Patents Examined by David R. Dunn
  • Patent number: 11240991
    Abstract: A pet tent support structure includes a top-portion support, a bottom-portion support, and two lateral supports capable of being sequentially folded towards the bottom-portion support. The top-portion support includes two horizontal rods capable of being respectively folded towards the lateral supports. The bottom-portion support is a rectangular structure formed by four horizontal rods. The two lateral supports each comprise a horizontal rod and two vertical rods respectively connected to two ends of the horizontal rod. The vertical rods are connected to the bottom-portion support via bottom-portion connection members, and the bottom-portion connection members of the two lateral supports have a difference in height therebetween. The pet tent support structure can be folded easily and quickly, and the size of the structure after folding is small and occupies a small space, thus enabling convenient storage and carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN SHENGXINPET CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Rumin Zhuo
  • Patent number: 11244583
    Abstract: A signpost system includes a signpost assembly, comprised of a vertical post and horizontal bar; hinge assemblies, which hingedly connect portions of the vertical post, such that the vertical post is foldable; sign hooks, each slidably attachable to the horizontal bar, such that varyingly sized signs can be hung from the horizontal bar; a post support assembly, which is detachably insertable into a ground surface; and a removable step bar, which can aid in the insertion of the post support assembly into the ground; whereby the post support assembly is insertable into the vertical post, such that signpost assembly is secured in an upright position by the post support assembly when inserted into the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventors: Frank Harris, Joseph P. Corkins
  • Patent number: 11244581
    Abstract: A unitary sheet-like article has a material sheet including a first edge and an elastic sheet including an aperture and a second edge. The material sheet and the elastic sheet overlap at an overlap portion defined between the first and second edges. The material sheet and the elastic sheet are bonded together at the overlap portion. The aperture of the elastic sheet is not located on the overlap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Bedford Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Ludlow, John B. Linquist, Colin M. O'Donnell, Ryan M. Korpela
  • Patent number: 11235687
    Abstract: A child safety seat may include a base configured to be operably coupled to a vehicle seat, a seat shell configured to receive and secure a child therein, and a multi-functional energy absorber. The seat shell may be operably coupled to the base such that the seat shell is alternately movable between a plurality of positions relative to the base responsive to operation of a seat positioner assembly, and lockable in the plurality of positions relative to the base responsive to operation of a locking assembly. The multi-functional energy absorber may be disposed between the base and the seat shell. The multi-functional energy absorber may be an integral portion of both the seat positioner assembly and the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: BRITAX CHILD SAFETY INC.
    Inventors: Adam Mark Will, Quentin Walsh, Julien Santini
  • Patent number: 11230856
    Abstract: An awning assembly for use with a vehicle. The awning comprising an elongate base attachable to the vehicle, the base having a first end and an opposing second end, a portion of the second end of the base being magnetic or responsive to magnetic force. Arms are attached at the first and/or second end of the base, being pivotable relative to the base between a stowed position and a deployed position. A portion of each arm being magnetic or responsive to magnetic force. A flexible sheet associated with the arms, which in the deployed positon with the arms extending away from the base so that the flexible sheet provides cover to an area beneath the arms. In the stowed position, the arms are located adjacent the base so that the magnetic portions of the base and the arms connect, thereby securing the arms to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Rhino Rack Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Kayle Richard Everett, William Davis, John Adriaan Klinkenberg
  • Patent number: 11224269
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are retractable umbrella frame devices comprising a base body structure at least partially surrounding a central axis structure. The central axis structure can be connected to a skeletal frame structure comprising a plurality of arms having a first end connected to the central axis structure and a second free end. The plurality of arms can be moveably connected to the central axis structure, such that the arms can be retracted into or extended from the base body structure. In some embodiments, the base body structure comprises open portions along its length. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices further comprise one or more secondary support structures at least partially surrounding the base body structure. In some embodiments, the retractable umbrella frame devices can further comprise guide structures connected to the one or more secondary support structures and the arms of the skeletal frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph L. Pikulski
  • Patent number: 11225178
    Abstract: A slim headrest device may include a fixed guide bracket provided upside a seatback; a moving plate, a first end portion of which is moved forward and rearward by being guided by the fixed guide bracket and a second end portion of which is in a shape bent upward; and a moving guide bracket to which a headrest is mounted, the moving guide bracket being moved upwardly and downwardly by being guided by the second end portion of the moving plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, WOOBO TECH CO., LTD., WOOIL INDUSTRY
    Inventors: Sang Man Seo, In Ki Park, Hae Il Jeong
  • Patent number: 11219573
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fully foldable four-wheel walking aid, comprising a left frame and a right frame which are connected by an X-shaped frame, wherein each of the left frame and the right frame includes a wheel frame, an armrest adjustment frame, a fixed base and a rotary movable base. The armrest adjustment frame, the rotary movable base and the fixed base are connected by a rotating shaft screw; and a through hole of armrest adjustment frame is provided in the armrest adjustment frame, rotary movable base is provided with a through hole of rotary movable base, and fixed base is provided with a through hole of fixed base. An open space is formed by the through hole of armrest adjustment frame, the through hole of rotary movable base and the through hole of fixed base, and an elastic pin having recovery capability is provided in the open space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Foshen HCT Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yonghua Lu
  • Patent number: 11219286
    Abstract: A combined umbrella and canopy (10) that provides the advantages of both of these devices for providing maximum shade. The umbrella portion (12) is substantially similar to a standard beach umbrella having a vertical pole (16) with spokes or ribs (22, 24, 26, 28) extending radially outwardly adjacent the top (20) for supporting a fabric cover (30). The fabric cover (30) defines a front (32) and back (34) and at least two sides of the umbrella. The back (34) of the umbrella includes an additional length of fabric (36) that extends horizontally rearwardly and then curves downwardly and terminates in two spaced apart ends (38, 40). Each end includes a pocket (42, 44) that can be filled with sand to weigh the same down to maintain the ends on the beach. The additional fabric (36) is essentially a canopy (14). The umbrella structure (12) provides better support for the forward end of the canopy and prevents the same from collapsing when the wind conditions change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: LSO, LP
    Inventor: Brian Cox
  • Patent number: 11220835
    Abstract: An expandable canopy frame including a plurality of legs coupled to each other through a plurality of rib members scissor-type coupled together, with upper ends of certain of the rib members being respectively coupled to top ends of the legs, and lower ends of certain of the rib members being respectively coupled to a slider mechanism slidably mounted to each of the respective legs; a roof assembly for supporting a canopy; and a releasable locking assembly, coupled to the roof assembly, for facilitating the expansion of the expandable canopy into an expanded position and for maintaining the canopy in the expanded position; wherein the expandable canopy in its expanded position has a plurality of sides, and wherein the releasable locking assembly is closer to one of the sides than to the remaining sides of the expandable canopy in its expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: ShelterLogic Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Tomchak, Aaron Augustus, Pio J. Fusco, Christian M. Otis, George A. Bevilacqua
  • Patent number: 11214179
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a base frame supporting a lift mechanism. A seatback is operably coupled to a seat portion. The seatback and the seat portion are vertically adjustable as powered by the lift mechanism. The seat portion is pivotally coupled to the seatback by a support bracket for rotational movement between first and second positions. A seat frame of the seat portion is vertically juxtaposed over the lift mechanism when the seat portion is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas, Spencer Robert Hoernke, David Frederick Lyons
  • Patent number: 11214178
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a mounting plate and a base frame rotatable mounted on the mounting plate by a swivel mechanism for swiveling the seat assembly between forward-facing and rearward-facing configurations. A seat portion is operably coupled to the base frame and includes a front edge. The seat portion can be pivoted between use and upright non-use positions. The seat assembly includes a first rotational footprint when the seat portion is in the use position and a second rotational footprint that is less than the first rotational footprint when the seat portion is in the upright non-use position. The second rotational footprint is intended to accommodate swiveling of the seat assembly between the forward-facing and rearward-facing configurations within a vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas, Spencer Robert Hoernke, David Frederick Lyons
  • Patent number: 11214091
    Abstract: A secure packaging system for a stored value card. The secure packaging system including a front panel and a back panel sealed via a non-rewettable polymer to the front panel at a non-rewettable sealing section, the sealing section arranged continuously around at least a periphery of the stored value card, wherein the sealing section cannot be reactivated or unsealed with heat to access the contents therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventors: Shelle B Pascua, Deborah Bartles, John Tomczyk
  • Patent number: 11206905
    Abstract: An umbrella assembly can be assembled using L-shaped elongate members pivotably coupled with upper and lower hubs for supporting and actuating an umbrella cover. The L-shaped elongate members can be pivotably coupled together and paired such that a lateral portion of each of the elongate members extends opposite the other lateral portion within the pair and pivotably coupled with one of the upper hub and the lower hub. The lateral portions pivotably coupled within rib-receiving slots corresponding to one of the upper hub and the lower hub and secured within the rib-receiving slots by one of an upper hub cap and a lower hub cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Zhun-An Ma
  • Patent number: 11208827
    Abstract: A tent having a frame (1), the frame (1) having a plurality of sub-frames (3a-c); each said sub-frame (3a-c) having a pair of elongate side members (5a-c) connected by an elongate cross member (35a-c), a first free end (4a-c), and a second free end (6a-c); a first foot (10) coupled to each of said first free ends (4a-c) of said sub-frames (3a-c); a second foot (10) coupled to each of said second free ends (6a-c) of said sub-frames (3a-c); each foot (10) adapted to permit movement of said sub-frames (3a-c) with respect to each other, and each foot (10) adapted to be placed on a surface to support said frame (1) in use; one sub-frame (3c) adapted to be located in use on a ground surface, a locking mechanism (2) locatable on a second sub-frame (3b) and adapted in use to slide along said side member (5b) of said second sub-frame (3b) to lock in place a support member (30a, b) extendable in use from said one sub-frame (3c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Oztent Australia Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Peter Long
  • Patent number: 11199021
    Abstract: A tent (10) comprised of two panels (12, 14) are joined at their tops (16) but which have free lower ends resting on the ground. The tent (10) is maintained in its vertical position by a pair of elongated rods (22, 24) on the inside of each side panel that are arranged in an X configuration. The ends of the rods are positioned in pockets (26, 28, 30, 32, 34) provided in the interior of the four corners of each side panel and are somewhat rigid but capable of flexing outwardly to provide structural support for the side panels. Adjustment straps (40, 42, 44) along the vertical edges of the side panels are used to adjust the tension on the rods. In a second embodiment (110) only one side panel (112) is provided and a vertical pole (160, 162) is used to support the top of the panel. The slide panel (112) is also provided with crossbars in an X configuration. The vertical angle of the vertical support pole (160, 162) can be changed to adjust the height of the lean-to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: LSO, LP
    Inventor: Brian Cox
  • Patent number: 11199022
    Abstract: Aspects are directed to a collapsible privacy structure that has a low profile when in an un-deployed state to preserve the sight lines of observers. The collapsible privacy structure may then be deployed causing a canopy structure to extend upwardly forming an internal volume that provides privacy and seclusion to the user of the structure. The internal volume may be used for a bathroom, a shower, a medical evaluation/treatment space, and/or a changing space. Upon the departure of the user from the internal volume, the collapsible privacy structure may return to the low-profile nature provided by the un-deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, Tinker L. Hatfield, William M. Dieter
  • Patent number: 11193299
    Abstract: Provided is an emergency shelter that is able to occupy a first, folded position for storage and transport and a second deployed position that is suitable for sheltering at least one person, a method for reversibly converting the shelter from this first position to this second position, and a module of contiguous shelters of this kind. The emergency shelter includes an inflatable tent and a retention device in the form of a column that is preassembled with the inflated tent in said second position. The column is suitable for inflating the tent and holding it deployed around the former in said second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Hutchinson
    Inventors: Sébastien Andre, Céline Girault, Raphaël Nadjar, Denis Godeau, Katarzyna Avril
  • Patent number: 11191689
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a tubular structure. The tubular structure generally comprises a U-shaped portion, a first lever arm, and a second lever arm. The first lever arm generally comprises a first curved portion, a first straight portion, and a first bent portion. The second lever arm generally comprises a second curved portion, a second straight portion and a second bent portion. The U-shaped portion is generally aligned within a first plane. The first lever arm is generally aligned within a second plane. The second lever arm is generally aligned within a third plane. The second and the third planes are generally parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: James Z. Terebus
  • Patent number: 11192482
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a headrest assembly for a seat in a vehicle. In particular, the headrest assembly includes a locking arrangement that reduces, if not completely eliminates, buzz, squeak, and rattle (BSR). An exemplary headrest assembly includes, among other things, a rod including a recess and which is configured to connect the headrest assembly to a seat back. The headrest assembly also includes a head restraint having a locking portion configured to selectively engage the recess to set a vertical position of the head restraint relative to the rod. Further, at least one of the recess and the locking portion is tapered. Tapering the recess and/or the locking portion ensures that there will be two opposed points of contact between the recess and the locking portion, thereby reducing, if not eliminating, BSR between the two elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Daimay North America Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Yintai Jiang, Jianhua Wang, Guojun Tang