Patents by Inventor Robert E. Workman

Robert E. Workman 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: 9979215
    Abstract: A portable energy storage and power supply system includes a first housing member, a second housing member coupled to the first housing member, a gasket coupling the first housing member with the second housing member, a battery, and a connector assembly coupled to the battery. The first housing member and the second housing member define an internal space. The battery is disposed within the internal space and configured to store electrical power. The connector assembly includes a shield having an open end and a closed end, a grommet disposed around an outer surface of the shield, and a cap disposed over the closed end of the shield and coupled to the grommet. The grommet is configured to reduce moisture penetration into the internal space of the first housing member and the second housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Fred Lillywhite, Keyvan Vasefi, Walker Ford, Sterling Robison, Henry J. Howell, Jaremy Butler
  • Patent number: 9923393
    Abstract: An energy storage and power supply system includes a body having a first end and an opposing second end, a battery pack disposed within the body, a first connector disposed at the first end of the body and electrically coupled to the battery pack, the first connector including a male connector configured to receive electrical power to charge the battery pack, a second connector disposed at the opposing second end of the body and electrically coupled to the battery pack, the second connector including a female connector configured to provide a power output from the battery pack, and a collar slidably coupled to the opposing second end of the body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The collar is configured to engage with and thereby retain an accessory when selectively reoriented into the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Henry J. Howell, Fred Lillywhite, Jaremy Butler, Walker Ford, Keyvan Vasefi, Sterling Robison, Michael Roner
  • Patent number: 9857048
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a body portion, a collar having a first end coupled to the body portion, a plate coupled to a second end of the collar, a light source disposed at the second end of the collar, and a shade including a sidewall and a cap defining a plurality of interfaces. The plurality of interfaces and the plate cooperate to releasably secure the shade in a storage orientation and an extended orientation. The light source includes one or more LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Jaremy T. Butler, Fred K. Lillywhite
  • Patent number: 9771729
    Abstract: A modular frame and structure system and method includes a framework and a cover coupled to the framework and configured to provide a desired structure. The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plurality of coupling members for coupling the elongated frame members. One or more of the coupling members includes a releasable connecting device having a connecting mode for connecting the coupling members to the frame members and form the framework, the releasable connecting device having a release mode for disconnecting the elongated frame members from the coupling members. The cover includes one or more interlocking wall panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members, and one or more interlocking roof panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: BAREBONES SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Swan Workman, Robert E. Workman, Henry J. Howell, Norm Krantz, Gerardo D. Ayala, John E. Workman
  • Publication number: 20170047755
    Abstract: A portable energy storage and power supply system includes a first housing member, a second housing member coupled to the first housing member, a gasket coupling the first housing member with the second housing member, a battery, and a connector assembly coupled to the battery. The first housing member and the second housing member define an internal space. The battery is disposed within the internal space and configured to store electrical power. The connector assembly includes a shield having an open end and a closed end, a grommet disposed around an outer surface of the shield, and a cap disposed over the closed end of the shield and coupled to the grommet. The grommet is configured to reduce moisture penetration into the internal space of the first housing member and the second housing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Applicant: Goal Zero LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Fred Lillywhite, Keyvan Vasefi, Walker Ford, Sterling Robison, Henry J. Howell, Jaremy Butler
  • Patent number: 9515500
    Abstract: A portable energy storage and power supply system includes a first housing member coupled to a second housing member, the first housing member and the second housing member defining an internal space, a battery disposed within the internal space and configured to store electrical power, a plurality of connectors defining an input for charging the battery and an output for utilizing electrical power from the battery, and a gasket. The gasket includes a base portion coupling the first housing member with the second housing member and a bumper shaped to absorb shock loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Fred Lillywhite, Keyvan Vasefi, Walker Ford, Sterling Robison, Henry J. Howell, Jaremy Butler
  • Publication number: 20160215512
    Abstract: A modular frame and structure system and method includes a framework and a cover coupled to the framework and configured to provide a desired structure. The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plurality of coupling members for coupling the elongated frame members. One or more of the coupling members includes a releasable connecting device having a connecting mode for connecting the coupling members to the frame members and form the framework, the releasable connecting device having a release mode for disconnecting the elongated frame members from the coupling members. The cover includes one or more interlocking wall panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members, and one or more interlocking roof panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Tyler Swan Workman, Robert E. Workman, Henry J. Howell, Norm Krantz, Gerardo D. Ayala, John E. Workman
  • Patent number: 9388953
    Abstract: A portable lighting device includes a housing, a battery, a lighting element coupled to the battery, and a solar panel. The housing includes a first wall coupled to a second wall and defines an internal volume. The battery is positioned within the internal volume. The solar panel is disposed along the first wall and coupled to the battery. The second wall of the housing is angled relative to the first wall of the housing such that the solar panel is positioned in a target orientation when the second wall is disposed along a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Henry J. Howell, Fred K. Lillywhite
  • Publication number: 20160195235
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a body portion, a collar having a first end coupled to the body portion, a plate coupled to a second end of the collar, a light source disposed at the second end of the collar, and a shade including a sidewall and a cap defining a plurality of interfaces. The plurality of interfaces and the plate cooperate to releasably secure the shade in a storage orientation and an extended orientation. The light source includes one or more LEDs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Jaremy T. Butler, Fred K. Lillywhite
  • Patent number: 9385351
    Abstract: A reconfigurable battery pack power system with interchangeable accessories has at least one modular, portable, rechargeable battery module having a first side, the first side having a first contour and a mounting port and a power output port, and at least one accessory module configured to receive power from the battery module. The accessory module has a second side with a second contour that mates with the first contour on the battery module, and has a power coupling connector and a fastener. The accessory module is interchangeably mateable with the battery module with the first and second contours nested together, and with the power output port engaged with the power coupling connector and with the fastener engaged with the mounting port, so that the battery module and the accessory module form a single integrated and substantially rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Joseph R. Atkin, Walker Ford
  • Patent number: 9362766
    Abstract: A charging device includes a body having a rechargeable energy storage device and a housing, an interface pivotally coupled to the housing, the interface including a first conductor and a second conductor and configured to transmit power between the rechargeable energy storage device and a device connected to the interface, a first rigid post, a first pin, a first compressible element positioned to press the first pin against the first rigid post, a second rigid post, a second pin, and a second compressible element positioned to press the second pin against the second rigid post. The interface is configured to pivot about an axis defined by the first pin and the second pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Erik R. Workman, Joseph R. Atkin, Walker Ford
  • Patent number: 9312706
    Abstract: Charging devices, modular adapters, and circuits are provided. One charging device including a body including a rechargeable energy storage device and a housing. The housing includes at least one first coupling portion. The charging device further includes a modular adapter including a second coupling portion configured to be mated to the first coupling portion of the housing. When mated to the housing, the modular adapter is configured to be electrically connected to the rechargeable energy storage device. When the modular adapter is mated to the housing, the body and the modular adapter form a single integrated and substantially rigid structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Erik R. Workman, Joseph R. Atkin, Walker Ford
  • Patent number: 9303426
    Abstract: A modular frame and structure system and method includes a framework and a cover coupled to the framework and configured to provide a desired structure. The framework includes a plurality of elongated frame members, and a plurality of coupling members for coupling the elongated frame members. One or more of the coupling members includes a releasable connecting device having a connecting mode for connecting the coupling members to the frame members and form the framework, the releasable connecting device having a release mode for disconnecting the elongated frame members from the coupling members. The cover includes one or more interlocking wall panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members, and one or more interlocking roof panels configured to engage and be supported by the elongated frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: BARE BONES SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Swan Workman, Robert E. Workman, Henry J. Howell, Norm Krantz, Gerardo D. Ayala, John E. Workman
  • Publication number: 20160037253
    Abstract: A portable speaker assembly includes a body, a speaker, and a membrane. The body includes a first plate spaced from a second plate, and a surface of the body defines a port having a first cross-sectional area. The speaker is disposed along a surface of the first plate and extends toward the second plate. The membrane is configured to direct sound waves toward the port and is positioned between the first plate and the second plate. The membrane has a second cross-sectional area that is larger than the first cross-sectional area of the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Henry J. Howell, Fred K. Lillywhite
  • Publication number: 20160033093
    Abstract: A portable lighting device includes a housing, a battery, a lighting element coupled to the battery, and a solar panel. The housing includes a first wall coupled to a second wall and defines an internal volume. The battery is positioned within the internal volume. The solar panel is disposed along the first wall and coupled to the battery. The second wall of the housing is angled relative to the first wall of the housing such that the solar panel is positioned in a target orientation when the second wall is disposed along a support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Henry J. Howell, Fred K. Lillywhite
  • Publication number: 20160028260
    Abstract: A charging device includes a body having a rechargeable energy storage device and a housing, an interface pivotally coupled to the housing, the interface including a first conductor and a second conductor and configured to transmit power between the rechargeable energy storage device and a device connected to the interface, a first rigid post, a first pin, a first compressible element positioned to press the first pin against the first rigid post, a second rigid post, a second pin, and a second compressible element positioned to press the second pin against the second rigid post. The interface is configured to pivot about an axis defined by the first pin and the second pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Erik R. Workman, Joseph R. Atkin, Walker Ford
  • Publication number: 20160013673
    Abstract: A portable energy storage and power supply system includes a first housing member coupled to a second housing member, the first housing member and the second housing member defining an internal space, a battery disposed within the internal space and configured to store electrical power, a plurality of connectors defining an input for charging the battery and an output for utilizing electrical power from the battery, and a gasket. The gasket includes a base portion coupling the first housing member with the second housing member and a bumper shaped to absorb shock loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Fred Lillywhite, Keyvan Vasefi, Walker Ford, Sterling Robison, Henry J. Howell, Jaremy Butler
  • Publication number: 20160013675
    Abstract: An energy storage and power supply system includes a body having a first end and an opposing second end, a battery pack disposed within the body, a first connector disposed at the first end of the body and electrically coupled to the battery pack, the first connector including a male connector configured to receive electrical power to charge the battery pack, a second connector disposed at the opposing second end of the body and electrically coupled to the battery pack, the second connector including a female connector configured to provide a power output from the battery pack, and a collar slidably coupled to the opposing second end of the body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The collar is configured to engage with and thereby retain an accessory when selectively reoriented into the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman Krantz, Henry J. Howell, Fred Lillywhite, Jaremy Butler, Walker Ford, Keyvan Vasefi, Sterling Robison, Michael Roner
  • Patent number: D764087
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Henry J. Howell
  • Patent number: D774228
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Workman, Henry J. Howell, Norman L. Krantz