Patents by Inventor Hugh Melling

Hugh Melling 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: 11634299
    Abstract: Embodiments provide reels comprising covers, wire hubs, and winding levers. The covers removably attach to casings and close spool apertures of the casings. The hubs spool wire into/out of the apertures via windows of the casings. Moreover, the hubs couple to the covers. Some levers operably couple to the covers. When stowed, the levers are within the perimeters of the covers. When deployed, the levers extend beyond the perimeters. The reels can also comprise the casings. Mounting bases of some reels can removably attach to the casings. Furthermore, some levers can pivot about hinges on the covers. Levers can comprise wind knobs at their ends and the covers can define apertures through which the knobs extend when stowed. Detents which retain the levers in the stowed position can be provided. Moreover, hubs can comprise the detents for engaging the levers when the levers are stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Inventors: Roland Wade Hawkins, Cindy Ann Hawkins, Daniel Tagtow, Hugh Melling
  • Publication number: 20170332647
    Abstract: A portioning device for cutting or leveling a food product includes a blade configured to cut the food product, a first leg section and a second leg section configured to support the portioning device on a surface, and a handle section configured to be manipulated by a user. Each of the first and second leg sections include a leg, a blade holder configured to connect with the blade, and a leg lock operatively mounted to the leg and configured to selectively lock the leg in a position at a selected height of the leg to adjust a distance between the blade and the surface. The blade is a wire. The handle section is foldable about the central portion thereof to place the device in a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: David Starr, Catherine Franczyk, Jeffrey Bull, Hugh Melling
  • Patent number: 9668487
    Abstract: A portioning device is provided for use in cutting or leveling a food product. The portioning device comprises a handle section that is configured to be manipulated by a user, a leg section and a blade. The handle section includes an arm configured to receive a leg, a sleeve configured to slide over a portion of the arm, and an arm connector pivotally coupled to the arm. The leg section is configured to support the portioning device on a surface. The leg section includes a blade holder configured to hold an end of a blade portion, and a leg lock configured to adjustably lock the leg in a position. The blade is configured to cut an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: WILTON INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: David Starr, Catherine Franczyk, Jeffrey Bull, Hugh Melling, Traci Chapple, Jeffrey Chiu, Mason Umholtz
  • Publication number: 20170096317
    Abstract: Embodiments provide reels comprising covers, wire hubs, and winding levers. The covers removably attach to casings and close spool apertures of the casings. The hubs spool wire into/out of the apertures via windows of the casings. Moreover, the hubs couple to the covers. Some levers operably couple to the covers. When stowed, the levers are within the perimeters of the covers. When deployed, the levers extend beyond the perimeters. The reels can also comprise the casings. Mounting bases of some reels can removably attach to the casings. Furthermore, some levers can pivot about hinges on the covers. Levers can comprise wind knobs at their ends and the covers can define apertures through which the knobs extend when stowed. Detents which retain the levers in the stowed position can be provided. Moreover, hubs can comprise the detents for engaging the levers when the levers are stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Roland Wade Hawkins, Cindy Ann Hawkins, Daniel Tagtow, Hugh Melling
  • Patent number: 9499374
    Abstract: Embodiments provide reels comprising covers, wire hubs, and winding levers. The covers removably attach to casings and close spool apertures of the casings. The hubs spool wire into/out of the apertures via windows of the casings. Moreover, the hubs couple to the covers. Some levers operably couple to the covers. When stowed, the levers are within the perimeters of the covers. When deployed, the levers extend beyond the perimeters. The reels can also comprise the casings. Mounting bases of some reels can removably attach to the casings. Furthermore, some levers can pivot about hinges on the covers. Levers can comprise wind knobs at their ends and the covers can define apertures through which the knobs extend when stowed. Detents which retain the levers in the stowed position can be provided. Moreover, hubs can comprise the detents for engaging the levers when the levers are stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Roland Wade Hawkins, Cindy Ann Hawkins, Daniel Tagtow, Hugh Melling
  • Publication number: 20150108264
    Abstract: Embodiments provide reels comprising covers, wire hubs, and winding levers. The covers removably attach to casings and close spool apertures of the casings. The hubs spool wire into/out of the apertures via windows of the casings. Moreover, the hubs couple to the covers. Some levers operably couple to the covers. When stowed, the levers are within the perimeters of the covers. When deployed, the levers extend beyond the perimeters. The reels can also comprise the casings. Mounting bases of some reels can removably attach to the casings. Furthermore, some levers can pivot about hinges on the covers. Levers can comprise wind knobs at their ends and the covers can define apertures through which the knobs extend when stowed. Detents which retain the levers in the stowed position can be provided. Moreover, hubs can comprise the detents for engaging the levers when the levers are stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Roland Wade Hawkins, Cindy Ann Hawkins, Daniel Tagtow, Hugh Melling
  • Patent number: 8608124
    Abstract: A rotating and tilting cake stand comprising a rotation assembly, a base assembly, and a platter. The rotation assembly has a fixed portion and a rotatable portion. A rotation control mechanism controlling the rotation of the rotatable portion relative to the fixed portion. The base assembly has a base portion and a support portion that connects to the rotation assembly. Within the base assembly is a tilt-support arm that is connected to the rotation assembly and support portion with a pin that allows the tilt-support arm to pivot, causing the platter to tilt. In the base portion, a lock engages the tilt-support arm to either inhibit or allow the tilt-support arm to move freely. The lock is manipulated by a button in the base portion that is connected to a rotational pivot that is connected to the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Catherine Franczyk, Stephanie Goode, Roy Melling, Hugh Melling, Kristian Buschmann
  • Patent number: 8276524
    Abstract: A multiple tier center support stand that includes a plurality of plates each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener and a plurality of posts each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener. The mechanical fastener is arranged on at least one of the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts in order to vertically arrange the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts. At least one of the plurality of plates is configured to be disassembled in at least two pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Wilton Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Goode, Hugh Melling, Jeffrey Bull
  • Publication number: 20120043447
    Abstract: A rotating and tilting cake stand comprising a rotation assembly, a base assembly, and a platter. The rotation assembly has a fixed portion and a rotatable portion. A rotation control mechanism controlling the rotation of the rotatable portion relative to the fixed portion. The base assembly has a base portion and a support portion that connects to the rotation assembly. Within the base assembly is a tilt-support arm that is connected to the rotation assembly and support portion with a pin that allows the tilt-support arm to pivot, causing the platter to tilt. In the base portion, a lock engages the tilt-support arm to either inhibit or allow the tilt-support arm to move freely. The lock is manipulated by a button in the base portion that is connected to a rotational pivot that is connected to the lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Catherine Franczyk, Stephanie Goode, Roy Melling, Hugh Melling, Kristian Buschmann
  • Publication number: 20120042519
    Abstract: A food punch assembly for a food sheet comprises a base, a lid, a die and a punch. The base has a food receiving surface, and a die receiving opening. The die receiving opening is formed through the food receiving surface. The lid has a punch receiving opening. The lid is hingedly attached to the base. The lid is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the base. The punch receiving opening generally aligns with the die receiving opening of the base. The die has an opening formed therethrough. The die at least partially resides in the die receiving opening of the base. The punch has a punch protrusion. The punch at least partially resides in the punch receiving opening of the lid. A portion of the punch protrusion is adapted to enter the die opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Stephanie Goode, Traci Chapple, Hugh Melling, David Starr, Jeff Chiu, Mason Umholtz
  • Publication number: 20120042525
    Abstract: A circle cutter for a food sheet comprises a center knob assembly, an arm, and a cutting assembly. The center knob assembly comprises a base portion adapted to contact a food sheet and fix a position of the cutting assembly relative to the food sheet. The arm is adapted to rotate about the center knob assembly. The cutting assembly comprises a cutting portion having a rotatable cutting blade. The cutting assembly is releasably fixed to the arm to cut a generally circular pattern into the food sheet as the arm rotates about the center knob assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Jeff Chiu, David Starr, Mason Umholtz, Traci Chapple, Stephanie Goode, Hugh Melling
  • Publication number: 20120042762
    Abstract: A linear cutting assembly for a food sheet comprises a cutting surface assembly, an arm assembly, and a cutting assembly. The cutting surface assembly comprises a base that has a first channel formed at a first end of the base. The arm assembly comprises an elongated portion and a locking mechanism. The elongated portion has a track. The locking mechanism is adapted to partially reside within the first channel of the cutting surface assembly. The locking mechanism releasably secures the arm assembly relative to the cutting surface assembly. The cutting assembly comprises a rotatable blade. The cutting assembly is adapted to connect to the track of the arm assembly and move relative to the track of the arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Mason Umholtz, David Starr, Traci Chapple, Jeff Chiu, Stephanie Goode, Hugh Melling
  • Publication number: 20120045557
    Abstract: A baked good marking device assembly comprises a base, an elongated marking arm, and a marker. The base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The elongated marking arm is generally perpendicular to the base. The elongated marking arm has a first side and a second side. At least one of the first side and the second side includes one of either a first channel and a first rail. The elongated marking arm has measuring indicia proximate the one of either the first channel and the first rail. The elongated marking arm is removably fixed to the base. The marker has a body portion. The marker is moveable along the first channel or the first rail of the elongated marking arm. The marker has a marking portion protruding outward from the body portion. The marking portion is disposed in a generally perpendicular relationship to the elongated marking arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Traci Chapple, Stephanie Goode, Jeff Bull, Hugh Melling, David Starr
  • Publication number: 20110303131
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a multiple tier center support stand that includes a plurality of plates each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener and a plurality of posts each being configured to be associated with a mechanical fastener. The mechanical fastener is arranged on at least one of the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts in order to vertically arrange the plurality of plates and the plurality of posts. At least one of the plurality of plates is configured to be disassembled in at least two pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Goode, Hugh Melling, Jeffrey Bull
  • Publication number: 20100293790
    Abstract: A portioning device is provided for use in cutting or leveling a food product. The portioning device comprises a handle section that is configured to be manipulated by a user, a leg section and a blade. The handle section includes an arm configured to receive a leg, a sleeve configured to slide over a portion of the arm, and an arm connector pivotally coupled to the arm. The leg section is configured to support the portioning device on a surface. The leg section includes a blade holder configured to hold an end of a blade portion, and a leg lock configured to adjustably lock the leg in a position. The blade is configured to cut an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Starr, Catherine Franczyk, Jeffrey Bull, Hugh Melling, Traci Chapple, Jeffrey Chiu, Mason Umholtz
  • Patent number: 7131401
    Abstract: A retracting and locking leash housing includes a casing (30) and a handle (28). A pair of connectors (32) space the casing (30) from the handle (28) and define a finger (34) opening. A trigger (38) includes a gripping portion (48) and a locking portion (46) and is slidably supported for rectilinear movement. The gripping portion (48) and the locking portion (46) are connected by arms (50), which are coextensive with the connectors (32) about the finger (34) opening. A spool (36) is rotatably disposed in the casing (30) and includes a circle of teeth (58) and a finger (34) extends from the locking portion (46) to engage the circle of teeth (58) when the trigger (38) is moved rectilinearly to a locking position to prevent rotation of the spool (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Innovate, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Huff, Hugh Melling
  • Publication number: 20050103282
    Abstract: A retracting and locking leash housing includes a casing (30) and a handle (28). A pair of connectors (32) space the casing (30) from the handle (28) and define a finger (34) opening. A trigger (38) includes a gripping portion (48) and a locking portion (46) and is slidably supported for rectilinear movement. The gripping portion (48) and the locking portion (46) are connected by arms (50), which are coextensive with the connectors (32) about the finger (34) opening. A spool (36) is rotatably disposed in the casing (30) and includes a circle of teeth (58) and a finger (34) extends from the locking portion (46) to engage the circle of teeth (58) when the trigger (38) is moved rectilinearly to a locking position to prevent rotation of the spool (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Scott Huff, Hugh Melling
  • Patent number: 6708853
    Abstract: An apparatus that dispenses a food substance having a housing, a barrel connected to the housing and a lever pivotally attached to the housing. The barrel receives and stores the food substance to be dispensed. A rod having teeth thereon is connected to a plunger that is slidably positioned within the barrel. An advancing mechanism is movably positioned within the housing. The advancing mechanism includes an escapement body, a driver and a spring that engages the driver. The driver engages the teeth on the rod to advance the plunger to dispense the food substance is forced out of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh Melling
  • Patent number: 5941852
    Abstract: A trocar for use in surgical procedures including a cannula for maintaining a sealed working channel in a body wall and an obturator which creates the working channel through the body wall while protecting patients and medical personnel from harm is disclosed. A cannula converter which can be employed with the trocar to enable a surgeon to use surgical instruments having a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the cannula without deflating a body cavity is further disclosed. A site stabilizer which can be used with the trocar to prevent the cannula from being inadvertently withdrawn from the body cavity during a surgical procedure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Imagyn Medical Technologies California, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Dunlap, Douglas J. Medema, Hugh Melling, Jeffrey W. Zerfas
  • Patent number: D664010
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie Goode, Hugh Melling, Jeffrey Bull