Patents by Inventor Nicholas M. Nanos

Nicholas M. Nanos 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).

  • Publication number: 20250255434
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack is couplable to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2025
    Publication date: August 14, 2025
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR.
  • Publication number: 20250241440
    Abstract: Portable stands for portable grills are disclosed. An example portable stand includes a frame and first and second tabletops. The frame includes a front support, a rear support spaced apart from the front support, and a support plate located between the front support and the rear support. The support plate has a first lateral portion and a second lateral portion. The first and second tabletops are slidable relative to the frame between an expanded position and a retracted position. The first and second tabletops are configured to reveal corresponding ones of the first and second lateral portions of the support plate when the first and second tabletops are in the expanded position, and to conceal the corresponding ones of the first and second lateral portions of the support plate when the first and second tabletops are in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2024
    Publication date: July 31, 2025
    Inventors: Christian D. Hyde, Curtis P. Menning, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR., William A. Mecker
  • Patent number: 12318038
    Abstract: Slidable waste management systems for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example waste management system is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example waste management system includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail that are couplable to the cookbox, The example waste management system further includes a waste tray slidably coupled to the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The waste tray is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The waste tray has an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is configured to receive waste from the cookbox when the waste tray is in the closed configuration. The example waste management system further includes a waste bin coupled to and located below the waste tray. The waste bin is configured to receive the waste from the waste tray via the lower opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products LLC
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nathan Ioriatti, Nicholas M. Nanos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12318039
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack is couplable to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240306851
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack is couplable to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR.
  • Patent number: 12029349
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack has a hook configured to couple the warming rack to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220167792
    Abstract: Slidable waste management systems for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example waste management system is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example waste management system includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail that are couplable to the cookbox, The example waste management system further includes a waste tray slidably coupled to the first guide rail and the second guide rail. The waste tray is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The waste tray has an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is configured to receive waste from the cookbox when the waste tray is in the closed configuration. The example waste management system further includes a waste bin coupled to and located below the waste tray. The waste bin is configured to receive the waste from the waste tray via the lower opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nathan Ioriatti, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR.
  • Publication number: 20220170624
    Abstract: Example handle-integrated lighting assemblies including one or more lighting module(s) located substantially within a handle of a lid of a grill are described. An example lighting assembly configured to be coupled to a lid of a grill includes a handle and a lighting module. The handle includes a crossbar and a stem coupled to and oriented at an angle relative to the crossbar. The lighting module includes a light source located within the handle. The light source is configured to project light through the stem in a direction away from the crossbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR., Chris Crowell, Mark D'Ambrosio, James Keclik, Thomas J. Schnell, JR., Kerry S. Berland, Michael A. Graef, Nathan Mellas
  • Publication number: 20220167791
    Abstract: Example adjustable warming racks for cookboxes of grills are disclosed. An example warming rack is configured to be coupled to a cookbox of a grill. The example warming rack includes a first rack and a second rack. The first rack has a hook configured to couple the warming rack to the cookbox. The second rack is pivotally coupled to the first rack. The second rack is movable relative to the first rack to transition the warming rack between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, James Keclik, Michael A. Graef, Brian Mathews, Nathan Mellas, Nicholas M. Nanos, JR.
  • Patent number: 11333346
    Abstract: Example handle-integrated lighting assemblies including one or more lighting module(s) located substantially within a handle of a lid of a grill are described. An example lighting assembly configured to be coupled to a lid of a grill includes a handle and a lighting module. The handle includes a crossbar and a stem coupled to and oriented at an angle relative to the crossbar. The lighting module includes a light source located within the handle. The light source is configured to project light through the stem in a direction away from the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Douglas W. Masek, Nicholas M. Nanos, Jr., Chris Crowell, Mark D'Ambrosio, James Keclik, Thomas J. Schnell, Jr., Kerry S. Berland, Michael A. Graef, Nathan Mellas
  • Patent number: 10670333
    Abstract: A self-contained water cooler module for use with a water dispenser includes a chassis. The chassis includes a back panel, a pair of spaced side panels extending forwardly from the back panel, a bottom panel extending forwardly from the back panel and attached to bottom edges of the pair of spaced side panels, and the back panel, side panels and bottom panel are constructed of a single, unitary sheet. A strut interconnects front edges of the pair of spaced side panels. A support bracket interconnects the back panel and the horizontal frame member. A refrigeration unit includes an evaporator, a condenser, a fan and motor assembly, and a compressor. The refrigeration unit is attached to the chassis. A water storage tank is configured to receive cooled water from the refrigeration unit. The chassis is configured to be attached to and detached from the water dispenser via a tool-free connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Damon D. Shaw, Nikolay V. Popov, Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong, Kirk V. Streitmatter, Alexander R. Greenhill, Scott W. Matulik, Trevor D. Craig, John Conway, Matthew Chapman
  • Publication number: 20180306492
    Abstract: A self-contained water cooler module for use with a water dispenser includes a chassis. The chassis includes a back panel, a pair of spaced side panels extending forwardly from the back panel, a bottom panel extending forwardly from the back panel and attached to bottom edges of the pair of spaced side panels, and the back panel, side panels and bottom panel are constructed of a single, unitary sheet. A strut interconnects front edges of the pair of spaced side panels. A support bracket interconnects the back panel and the horizontal frame member. A refrigeration unit includes an evaporator, a condenser, a fan and motor assembly, and a compressor. The refrigeration unit is attached to the chassis. A water storage tank is configured to receive cooled water from the refrigeration unit. The chassis is configured to be attached to and detached from the water dispenser via a tool-free connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Damon D. Shaw, Nikolay V. Popov, Jonathan Chee Yeen Chong, Kirk V. Streitmatter, Alexander R. Greenhill, Scott W. Matulik, Trevor D. Craig, John Conway, Matthew Chapman
  • Patent number: 8147158
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a travel multiplier mechanism that includes a cam member that pivots about a pivot axis in response to motion of a push button member. The cam member engages a sliding piston member in order to provide a travel multiplying effect such that a distance of travel of the sliding piston member exceeds a distance traveled by the push button member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sanford, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Neville E. Andrews, Andrew Bielecki, Gennady Plavnik
  • Publication number: 20110221605
    Abstract: A mat activated indicator is disclosed. The indicator includes a mat to be placed either inside or outside a door. The mat can be activated by an increase in weight such as by a pet stepping on the mat. The mat includes a lower and upper plate which are held apart by a spacer such as a memory foam spacer. An increase in weight upon the mat causes the plates to make contact and close a switch circuit. A transmitter sends a wireless signal upon activation of the switch. The signal is received by a receiving unit. The receiving unit provides an audible, visual, or vibrating signal to provide notice to a pet owner that a pet is stepping on the mat and may want to enter or exit through the door. In various optional variations, the receiving unit produces a signal of musical tones, and may have a choice of musical tones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Susan H. Niemann, Nicholas M. Nanos, Effie Nanos
  • Publication number: 20110135378
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a travel multiplier mechanism that includes a cam member that pivots about a pivot axis in response to motion of a push button member. The cam member engages a sliding piston member in order to provide a travel multiplying effect such that a distance of travel of the sliding piston member exceeds a distance traveled by the push button member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: SANFORD, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Neville Andrews, Andrew Bielecki, Gennady Plavnik
  • Patent number: 7891897
    Abstract: A writing instrument includes a travel multiplier mechanism that includes a cam member that pivots about a pivot axis in response to motion of a push button member. The cam member engages a sliding piston member in order to provide a travel multiplying effect such that a distance of travel of the sliding piston member exceeds a distance traveled by the push button member. The cam member may be configured to rotate about an axis that is located in a plane perpendicular to a primary axis of a barrel of the writing instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sanford, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nanos, Andrew Bielecki, Neville Andrews, Gennady Plavnik
  • Publication number: 20020067015
    Abstract: A skateboard comprising an elongated board, a pair of trucks and a pair of wheels. Each truck includes a wheel support pivotably associated with the elongated board and a spring connected to the wheel support for resisting pivoting of the wheel support relative to the elongated board. Each wheel is rotatably mounted to the wheel support in any suitable manner such as by an axle or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the wheel support comprises a pair of fork members engaged with the axle. The truck permits rotation of the wheel support relative to the elongated board in response to a shift in the weight of the rider of the board to simulate, for example, a snowboarding effect. The wheel supports desirably are raked in opposite directions to facilitate a fishtail effect or to otherwise facilitate a carving effect. Each truck includes a base rigidly secured to the elongated board rotatably associating the wheel support with the elongated board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Tyler Tierney, Kurt Tierney, Thomas A. Wozny, Luc Heiligenstein, Nicholas M. Nanos
  • Patent number: 6079645
    Abstract: The present invention provides new paper shredding devices mountable on various horizontal and vertical surfaces. The paper shredder has a housing defining a paper inlet and a shredding knife in the housing positioned downstream of the paper inlet. A shredding knife controller is connected to the shredding knife. A shredded paper receptacle is positioned downstream of the shredding knife. A bottom of the housing serves as a tabletop mount for standing the shredder on a tabletop. One or more holes may be provided in the back side of the housing to permit the shredder to be mounted on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Henreckson, Carolyn Mueller, Jean Rabisse, Toheed I. Bhatti, Greg Carrillo, Nicholas M. Nanos
  • Patent number: 5988542
    Abstract: The present invention provides document shredding devices mountable on various waste receptacles for shredding paper. The document shredding devices have a housing defining a paper shredding passageway. A paper shredding mechanism is contained within the housing and extends into the paper shredding passageway. A mounting support adjustably extends from a waste receptacle mounting side of the housing while remaining housing sides are free of waste receptacle mounting supports. The mounting support has a position retracted into the housing which defines a substantially linear mounting channel and another position extended outward from the housing which defines a nonlinear mounting channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: General Binding Corporation
    Inventors: Todd Henreckson, Nicholas M. Nanos, Gregory Holderfield
  • Patent number: 5561356
    Abstract: A shredder motor circuit with power factor correction is provided. A permanent split capacitor motor under full load will run at peak efficiency with a high power factor. However, at no-load or at partial load the power factor will drop significantly, resulting in wasted energy and a possible overheating of the motor. This condition is inventively corrected by the present invention by lowering the voltage to the motor when the motor is partially loaded. The purpose of this shredder motor circuit with power factor correction is to vary the voltage to the motor instantaneously as the load changes due to increased amounts of paper placed in the shredder and thereby supplying the right amount of power required to result in higher efficiency and a cooler operating motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Genersl Binding Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Nanos