Patents by Inventor Howard Edgar Buckles

Howard Edgar Buckles 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: 7775498
    Abstract: An appliance includes a leg for support upon a support surface, an interlock switch mechanically coupled to the leg and electrically coupled to control circuitry of the appliance, an anti-tip bracket having an aperture configured to receive a portion of the leg, and means for operating the interlock switch when the leg is properly positioned within the aperture. In one example, an actuator is coupled to the leg and is movable relative to the leg when the leg is positioned within the aperture. In another example, the interlock switch includes a first and second electrode, and selective electrical contact occurs between the first and second electrodes when the actuator is moved. In another example, a member projects from the appliance and the anti-tip is configured to receive a portion of the member. A method is also provided for preventing use of an appliance due to improper installation of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Thomas Phillips, David Shadwick, Howard Edgar Buckles, Randall Lewis Fuller
  • Publication number: 20090001246
    Abstract: An appliance includes a leg for support upon a support surface, an interlock switch mechanically coupled to the leg and electrically coupled to control circuitry of the appliance, an anti-tip bracket having an aperture configured to receive a portion of the leg, and means for operating the interlock switch when the leg is properly positioned within the aperture. In one example, an actuator is coupled to the leg and is movable relative to the leg when the leg is positioned within the aperture. In another example, the interlock switch includes a first and second electrode, and selective electrical contact occurs between the first and second electrodes when the actuator is moved. In another example, a member projects from the appliance and the anti-tip is configured to receive a portion of the member. A method is also provided for preventing use of an appliance due to improper installation of the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Thomas Phillips, David Shadwick, Howard Edgar Buckles, Randall Lewis Fuller