Patents by Inventor Douglas A. Kempel

Douglas A. Kempel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11926089
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device. The lid includes an aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, John P. Fitzgerald, Douglas A. Kempel, Jamie L. Johnson, Ross V. Bulkley, Adam J. Havens, Grady E. Barfoot
  • Publication number: 20230271376
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device. The lid includes an aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JOHN P. FITZGERALD, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, ROSS V. BULKLEY, ADAM J. HAVENS, GRADY E. BARFOOT
  • Patent number: 11685106
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device, the lid including an aperture. The apparatus includes a gantry including a roller configured to contact a screen protector through the aperture in the lid. The gantry is movable with respect to the lid and configured to affix the screen protector to the supported electronic device when the gantry moves from a first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, John P. Fitzgerald, Douglas A. Kempel, Jamie L. Johnson, Ross V. Bulkley, Adam J. Havens, Grady E. Barfoot
  • Patent number: 11267639
    Abstract: A shipping container includes an insulated base, an upper perimeter portion including one or more securing mechanisms, insulated side panels, and an insulated lid. Each of the insulated side panels is movable between a respective first position and a respective second position, wherein the shipping container is in the first configuration when all of the insulated side panels are in the first positions and collapses into the second configuration when all of the side panels are in the second positions. The insulated lid is removably attachable for selectively closing and accessing an internal storage volume. Each of the securing mechanisms is configured to removably secure the upper perimeter portion to the insulated base when the shipping container is in the second configuration. Each of the securing mechanisms is also configured to removably secure the insulated lid to the upper perimeter portion in both the first and the second configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Guerdrum, Douglas A. Kempel, Matthew M. Glanzer, Richard W. Vinson, Patrick G. Skovsted, Jason Sagen, Alan V. Morine, Todd Eichinger, Alex S. Breeden, Taylor S. Massey, Peter Goldsmith
  • Publication number: 20220040910
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base including a platform configured to support the electronic device. The apparatus includes a lid configured to cover at least a portion of the base and the supported electronic device, the lid including an aperture. The apparatus includes a gantry including a roller configured to contact a screen protector through the aperture in the lid. The gantry is movable with respect to the lid and configured to affix the screen protector to the supported electronic device when the gantry moves from a first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JOHN P. FITZGERALD, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, ROSS V. BULKLEY, ADAM J. HAVENS, GRADY E. BARFOOT
  • Patent number: 11186031
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base having a platform for supporting the electronic device, a lid attached to the base, and a positioning mechanism for aligning the electronic device on the platform. The positioning mechanism includes a first positioning jaw movable between a first and a second position. The positioning jaw includes a first surface configured to contact the first corner of the electronic device and a second surface configured to contact the second corner of the electronic device when the first positioning jaw moves from the first position to the second position. Moving the lid from a first position to a second position at least partially covering the electronic device moves the first positioning jaw from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Vinson, Zachariah J. Pickett, John P. Fitzgerald, Douglas A. Kempel, Jamie L. Johnson, Ross V. Bulkley, Adam J. Havens, Grady E. Barfoot
  • Publication number: 20210086979
    Abstract: A shipping container includes an insulated base, an upper perimeter portion including one or more securing mechanisms, insulated side panels, and an insulated lid. Each of the insulated side panels is movable between a respective first position and a respective second position, wherein the shipping container is in the first configuration when all of the insulated side panels are in the first positions and collapses into the second configuration when all of the side panels are in the second positions. The insulated lid is removably attachable for selectively closing and accessing an internal storage volume. Each of the securing mechanisms is configured to removably secure the upper perimeter portion to the insulated base when the shipping container is in the second configuration. Each of the securing mechanisms is also configured to removably secure the insulated lid to the upper perimeter portion in both the first and the second configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: JONATHAN H. GUERDRUM, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, MATTHEW M. GLANZER, RICHARD W. VINSON, PATRICK G. SKOVSTED, JASON SAGEN, ALAN V. MORINE, TODD EICHINGER, ALEX S. BREEDEN, TAYLOR S. MASSEY, PETER GOLDSMITH
  • Publication number: 20210046692
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in affixing a screen protector to a display of an electronic device. The apparatus includes a base having a platform for supporting the electronic device, a lid attached to the base, and a positioning mechanism for aligning the electronic device on the platform. The positioning mechanism includes a first positioning jaw movable between a first and a second position. The positioning jaw includes a first surface configured to contact the first corner of the electronic device and a second surface configured to contact the second corner of the electronic device when the first positioning jaw moves from the first position to the second position. Moving the lid from a first position to a second position at least partially covering the electronic device moves the first positioning jaw from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: RICHARD W. VINSON, ZACHARIAH J. PICKETT, JOHN P. FITZGERALD, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, JAMIE L. JOHNSON, ROSS V. BULKLEY, ADAM J. HAVENS, GRADY E. BARFOOT
  • Patent number: 10906723
    Abstract: A portable insulated storage container includes an insulated body having an internal cavity for storing one or more items and an insulated lid. The insulated body includes a base, first and second opposing end panels, and first and second opposing side panels. The first and second opposing end panels are each configured to move between a first vertical orientation and a second horizontal orientation. Each of the first and second opposing side panels includes an upper portion connected to a lower portion by a hinge. The insulated lid configured to engage the insulated body to close the internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Guerdrum, Douglas A. Kempel, Matthew M. Glanzer, Richard W. Vinson, Patrick G. Skovsted, Jason Sagen, Alan V. Morine, Todd Eichinger, Alex S. Breeden, Taylor S. Massey, Peter Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 10443918
    Abstract: A portable insulated storage container includes an insulated body, an insulated lid, and a retainer. The insulated body has an internal cavity for storing one or more items. The internal cavity is selectively and reversibly configurable into two or more storage areas. The insulated lid engages the insulated body to close the internal cavity. The insulated lid includes receptacles each configured for receiving a cold pack or other thermal device. Each of the receptacles aligns with a respective one of the storage areas when the insulated lid engages the body. The retainer removably retains the cold pack in one of the receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Shanshan Li, Jonathan H. Guerdrum, Douglas A. Kempel, Jonathan B. Rayeski, Kyle M. Fanning
  • Patent number: 10392043
    Abstract: A cart for transporting an object, such as a storage container or a cooler for storing food and/or beverages, is provided. The cart includes a securing member to attach the cart to the storage container. The securing member includes first and second clasps each formed from a resilient material and configured to engage respective first and second securing members of the storage container. The first and second clasp are configured to resiliently flex away from the storage container to receive the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Guerdrum, Douglas A. Kempel, Alex S. Breeden
  • Patent number: 10340970
    Abstract: A protective cover for use with an electronic device includes a protective shell, an electrical connector, and an inductive coil. The protective shell is configured to receive the electronic device and includes one or more apertures configured for accessing one or more respective features of the installed electronic device. The electrical connector is affixed to an interior surface of the protective shell and configured to engage electrical contacts of the installed electronic device. The inductive coil is disposed within the protective shell and is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the protective shell. The inductive coil is configured for producing an electrical current in response to a magnetic field generated by an external device in proximity to the protective shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Douglas A. Kempel
  • Publication number: 20180346229
    Abstract: A portable insulated storage container includes an insulated body having an internal cavity for storing one or more items and an insulated lid. The insulated body includes a base, first and second opposing end panels, and first and second opposing side panels. The first and second opposing end panels are each configured to move between a first vertical orientation and a second horizontal orientation. Each of the first and second opposing side panels includes an upper portion connected to a lower portion by a hinge. The insulated lid configured to engage the insulated body to close the internal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: JONATHAN H. GUERDRUM, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, MATTHEW M. GLANZER, RICHARD W. VINSON, PATRICK G. SKOVSTED, JASON SAGEN, ALAN V. MORINE, TODD EICHINGER, ALEX S. BREEDEN, TAYLOR S. MASSEY, PETER GOLDSMITH
  • Publication number: 20180335241
    Abstract: A portable insulated storage container includes an insulated body, an insulated lid, and a retainer. The insulated body has an internal cavity for storing one or more items. The internal cavity is selectively and reversibly configurable into two or more storage areas. The insulated lid engages the insulated body to close the internal cavity. The insulated lid includes receptacles each configured for receiving a cold pack or other thermal device. Each of the receptacles aligns with a respective one of the storage areas when the insulated lid engages the body. The retainer removably retains the cold pack in one of the receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: SHANSHAN LI, JONATHAN H. GUERDRUM, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, JONATHAN B. RAYESKI, KYLE M. FANNING
  • Publication number: 20180294831
    Abstract: A protective cover for use with an electronic device includes a protective shell, an electrical connector, and an inductive coil. The protective shell is configured to receive the electronic device and includes one or more apertures configured for accessing one or more respective features of the installed electronic device. The electrical connector is affixed to an interior surface of the protective shell and configured to engage electrical contacts of the installed electronic device. The inductive coil is disposed within the protective shell and is electrically connected to the electrical connector of the protective shell. The inductive coil is configured for producing an electrical current in response to a magnetic field generated by an external device in proximity to the protective shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Douglas A. Kempel
  • Patent number: 10044396
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device includes a protective shell and a cushioning member configured for cushioning the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell. The protective cover includes a first opening configured to align with and expose at least a portion of a touch screen display of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell. The protective cover also includes a second opening configured to align with a camera of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell. The protective cover further includes an access port positioned to be proximate an electrical interface of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Douglas A. Kempel
  • Publication number: 20180201290
    Abstract: A cart for transporting an object, such as a storage container or a cooler for storing food and/or beverages, is provided. The cart includes a securing member to attach the cart to the storage container. The securing member includes first and second clasps each formed from a resilient material and configured to engage respective first and second securing members of the storage container. The first and second clasp are configured to resiliently flex away from the storage container to receive the storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: JONATHAN H. GUERDRUM, DOUGLAS A. KEMPEL, ALEX S. BREEDEN
  • Publication number: 20180138937
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device includes a protective shell and a cushioning member configured for cushioning the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell. The protective cover includes a first opening configured to align with and expose at least a portion of a touch screen display of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell. The protective cover also includes a second opening configured to align with a camera of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell. The protective cover further includes an access port positioned to be proximate an electrical interface of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Douglas A. Kempel
  • Patent number: 9906259
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic devices includes a protective shell base having an inner surface, an outer surface, and side members. The protective cover also includes a cushioning member configured for cushioning the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell base. The protective cover also includes a first opening configured to align with and expose at least a portion of a capacitance-sensing interactive touch screen display when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell base. The protective cover also includes a second opening configured to align with a camera feature of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell base. The protective cover further includes an access port positioned to be proximate an electrical interface of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Douglas A. Kempel
  • Publication number: 20170310353
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic devices includes a protective shell base having an inner surface, an outer surface, and side members. The protective cover also includes a cushioning member configured for cushioning the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell base. The protective cover also includes a first opening configured to align with and expose at least a portion of a capacitance-sensing interactive touch screen display when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell base. The protective cover also includes a second opening configured to align with a camera feature of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell base. The protective cover further includes an access port positioned to be proximate an electrical interface of the electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Curtis R. Richardson, Douglas A. Kempel