Patents Examined by Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 9053646
    Abstract: A spacer assembly for mounting a sign to a wall includes proximal and distal spacer members. The proximal spacer member includes a barrel and a coaxial coupling shaft extended distally from the barrel. The distal spacer member includes a distal barrel and a recess extending into the barrel and sized to slidably and rotatably receive the coupling shaft. A threaded stud extends proximally from the proximal barrel, and a distal threaded stud extends distally from the distal barrel. Each stud is removably threaded into its associate barrel. The distal member barrel supports a radially oriented set screw, movable toward and away from an advanced position in which the screw engages the coupling shaft to integrally secure the barrels. The spacer assembly allows the sign to be detached from the wall while leaving in place the studs coupled to the sign and wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Gemini, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bednarski
  • Patent number: 9053644
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of multiple identification plates (10) for identifying objects. Each identification plate (10) has a flat material strip which has a front surface and a rear surface, which extends in a longitudinal direction between two ends, and which has at least one fixing tab (16), the tab being connected to the front surface and extending at a distance from the front surface in some sections. According to the invention, a base (40) is provided on which the identification plates (10) are removably fixed, the identification plate front surfaces and rear surfaces each lying on one plane, and the base (40) has a number of fixing openings (42), the number corresponding to the number of fixing tabs. One of the fixing tabs (16) protrudes through each of the fixing openings, and the fixing tabs (16) are removably fixed to the base (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Murrplastik Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Bier, Juergen Schmid, Andreas Hetzel
  • Patent number: 9052079
    Abstract: A simulated flame effect fire comprising a liquid reservoir for containing liquid; at least one wick having a portion thereof configured for contact with the liquid; a heating element arranged relative to another portion of the at least one wick for evaporating liquid in the wick, thereby generating vapor; a light source arranged relative to the at least one wick for illuminating the vapor from the wick to generate simulated flame effects; and a fuel bed located such that the generated simulated flame effects appear to originate from the fuel bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Basic Holdings
    Inventor: Noel O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9044089
    Abstract: A system and method of store sliding shelving that may be selectively extended for restocking and retracted for normal supply and product display. Each sliding shelf includes a slide mechanism that allows each shelf to extend outwardly to enable a store worker to stock or restock the shelf and a concealed locking mechanism with a release lever to allow the sliding shelves to be locked into position. The sliding shelving is beneficially positioned on vertical tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Sukhbir S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 9044990
    Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Sheila Coughlin, Anthony Begin, Allison Marsh
  • Patent number: 9047790
    Abstract: Articles are provided that in some embodiments comprise a convex front face, a first slot disposed along the left of the face and a second slot disposed along the right of the face. Therein, articles are configured so that the slots can receive opposite edges of a rigid cardstock item, such as a personal identification card, the cardstock item being insertable into the articles and the slots being configured to hold a surface present on such a cardstock item so inserted to be in contact with, and mechanically biased towards, said front face. Articles in some embodiments provided are attachable to headwear using conventional means such as adhesives and any suitable conventional hardware. In other embodiments are provided headwear, including hardhats and bump hats, which incorporate features of the articles provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: James Louis Duderstadt
  • Patent number: 9044687
    Abstract: A rally towel apparatus comprising a body having first end and a second end. The rally towel apparatus also comprises a first end cap engaged with a first end and a second end cap engaged with a second end. The rally towel apparatus also comprises a cord connected to the first end cap and a cord lock member arranged on the cord. The rally towel apparatus also comprises a wrist strap connected to the second end cap and a rally towel arranged and secured within a loop of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Walker
  • Patent number: 9047794
    Abstract: A wingtip fin of an aircraft comprising an upstanding fin body, the fin body having an inboard face and an outboard face, a sign assembly in the fin body, the assembly comprising a translucent, graphic bearing face, substantially flush with and forming at least part of the inboard face or the outboard face of the fin body, a recess in the fin body behind the graphic-bearing face, and a light source arranged in the recess to illuminate the graphic-bearing face from inside the fin body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: George Edmond, Robert R L Thompson
  • Patent number: 9047789
    Abstract: A street sign mounting assembly has a universal sign post cap and at least one sign holder bracket. The cap is universally adapted to fit common street sign posts including, without limitation, square, round and U-channel posts. The sign holder brackets are designed to hold street signs of varying thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventors: Steven E. Smith, Marcel G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9038293
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for identifying an animal, comprising a male part and a female part which are intended to be joined together, said female part comprising a head (12) for holding a tip of said male part, and a rigid shell (11) containing electronic identification means (42). According to the invention, a resin (41) is placed inside a housing defined in said shell so as to cover said electronic means (42) and to secure said head (12) to said shell (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: ALLFLEX EUROPE
    Inventors: Johan Decaluwe, Jean-Jacques Hilpert, Emmanuel Lemaire
  • Patent number: 9038291
    Abstract: Foldable financial transaction card displays that include at least one popup member, methods of making such displays, and methods of promoting such displays. Some of the displays include folding members that are unitary with the popup members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Homer TLC, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica Canaday, Nichole Flynn
  • Patent number: 9038300
    Abstract: A label holder includes a base, a sign sleeve for receiving at least one printed price label and a living hinge coupling the base to the sign sleeve. The sign sleeve is defined by a main panel that is substantially planar and a return flange that is coupled to the main panel at a joined end. The return flange extends upward from the joined end and terminates at an end located along the main panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Theisen, Erin L. Zobel, William Y. Stafford, Robert M. Gray
  • Patent number: 9038294
    Abstract: A lighted sign for a passenger vehicle includes a decal affixed to an exterior of a window and a lamp housing affixed to an interior surface of the vehicle window immediately opposite the decal. The lamp housing includes an electronics module that illuminates the decal only when the vehicle is moving and when there is insufficient exterior light to clearly see the exterior decal. The decal and design are removable and replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Logolights, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Meza
  • Patent number: 9038298
    Abstract: A safety sign system comprises one or more traffic or informational signs, an expandable pole, a detachable umbrella canopy assembly, and a safety finial assembly. The signs are removably attached to a sleeve that surrounds a portion of a pole and rests upon a sign support. The sleeve with the signs attached swivels about the pole. The umbrella canopy assembly is attached to an upper end of the pole and may include additional features including reflective tape, vents, drop-down flaps, reflective coating, and lights. The safety finial assembly is removably attached to the top of the umbrella canopy assembly and may include flag supports, removable flags, and a safety light assembly. The safety sign system optionally further comprises a collapsible seat, a beverage holder, a satellite tracking device, a communication device, a base, and a control panel for operating the safety light and other features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: John Andrew Bacik
  • Patent number: 9038296
    Abstract: A louver display panel system with a display panel for receiving printed or graphic material thereon, a support member to secure the display panel to a building or structure, and a louver movement control means. The display panel is rotationally secured to the support member and forms a louver structure. The louver movement control means maintains the display panel in a first position in a plane generally parallel to the exterior face of the building or structure until a wind load applied to the display panel exceeds a pre-determined value, after which the louver movement control means permits the display panel to rotate toward a second position generally parallel to the direction of the wind to reduce the wind load borne by the display panel. The louver movement control means returns the display panel to its first position when the wind load drops below said pre-determined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: John J. Melic
  • Patent number: 9038299
    Abstract: A fluid-filled barrier assembly restricts access to areas and redirects traffic while ensuring that the assembly remains upright and visible. The assembly includes a plurality of pipes coupled together to define a barrier. The barrier is configured for mounting a sign thereto. A hollow interior of the barrier defines a conduit. The conduit extends through each of the pipes. The conduit is configured for receiving a fluid therein wherein the fluid retains the barrier in an upright position on a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Jimmy L. Uribe
  • Patent number: 9009997
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a display fixture used to convey information to a consumer that is easily coupled to a display rack by inserting portions of the fixture into the product storage spaces of the display rack. The display fixture can include a display panel, a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm where the arms can be sized and configured for placement in the product storages space of an associated display rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Spanx, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kemp
  • Patent number: 9009998
    Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8984781
    Abstract: A configurable large-depth panel display uses a number of frame members and a number of corner brackets coupled to one another to create an flexible and easily customized display device. The frame members relatively uniform, having a substantially constant cross-sectional configuration which is easily coupled to the frame members. The corner brackets can be configured in a number of different ways to produce a display product with a desired configuration. More specifically, the corner brackets can be configured to attach to frame members in a manner which produce an overall framework having multiple shapes and orientations, depending upon the desired design of the overall display. To complete the display panel, a removable face panel is attached to the frame using an interference fit caused by a ridged tab inserted into a channel that has a supporting recess. Various face panels, can be easily attached to the frame members using integral portions of the constant cross-sectional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Dixon Gimpel, Mark Fritsche, Scott Parizek, John Elliott
  • Patent number: 8966796
    Abstract: An image display including an image substrate and a support structure. The image substrate has an image printed on a first surface. The support structure can include a front sheet, a back sheet and a plurality of side strips secured between the front sheet and the back sheet for forming a closed support structure. An internal support can be provided in an internal cavity of the support structure for enhancing the rigidity of the support structure. The image substrate can be adhered to an external surface of the front sheet so that the front sheet forms a rigid backing for the image substrate. A variety of image substrates are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Circle Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank B. Ridless, Evan D. Brooks, Keith E. Freebern