Patents by Inventor Joseph Sandor

Joseph Sandor 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: 8567630
    Abstract: A receptacle having a lid which has a pair of dampers configured to slow the movement of the lid from an open position toward a closed position. The dampers are provided at opposite ends of a pedal connected to the receptacle body at opposite lateral positions relative to a side of the receptacle body. The receptacle includes an air filtration device mounted in its lid which guides air through the filter device during the downward motion of the lid. The receptacle also includes at least one damper which provides dampening forces against the motion of the lid in both opening and closing directions. The receptacle also includes an anti-sliding device which increases the receptacle's resistance to sliding across a floor when a user steps on a pedal to actuate the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20130248532
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of a trash can include a cap with a lid and an actuator. The actuator can extend outwardly from the cap at a downward angle. The actuator can be configured to maintain the lid in a closed position when a locking portion of the actuator is engaged with a securement portion of the lid. The lid can be rotationally biased toward an open position and the actuator can be configured to release the lid from the closed position upon an input of force on the actuator. The range of effective angles for the input force can enable a user of the trash can to easily open the lid by contacting the actuator with from a wide variety of angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20130235610
    Abstract: A minor assembly can include a housing, a mirror, and a light source. In certain embodiments, the mirror includes a light pipe configured to emit a substantially constant amount of light along a periphery of the mirror. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly can be configured to adjust the amount of emitted light based on the position of a user in relation to the mirror. Certain embodiments of the minor include an algorithm to adjust light based on the position of a user relative to the mirror, the level of ambient light, and/or the activation of different light modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas, Frederick N. Bushroe
  • Publication number: 20130235607
    Abstract: A mirror assembly can include a housing, a mirror, and a light source. In certain embodiments, the mirror includes a light pipe configured to emit a substantially constant amount of light along a periphery of the mirror. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly can be configured to adjust the amount of emitted light based on the position of a user in relation to the mirror. Certain embodiments of the mirror include an algorithm to adjust light based on the position of a user relative to the mirror, the level of ambient light, and/or the activation of different light modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas, Frederick N. Bushroe
  • Publication number: 20130233857
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a trash can assembly (e.g., a receptacle configured to receive refuse, recycleable materials, or otherwise), and related methods, are provided. Some embodiments of the trash can assembly include a body component and a lid configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In some variants, the lid can be moved between the open and closed positions by a power operated driving mechanism, such as a motor and/or other drivetrain components. In certain embodiments, the trash can assembly includes a clutch mechanism to facilitate manual operation of the lid while inhibiting or preventing damage to the motor and/or other drivetrain components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Joseph Sandor, Kenneth Yen, Orlando Cardenas, Michael Basha, Christopher Fruhauf
  • Patent number: 8474632
    Abstract: A caddy for use in bathrooms is disclosed. The caddy can include removable shelf assemblies and/or accessory units for holding common household items. The removable shelf accessories can include knobs which can be turned to secure and free the shelf assemblies from a support member of the caddy. The accessory units can snap into place on the support member. The support member can include a telescoping section and biasing element which permits the caddy to adjust to different sized bathrooms. A sliding member can be incorporated to provide additional areas for attachment of shelf assemblies or accessory units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20130098913
    Abstract: A receptacle having a lid can be provided with a pair of dampers configured to slow the movement of the lid from its open position toward its closed position. The dampers can be provided at opposite ends of a pedal connected to the receptacle body at opposite lateral positions relative to a side of the receptacle body. In some embodiments, the damper is configured to be high endurance and low noise. For example, the damper may comprise lubricants, such as a graphite powder. The damper may also comprise a mechanism, such as foam infused with graphite powder, to disperse the lubricant over time. The damper may also employ surface features or noise dampening features in its housings to prevent or reduce noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC
    Inventors: Frank YANG, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 8418869
    Abstract: A receptacle having a lid which has a pair of dampers configured to slow the movement of the lid from an open position toward a closed position. The dampers are provided at opposite ends of a pedal connected to the receptacle body at opposite lateral positions relative to a side of the receptacle body. The receptacle includes an air filtration device mounted in its lid which guides air through the filter device during the downward motion of the lid. The receptacle also includes at least one damper which provides dampening forces against the motion of the lid in both opening and closing directions. The receptacle also includes an anti-sliding device which increases the receptacle's resistance to sliding across a floor when a user steps on a pedal to actuate the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 8296876
    Abstract: A sink organizer includes a section defining a compartment having an extendable, collapsible and/or expandable base that provides a deeper holding section with an extended base to support a long slender shaped item, such as a long-handle brush. The expandable base has a telescopic structure, which may be in the form of an accordion-like structure having annular folding sections or other form of axially collapsible or telescopic structure (e.g., a concentric coupling of a series of nested and axially interlocking cylindrical collars of gradually reducing dimensions). Suction cups provide mounting of the sink organizer onto a sink wall. A bracket is attached to the side of the sink organizer where the suction cup mounting is also provided. The bracket has a handle, which is configured to rest against the top edge of the sink, thus providing additional support for stabilizing the sink organizer after it is attached to the sink wall by the suction cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Tzu-Hao Wei, Di-Fong Chang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 8297470
    Abstract: The embodiments provide a hinge assembly for a trash can assembly that allows the lid to be conveniently removed from the hinge assembly. The trash can assembly, can comprises: a shell having an upper, open end; a lid configured to cover the upper, open end of the shell; a hinge assembly coupled to the shell and the lid and configured to provide pivotable movement of the lid between an open position and a closed position, wherein the hinge assembly comprises, a mounting bracket provided on the lid and having at least one through hole, a housing provided at the upper end of the shell and defining a bore, and a pivot bar that is received inside the at least one through hole and the bore to allow pivotable movement of the mounting bracket relative to the housing, and engaged by a locking mechanism into position within mounting bracket and housing to prevent withdrawal of the pivot bar from inside the at least one through hole and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20120248150
    Abstract: A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. Certain embodiments of the dispenser include a housing, reservoir, pump, and nozzle. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a bypass passage, which can facilitate priming of the pump. In certain embodiments, the dispenser is configured to inhibit or avoid the formation of an air bubble that could obstruct the liquid soap from entering the pump. In some embodiments, the pump includes engaging gears, which can include a plurality of teeth with substantially pointed tips. In certain embodiments, the nozzle comprises a one-way valve, such as a duckbill valve. Some embodiments of the one-way valve are shaped or otherwise configured to provide certain biases to the valve, which can, for example, facilitate rapid opening and closing of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, David Wolbert, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
  • Patent number: 8225946
    Abstract: A shelving system having a support member and a plurality of shelves slidably connected to the support member with a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism including a clamping mechanism moving between locked and unlocked positions, wherein in the locked position the shelf is locked to the support member and in the unlocked position the shelf can be adjusted linearly along and linearly perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the support member. The top of the support member includes a hinged clamp which can attach to a shower head pipe for hanging the shelving system, and the bottom of the support member includes a suction cup for further securing the shelving system to the surface of a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20120085715
    Abstract: A dish rack has a wireframe, a drip tray having a base and a dish-receiving region provided on the base, and a drain channel that is removably coupled to the bottom of the base at the location of the dish-receiving region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SIMPLEHUMAN LLC
    Inventors: Frank YANG, Joseph SANDOR, Chih-Hong HSIEH
  • Patent number: 8109411
    Abstract: An electric soap dispenser that includes sensors for detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can include various features for enhancing the performance thereof. For example, the dispenser can include an additional button for manual operation of the pump. Additionally, the dispenser can detect the voltage of a power supply and compensate for a drop in voltage of the power supply so as to produce more uniform dispensations of the liquid product. Additionally, the dispenser can include a valve at its discharge end to prevent drips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
  • Patent number: 8096445
    Abstract: An electric soap dispenser that includes sensors for detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can include various features for enhancing the performance thereof. For example, the dispenser can include an additional button for manual operation of the pump. Additionally, the dispenser can detect the voltage of a power supply and compensate for a drop in voltage of the power supply so as to produce more uniform dispensations of the liquid product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
  • Patent number: 8087543
    Abstract: An electric soap dispenser that includes sensors for detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of liquid soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can include various features for enhancing the performance thereof. For example, the dispenser can include an additional button for manual operation of the pump. Additionally, the dispenser can detect the voltage of a power supply and compensate for a drop in voltage of the power supply so as to produce more uniform dispensations of the liquid product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
  • Patent number: 8074813
    Abstract: A dish rack has a wireframe, a drip tray having a base and a dish-receiving region provided on the base, and a drain channel that is removably coupled to the bottom of the base at the location of the dish-receiving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Chih-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8074833
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell and a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, with the lid having a bracket secured to the bottom of the lid. A slot provided adjacent the top of the shell, with the bracket moving through the slot as the lid is opened and closed. A movable lock member provided at the top of the shell, the lock member movable from an extended position where the lock member covers a portion of the slot, to a retracted position where the lock member is clear of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20110259889
    Abstract: A canister includes a body having a shell, a lid, and a handle mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a lever that actuates to engage and disengage a latch pivoted on the lever for locking and unlocking the lid to the body. The lever mates to a fixed handle portion to complete a handle for facilitating handling of the canister. The canister can further include wheels for transporting the canister. The lid can include an elastic portion to press against the body to create a seal. The canister can further include a utensil attached to the underside of the lid, for use to scoop the content from the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SIMPLEHUMAN LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20110220647
    Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas