Patents by Inventor Michael A. Parness

Michael A. Parness 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: 9206952
    Abstract: A solar-powered light source may comprise a solar-powered energy production module. The solar-powered light source may be self-righting. At least one of the energy production module, an energy storage module, a light emission device, or a diffuser may provide the weight for the self-righting effect. The weight may be located substantially near a bottom portion of the solar-powered light source in order to keep the solar-powered light source positioned upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Great American Duck Races, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Gold, Michael A. Parness, Thomas Allen Sollars, II, Zhao Chunhai
  • Patent number: 9149127
    Abstract: A circulation unit is provided including a dual-fan unit having a first fan and a separate second fan. The first fan is configured to draw in fresh air from the ambient environment and direct the fresh air into the crib, while the second fan is configured to draw in dangerous gas from the crib and expel the dangerous gas to the ambient environment. The dual fan unit is fluidly coupled to a venting unit via a pair of fluid conduits. The venting unit is placeable within the crib, while the dual fan unit is placeable outside of the crib so as to distance the infant from electrical components and potentially harmful mechanical components, such as the fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Sanmi, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandra Manouchehri, Michael A Parness
  • Publication number: 20130335953
    Abstract: A solar-powered light source is disclosed. The solar-powered light source may comprise a solar-powered energy production module. The solar-powered light source may be self-righting. At least one of the energy production module, an energy storage module, a light emission device, or a diffuser may provide the weight for the self-righting effect. The weight may be located substantially near a bottom portion of the solar-powered light source in order to keep the solar-powered light source positioned upright.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: GREAT AMERICAN MERCHANDISE AND EVENTS
    Inventors: Jason Gold, Michael A. Parness, Thomas Allen Sollars, II, Zhao Chunhai
  • Publication number: 20110260507
    Abstract: A convertible infant rocker which is adapted for use with a conventional infant/child car seat. The infant rocker includes a frame which is placeable onto an underlying support surface, and includes a support assembly connected thereto. The support assembly itself includes a cradle which defines a cradle cavity. In addition to the cradle, the support assembly includes a liner which is selectively placeable into the cradle cavity and engageable to the cradle, the liner itself being sized and configured to accommodate an infant. The infant rocker is selectively convertible between a liner configuration and a car seat configuration. In the liner configuration, the liner is cooperatively engaged to the cradle, with a portion of the liner being received within the cradle cavity. In the car seat configuration, the liner is disengaged and removed from the cradle, thus allowing for the cradle to accommodate a conventional infant car seat in which the infant may be positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Parness, Wicky Lee, Paul C. Gilles
  • Publication number: 20110240693
    Abstract: An infant carrying apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a main panel having an upper end portion, a lower end portion and a pair of opposing side portions. A pair of shoulder straps are connected to the main panel adjacent the upper end portion at a respective side portion and a pair of waist straps are connected to the main panel adjacent the lower end portion at a respective side portion. A pair of loops are also connected to the main panel at respective side portions thereof. The shoulder straps may be wrapped around a wearer's body and fed through the loops to secure the carrier to the wearer, and to define adjustable leg hole openings for the child's leg. The shoulder straps, main panel, and waist straps minimize the risk of the child falling out of the carrier through the leg openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Parness, Sara Lighthall, Melissa Ward
  • Publication number: 20110127810
    Abstract: An infant bouncer comprising a lower frame which is placeable upon an underlying surface, and an upper frame which is pivotally connected to the lower frame and selectively moveable relative thereto between a deployed or extended position, and a collapsed or storage position. An adjustment mechanism may be integrated into the frame and operative to allow for the selective adjustment of the bounce or vibration of the upper frame relative to the lower frame when the upper frame is in its deployed position. An infant seat is connected to the upper frame. If outfitted with the adjustment mechanism, the infant bouncer allows for the adjustment of the level of bounce or vibration which the frame may undergo, such adjustment being based on the size and weight of the infant placed into the bouncer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Wicky Lee, Michael A. Parness, Paul C. Gilles
  • Publication number: 20100051658
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable sling for the carrying and transport of an infant, with features that impart improved safety, comfort and support for the infant. The adjustable sling has a sling body with an interior compartment for carrying the infant, and also has an adjustable shoulder strap that is extensible about a wearer's shoulder, with first and second opposing ends that are attached to the sling body. An adjustable lumbar belt is attached to the sling body and extensible about the wearer. In one embodiment, the sling has a retention flap that is attached to the sling body and retains the infant being carried by the sling to enhance the safety and security of the sling. In another embodiment, the sling has at least one support insert to support at least one of the infant's head and neck while the infant is carried in the interior compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Michael A. Parness
  • Patent number: 7670014
    Abstract: An infant viewing auto mirror comprising a main panel having a reflective surface (i.e., mirror) exposed in the front side or surface thereof, and a flap affixed to the rear surface thereof. The flap is releasably secured to the rear surface of the main panel through the use of complimentary snaps. In addition to the main panel, the auto mirror comprises a mounting strap which is extensible about and removably attachable to a headrest through the use of a strip of Velcro disposed adjacent one end of the strap which is itself releasably engageable to a portion of the strap adjacent the opposite end thereof. Protruding from one side of the strap in the approximate center thereof is a dome-shaped support fabricated from hard foam. Extending diametrically across the support is a strip of fabric material. When the strap is properly secured to the headrest, the foam support (and hence the strip) is forwardly presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Infantino, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Parness, Sarah J. Attwood, Kenneth B. Krankkala
  • Publication number: 20080283561
    Abstract: A side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an adult wearer's hip and is provided with a retention strap arrangement which is specifically adapted to hold the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the carrier. As a supplement to the retention strap, the carrier is also provided with a pair of leg straps which are extensible about respective ones of the infant's legs. The infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with a waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap arrangement which is configured to promote enhanced comfort and sizing flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Parness, Sarah J. Attwood, Kenneth B. Krankkala, Jessica A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080283559
    Abstract: A reversible infant carrier adaptable for selectively carrying the infant in the front or the back of the wearer with proper back and abdomen support includes an anterior support panel and a posterior support panel linked thereto. There is further provided a pair of adjustable shoulder harnesses attached to the anterior support panel, and a support belt slidably extendible through the anterior support panel including a lumbar support pad and an abdomen support sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Parness, Jessica A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080287032
    Abstract: An infant viewing auto mirror comprising a main panel having a reflective surface (i.e., mirror) exposed in the front side or surface thereof, and a flap affixed to the rear surface thereof. The flap is releasably secured to the rear surface of the main panel through the use of complimentary snaps. In addition to the main panel, the auto mirror comprises a mounting strap which is extensible about and removably attachable to a headrest through the use of a strip of Velcro disposed adjacent one end of the strap which is itself releasably engageable to a portion of the strap adjacent the opposite end thereof. Protruding from one side of the strap in the approximate center thereof is a dome-shaped support fabricated from hard foam. Extending diametrically across the support is a strip of fabric material. When the strap is properly secured to the headrest, the foam support (and hence the strip) is forwardly presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Parness, Sarah J. Attwood, Kenneth B. Krankkala
  • Publication number: 20080283560
    Abstract: A side seating infant carrier which is adapted to support an infant or young child on an adult wearer's hip and is provided with a retention strap arrangement which is specifically adapted to hold the infant or young child within a seat portion defined by the carrier. The infant carrier of the present invention is further provided with a waist belt arrangement adapted to provide optimal support to the lower back/lumbar of the wearer, as well as an adjustable shoulder strap arrangement which is configured to promote enhanced comfort and sizing flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Parness, Sarah J. Attwood
  • Patent number: 6132287
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a chassis having a front end, a rear end and first and second lateral sides extending between the ends. Two wheel trains are disposed on separate lateral sides of the chassis. Each train includes first, second, third and fourth wheels, a first pair of the wheels being mounted on separate axles fixed with respect to the chassis and a second pair of the wheels being mounted on separate axles movable along the first lateral side of the chassis. A separate continuous track extends about each wheel train so that the track engages over at least the first wheel and another other wheel. A separate linkage connects each second pair of wheels with the chassis and is configured to displace the second pair of wheels between a first wheel arrangement in which the wheels of the train are generally disposed in a single row, and a second wheel arrangement in which the wheels of the train are generally disposed in two rows and all the wheels engage the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventors: Richard Blake Kuralt, Michael A. Parness, Nathan David Bloch
  • Patent number: 5885130
    Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a chassis having a front end, a rear end and first and second lateral sides extending between the ends. Two wheel trains are disposed on separate lateral sides of the chassis. Each train includes first, second, third and fourth wheels, a first pair of the wheels being mounted on separate axles fixed with respect to the chassis and a second pair of the wheels being mounted on separate axles movable along the first lateral side of the chassis. A separate continuous track extends about each wheel train so that the track engages over at least the first wheel and another other wheel. A separate linkage connects each second pair of wheels with the chassis and is configured to displace the second pair of wheels between a first wheel arrangement in which the wheels of the train are generally disposed in a single row, and a second wheel arrangement in which the wheels of the train are generally disposed in two rows and all the wheels engage the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventors: Richard Blake Kuralt, Michael A. Parness, Nathan David Bloch
  • Patent number: D633683
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Infantino, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Parness