Patents Examined by Huyen Le
  • Storm shield for bathing structure
    Patent number: 9879473
    Abstract: A storm shield apparatus for protecting persons, animals, or property within a bathing structure includes a retractable shield that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The shield is moveable along first and second tracks. In some embodiments, the first and second tracks are disposed on the bathing structure, and the shield includes a plurality of nesting arcuate shield sections. In other embodiments, the tracks are positioned on opposing longitudinal end walls proximate the bathing structure, and the shield rolls over the bathing structure along the tracks. A trough with multiple panels may be positioned under the bathing structure to provide an additional barrier to prevent flying debris from penetrating the bathing structure from its sides, longitudinal ends or bottom. The trough mates with the shield in some embodiments to form a protective enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: LCR Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: William R. Little, Henry Ross
  • Air filtration system for toilet seat ventilation, kitty litter boxes and other containers
    Patent number: 9877623
    Abstract: A filtration system to filter air from a waste vessel includes: a fan assembly having a fan and an air flow channel in fluid communication with the waste vessel to draw air from the waste vessel; a housing interposing the waste vessel and the fan assembly, the housing having a filter receptacle to receive a filter unit therein, the received filter unit being in fluid communication with the air flow channel wherein the fan assembly draws air through the filter unit to exhaust the air out of the air flow channel; an activator to activate the fan assembly; and, a decimator for killing or eliminating particulate matter in the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Jimmie L. Sollami
  • Combination sink strainer and stopper
    Patent number: 9869076
    Abstract: A combination sink strainer and stopper for a sink having a predefined sink opening through which fluid and limited waste passes includes a strainer cup having a continuous sidewall and a bottom connected to said sidewall, a strainer cup including a plurality of openings therethrough to provide a straining of debris over a predetermined size of the openings and a cover plate pivotally connected to the strainer cup which when the strainer cup is disposed in the sink opening, the cover plate is permitted to pivot to a first closed position and close and cover the strainer cup in a manner to seal about the sink opening and a second open position wherein the strainer cup is at least partially not covered by said cover plate and permit fluid and the limited waste therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Harris
  • Pressure flushing funnel for a toilet
    Patent number: 9863130
    Abstract: A pressure flushing funnel for a toilet is a funnel that is curved to make a 90 degree bend, one end of which can be inserted into the opening of the flush channel of a toilet bowl. The funnel is held in place via a holding bracket that overlaps the sides of the bowl and prevents lateral movement. A predetermined amount of water is rapidly poured into the top end of the funnel which increases pressure as it nears the opening of the flush channel to dislodge the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Tony Abram, Linda Abram
  • Bidet for attachment to a toilet bowl
    Patent number: 9856637
    Abstract: A bidet for being attached to a toilet bowl comprising—a flexible skeleton that fits to the bowl rim and is stabilized by a metal hook, inserted inside the toilet's water's run off holes and a second wire attached to a seat screw on the underside of toilet, —an elastic tube, with a curve, which brings the water from a valve of quick or slow action to a hard tube's flush nozzle, which produces the water jet, wherein the hard tube, when in a no use position, lies, almost hidden, under the bowl's rim, and for being used is rotated on a shaft of the skeleton, so the flush nozzle comes out to about the center of toilet, pulled manually by a thread which acts on the curved elastic tube wherein after use the bidet moves automatically in the no use position, thanks to the elastic tube suitably arranged, which serves at the same time for water conduct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventors: Zisis Kontogounis, Theofanis Kontogounis
  • Shower storage systems
    Patent number: 9848740
    Abstract: A storage system for a shower enclosure includes a first wall member, a second wall member, and a storage accessory. The first wall member includes a corner defining a recessed portion. The first wall member further includes a corner notch disposed along the corner within the recessed portion, and a first side notch disposed along an inner side surface of the first wall member adjacent the recessed portion. The second wall member is coupled to the first wall member at an end of the corner adjacent the recessed portion and is oriented perpendicular to the first wall member. The second wall member includes a second side notch disposed along an inner side surface of the second wall member. The storage accessory is removably coupled between the first wall member and the second wall member at the corner notch, the first side notch, and the second side notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Alan T. McDonald, Sarah K. O'Brien, Luke B. Zimbric, Timothy J. Williams, Kyle A. Marten, Gurusiddeshwar Gudimani
  • System for jet hydrotherapy
    Patent number: 9849064
    Abstract: A system for jet hydrotherapy configured to produce a fluid jet from an aerated fluid flow at sufficiently high velocities/pressures for massage or therapeutic treatment, which is accomplished by an internal geometry that places, at least, fluid and gas orifices, vessels and nozzles in the optimum location and configuration to create high fluid flow velocities throughout the system. The system also is configured to produce a fluid jet with sufficiently high gas content such that a user experiences less discomfort and/or pain when the fluid jet is applied to sensitive tissue areas. The system also is configured to provide a tactile interface upon which a system user can mechanically engage to supplement the jet hydrotherapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Custom Molded Products, LLC
    Inventors: Victor L. Walker, Zachary T. Vogtner
  • Shower head attachment
    Patent number: 9834913
    Abstract: The shower head attachment is installed in a shower head feed line The shower head attachment comprises a perforated tube, an expandable bladder, and a release valve. The release valve is installed between the perforated tube and the shower head. The perforated tube is contained within the expandable bladder. Water that flows through perforations of the perforated tube is stored within the expandable bladder. When the release valve is closed and the shower valve is opened, the pressure of the hot water line of the residential plumbing system forces cooled stored within the hot water line into the expandable bladder. The release valve is opened enabling the continued flow hot water into the perforated tube where the hot water mixes with the cooled water creating a more temperate water temperature that is released through the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Salim Kimiagar
  • System for lateral shower curtain movement
    Patent number: 9833112
    Abstract: A system to enable lateral shower curtain movement including: a first open channel frame, where the first open channel frame attaches to a first sidewall of a shower stall; a second open channel frame, where the second channel frame respectively attach to a second sidewall of the shower stall and said second sidewall opposes the first sidewall; openings in each open channel frame, where the openings enable the insertion of an end of a shower rod; and a means to adhere each channel frame to each side wall. The means to adhere may include at least one of a double-sided tape, glue or mounting brackets. Preferably, each channel frame extends the entire length of each respective sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Charles Busha
  • Bathtub support member
    Patent number: 9820619
    Abstract: A support member for a bathtub comprises a base and a plurality of flexible elements. The base includes an upper surface configured to be coupled to a bathtub. The plurality of flexible elements extend laterally outward from a side of the base and are configured to engage a lower portion of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Benjamin S. Cohen, Jeffrey F. Tempas, James N. Jaeckels, Darren R. Wojahn, Santosh R. Narasimhan, Adam W. Dwyer, Logan M. Tatem
  • Toilet with flushable overflow drain
    Patent number: 9822520
    Abstract: A toilet with a flushable overflow drain includes a bowl and a primary drain connected to the bowl to receive fluid therefrom and having a primary drain trap. An overflow drain including an overflow drain trap is connected to the bowl at one end thereof and is connected at a second end to the primary drain at a location downstream of the primary drain trap. An overflow drain flush passage is connected to the overflow drain at a position upstream of the overflow drain trap. Accordingly, water can be directed through the overflow drain flush passage and into the overflow drain to flush the overflow drain and the overflow drain trap free of debris to prevent clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
  • Toilet seat cover mounting system
    Patent number: 9814360
    Abstract: A toilet seat cover mounting system including a seat cover configured to move longitudinally from a rearward position to a forward position as the toilet seat cover is pivoted from a lowered position to a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventors: Joel Michael Gray, Chris Kors
  • Toilet flushing device
    Patent number: 9816260
    Abstract: A toilet flushing device including a pivot support member attached to an exterior surface of a bowl of a toilet. A lever arm has a pivot member hingedly attached to the pivot support member. A substantially triangulated handle has a back edge medially attached to a front end of the lever arm. A rubberized stopper member is attached to the exterior surface of the bowl of the toilet. A bottom end of a rod is pivotably attached to a back end of the lever arm, and a top end of the rod is extended upwards along a side of a tank of the toilet. A flush valve actuator has a rack gear disposed on the rod and a pinion gear disposed adjacent to the side of the tank. The pinion gear is connected to a flushing mechanism disposed within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Terry Kindinger
  • Openable drain strainer
    Patent number: 9816256
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an openable drain strainer with a central longitudinal axis. An openable basket includes a frame having a sidewall extending circumferentially around the axis, and a bottom movable with respect to the frame from a closed position to an open position to open the basket and facilitate removal of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Brasscraft Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Evan A. Carpenter-Crawford, Joseph Schutte
  • Recreational vehicle holding tank drain clearing assembly
    Patent number: 9809962
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle holding tank drain clearing assembly includes a tube having a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall. A first mating member is attached to the first and engages a first connecting member of a holding tank drain. A second mating member is attached to the second end and engages a drainage conduit. A cap is removably coupled to the second end of the tube. An air inlet is mounted on the cap and is fluidly coupled to the tube. A closure is mounted on the tube and is positioned in a first position preventing fluid movement through the tube or in a second position allowing fluid movement through the tube. Air is injected into the tube through the air inlet such that the air removes material trapped in the holding tank drain to increase flow from the holding tank through the holding tank drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Randy Gehring
  • Ventilation assembly
    Patent number: 9808132
    Abstract: A ventilation assembly for removing odors from a toilet includes a seat that may be hingedly attached to a toilet such that the seat may be sat upon. A venting unit is operationally coupled to the seat such that the venting unit may capture odors from the toilet and expel the odors to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Lee E. Smith
  • Hidden hinge toilet seat and lid with water and electrical access
    Patent number: 9801508
    Abstract: A hidden hinge system for raising and lowering a toilet seat or toilet lid is disclosed. In one embodiment, each hinge includes a curved support with a smooth, easy to clean surface. The curved support is connected to a lever and the lever is connected to a hinge assembly. We disclose embodiments in which both the lever and the hinge assembly are enclosed within a toilet housing to improve cleanliness. We further disclose embodiments in which the curved supports are hollow and which contain electrical wiring, water, and gases. Controller and proximity sensors which modulate the raising and lowering of the toilet seat and toilet lid are also disclosed and claimed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Dan Allen, Jared Reynolds, Joshua Larsen, Terrece Pearman
  • Flush lever and assembly
    Patent number: 9803350
    Abstract: A flush lever comprises a handle and a skirt, or escutcheon plate, both disposed to the exterior of a toilet tank. Within the tank is a flush lever subassembly, the subassembly taking one of two different embodiments and each embodiment comprising means for mechanically linking the flush lever with the subassembly. One portion of the flush lever can be variably adjustable within 360° of rotation and by adjustments every 15° for optimal placement of the flush lever as desired or required. Another portion of the flush lever can be variably adjustable within 180° of rotation as well and by adjustments also every 15°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Guthrie, Jordan D. Smith
  • Removable toilet seat lifter
    Patent number: 9795259
    Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a toilet seat that can easily be installed, for example by hand without tools, on a toilet, for example one that only has a seat and not a lid as commonly found in public venues. The apparatus includes a pedal base, a pedal, a seat bracket, and a lifter lever. The pedal is pivotally connected to the pedal base and coupled to the seat bracket so that movement of the pedal induces movement of the seat bracket and the lifter lever. The lifter lever is positioned under a toilet seat so that as the lifter lever is moved, the toilet seat is raised, and as the seat bracket rotates back down by reverse action on the pedal, the toilet seat is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Helfrich
  • Hot tub manifold with raised frictional sections
    Patent number: 9795533
    Abstract: A hot tub manifold that has been engineered with a plurality of “teeth-like” raised sections inside the inner diameter of the manifold. As the water travels through the manifold while the hot tub pumps are operating, it travels across the surface of the “raised” sections creating friction. That friction energy created is thus transferred to the water in the form of heat—which in turn raises the temperature of the water to the desired set level on the thermostat on the hot tub. Passing the water (generally at high speed) over the raised teeth creates “free” heat and lowers the amount of time and energy required by the hot tub's element heater to elevate the water to the given temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: David E. Hatley