Patents Examined by Casandra Davis
  • Patent number: 9330581
    Abstract: A device configured to retain an informational tag, near a plant in a positioning step and an attaching step. The device includes a display bed that defines a plane. A shoulder is defined on one side of the frame such that the shoulder extends away from the display bed and defines a stop. A retaining finger extends over the plane and defines a surface that faces and is spaced-away from the plane, A cover is positioned near the retaining finger and is movable from a first position to a second position. A prong is positioned on the cover and extends toward the plane when the cover is in the first position and extends through the plane when the cover is in the second position. The retaining finger surface and the display bed are configured to act cooperatively to retain a tag therebetween by friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Lovejoy Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald M. Zinnbauer
  • Patent number: 9269282
    Abstract: A sign post and sign system comprising a base may be connected to a vertical post. A four-way connector may attach horizontal stems to the vertical post. Rotatable or non-rotatable fasteners may be positioned on the upper or lower side of the horizontal stems. Rotatable fasteners may be connected to the horizontal stems to support rotation of a connected sign in an axis parallel to the horizontal stems. A one piece or two-piece cap design may be connected to the four-way connector. Lights, wiring, batteries, and/or a solar panel may be integrated into the sign system. A sign may be attached between the vertical post and the horizontal post to support rotation of the connected sign in an axis parallel to the vertical post. Rotatable fasteners may be connected to the horizontal stems to support rotation of a connected sign in an axis parallel to the horizontal stems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Hartman
  • Patent number: 9262872
    Abstract: A printable postage sheet includes a plurality of substantially equally sized preprinted postage labels arranged in a matrix of n rows by m columns, where n and m are integers. The plurality of preprinted postage labels are symmetrically arranged in the printable postage sheet with respect to a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Preprinted indicia on each of the preprinted postage labels are preprinted on generally the same location on all of the preprinted postage labels. The preprinted indicia are all oriented in a same orientation relative to the sheet. A printable area of each preprinted postage label is positioned on the label such that when indicia are printed on one or more of the preprinted postage labels, the indicia are positioned within the printable area irrespective of a right side up or upside down feeding orientation of the printable postage sheet into a printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: PSI SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Meghan Novack, Richard Hernandez, Stephen Lee Kearney
  • Patent number: 9261229
    Abstract: A device to hang articles includes a base defining a generally flat body to engage a mounting surface and a hook protruding therefrom to hang an article. The device also includes a bracket pivotally attached to the base at a proximal end of the bracket and a piercing arm extending from a distal end of the bracket. Also, the bracket is adapted to pivot between a first position relative to the base where the piercing arm is retracted from the mounting surface, and a second position relative to the base where the piercing arm is inserted into the mounting surface to retain the device thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: Adam Callif, Jessina Collins, Benjamin McDonald, James Leroy Daniels
  • Patent number: 9257060
    Abstract: A badge for displaying indicia. The badge includes a base plate that defines a landing area that has a recessed portion. The badge also includes a top panel coupled to the base plate. The top panel defines an at least partially transparent portion. A strip is removably disposed between the base plate and the top panel and at least partially disposed underneath the at least partially transparent portion such that a portion of the strip is viewable through the at least partially transparent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY, INC.
    Inventor: James P. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9249929
    Abstract: A device to hang articles includes a first member defining a first elongate slot and adapted to be affixed to a mounting surface, and a second member defining a second elongate slot and oriented generally perpendicular to the first member. The second member defines a hook disposed near an end of the second member. The device also includes a threaded screw protruding through the first elongate slot and the second elongate slot, and a retaining nut in engagement with the threaded screw to clamp the first member and the second member thereby securing a relative position between the first member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: Adam Callif, Jessina Collins, James Leroy Daniels
  • Patent number: 9235997
    Abstract: Provided is an image display panel, image display panel installation equipment, and a manufacturing method for an image display panel, which display an image by using reflective light and realize a high reproducibility of a base image with a simple method. An image is displayed by a plate-like body processed through carving work. The plate-like body has a main portion made of a metal reflecting light and a surface layer portion made of a material absorbing light more than the main portion. The carving work forms linear V-shaped grooves on the front surface side of the plate-like body such that each minute section includes a plurality of grooves. Shading of the image is expressed by the depths of the V-shaped grooves. The image is displayed by light absorption on the surface layer portion and light reflection on the V-shaped grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Kawanami Ironworks Inc.
    Inventor: Kozo Kawanami
  • Patent number: 9232879
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining plate for a vacuum-cleaner filter bag comprising a through-passage opening and a closure flap for closing the through-passage opening, wherein the closure flap comprises a first region comprising a first material of a first hardness and a second region comprising a second material of a second hardness, wherein the second hardness is at a lower level than the first hardness, wherein the second region is arranged, at least in part, on the periphery of the closure flap, and wherein the second material, at least in part, has a thickness of less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Eurofilters Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Schultink, Ralf Sauer
  • Patent number: 9208701
    Abstract: An outdoor sign assembly includes a perimeter framework with fluid-directing channels to direct water off of the sign during inclement weather, and further includes individually removable sign face panels that are configured to support individual indicia members including lettering, numbers, symbols, designs, or the like, including internally-lighted indicia. The sign face panels cooperate with the framework to direct water around and off of the sign assembly, and may be placed in side-by-side arrangement to achieve any desired length. During assembly or disassembly, the sign face panels are held relatively securely to the framework, even before mechanical fasteners are fully tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SignComp, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas C. Breihof
  • Patent number: 9202401
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a decoration, toy technical scheme and the like, particularly to a touch sensitive crystal ball comprises a hollow glass ball and a base, which is characterized in that the hollow glass ball is used in the form of an opening in its lower part, where a conductive resin is disposed; the base is provided with an operating circuit; an electrode plate is arranged under the conductive resin and connected to the operating circuit, a touch switch is composed of the electrode plate, the glass ball and the conductive resin, since the user touch the glass ball, the operating circuit is opened by activating the electrode plate through static electricity from human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: KiKin Wong
  • Patent number: 9194535
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus for electronic device includes a sliding bracket and a mounting bracket. The sliding bracket includes a first mounting portion, a rotating axle, and a limiting block. The mounting bracket includes a second mounting portion and a pivoting hole. The rotating axle of the sliding bracket is inserted in the pivoting hole of the mounting bracket. The rotating axle can be rotated relative to the mounting bracket from a closed state to an opened state. In the closed state, the sliding bracket is coplanar with the mounting bracket in the supporting apparatus, and the first mounting portion attracts the second mounting portion by a magnetic force. In the opened state, the sliding bracket is rotated on the mounting bracket, the limiting block resists against the mounting bracket to stop the sliding bracket rotating, and the sliding bracket is kept at a require angle on the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yi-Ru Chen
  • Patent number: 9189977
    Abstract: Electronic greeting cards include a greeting card with two or more interconnected panels in combination with a digital multimedia player device which includes an electronic display and an audio output, and circuitry which is operative to receive, store and play digital multimedia files and content. The various greeting card structures cover and encapsulate or otherwise house and adorn the digital multimedia player. Digital files are loaded on to the digital multimedia player by a connection to a network, or directly from a data storage device such as an SD card or USB connection or compact flash which interfaces with a port in the digital multimedia player. Pre-recorded digital multimedia greeting card content is either pre-loaded on a portable data storage device, or selected for purchase and downloaded or transferred for replay by the digital multimedia player of the electronic greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Mayer, David Sapp, Allison Marsh, Jerry Guo, Tiger Qiao
  • Patent number: 9188345
    Abstract: An electric fireplace having multi-function flame includes a housing, a projection screen, a plastic screen, plastic crystals, a first illuminating device, a flame image plate, a reflection assembly, and a second illuminating device. The first illuminating device can shoot a single color or two colors or a combination of more than two colors of light. The second illuminating device includes a plurality of second lights disposed on a second circuit board. Each of the second lights includes at least two different chips. The second illuminating device can shoot a single color or two colors or a combination of more than two colors of light. The present invention can generate single or multi-color flame to achieve a multi-function purpose. The change effect of the movement and color of the flame can be more perfect and realistic and appreciation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dong Guan Song Wei Electric Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Weilin Lu
  • Patent number: 9186928
    Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention is a traditional greeting card enhanced by audio and movement. The greeting card contains a pull trigger mechanism so that the user must interact with the greeting card to trigger the audio and motor movement. The pull trigger mechanism may be made of a variety of different materials and are intended to resemble the tail of various animals. Once the pull mechanism or tail has been pulled, the motor is activated causing movement of a portion of the greeting card proximate to the pull mechanism or tail which resembles the behind of an animal. The moveable portion of the greeting card moves, by for example back and forth, while audio plays in the background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: John Talbot, Melissa Flesher, Dan Liuzzi, Sean Higgins
  • Patent number: 9186927
    Abstract: An interactive greeting card having a multi-panel greeting card body, a sound module and a molded track contained between two or more panels of the multi-panel greeting card body, and a moveable object which is attached to the molded track through an opening in one or more of the greeting card panels. The moveable object is operative to move from one end of the molded track to the opposite end of the molded track whereby playback of a pre-recorded digital audio file is initiated. The interactive greeting card may additionally contain a small motor which causes movement of a second moveable object and an object launcher which is operative to launch an object along the track and into the air. Other special effects may be included such as lights, additional sounds or movement, or any other special effects which can be incorporated into a greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon Bogdanski, John Talbot, Lauren Budzar, Mary McClain, Brent Cottrell, Melissa Cornet, Dave McPeek, Brian Cleary, Melissa Flesher, Beth Dinvald, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 9186924
    Abstract: A decorated tab for a beverage container has a lift end, a nose end, and central webbing. An enclosed portion of the central webbing has a coating. A symbol is located on the enclosed region which is created by selective removal of the coating by a laser ablation. The symbol has a boundary profile defining a perimeter of the symbol generated by a continuous, uninterrupted vectorized laser dot pattern defining regions of ablated coating. The symbol has an interior portion generated by a plurality of pulsed rasterized laser dots defining further regions of ablated coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9183767
    Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to the display of yard or lawn signage. One embodiment provides a two-part system for displaying signage. The system includes a flexible sign panel having installation tabs and a rigid, injection-molded stake having holding portions configured to receive and retain the installation tabs of the sign panel. The rigid stake also includes retention barbs to facilitate ground stability and a strike pad designed to absorb and distribute impact forces applied during stake installation. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Mark V. Grush
  • Patent number: 9177493
    Abstract: Provided is an image display panel, image display panel installation equipment, and a manufacturing method for an image display panel, which display an image by using reflective light and realize a high reproducibility of a base image with a simple method. An image is displayed by a plate-like body processed through carving work. The plate-like body has a main portion made of a metal reflecting light and a surface layer portion made of a material absorbing light more than the main portion. The carving work forms linear V-shaped grooves on the front surface side of the plate-like body such that each minute section includes a plurality of grooves. Shading of the image is expressed by the depths of the V-shaped grooves. The image is displayed by light absorption on the surface layer portion and light reflection on the V-shaped grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Kawanami Ironworks Inc.
    Inventor: Kozo Kawanami
  • Patent number: 9161644
    Abstract: A unique beverage holder is adapted to be mounted on a vertical wall surface, and includes a cantilevered beverage holder platform and an advertising display, preferably including a slot or other arrangement for receiving an advertising media and an outwardly facing window for viewing the advertisement. The device is preferably installed in bathrooms, and the like, such as above urinals to provide bathroom users with a place to set their beverage, and at the same time attracting attention to the advertisement while the user is captive. In one embodiment, the beverage holder is adapted to be reversibly mounted on a wall bracket such that the shelf unit may alternately be at the top or bottom of the device. The reversible beverage holder is preferably secured to the wall bracket by release tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Drinkholder, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew F. Williams
  • Patent number: 9156301
    Abstract: An interactive electronic greeting card with pop up feature includes a three-sided pocket or cavity which houses various electronic and mechanical components and a pop up element. In a first position, the pop up element is substantially contained within the greeting card pocket or cavity. When the push button is depressed, the pop up element is ejected or “pops up” out of the greeting card pocket or cavity, revealing a greeting or other printed indicia. The push button also initiates playback of a pre-loaded digital audio file, which may be a spoken message, a sound, a song, music or other such audio recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventor: Melissa Flesher