable to complement a motif for any festive occasion with an additional ornamentation. The flatware napkin holder can be used as a place card holder for a table having assigned seats. The dinner napkin, the luncheon napkin, the pouch and the pouch ornamentation can be the same color or complementary colors, using two or more colors, resulting in an exceedingly large number of possible combinations to match any color theme of the decorating motif.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marlene D'Aloisio
  • Patent number: 8266770
    Abstract: A badge holder for attachment to a garment includes a planar clip body having an opening therein forming a periphery structure in the clip body. A planar flexible spring member appends from a top portion of the periphery structure, with the free end terminating within the opening near a bottom portion of the structure and is coplanar therewith. The gap between the edge surface of the spring member and the interior wall of the periphery structure decreases in width from the bottom portion of the peripheral structure to the top portion of the peripheral structure. A plurality of projecting elements project from the surrounding edge surfaces of the spring member and from the front surface to assist in firmly holding the fabric in the clip. A badge mounting member projects from the front surface of the periphery structure upon which a badge can be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tecco, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Haas
  • Publication number: 20120042479
    Abstract: A unitary one piece badge holder for attachment to a garment, e.g., fabric pocket. The holder includes a substantially planar clip body having a front and rear surface and side edges. An opening in the clip body passes through the front and rear surfaces forming a periphery structure in the clip body. The structure has an interior wall surrounding the opening. A substantially planar flexible central spring member having front and rear surfaces and a surrounding edge surface appends from a top portion of the periphery structure. The opposing free end terminates within the opening near a bottom portion of the structure. The spring member and periphery structure are within the same plane. The gap between the surrounding edge surface of the spring member and the interior wall of the periphery structure decreases in width from the bottom portion of the peripheral structure to the top portion of the peripheral structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: David J. Haas
  • Publication number: 20090106945
    Abstract: An adjustable napkin clip assembly which includes a pair of integrally molded one-piece napkin clips adjustably carried at opposite end portions of an elongated elastic cord that extends about a person's neck, wherein each of the napkin clips frictionally engages the cord in slidable relation to facilitate positional adjustment thereon and includes of a pair of hinged jaws that are resiliently biased toward an open position and movable to an interlocking closed position to pinch and hold the napkin in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Ted Eric Ahrenholtz, Justin Paul Boortz
  • Publication number: 20080222851
    Abstract: Disclosed is a napkin holder for easy use and easy carrying. A napkin holder comprises a neck band and the fixing holes are positioned at both end portions of the neck band to hold a napkin, a bib or a towel. The fixing holes may be formed in assorted sizes and various shapes to fix the. napkin, bib and towel, and the neck band may be formed using rubber material like silicone or plastics like soft PVC so that the napkin holder may be formed using elastic materials and used semi-permanently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Hoi Jin ROU
  • Patent number: 7401386
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved bib retaining device. The bib retaining device comprises an elongate resilient member having a central portion and opposite end portions, the central portion of the elongate resilient member being formed into a neck engaging portion, the end portions extending outwardly from the neck engaging portion, and a bib retaining member attached to each end portion of the elongate resilient member. A method of using a bib retaining device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: James L. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20080164283
    Abstract: A ring designed to serve as a diner's personal napkin holder that serves also as the diner's personal salt and pepper dispenser. The ring is hollow and has two closed compartments intended to contain salt and pepper. Holes on the side of the ring enable to dispense the salt and the pepper during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Oron Markus
  • Patent number: 7320156
    Abstract: A bib holder is provided that is useful for securing a bib in place. In one embodiment, the bib holder includes a strap and at least one fastener that is useful for retaining the bib, in addition to at least one compartment that is capable of storing an item of suitable size and weight. The compartment can be attached to the strap, or be a part of the fastener. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the surface of the compartment is reflective. Additionally, the compartment of the bib holder can optionally include indicia thereon. In certain embodiments of the invention, moreover, the compartment includes a plurality of sub-compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Emily Slayton
  • Patent number: 7266865
    Abstract: A device which functions as a rest for a knife, fork and spoon and also functions as a clip for a rolled up napkin with utensils therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: John B. Rodin
  • Patent number: 7174608
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a base having at least one surface lying substantially in a base plane; a first member extending substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the base and defining an aperture therein; and a second member having a proximal end coupled to the surface of the base and a distal end, the second member defining a second plane extending transversely from the base plane of the base at least toward the aperture, wherein the orientation of the second member biases the second member toward the first member such that an article may be gripped therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Henry Kong Sun Ching
  • Patent number: 7168137
    Abstract: The present invention entails a handkerchief holding system for efficiently positioning and retaining a handkerchief within a structure. The handkerchief holding system includes a housing having at least one wall and an opening exposing an interior cavity, a spring extending about a portion of the perimeter of the housing, and a clamping apparatus extending about the opening of the housing. The housing is positionable within a shirt breast pocket for conveniently retaining a handkerchief within the breast pocket of a shirt. The clamping apparatus is capable of retaining and supporting the handkerchief in a desired partially exposed position within the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Anjela Oustian, Evangelia Kambouris
  • Patent number: 7152280
    Abstract: A napkin holder, specifically a sanitizer napkin holder which includes a pre-moistened towellette contained within the flexible ring-shaped napkin holder. The napkin ring may be torn away from a napkin along a perforated line. A pull-tab is provided to access the pocket containing the pre-moistened towellette, and a tear line is provided for further opening the pocket for even easier access to the towellette within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Lysandra Taylor
  • Patent number: 7017787
    Abstract: A vehicle eating accessory that includes a pouch structure attachable to an interior passenger compartment structure of a vehicle and having an extendable protectant cover member that is extendably removable from the pouch structure and positionable over a clothing and/or lap area of a person eating and/or drinking in the vehicle; the vehicle eating accessory extendable protectant cover member including a clipping structure for securing the extendable protectant cover member in place and an elongated catching pouch formed along at least one perimeter edge thereof for catching crumbs and other dropped elements that may be dropped onto the cover member by a person while eating; the cover member may be reusable or may be disposable and replaceable with a new cover member; the pouch assembly may contain multiple cover members if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Carolyn L. Dean, Damion J. Dean
  • Patent number: 6925687
    Abstract: A U-shaped clip seizes a bib napkin to a general region of the user's clothing that includes the chest and the lap, e.g. a shirt, sweater, blouse or suit coat. Optionally, a pair of clips may be utilized: one on each opposite edge or at the top and bottom of the napkin. The clip is molded from plastic and is configured with a pair of jaw pads operable by two pushbuttons: a capture pushbutton that closes the jaw pads and latches them together with a choice of progressive steps of closure to allow for variations in contained cloth thickness, and a release pushbutton that releases the jaw pads for removal. Promotional printing such as a logo or other sponsor identification can be imprinted on exterior surfaces of the clip or one of the pushbuttons, particularly the release pushbutton which has three external facets that can be configured in a special shape and/or fitted with a promotional or decorative overlay part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Benjamin E. Overton
  • Patent number: 6502284
    Abstract: A clothing protective device which is particularly adapted to be worn by a man, woman or child, and which in particular will assist in the protection of clothing while dining or engaging in other activities which may stain clothes. In essence, the device is essentially in the form of a so-called napkin holder which can be readily transported in a clothing pocket or a purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Idego, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Juda, Edward Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6449807
    Abstract: A table napkin holder has two bow-like parts for holding a table napkin on an article of clothing. The two bow-like parts are swingable from positions in a common plane in the nonuse state to positions forming an angle with respect to each other in the use state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Marc Langkammerer
  • Publication number: 20020020044
    Abstract: A clothing protective device which is particularly adapted to be worn by a man, woman or child, and which in particular will assist in the protection of clothing while dining or engaging in other activities which may stain clothes. In essence, the device is essentially in the form of a so-called napkin holder which can be readily transported in a clothing pocket or a purse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel P. Juda, Edward Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6296918
    Abstract: An improved napkin having an integral mirror surface comprising a first sheet of a pliable moisture absorbent sheet material and a second sheet defining a mirror surface. The second sheet is of a lesser portion of the first sheet. The sheet material of the first sheet can be of a cloth or paper material. The second sheet can be either permanently secured or removeably attached onto the first sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventors: Si Young Choi, Seon Mee Bang
  • Patent number: 6243925
    Abstract: A multipurpose holding device, mainly for holding matching garments together, in particular for treating pairs of garments, has a suitable fixing unit (1) for pressing the garments together, the fixing unit having a primary supporting formed piece (2) located on one side of the garments and a secondary supporting formed piece (3) located on the other side of the garments. The primary supporting formed piece (2) includes a limiting member (2a) and an opening (2d) at least partly framed by the limiting member (2a). The secondary supporting formed piece (3) has a free flange (3a) which extends into, and preferably through, the opening (2d) of the primary supporting formed piece (2). The primary supporting formed piece (2) and the secondary supporting formed piece (3) are interconnected by a connecting neck (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Jozsef Aszody
  • Patent number: 6182335
    Abstract: A clothing protective device which is particularly adapted to be worn by a person, such as a man, woman or child, and which in particular will assist in the protection of clothing while dining. In essence, the device is essentially in the form of a so-called napkin holder which can be readily transported in a clothing pocket or a purse and which is imparted a large number of uses in addition to being merely a clothing protective device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Idego, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Juda, Edward Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6021550
    Abstract: A tab for securing a napkin to a user. The tab has one adhesive surface for attaching to the user with a second adhesive surface for attaching to a napkin. The tabs adhesive surfaces have a protective covering that is peelable when used. The tab will have at least two adhesive surface areas, either opposing or on the same side of the tab. Each adhesive area will have a removable protective covering that is removed when the now exposed adhesive is to be used. The tabs are thin and flexible, with the two sides formiing substantially the entire exposed surface area of the tabs. The adhesive may be any suitable for the napkin material or the cloth or other material that the napkin is to protect. In addition, the tabs and the napkins may be made with shapes and/or logos suitable for promotional or special uses, for example, for children. The shapes and logos may be of character personalities, cartoon characters, animals and/or graphical designs of any sort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Charles D. Welch
  • Patent number: 5955170
    Abstract: A mail holder for a message board having a retaining grip, an elongate rear portion extending from the retaining grip, a bottom portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongate rear portion, and an elongate front portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom portion towards the retaining grip, the rear, bottom, and front portions defining a cavity for retaining one or more planar objects therein. The front portion may be biased to provide a slight clamping force towards the rear portion to retain the planar objects between the front and rear portions. The rear portion may be substantially flat and the front portion curved towards the rear portion as it extends away from the bottom portion. The bottom portion may have waves formed therein extending generally parallel to the front and rear portions. The retaining grip has a substantially "C" shape, including a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Boone International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Davis, Michael K. Boone
  • Patent number: 5913478
    Abstract: A wearable napkin holding clamp includes a substantially planar base hingedly connected to a movable jaw and carries an L-shaped lever and a spring clip. The base, movable jaw and L-shaped lever together bear a loose resemblance to a clamp for use with suspenders (e.g., for attachment to the waist band of the pants). The base includes a base jaw, a base central aperture and has first and second opposing perpendicular journal tabs, each with a coaxial journal hole therethrough. The base also preferably includes first and second elongate raised salient features which are disposed substantially parallel to the base sidewalls and to one another and are spaced apart by a selected spacing defining a groove or trough therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Drip Clip, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Ochsman
  • Patent number: 5852849
    Abstract: A bib holder particularly suited for holding dental bibs, includes fasteners and a strap between them wherein the strap is made of a flexible material with a central expanded band portion with two flat sides and elongated rod portions extending from the band portion. Bib fasteners are attached to the end terminals of the rod portions. This strap is comfortable when placed on the patient, is easily stored, may be made in bright colors and designer designs, and further may contain words or other designs on the flat sides of the band portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Pinnacle Products of Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Lansing, Phillip E. Mark
  • Patent number: 5755413
    Abstract: Napkins can be arranged into many decorative forms using a frame which bounds a right circular cylinder. Napkins can be folded, inserted into the frame and arranged through and around the first base of the cylinder, through and around the second base of the cylinder, and through the cylinder lateral surface. Napkins can have color regions which present one pattern when fully flat open and which are transmogrified into a new form, such as a flower-like form, when arranged using the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Ann Press
  • Patent number: 5487924
    Abstract: A napkin ring that receives a napkin is formed as an elongated strip of flexible material with head portions on the opposite ends thereof. Slots are provided, either in the strip, in the head portions or at the juncture therebetween so that the strip may be configured in a loop that is retained in a fastened state by the mated engagement of the slots so that the loop may encompass a napkin. When fastened in the loop, the head portions are located adjacent one another and together provide a flat exposed viewing surfaces with a portion thereof on each head portion. The head portions are provided with distinct design elements such that, in the fastened state, a coordinate theme is presented. The head portions together can form a single object or distinct objects that together create a uniform theme. The slots may extend from opposite lateral sides of the strip or from a common side. If desired, the slots can have enlarged mouths, and the head portions can be enlarged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Inventor: Dorothy C. Fritze
  • Patent number: 5476697
    Abstract: A paper napkin or similar sheet formed object which is intended to be attached to an article of clothing to protect it from spillage, comprises a sheet with reinforcement areas on surface portions thereof. The napkin sheet is folded before usage such that adhesive surfaces (3) on the reinforcement areas (1) are in close contact with adhesive or non-adhesive parts of the reinforcement areas which parts in this position form a protection for the adhesive surfaces (3) of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Wanja Bellander
  • Patent number: 5468534
    Abstract: A dinner napkin for releasably attaching to the clothing of a person to preclude movement of the napkin relative to the person. The inventive device includes a napkin having an adhesive attachment assembly coupled to an edge of the napkin. The adhesive attachment assembly includes a backing which can be removed to expose an adhesive cooperable with the person's clothing to retain the napkin relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventors: Ernest Godfrey, Edith Godfrey
  • Patent number: 5191681
    Abstract: A napkin- or drape holder in the form of a one-piece molding, comprising:a) a spring-like first plastic member having a body portion terminating in opposed proximal ends, the body portion being shaped to fit around the human neck;b) a spring-like second plastic member having a body portion terminating in free ends, each of the free ends being connected to the body portion of the first member by integral plastic hinges;c) the members have a normally open position in which they lie in planes oblique to one another and a closed position in which they are coplanar, the members being swingable about the hinges between these positions;d) the members are operable when in the closed position to clamp a napkin in place inserted between the body portions thereof; ande) integral plastic locks carried by one of the members for releasably locking the members in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Oddvin Lokken
  • Patent number: 4587692
    Abstract: A support provision is disclosed for a napkin, which allows to position the napkin comfortably, secure, flat and aesthetically pleasing at the chest of a person. Two elastic band arms are employed, which are held by two sliding supports such that each sliding support is fixedly attached to a respective band arm and allows the other band arm to slide through the sliding support. A napkin corner is slipped through the space between the two overlapping parts of the band arms between the two siding supports. Extensions can be provided at the sliding supports to allow backfolding of the napkin corner. The rear ends of the band arms can be attached to each other with securing strips to allow a secured position around the neck of the support means for the napkin. Snap fasteners can provide for the attachment of the sliding support to the respective band arm. Dome shaped emblems can be attached to the front of the snap fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1986
    Inventor: Milos Kaderabek
  • Patent number: 4494718
    Abstract: A napkin holder consisting of a mass of material such as glass, marble, ceramic, plastic, wood, metal or metal alloy or other suitable rigid material which contains two perpendicularly intersecting shafts, one of which extends through the mass and opens onto opposite surfaces of the mass and the other of which intersects the first shaft at a mid-point in the length thereof and extends upwardly to open on an upper surface of the mass is disclosed. A cloth napkin can be inserted through the shafts and can readily be arranged in a wide choice of attractive configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: Sylvia J. Clay
  • Patent number: 4467503
    Abstract: The invention is an enlaceable serviette. An enlaceable serviette is a serviette which includes the means to enlace and secure a decorative pattern of folding. The basic enlaceable serviette includes only a napkin and a tie integrally attached to the napkin. The napkin is foldable into a decorative pattern suitable for presentation as a decorative piece at a table setting. The decorative pattern may be enlaced and secured by the tie which can be wrapped around the folded napkin and fastened. To use the serviette during a meal, the diner unfastens the tie and unfolds the serviette. The tie can also serve to secure the folding pattern of the napkin during storage and handling. The enlaceable serviette is particularly useful in institutional situations where large numbers of serviettes are used. The integral attachment of the tie to the serviette prevents its separation and possible loss during laundering, during handling and storage, and during the meal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: Stephanie W. Boynton
  • Patent number: 4425680
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a napkin clip device, and more particularly to a device which may be utilized in the manner of a tie clip and which also functions to hold a napkin in selected position. The device is especially adaptable for use as an advertising medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Inventors: Harold Basseches, Donald R. Oswald
  • Patent number: 4420519
    Abstract: There is disclosed a napkin retainer which is a composite adhesive tape. The napkin retainer comprises a tape portion with adhesive on both sides and top and bottom protective covers each having a release coating on one side. The tape portion is sandwiched between the protective covers with the release agent in contact with the adhesive. The protective covers each have a hinge strip at one end without release material so that the covers are permanently attached at the hinge strip. Pick tabs are provided on the other end of the protective covers remote from the hinge strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Inventor: Charles O. Slemmons
  • Patent number: 4420102
    Abstract: A napkin ring which easily and quickly imparts a decorative shape to a napkin inserted therein comprises an annular-shaped external member 2 having a cantilevered tongue 4 extending from an inside surface of said external member toward and past the center of the annulus. The free end of the tongue has a pair of arms 16 extending therefrom and curved back toward the base of the tongue. A napkin is shaped by inserting a corner thereof 8 between the free end of the tongue and the annulus and pulling the napkin about halfway into the ring where it will be forced into a decorative shape between the tongue and the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Inventor: Lloyd D. Clark
  • Patent number: 4177846
    Abstract: A roll-up place mat having a self-contained ring member for holding a napkin and a self-contained pocket member for holding dining flatware and capable of being rolled up and tied together while containing the napkin and flatware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1979
    Inventor: Jean Rountree
  • Patent number: 4004315
    Abstract: A support device for use with a towel or the like comprising a relatively rigid panel member, having an enlarged first end connected by a tapered mid-section to a narrow end of reduced thickness. A relatively flexible neck portion has a first end connected to the narrow end of the panel member, and has an aperture formed therein. A spring hook is received through the aperture to detachably retain a towel or the like on the panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Inventor: Elbert O. Rials
  • Patent number: 3999251
    Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a belt to serve as a conventional belt buckle, having the additional feature of a split construction wherein the two buckle halves are held together along an edge by a spring hinge so that the buckle may additionally serve as a clip for napkins and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1976
    Inventor: Noel M. Payant
  • Patent number: 3978553
    Abstract: A napkin that is especially adapted to remain on the lap of the user during the eating operation and additionally provides for a pocket to hold silverware such as for use on airplanes, trains and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1976
    Assignee: Lawrence Peska Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Edith M. Honig
  • Patent number: D250044
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Assignee: Actus, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony A. Mueller