Patents by Inventor Thomas Birkert

Thomas Birkert 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: 10745941
    Abstract: A barrier latch assembly having a housing including a first locking element, a second locking element, a trigger and a swing plate. The swing plate is coupled to the trigger and to the first and second locking elements. When the trigger is depressed, the swing plate pivots from an unlock position to a lock position over a rear side of the first and second locking element thereby blocking and preventing the first and second locking elements from being depressed inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju Fang, Thomas Birkert, Stephen Kong, Stephen Chan
  • Patent number: 10386060
    Abstract: A threshold barrier assembly includes an illumination system to facilitate visibility of the barrier assembly while mounted in a doorway or on a staircase, thereby reducing the risk of a trip hazard. The barrier assembly can include a frame comprising a pair of upright frame members connected to a lower cross member, and a barrier door comprising an upper horizontal cross member pivotally connected to the frame, a lower horizontal cross member, and vertical members connected between the upper and lower horizontal cross members. At least one illumination element is installed in at least one of the lower cross member, the upper horizontal cross member, or one or more of the vertical members. An integrated controller can control illumination of the illumination system based on a predetermined sequence, or detected environmental or operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Quinn Michael Biesinger, Thomas Birkert
  • Patent number: 9848753
    Abstract: A dishwasher basket having a container, an interior frame, at least one height adjustable rack, a lid and a connection assembly that hingedly couples the container, the interior frame and the lid together. The height adjustable rack may be fastened and moved vertically via a tray securing assembly to vary a volume of an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The lid may have at least one slot for securely holding a portion of a nipple or pacifier, at least one of which slots may be spaced to receive the nipple while the lid remains in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Sung Yun Chan, Nicholas Trumbo, Thomas Birkert
  • Publication number: 20170073998
    Abstract: A barrier latch assembly having a housing including a first locking element, a second locking element, a trigger and a swing plate. The swing plate is coupled to the trigger and to the first and second locking elements. When the trigger is depressed, the swing plate pivots from an unlock position to a lock position over a rear side of the first and second locking element thereby blocking and preventing the first and second locking elements from being depressed inward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju FANG, Thomas Birkert, Stephen Kong, Stephen Chan
  • Publication number: 20160244226
    Abstract: A container assembly for storing and dispensing flowable products. The container assembly having a container, a collar, a lid and a ledge. The container has a closed lower end and an upper open end defining an internal opening therein. The collar is connected to the upper open end of the container. The lid is connected to the collar and has a holder mechanism comprising a pair of projections defining a slotted opening into which a handle of a scoop is removably secured. The ledge extends partially into the internal opening and has a flat portion adapted to scrape off excess material scooped from within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Quinn Michael BIESINGER, Mark A. HATHERILL, Thomas BIRKERT
  • Publication number: 20160245501
    Abstract: A threshold barrier assembly includes an illumination system to facilitate visibility of the barrier assembly while mounted in a doorway or on a staircase, thereby reducing the risk of a trip hazard. The barrier assembly can include a frame comprising a pair of upright frame members connected to a lower cross member, and a barrier door comprising an upper horizontal cross member pivotally connected to the frame, a lower horizontal cross member, and vertical members connected between the upper and lower horizontal cross members. At least one illumination element is installed in at least one of the lower cross member, the upper horizontal cross member, or one or more of the vertical members. An integrated controller can control illumination of the illumination system based on a predetermined sequence, or detected environmental or operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Bryan DUNN, Quinn Michael BEISINGER, Thomas BIRKERT
  • Patent number: 9051770
    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: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
  • Publication number: 20150048091
    Abstract: A dishwasher basket having a container, an interior frame, at least one height adjustable rack, a lid and a connection assembly that hingedly couples the container, the interior frame and the lid together. The height adjustable rack may be fastened and moved vertically via a tray securing assembly to vary a volume of an upper compartment and a lower compartment. The lid may have at least one slot for securely holding a portion of a nipple or pacifier, at least one of which slots may be spaced to receive the nipple while the lid remains in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Sung Yun CHAN, Nicholas TRUMBO, Thomas BIRKERT
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140150349
    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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120285099
    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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
  • Publication number: 20120144745
    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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
  • Publication number: 20120084909
    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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Huisok Pyon, Thomas Birkert
  • Publication number: 20080201881
    Abstract: A system for cleaning a pet chew toy of the type that has a sidewall having an inner surface defining a hollow interior and at least one opening defined in the sidewall communicating with the hollow interior includes a first brush having a stem portion and a plurality of bristles. The stem portion and the bristles are both constructed and arranged so as to be able to fit through an opening in the sidewall of the pet chew toy. The bristles are further dimensioned so as to facilitate scrubbing of the inner surface of the sidewall of the pet chew toy. A handle is operatively connected to the stem portion of the first brush, and a second brush is provided that is constructed and arranged so as to be able to fit through a second opening in the sidewall of the pet chew toy. A method of cleaning a pet chew toy is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark Hatherill, Thomas Birkert
  • Patent number: D550460
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark Hatherill, Thomas Birkert
  • Patent number: D564138
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark Hatherill, Thomas Birkert
  • Patent number: D665259
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Huisok Pyon, Thomas Birkert
  • Patent number: D787317
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Quinn Michael Biesinger, Mark A. Hatherill, Thomas Birkert
  • Patent number: D847642
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Quinn Michael Biesinger, Mark A. Hatherill, Thomas Birkert