Patents by Inventor Steven B. Dunn

Steven B. Dunn 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: 10478025
    Abstract: A toilet training device includes an odor remediation system for absorbing or masking odors that may be created during toilet training. The odor remediation system may include a modular odor remediating insert that may be releasably positioned within a recess that is provided within the toilet training device. The odor remediating insert may include an odor absorbing substance such as sodium bicarbonate, an odor masking substance such as a fragrance or a combination of an odor absorbing substance and an odor masking substance. The toilet training device also includes a system for dispensing wipes that may utilize a recess that is defined in a side wall of the main body portion of the toilet training device. A wipes cartridge is designed so that it can be used to conveniently dispense wipes regardless of whether it is separated from the toilet training device or mounted within the recess of the toilet training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Huisok Pyon
  • Patent number: 10343842
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9714138
    Abstract: Methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used with disposable diapers includes a housing, a rotatable member, and a bag unit having a bag frame and attached single use flexible bag. The user aligns and releasably mounts the bag frame to the housing. The rotatable member has a plurality of inwardly extending fingers. The inwardly extending fingers have a bag contact surface that operatively interacts with the single use flexible bag. A temporary seal is created by twisting a portion of the single use flexible bag with the rotatable member and the package is pushed through the twist for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: MUNCHKIN INC.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160249733
    Abstract: Modular and flexible brush systems are disclosed having multiple interchangeable parts that have different functions. A base portion contains a nipple brush. A handle portion includes various internal connecting mechanisms and stores the nipple brush. A top portion includes a bottle brush and has a flexible neck portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Gerard Tebbe, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Yong Sun Simon Kang, Sung Yun Chan, Thomas E. Birkert
  • Patent number: 9027173
    Abstract: A toilet training device includes an odor remediation system for absorbing or masking odors that may be created during toilet training. The odor remediation system may include a modular odor remediating insert that may be releasably positioned within a recess that is provided within the toilet training device. The odor remediating insert may include an odor absorbing substance such as sodium bicarbonate, an odor masking substance such as a fragrance or a combination of an odor absorbing substance and an odor masking substance. The toilet training device also includes a system for dispensing wipes that may utilize a recess that is defined in a side wall of the main body portion of the toilet training device. A wipes cartridge is designed so that it can be used to conveniently dispense wipes regardless of whether it is separated from the toilet training device or mounted within the recess of the toilet training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Keith G. Ciampa, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Huisok Pyon
  • Patent number: 8863811
    Abstract: A gate has an expandable barrier and a horizontal rail located at a top of the barrier. A post may be coupled to the barrier and may have a portion extending above the horizontal rail. A lock is movably coupled to the post above the rail to provide for the locking and unlocking of the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
  • Patent number: 8833592
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8739501
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8739993
    Abstract: A spillproof container assembly includes a container body and a lid body that is adapted to be fastened onto the container body by screwing. Both the container body and the lid body are advantageously provided with outwardly extending wing portions for enhancing the grippability of and properly orienting the container assembly for small children. The outwardly extending wing portions of the container body are aligned with the outwardly extending wing portions of the lid body. The lid body is provided with an acoustic waveguide, and sound generating structure is provided in communication with the acoustic waveguide for creating an audible feedback when the lid body has been tightened onto the container body to a predetermined relative position and tightness. The acoustic waveguide further functions as a viewing port that provides a visual feedback so that a user can visually verify the position of the lid body with respect to the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Won Song
  • Patent number: 8733568
    Abstract: A spillproof container assembly includes a container body and a lid body that is adapted to be fastened onto the container body by screwing. Both the container body and the lid body are advantageously provided with outwardly extending wing portions for enhancing the grippability of and properly orienting the container assembly for small children. The outwardly extending wing portions of the container body are aligned with the outwardly extending wing portions of the lid body. The lid body is provided with an acoustic waveguide, and sound generating structure is provided in communication with the acoustic waveguide for creating an audible feedback when the lid body has been tightened onto the container body to a predetermined relative position and tightness. The acoustic waveguide further functions as a viewing port that provides a visual feedback so that a user can visually verify the position of the lid body with respect to the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Won Song
  • Patent number: 8695179
    Abstract: A hook article that is constructed and arranged to facilitate attachment between two or more objects includes a fixed frame member and gate member. The gate member includes a first end that is pivotally hinged to the frame member, a second end movable with respect to the frame member to allow access into an interior space and a handle that is integral with the gate member. The position of the handle facilitates the process of and enables a user to easily open and close the gate member with a single hand, while protecting the fingers of the user against jamming. Upon applying pressure to the handle, the gate member pivotally retracts towards an interior space of the hook article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Eugene Bae
  • Patent number: 8690017
    Abstract: A powder dispenser for a waste disposal system includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be secured to a waste disposal unit, and a container defining an interior space in which a powder such as sodium bicarbonate may be stored. The container is releasably mounted to the underside of a hinged lid member of the waste disposal unit. A directional dispensing system is provided for dispensing powder from the container into a targeted portion of the waste disposal system. The directional dispensing system is constructed and arranged to concentrate initial dispersal of the powder to a single side of the container and includes a dispensing orifice. The dispensing orifice is preferably oriented to limit initial dispersal of the powder within a defined angular range with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lid member, and is spaced axially and laterally with respect to the waste disposal unit at distances that facilitate distribution of the powder to desired targeted portions of the waste disposal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140042168
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, MARK A. HATHERILL, KEVIN D. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 8647587
    Abstract: A powder dispenser for a waste disposal system includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be secured to a waste disposal unit, and a container defining an interior space in which a powder such as sodium bicarbonate may be stored. The container is releasably mounted to the underside of a hinged lid member of the waste disposal unit. A directional dispensing system is provided for dispensing powder from the container into a targeted portion of the waste disposal system. The directional dispensing system is constructed and arranged to concentrate initial dispersal of the powder to a single side of the container and includes a dispensing orifice. The dispensing orifice is preferably oriented to limit initial dispersal of the powder within a defined angular range with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lid member, and is spaced axially and laterally with respect to the waste disposal unit at distances that facilitate distribution of the powder to desired targeted portions of the waste disposal unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8635838
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8578656
    Abstract: A barrier has an expandable width barrier having opposing first and second ends. A locking arm is pivotably coupled to the expandable width barrier at the first end and slidably coupled to the expandable width barrier at the second end. The locking arm may be an adjustable-length construction. The pivoting of the locking arm causes the barrier to move between locked and unlocked states. When the locking arm is pivoted to lock the barrier, it causes the barrier to linearly expand a supplemental amount and fits the barrier to opposing sides of a passageway opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
  • Patent number: 8567157
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin D. Johnson
  • Patent number: D685609
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Won Song
  • Patent number: D695061
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Won Song
  • Patent number: D699068
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Won Song