Patents Examined by Gary C. Hoge
  • Adjustable suspended seat apparatus having tuned frequency-tailored damping through a stratified seat structure
    Patent number: 11241984
    Abstract: An adjustable suspended seat apparatus having a tuned frequency-tailored damping through stratified seat structure is described. The damping seat structure includes: a first material of a plurality of materials having a first characteristic to provide a first damping effect in a first layer. A second material of the plurality of materials based on a second characteristic to provide a second damping effect in a second layer, the first material or the second material having an adjustable damping characteristic. The suspended seat apparatus includes a seat base configured to have the seat coupled thereto; a suspension system coupled to the seat base, the suspension system comprising: an adjustment feature configured to adjust operation of the suspension system; and a chassis mount coupled to the suspension system, the chassis mount configured to be coupled to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wittenschlaeger, Timothy King, Mason Powers, Jeffrey Hermann
  • Removably securing a sliceform to a foldable article
    Patent number: 11238758
    Abstract: A foldable article having a sliceform removably secured to one or more panels of the foldable article. A tab having a retaining portion may extend from at least one of the one or more panels of the foldable article. The tab may pass through an opening in the sliceform and the retaining portion may be wider than the width of the opening. The retaining member may be manipulated to pass through the opening to removably secure the sliceform to, and/or detach the sliceform from, the foldable article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Thomas A. Wallen
  • Etched illuminated display
    Patent number: 11231530
    Abstract: An etched illuminated display includes a mirrored first surface having etched indicia thereon. A second and a third surface are disposed along a first and a second outer edge of the mirrored first surface. An illumination source is positioned behind the first surface. When activated the illumination source produces illumination emanating from the etched indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Joel B. Parker
  • Holding device with flexible adapter
    Patent number: 11227513
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable display apparatus. The portable display apparatus includes a clipstand that attaches to a barreled device and is used to display information, including holding other metal-backed items. The clipstand surface has a magnet embedded so that different faces can be attached to the clip surface and allow different information to be displayed, and different items to be held. The present invention also includes a clear plastic sleeve, the tag, attached to a metal bar to allow the tag to stick to the magnet. Different cards can be placed into the tag, and the tag may be written on with an erasable marker to allow for different displays. The clipstand may be displayed on a table attached to a barreled instrument or worn on a lanyard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: Daniel Silverman
  • Card systems
    Patent number: 11225101
    Abstract: Implementations of card systems may include a card which may include a front flap hingedly coupled to a rear flap and either a printed coupon or a printed code for an electronic coupon on either the front flap or the rear flap. Implementations of card systems may also include a comestible coupled between the front flap and the rear flap. The comestible may be between 1-10 times the thickness of the card. The comestible may correspond with one of the printed coupon and the printed code for the electronic coupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: Timothy Herold
  • Tube tag for lifting slings
    Patent number: 11227512
    Abstract: Wire rope tube tags are described that include chemically etched wire rope information on an outer surface of the tube tag. A flat sheet of metal may be etched to include wire rope-related information on a surface of the flat sheet of metal that may then be folded into a desired shape, such as a cubic tube, spherical tube, triangular tube, etc., to create a wire rope tube tag with the wire rope information on the outer surface of the tag. Several methods for attaching the folded tube tag are provided, including one or more holes located through the body of the tube tag through which a wire thread or zip tie may pass and one or more tabs extending from the tube tag that may be bent toward or angled toward the wire rope sling to pinch the wire rope and hold the tag in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Etched, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Charles Barksdale, Mark Ronald Stang
  • Spinning indicator for prospective passengers at transit stops and method of use
    Patent number: 11222557
    Abstract: A spinnable indicator for transit stops has a disc having a front side and a rear side, the front side having a reflective portion and a non-reflective portion, and a mounting bracket, wherein the disc is spinnably coupled to the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket mountable to a pole or beam. The reflective portion creates high visibility at night. In one method of use, a prospective passenger approaches a spinnable indicator, and, when a bus or other transit unit is approaching, spins the spinnable indicator. The reflective portion on the front side of the spinnable indicator alerts the driver that a prospective passenger is waiting transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventor: Fred Owen Davies
  • Light reflecting decorative panel
    Patent number: 11217122
    Abstract: A reflective decorative panel comprises a base implemented as a module of the panel, the base having restraining members on which reflective elements are arranged. The base is configured as a lattice framework having longitudinal and transverse bearing stripes, and the restraining members comprise rods each having a restraining head and used for accommodating the reflective element. The restraining head has a tapered shape towards its free end, and the restraining members are casted integrally with the base. At edge portions of the base, support members are provided with connection slots for connecting modules. The restraining members comprise the support members, and the support members have inner longitudinal cavities in which the rods with the restraining heads are provided. The restraining head comprises a vertical slot used for putting on the movable reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Denis Sagidullin
  • Display card holder assembly and methods
    Patent number: 11217123
    Abstract: A device according to the present invention provides for an improved display card holder assembly and methods of operation. Wherein the improved assembly provides for a sleeve, collar and holder in removable communication to increase stability and reduce vibration of the card holder assembly. The assembly providing for a first embodiment comprising a holder comprising a button mechanism and nodes, and a sleeve comprising tabs and extensions, for increased stability. The assembly providing for a second embodiment comprising a holder comprising a lever mechanism, and at least one of an over-mold and assembled sleeve/collar combination, for increased stability. The assembly providing for a third embodiment comprising a holder comprising a hinge mechanism for increased stability. The invention further providing for methods of operation of the embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: RANDALL MARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: M. Randall Pasternak, Mark Donald Schaefer
  • Electronic license plate and method for manufacturing the same
    Patent number: 11203307
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses an electronic license plate and a method for manufacturing the same. The electronic license plate comprises a substrate, and a surface acoustic wave device and an electronic ink display component on the substrate; wherein the surface acoustic wave device is configured to receive information from, and transmit information to, an external device; the electronic ink display component is connected with the surface acoustic wave device, and configured to display information stored in the electronic ink display component and information received by the surface acoustic wave device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignees: Chengdu BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ting Li, Pengcheng Zang
  • Light fixture sign
    Patent number: 11195438
    Abstract: A light fixture sign includes a sign message structure including letter-shaped structures. The light fixture sign includes an illumination source to generate light to be projected through a front surface of the letter-shaped structures. The light fixture sign includes at least one reflective mirror having a first surface attached over a back surface of the letter-shaped structures and a reflective surface opposite the first surface to reflect light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Thomas W. Gow
  • Flying artefact and its device for aerial advertising
    Patent number: 11189200
    Abstract: Flying artefact for aerial advertising to be pulled from the surface or tied up to a fixed point, which includes an element of elevation and suspension in the air (1) with advertising medium function, built in a very light and resistant material, with the shape of an aerodynamic profile, which has an opening (4) at its front part reinforced with light and resistant tubes, and an opening (5) on its back, which has a curved upper surface (6), a flat lower surface (7), and two vertical lateral surfaces (9), which acquires its shape when the air passes through its four surfaces; a pulling or clamping line (3) which is tied up to the chosen pulling means or fixed point; at least two ropes (2) that connect the pulling or clamping line (3) with the front opening (4); the advertising message (10) being placed and directly exhibited on both sides and all along the element of elevation and suspension (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventors: Petrica Panainte, Aurora Díaz Ocaña
  • System and method for ground-based advertising
    Patent number: 11183088
    Abstract: An advertising unit advertising unit includes a back unit adapted to be secured to a parking lot. A cover comprising a transparent or translucent material is mounted to the back unit to define a cavity. The cover is adapted to withstand the weight of a vehicle passing over or resting atop the cover without experiencing fracture or inelastic deformation. An electronic display is positioned within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Benjamin Elias Blumenthal
  • Safety sign device with modular dual signs and related methods
    Patent number: 11180078
    Abstract: A safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign device includes a first sign having proximal and distal end, a first hinge being coupled to the proximal end of the first sign, the first hinge being coupled to a side of the vehicle, and a second sign being coupled to the side of the vehicle and being substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle. The first hinge is configured to extend and retract the first sign between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second signs may be transverse to each other in the extended position, and may be flat against the side of the vehicle in the retracted position. The safety sign device includes a first flexible arm coupled to the first hinge and having an elongate housing, and visual indicators carried by the elongate housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Danny Ringer
  • Kinetic sculpture system
    Patent number: 11176853
    Abstract: A kinetic sculpture system for powering one or more kinetic sculptures by an updraft to drive the one or more kinetic sculptures in a forward direction along a looped path. The kinetic sculpture system generally includes a pair of kinetic sculptures which are suspended over an updraft source by a hanging structure. Each of the kinetic sculptures includes a main body and a pair of wings pivotably attached to the main body. Each of the wings of each of the kinetic sculptures includes a front edge which is downwardly angled with respect to a rear edge such that the updraft from the updraft source catches upon the front edge to drive the kinetic sculptures forward along a looped path. In this manner, the kinetic sculptures may be driven along a fixed path around the updraft source without outside intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Zachmann, Carl J. Zachmann
  • Display arrangement having magnet that interacts with a coil to induce movement of the display arrangement
    Patent number: 11170674
    Abstract: A display arrangement includes a base, a decorative shell having a front cover and a back cover, an elongated central post that is rotatably coupled to the decorative shell and fixedly coupled to the base, a light source disposed on the elongated central post and within the shell, such that the light is visible though at least one opening in the shell, a stem coupled to the shell and coupled to the elongated central post, the stem having a magnet on one end, and a coil configured to receive energy from a power source to cause an arcing motion of the magnet, the stem, and thereby the decorative shell. The display arrangement can include a second shell disposed horizontally above the decorative shell and coupled to the decorative shell, and can also include a third shell disposed horizontally below the decorative shell, and that is coupled to the decorative shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Fourstar Group Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Chi Wu
  • Magnetic fluid display
    Patent number: 11170672
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a magnetic fluid display in which a magnetic fluid moves in response to a magnetic field and which may display a unique visual image according to the meeting and parting of the magnetic fluid. A magnetic fluid display (10) according to the present invention comprises: a display unit (110) including a transparent liquid into which a magnetic fluid (111) is injected; and a magnetic field generating unit (200) for applying a magnetic field (M) to the magnetic fluid (111) at a rear surface of the display unit (110). When the magnetic field is applied, the magnetic fluid moves in the transparent liquid in a directional manner, so that an image may be displayed on the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: CK MATERIALS LAB CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyeong Jun Kim, Jong Hun Lee, Min Kyu Choi
  • Illuminated signs for vehicles, mounting systems therefor and related methods
    Patent number: 11170673
    Abstract: A self-contained illuminated sign for mounting on a vehicle is disclosed. The sign includes a front panel, a rear panel situated opposite and substantially parallel to the front panel in spaced relation therefrom to define a space therebetween, and a light source comprising a plurality of LEDs. The light source is positioned between the front and rear panels and is configured to emit light that emanates from the front panel. The front panel is thus backlit to display indicia. A system for supporting a self-contained illuminated sign on a vehicle is also disclosed. The system includes the sign and a separate mounting frame mountable on a vehicle. The mounting frame is configured to removably receive the sign and, when the sign is received in the mounting frame, to surround a perimeter of the sign while permitting visibility of the front display area. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: SMARTREND MANUFACTURING GROUP (SMG), INC.
    Inventors: Nick Gamble, Michael Yudelevich, David Beernaert, Kevin Smith
  • Display assembly
    Patent number: 11164487
    Abstract: A display assembly that has a support, a mobile mount, a stationary mount, and a display unit. The display unit is supported by the mobile mount and the mobile mount is supported by the stationary mount which is secured to support. The mobile mount and the stationary mount are rotatable with respect to each other and may include undulating patterns that move the display vertically. The support includes a lighting element for backlighting the display and a locating element for positioning the stationary mount on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: ART GUILD, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Roan, Konrad Giersz, Ivan Letinic
  • Roof mounted vehicle topper
    Patent number: 11164491
    Abstract: A cross bar for mounting a vehicle topper to a roof of a vehicle is provided. A center section has a rectangular cross section, a first end, and a second end. A first tapered section extends from the first end of the center section. A second tapered section extends from the second end of the center section. A longitudinal axis of the center section, the first tapered section, and the second tapered section extend primarily in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Hornsby, William Dunn, Mike Brown, Doug Bennett