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).
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Patent number: 10745941Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju Fang, Thomas Birkert, Stephen Kong, Stephen Chan
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Patent number: 10386060Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Quinn Michael Biesinger, Thomas Birkert
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Patent number: 9848753Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: MUNCHKIN, INC.Inventors: Sung Yun Chan, Nicholas Trumbo, Thomas Birkert
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Publication number: 20170073998Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Ruth Hsin-Ju FANG, Thomas Birkert, Stephen Kong, Stephen Chan
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Publication number: 20160244226Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Quinn Michael BIESINGER, Mark A. HATHERILL, Thomas BIRKERT
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Publication number: 20160245501Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Steven Bryan DUNN, Quinn Michael BEISINGER, Thomas BIRKERT
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Patent number: 9051770Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
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Publication number: 20150048091Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.Inventors: Sung Yun CHAN, Nicholas TRUMBO, Thomas BIRKERT
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Patent number: 8863811Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
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Publication number: 20140150349Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
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Patent number: 8578656Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
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Publication number: 20120285099Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2011Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
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Publication number: 20120144745Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Adam John Yates, Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Rodolfo Gastelum, Thomas Birkert
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Publication number: 20120084909Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Huisok Pyon, Thomas Birkert
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Publication number: 20080201881Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: MUNCHKIN, INC.Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark Hatherill, Thomas Birkert
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Patent number: D550460Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark Hatherill, Thomas Birkert
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Patent number: D564138Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark Hatherill, Thomas Birkert
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Patent number: D665259Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Mark G. Tebbe, Huisok Pyon, Thomas Birkert
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Patent number: D787317Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: MUNCHKIN, INC.Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Quinn Michael Biesinger, Mark A. Hatherill, Thomas Birkert
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Patent number: D847642Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Quinn Michael Biesinger, Mark A. Hatherill, Thomas Birkert