Patents by Inventor Steve Charles

Steve Charles 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: 11685573
    Abstract: A container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching assemblies. The latching assembly may comprise a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an activating member. Additional features of the container may include handles and strength increasing features. The base and lid may also feature attachment points for various accessories. A carry strap may attach to the base of the container to allow a user to lift and carry the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Charles Nichols, Andy Bondhus, Liza Morris, Ryan Nixon, John Loudenslager, John W. Dow, Derek G. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20230136044
    Abstract: An improved imaging ear speculum is disclosed. The speculum retains a small imaging module such as a camera near is distal opening. The imaging module is retained in a carrier, which is slid into a track or guide in an interior wall of the speculum. Improved specula may also include annular inflatable bladders arranged on their outside distal surface, which bladders can engage with the patient's ear and render the speculum selectively self-retaining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: INFINITY RESEARCH INC.
    Inventors: John Tesar, Steve Charles
  • Publication number: 20230123373
    Abstract: An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a spout adapter, the spout adapter having a spout channel extending between the internal reservoir and a spout opening, smaller than the opening of the canister. The spout opening may be sealed with a cap having a magnetic top surface, and the spout adapter may be further removably coupled to a lid that may be used as a cup into which a volume of the liquid can be poured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: John Alan Tolman, Steve Charles Nichols, Edward Abante
  • Publication number: 20230095978
    Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable container includes a jacket configured to extend around at least a portion of the sidewall of the container, the jacket including a plurality of modular sections formed separately and connected together around the at least a portion of the sidewall of the container. The modular sections include a first modular section having extending around a first portion of the sidewall of the container, a second modular section connected to the first modular section and extending around a second portion of the sidewall of the container, and at least one additional modular section extending around a third portion of the sidewall of the container. The first and second modular sections have different structural configurations. The accessory also includes a first connection member connected to the jacket and configured to support the jacket in connection with the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Rogers, Andrew M. Bosway, Scott Barbieri, Steve Charles Nichols, Mark Carlson Rane, Donald Edward Desroches
  • Patent number: 11608213
    Abstract: A gasket for an insulating container may include a stem, wherein the stem further includes a plurality of prongs, and wherein the prongs are configured to be inserted into a recess in an underside of an insulating container lid, a first side, wherein the first side is connected to the stem, and wherein the first side is positioned substantially perpendicular to the stem, a second side, wherein the second side is configured to extend from the first side at an angle of 30-60 degrees, and wherein the first side and the second side form a V-shaped extension, and at least one venting hole, wherein the venting hole extends from an outside edge of a gasket wall to an interior gasket wall, and wherein the venting hole provides a conduit to an interior void of the insulating container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Joseph Seiders, James William Sonntag, Christopher M. Keller, Steve Charles Nichols, David J. Bell, Matthew Bryson, Tom Goike
  • Publication number: 20230068993
    Abstract: An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a spout adapter, the spout adapter having an internal passageway extending between the internal reservoir and a spout opening, which may be smaller than the opening of the canister. The spout opening may be sealed with an upper cap that has a magnetic top surface. The upper cap may be selectively coupled to seal the spout opening, or may be magnetically coupled to a magnetic docking surface of a docking structure on the spout adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Steve Charles NICHOLS, Evan GOLDBERG, Edward ABANTE
  • Patent number: 11584566
    Abstract: An accessory for use with a portable container includes a jacket configured to extend around at least a portion of the sidewall of the container, the jacket including a plurality of modular sections formed separately and connected together around the at least a portion of the sidewall of the container. The modular sections include a first modular section having extending around a first portion of the sidewall of the container, a second modular section connected to the first modular section and extending around a second portion of the sidewall of the container, and at least one additional modular section extending around a third portion of the sidewall of the container. The first and second modular sections have different structural configurations. The accessory also includes a first connection member connected to the jacket and configured to support the jacket in connection with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Rogers, Andrew M. Bosway, Scott Barbieri, Steve Charles Nichols, Mark Carlson Rane, Donald Edward Desroches
  • Publication number: 20230030665
    Abstract: A portable container and container assembly provides a durable, functional and simple carry-all solution for dry and wet provisions, goods and gear. Exemplary features of various embodiments include one or more of an overmolded pad on the bottom of the container, a removable handle incorporating a releasable retaining structure, a lid that seals within the container cavity and is flush with the outer periphery of the container sidewall and/or has a cellular internal reinforcing structure, a skirt extending around the sidewall that is integral with handle mounts for the handle and/or provides a connection point for external components, and a drop-in tray with a collapsible handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Roy Joseph Seiders, Andy Bondhus, Steve Charles Nichols, Dennis Zuck, Andrew M. Bosway
  • Patent number: 11524833
    Abstract: An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a spout adapter, the spout adapter having a spout channel extending between the internal reservoir and a spout opening, smaller than the opening of the canister. The spout opening may be sealed with a cap having a magnetic top surface, and the spout adapter may be further removably coupled to a lid that may be used as a cup into which a volume of the liquid can be poured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: John Alan Tolman, Steve Charles Nichols, Edward Abante
  • Patent number: 11517086
    Abstract: A suitcase having a base and a lid where the lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching assemblies is disclosed. The lid may comprise an upper shell, and the base may comprise a lower shell. The upper shell and the lower shell may be seamlessly formed to create a water resistant and/or waterproof suitcase. The suitcase may have an extendable trolley handle assembly that is externally attached to the base of the suitcase. The trolley handle assembly may comprise a pair of extrusion assemblies that are connected to the base of the suitcase and connected to each other by a grip. The suitcase may also have a removably secured interior liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Charles Nichols, Andy Bondhus, Michael Christopher Cieszko, Nicholas James Lombardi, Kyle Edward Rogers, Dustin Bullock
  • Patent number: 11503932
    Abstract: An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a spout adapter, the spout adapter having an internal passageway extending between the internal reservoir and a spout opening, which may be smaller than the opening of the canister. The spout opening may be sealed with an upper cap that has a magnetic top surface. The upper cap may be selectively coupled to seal the spout opening, or may be magnetically coupled to a magnetic docking surface of a docking structure on the spout adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Charles Nichols, Evan Goldberg, Edward Abante
  • Patent number: 11492184
    Abstract: An example lid assembly can include a lid and a slider. The lid can include a wall defining a recess. The slider can be configured to slide in the recess and can be configured to move between a closed position where the slider covers the opening to aid in preventing spilling of contents of the container and an opened position where the slider uncovers the opening such that the contents of the container can be consumed. The slider can be configured to be removable from the lid and can be replaced back on the lid. Additionally, the slider can be configured to lock into place on the recess in both the closed position and the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Joseph Seiders, John Alan Tolman, Steve Charles Nichols
  • Publication number: 20220331676
    Abstract: A cornhole board assembly is disclosed that may have a base and a removable and/or interchangeable playing board. The base may be formed from metallic materials while the playing board may be formed from primarily non-metallic materials. The cornhole board assembly may include damping elements arranged between the base and the playing board. Depending on the playing board attached, the cornhole board assembly may have different playing characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventor: Steve Charles Nichols
  • Patent number: 11464305
    Abstract: A suitcase having a base and a lid where the lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching assemblies is disclosed. The lid may comprise an upper shell, and the base may comprise a lower shell. The upper shell and the lower shell may be seamlessly formed to create a water resistant and/or waterproof suitcase. The suitcase may have an extendable trolley handle assembly that is externally attached to the base of the suitcase. The trolley handle assembly may comprise a pair of extrusion assemblies that are connected to the base of the suitcase and connected to each other by a grip. The suitcase may also have a removably secured interior liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Charles Nichols, Andy Bondhus, Michael Christopher Cieszko, Nicholas James Lombardi, Kyle Edward Rogers, Dustin Bullock
  • Patent number: D965390
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Joseph Seiders, James William Sonntag, Christopher M. Keller, Steve Charles Nichols
  • Patent number: D969489
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Derek G. Sullivan, Steve Charles Nichols, Christopher Kalck
  • Patent number: D970216
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Derek G. Sullivan, Steve Charles Nichols, Christopher Kalck
  • Patent number: D988766
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Yardbird Outside, LLC
    Inventor: Steve Charles Nichols
  • Patent number: D988789
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Charles Nichols, Edward Naguit Abante, Evan Goldberg
  • Patent number: D989179
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Yardbird Outside, LLC
    Inventor: Steve Charles Nichols