Patents Examined by Gary Hoge
  • Patent number: 9117380
    Abstract: An advertising bollard assembly, comprising: a main body defining an interior and an outer surface; one or more compressible inserts positioned in the interior of the main body, the compressible inserts being configured to be positioned on a bollard to couple the advertising bollard assembly to the bollard; and an attachment mechanism coupled to the outer surface of the main body, the attachment mechanism being configured to receive one or more advertisements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: JTE L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jacob Walters, Thomas Charles Walters
  • Patent number: 9113731
    Abstract: A device for storing and displaying documents, photographs, and memorabilia objects together. Covers are each rotatably connected to a spine and feature sides that rest upon or engage with each other to close. The device has a plurality of document pockets and a plurality of bound archival sheets. Within the device is a plurality of object compartments, each compartment having a transparent cover that selectively opens for placing and removing objects and selectively closes for safely displaying the objects. The device is included in a kit that further comprises at least one complementary storage box. The device is included a system that further comprises an electronic catalog for the photographs and objects stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Jay Michael Brown
  • Patent number: 9111465
    Abstract: A stylized hanging gift tag includes a decorative main body that is adorned with indicia having a plurality of shapes, colors, patterns and at least one celebratory message. An elongated tether is secured to the top end of the main body and terminates into an expandable bottle attachment loop. A decorative chain is disposed along the back side of the main body and is attached at either end to the sides of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Cecilia Farell
  • Patent number: 9102442
    Abstract: A container for receiving a gift, having a reclosable presentation engaged to a surface thereof. The container includes pleated sides to accommodate different size gifts and may further include a graphics or other indicia to indicate a holiday or other gift giving occasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Gift Card Impressions, LLC
    Inventors: Brett R. Glass, Nicole E. Glass
  • Patent number: 9099017
    Abstract: An apparatus for dropping multiple objects into a visual field to create imagery including hollow ducts for conveying the objects to the visual field and computer-controlled gating devices for releasing the objects at desire times and sequences to produce the imagery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph C. Pentland
  • Patent number: 9084469
    Abstract: A method for attaching a military award to a uniform comprises connecting a suspension member attached to the military award to the uniform beneath a collar flap of the uniform, so that the military award hangs from the collar in a position that coincides with its conventional semi-permanent attachment position in which the award is laterally offset on a chest area of the uniform. Temporary connection of the suspension member to the collar flap comprises cooperating hook-and-loop connectors mounted respectively to an underside of the collar flap and the suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventor: Friend V. Solberg
  • Patent number: 9084927
    Abstract: An interchangeable graphic display system of method of using same, in conjunction with an in-line skate, roller-skate and ice-skate chassis, wherein the system includes a graphic display apparatus having a first and second layer, wherein each layer is attachable by a separate mounting means, and wherein the system enables an individual to display and replace different pictorial and graphic representations during operation of in-line skates, roller-skates and ice-skates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Lewis, Hakeem Jimoh
  • Patent number: 9082327
    Abstract: License plate ends mount behind and extend laterally from a license plate to display a printed graphic about the license plate. The license plate ends each include a display panel, a mounting bracket, a spacer and at least one mounting orifice. The mounting bracket is parallel to and offset from the display panel; connected to each other by the spacer. The at least one mounting orifice traverses through the mounting bracket and is positioned opposite the display panel across the mounting bracket. The at least one orifice is aligned behind the mounting holes of a license plate such that an individual license plate end can be mounted between a license plate and a vehicle. The printed graphic is positioned in the front surface of the display panel such that the printed graphic is easily seen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Inventor: Roosevelt Jefferson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9067548
    Abstract: A method of attaching a vehicular identification member to a vehicle performed by obtaining a vehicle identification member having selectively identifying information regarding the vehicle. Form a first fastener slot along an edge of the vehicular identification member. Next, positioning the vehicular identification member within a protective member. The protective member has a second fastener slot corresponding to and aligned with the first fastener slot. Translate the vehicular identification member and protective member around a threaded shaft of the fastener while the fastener is in threaded engagement with the vehicle. Rotate the fastener to apply a compressive force to the protective member, thereby securing the vehicular identification member to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Andrey Korneev
  • Patent number: 9070310
    Abstract: An LED Signage system having an LED cabinet and top and bottom plates secured along the top and bottom of the cabinet, and each having a channel aligned towards each other configured to receive a safety screen to protect the LED screen. A base supports the bottom plate and has pairs of rearwardly and forwardly extending arms each with a roller. Rear hinges secure the bottom plate to the base, such that when a force impacts the system the cabinet is configured to move at the rear hinges from an upright position to a collapsed position. Pads are positioned along the top and/or rear of the cabinet and/or secured by front hinges to a front edge of the bottom plate to help protect the system if collapsed from an impact. The system may include a platform with tracks configured to support the base and rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: TGI Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Vince Spina, Chris J. Brennan, Jason Machiela, John Thomas Lawrence, II
  • Patent number: 9067456
    Abstract: A two dimensional die cut greeting card with sections of the greeting card die cut and creased so that they can be removed from the card without the need for scissors or other cutting tools and which can be assembled by folding and engaging the die cut sections without the need for tape, glue or other connectors into a three dimensional object. A two dimensional message delivery system is convertible into a three dimensional object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventors: Darren Barber, Christian Eager
  • Patent number: 9070312
    Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Erik A. Aho, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Schultz, Michael H. Hansberry, William J. Bryan, David A. Harper
  • Patent number: 9061540
    Abstract: A paperclip tab for coupling to an object. The paperclip tab can include a paperclip having a first leg and a second leg, and a sheet having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The sheet can include a first portion, and a second portion overlapping at least part of the first portion, with the rear surface of the first portion and the rear surface of the second portion facing each another, such that a pocket is formed that can retain the first leg of the paperclip. At least a portion of the rear surface of the first portion can be adhered to at least a portion of the rear surface of the second portion. A recessed adhesive zone can be provided on a back of the paperclip tab positioned to face the object when the paperclip tab is coupled to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David C. Windorski, Lori A. Starken
  • Patent number: 9061539
    Abstract: The greeting card of the present invention includes a sound and motor module which enable the greeting card to play audio and activate a scroll mechanism which displays a scrolling scene across a window or screen located on at least one panel of the greeting card. The scroll mechanism contains a piece of thin paper or paper-like material which is attached end-to-end, forming a loop. The material is then placed between two rotating spindles or rollers which rotate the material in a loop across the greeting card page as a moving picture, scene or message. The scroll may contain a greeting, message or simply contain artwork or a funny or entertaining scene. The information on the scroll may be coordinated with the theme of the music or audio clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: American Geetings Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle Parkinson, Erin Dennis
  • Patent number: 9044991
    Abstract: A greeting bag is described that is includes a gift bag and a greeting card. The gift bag and greeting card connect together to form the integrated assembly of the greeting bag that has a purposefully coordinated single decorative style. The gift bag and greeting card have individual decors that define alternative aspects of that particular theme of a decorative style. An attachment mechanism can also be included in the greeting bag that further fixes the greeting card to the gift bag. The attachment mechanism can have a third decor as well as a size and dimensions that can include an image or sentiment. A method is described wherein a greeting bag is selected by selecting a gift bag from a set of one or more gift bags that share a common decorative style. A greeting card is selected from a set of one or more greeting cards that share the same common decorative style with the gift bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Richard H. Rubin
  • Patent number: 9038295
    Abstract: A physically-discrete sign component comprises an internally-electrically-illuminated alphabetic character having a front-facing profile and at least one connecting bar disposed at least substantially horizontally with respect to the front-facing profile of the alphabetic character and at least partially within the front-facing profile of that alphabetic character. By one approach the physically-discrete sign component includes two of the connecting bars. If desired, these two connecting bars are disposed at least substantially parallel to one another. By one approach, a first one of the connecting bars extends partially, but not wholly, above an upper periphery of the aforementioned front-facing profile while the second connecting bar extends partially, but not wholly, below a lower periphery of the front-facing profile. The connecting bars can include a connecting-bar interface configured to physically and electrically interconnect to an adjacent sign component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: iLight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Edward Callahan, James Cuppini, Mark Joseph Cleaver, Timothy Edward Canzano, Edward Wayted Chen, Elizabeth Marie Randgaard, Chad Glenn Kirschner, Stephen Michael Oshgan, Paresh Shroff, Joseph Z. Wascow, Nicholas Patrick Jackson, Brian Alan Retzke, Daniel John Williams
  • Patent number: 9015973
    Abstract: A display card holder for use on support surfaces, such as golf carts includes a display card retaining sleeve and a sleeve holder. The sleeve holder includes an entrance slot having inwardly extending retention ridges which deform and thereby reduce vibration of the retaining sleeve. The sleeve holder may further include a mechanical locking mechanism for securing the sleeve in the sleeve holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: PH2 Engineered Products, LLC
    Inventors: M. Randall Pasternak, George Hinkens
  • Patent number: 9010001
    Abstract: Towel tags to permit minimizing the use of water and detergent during washing and minimizing wear and tear of towels, the spread of germs and diseases between towel users, and minimizing the use of energy, and saving money. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. Any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Susan Manchin, Harvey Katz
  • Patent number: 9003683
    Abstract: Improvements in a foldable sign are disclosed. The sign provide a foldable “A” frame floor sign that folds for easy storage. The folding sign generally includes An “A” frame. The “A” frame provides a stable platform with multiple cross members that support the sign from wind or uneven surfaces. The “A” frame folds in two dimensions to create a dense elongated collapsed structure. The storage is by folding the structure at the apex of the “A” frame and bringing the sides together. Because the sign is flexible, the sign can be folded or wrapped around the collapsed frame. In this dense elongated collapsed structure the folding sign can be placed in an elongated storage bag. While the sign is folded for storage and transportation, when the sign is expanded it essentially resembles traditional “A” frame structures with the same overall dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Victor Juan Feliciano, Sondra A. Aragon
  • Patent number: 8997386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mannequin, and, more specifically, relates to a large-scale promotional mannequin capable of being manipulated while moving carried on a person's shoulders like a backpack at, for example, various venues or on the streets for the purpose of advertising or promotion. The backpack-type large-scale promotional mannequin according to the present design comprises: a main mannequin body fitted with a blower operated by means of a battery on one side such that air can be injected therein in tube fashion; a support for supporting the main mannequin body from the bottom so as to allow same to be upright; and a backpack means for strapping, onto the shoulders, the main mannequin body supported upright by means of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Sang Hak Lee