Patents Examined by Gary C. Hoge
  • Electronic display with deformable surface
    Patent number: 11367368
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) display system may include a peg array of multiple pegs. Each peg may be individually addressable and designed to move along one or more axes. The 3D display system may also include an induction array having multiple electromagnetic coils to generate electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic fields may induce magnetic forces upon at least one peg to cause the peg to move along an axis into an actuated position. The 3D display may also include a display screen to be distended into a 3D topography via contact with at least one peg in the actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Kyle Simmons
  • Frame for flexible material exhibit
    Patent number: 11363896
    Abstract: Disclosed is a frame. The frame includes a framework formed to have a polygonal structure in a plane to surround an outer periphery of a fabric exhibit and including a fastening structure fastened to a rear support portion on a rear surface thereof, the rear support portion fastened to the rear surface of the framework to form a space configured to fix the fabric exhibit between the framework and the rear support portion and having a polygonal panel-shaped structure corresponding to the framework in a plane, a first fixing portion mounted, with a structure corresponding to an edge shape of the fabric exhibit, on a top surface of the rear support portion, and a second fixing portion attached to the first fixing portion by a magnetic force while the fabric exhibit is mounted above the first fixing portion and then a top surface of the fabric exhibit is interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Wonkyung Hong
  • Methods and apparatus for organizing items
    Patent number: 11361680
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for organizing items according to various aspects of the present invention may comprise a hanger tag system to convey information relating to an item on a hanger. The hanger tag system may comprise, for example, a mount connected to the hanger and an information medium mounted on the mount, wherein the information medium provides information relating to the item. In various embodiments, the hanger tag system further comprises a connector configured to connect the mount to the hanger. In various embodiments, the information medium comprises a labeling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Capri S. DeModica
  • Vehicle banner assembly
    Patent number: 11351933
    Abstract: A vehicle banner assembly for displaying a banner on a vehicle includes a panel is comprised of a magnetic material to magnetically engage a ferromagnetic door of a vehicle. A pair of engagements is each coupled to the panel. Each of the engagements engages an upper edge of the door of the vehicle to retain the panel at a selected location on the door. A banner is coupled to the panel to facilitate the banner to be displayed on the door of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Janis Thomas
  • Illuminated signs for vehicles, mounting systems therefor and related methods
    Patent number: 11348491
    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: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: SMARTREND MANUFACTURING GROUP (SMG), INC.
    Inventors: Nick Gamble, Michael Yudelevich, David Beernaert, Kevin Smith
  • Marking device
    Patent number: 11337565
    Abstract: A selectively attachable marking device for permitting a user to distinguish between multiple articles which otherwise look the same or similar, particularly textile articles such as bath linens, bed linens, or table linens. The device has a clip-like structure, and may be preferably provided with retaining ribs to resist undesired slippage of the device off an edge of the textile article with which it is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Philipp Maurer
  • Foldable outdoor ornament
    Patent number: 11341874
    Abstract: A foldable outdoor ornament includes a first panel and a second panel connected via one or more hinges. The first and second panels can fold between a folded position for storage and an open position for use. Brackets are affixed to a rear side of the first panel and a rear side of the second panel. Each bracket includes an upper leg attached to a rear side of one of the first panel or second panel and a lower leg extending perpendicularly outwardly from the rear side of one of the first panel or the second panel. The lower leg of each bracket includes an aperture. A stake is removably secured within each aperture, such that the ornament can be secured to the ground in the open position. The ornament resembles a traditional greeting card such as a birthday card and includes surfaces adapted for users to write messages thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Rebecca Burke
  • Tow hitch insert and cover
    Patent number: 11338633
    Abstract: The present invention is for a tow hitch insert assembly that allows for natural dangling and swinging motion of an elongated member from a trailer hitch. The elongated member can be of a variety of shapes and in one version is a replica of testicles. The elongated member is coupled to an insert tube main body by a rod that extends through the tow hitch insert assembly. Surrounding the rod are springs on each side, sandwiching the elongated member, which allows for oscillation of the elongated member within the tow hitch insert assembly. In another version, the elongated member is secured via a slotted plate, and the elongated member has a spheroid top wider than the slot of the slotted plate, which permits the elongated member to slide and rotate within the tow hitch insert assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Shin
  • Frame assembly
    Patent number: 11330919
    Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting a flat article. In one aspect, the frame assembly may include a stack including a transparent window panel and a frame. The frame may include a floor structure for supporting the stack and an outer annular wall coupled to and surrounding the floor structure, the outer annular wall including a plurality of corners, an outer surface defining a periphery of the frame, an inner surface defining a display cavity, and a front edge that defines a display opening configured to allow the stack to pass therethrough into the display cavity. The inner surface of the outer annular wall may include a plurality of recessed regions, each of the recessed regions encompassing one of the corners of the outer annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Terry Coyle, Jr., Matthew Scott Kressin, Geoffrey William Bastian, Michael Lee Pyle
  • Apparatus, method and system for management of electronic shelf label, and storage medium
    Patent number: 11328627
    Abstract: Provided are apparatus and method for management of electronic shelf label. The apparatus for management of electronic shelf label, ESL, including an ESL mainboard and a plurality of ESL small boards, wherein the ESL mainboard sends task commands to the plurality of ESL small boards through a first logic signal; and each ESL small board of the plurality of ESL small boards includes a receiving portion and a display portion, the receiving portion receives, through the first logic signal, a command for a task corresponding to the ESL small board as sent by the ESL mainboard, and the display portion displays the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignees: CHONGQING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Rao, Peng Qin, Zhongli Luo, Bo Wang, Juncai Ai
  • Polygonal, interlocking panel tree and display stand
    Patent number: 11324352
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of interlocking panels arranged in stacked polygons to create a scalable, re-useable and flat-packable Christmas tree or display stand that substitutes for traditional Christmas trees in that it allows for use of standard string lights, garland, traditional hanging ornaments or also as a standalone stylized Christmas tree or display stand. In some embodiments, the panels could also be combined to form other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Joel Thomas Michalski
  • Modular collapsible shadowbox system
    Patent number: 11328630
    Abstract: A modular collapsible shadowbox system for creating customizable decorative tables. The system comprises a plurality of individual units, each displaying a letter, number, symbol, or shape, which, when combined, form a desired word, phrase, expression, or design. The units may be folded for storage and transport, then assembled in any desired combination for use. The desired units may be aligned in a row with a tabletop secured thereon for use as a table. The units may be individually lit from within, backlighting the letter, number, symbol, or shape and creating a shadowbox effect. The individual units, combined with color-customizable lighting, allow a user to create a custom table with any desired message and color scheme and is thus ideal for weddings, parties, and other events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventors: Renee Hairston-Wilson, Kendel Stocker
  • Non-removable lock for license plates
    Patent number: 11318896
    Abstract: A license plate locking system is provided that will prevent theft of a license plate. The license plate locking system of the present invention comprises a hollow body, wherein said hollow body comprises an opening, a locking mechanism and a protrusion. The opening in the hollow body provides access to a plate holder device, such as a screw, wherein said plate holder device is positioned inside said hollow body and covered by non-removable cover with resilient properties rendering the screws inaccessible. This prevents the removal of the registration tags or license plate by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventors: Ricardo Hernandez De Luna, Amalie Marie Hernandez Soto
  • Aircraft overhead signs
    Patent number: 11315448
    Abstract: An aircraft passenger service unit signage placard adapted to be retrofitted to a passenger service unit, the placard comprising at least a first signage area and a second signage area, wherein the first signage area is arranged to be illuminated by a switchable illumination means in the passenger service unit and wherein the placard comprises a first and a second layer and photoluminescent material is provided on at least one of the first and second layers of the placard in the second signage area, the second signage area having at least one first icon illuminated by the photoluminescent material such that the first icon is always illuminated in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: SAF-T-GLO LIMITED
    Inventors: Rhian Bache, Sean O'Kell
  • Structure of sign pole and sign pole
    Patent number: 11306452
    Abstract: A structure of a sign pole is provided. The sign pole includes a tubular member that has a predetermined outer diameter, a predetermined inner diameter, and a predetermined thickness. In a state in which the sign pole is embedded in a ground, the sign pole includes a reinforcement portion having a thickness different from the predetermined thickness while maintaining the predetermined outer diameter in a first range from a first position equal to or lower than a level of a ground surface to a second position located a predetermined distance above the level of the ground surface. The reinforcement portion has a thickness larger than the predetermined thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventors: Tomonori Shindo, Kazumi Matsui
  • Tool for positioning and aligning uniform accouterment
    Patent number: 11297910
    Abstract: A tool to position accouterments on a uniform includes a component having at least one opening extending through the component. The opening can receive an accouterment to be placed on a uniform. The tool has one or more reference indicators indicated around the opening on at least one side. The accouterment can be placed in the opening and then appropriately positioned using the reference indicators. The tool can also have a grid that can be used to place accouterments on the uniform with respect to both horizontal and vertical positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Mentor Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Gerecht, Matthew Dail
  • Do-it-yourself award display and storage system
    Patent number: 11297959
    Abstract: A do-it-yourself awards storage and display system is described. The system comprises a cassette having a hollow space therein configured to receive ribbons attached to awards within the hollow space and a cloth cover configured to wrap around the cassette and cover a front surface thereof and configured to display the awards on the cloth cover. The cloth-covered cassette can then be placed into a frame for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Broun
  • Floor seat apparatus
    Patent number: 11291311
    Abstract: The present floor seat apparatus includes a base, a seat removably seatable in the base, and a tray engagable to the base. The base may be used as a seat by itself, with or without the seat and with or without the tray. The base includes a post. The seat includes a post through opening that engages the post and positions the seat in the seat receptacle of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Gary T. Schultze
  • Display support
    Patent number: 11278133
    Abstract: The present invention is a display support comprising a bracket that is attachable to a display and having at least one wing adjacent to a bracket channel. The bracket channel has at least one keyway. A sleeve is held within the channel and has a keyway aligned with the keyway of the bracket channel to form an aligned keyway. A support arm, held within the sleeve, has a key that can be received in the aligned keyway. Rotation of the support arm in the sleeve is prevented when the key is received in the aligned keyway and rotation of the support is permitted when the key is not received in the aligned keyway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: RM Holdings, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Roger H. Miller
  • Safety sign having a safety switch with an integrated light
    Patent number: 11280462
    Abstract: A safety device cabinet includes an equipment cabinet, a safety switch having an integrated light, a switch logic circuit and a battery back-up. The safety device cabinet includes an equipment cabinet and an access door. The access door includes a window and an edge light emitting device. The window is etched with a message containing a description of the equipment stored in the equipment cabinet. The safety switch with an integrated light includes a push momentary switch, a light bezel and a bezel light source. An inner perimeter of the outer shell is sized to receive a push button of the push momentary switch. The light bezel preferably includes an opening to receive a light emitting portion of the light source. The switch logic circuit preferably includes a AC to DC converter, a microprocessor, a software program and a monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventors: Steve Wriggle, Dorothy J. Wriggle