Patents by Inventor Traci Chapple

Traci Chapple 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).

  • Publication number: 20260159262
    Abstract: A device can include a tensioner assembly having a feed wheel. The device can include a lever coupled with the tensioner assembly to pivot the tensioner assembly relative to a base. The device can include a crank coupled with an actuator, the actuator to rotate the crank about a crank axis. The device can include a linkage including a first linkage end pivotally coupled with the crank at a position offset from the crank axis and a second linkage end including an opening having a sidewall. The device can include a resilient member, the resilient member positioned at least partially within the opening of the second linkage end. An axle of the lever is coupled with the resilient member and positioned at least partially within the second opening. The axle can move relative to the sidewall of the first opening with the feed wheel positioned against a strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2024
    Publication date: June 11, 2026
    Applicant: SAMUEL, SON & CO. (USA) INC.
    Inventors: Michael Graef, Daniel Muskin-Pierret, Victor Contreras-Gomez, Traci Chapple
  • Publication number: 20250353627
    Abstract: Strapping devices and methods are provided. The strapping device can include a member. The strapping device can include a first actuator coupled with the member to move the member between a first position and a second position. The strapping device can include a sensor to detect an electrical characteristic of the first actuator and to transmit a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic. The strapping device can include a data processing system. The data processing system can receive the signal and determine the member is in contact with a welding component based on the electrical characteristic. The data processing system can determine the second position of the member based on the member being in contact with the welding component. The data processing system can transmit a control signal to the first actuator and a second actuator to initiate a welding cycle with the member at the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2025
    Publication date: November 20, 2025
    Applicant: SAMUEL, SON & CO. (USA) INC.
    Inventors: Mark Kmiecik, Michael A. Graef, Rebecca Regan, Adam Broda, Traci Chapple, David Vonderhaar
  • Patent number: 12397943
    Abstract: Strapping devices and methods are provided. The strapping device can include a member. The strapping device can include a first actuator coupled with the member to move the member between a first position and a second position. The strapping device can include a sensor to detect an electrical characteristic of the first actuator and to transmit a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic. The strapping device can include a data processing system. The data processing system can receive the signal and determine the member is in contact with a welding component based on the electrical characteristic. The data processing system can determine the second position of the member based on the member being in contact with the welding component. The data processing system can transmit a control signal to the first actuator and a second actuator to initiate a welding cycle with the member at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: Samuel, Son & Co. (USA) Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Kmiecik, Michael A. Graef, Rebecca Regan, Adam Broda, Traci Chapple, David Vonderhaar
  • Publication number: 20240174393
    Abstract: Strapping devices and methods are provided. The strapping device can include a member. The strapping device can include a first actuator coupled with the member to move the member between a first position and a second position. The strapping device can include a sensor to detect an electrical characteristic of the first actuator and to transmit a signal indicative of the electrical characteristic. The strapping device can include a data processing system. The data processing system can receive the signal and determine the member is in contact with a welding component based on the electrical characteristic. The data processing system can determine the second position of the member based on the member being in contact with the welding component. The data processing system can transmit a control signal to the first actuator and a second actuator to initiate a welding cycle with the member at the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: SAMUEL, SON & CO. (USA) INC.
    Inventors: Mark Kmiecik, Michael A. Graef, Rebecca Regan, Adam Broda, Traci Chapple, David Vonderhaar
  • Patent number: 10791907
    Abstract: A decorating tip holder includes a main body and a base configured to engage and to disengage with the main body. The main body includes at least one aperture in a side surface thereof, and at least one flange proximate to the at least one aperture. The main body is configured to receive and secure at least one decorating tip. The at least one aperture is configured to secure a decorating tip base of the at least one decorating tip, and the at least one flange is configured to secure a tip of the at least one decorating tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Werner, Traci Chapple, Shannon Smith
  • Publication number: 20190350435
    Abstract: A decorating tip holder includes a main body and a base configured to engage and to disengage with the main body. The main body includes at least one aperture in a side surface thereof, and at least one flange proximate to the at least one aperture. The main body is configured to receive and secure at least one decorating tip. The at least one aperture is configured to secure a decorating tip base of the at least one decorating tip, and the at least one flange is configured to secure a tip of the at least one decorating tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Michael WERNER, Traci CHAPPLE, Shannon SMITH, Megan EHRHARDT
  • Patent number: 10130199
    Abstract: A cake stacking system for supporting a multi-tiered cake includes a center rod that extends from a bottom of a base tier of the multi-tiered cake to an interior portion of an uppermost tier of the multi-tiered cake, and a plurality of peripheral rods arranged around the center rod, the plurality of peripheral rods disposed in each tier of the multi-tiered cake except for the uppermost tier of the multi-tiered cake. The center rod includes at least one first rod having a first height and one second rod having a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. Each peripheral rod includes a tubular member and a flange coupled to one end of the tubular member. The flange maintains a vertical position of the tubular member and supports a bottom surface of an above tier of the multi-tiered cake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: WILTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Lisa Deszcz, Erin Rohler, Traci Chapple, David Starr, Beth Somers
  • Publication number: 20170238741
    Abstract: A cake stacking system for supporting a multi-tiered cake includes a center rod that extends from a bottom of a base tier of the multi-tiered cake to an interior portion of an uppermost tier of the multi-tiered cake, and a plurality of peripheral rods arranged around the center rod, the plurality of peripheral rods disposed in each tier of the multi-tiered cake except for the uppermost tier of the multi-tiered cake. The center rod includes at least one first rod having a first height and one second rod having a second height. The first height is greater than the second height. Each peripheral rod includes a tubular member and a flange coupled to one end of the tubular member. The flange maintains a vertical position of the tubular member and supports a bottom surface of an above tier of the multi-tiered cake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Lisa DESZCZ, Erin ROHLER, Traci CHAPPLE, David STARR, Beth SOMERS
  • Patent number: 9668487
    Abstract: A portioning device is provided for use in cutting or leveling a food product. The portioning device comprises a handle section that is configured to be manipulated by a user, a leg section and a blade. The handle section includes an arm configured to receive a leg, a sleeve configured to slide over a portion of the arm, and an arm connector pivotally coupled to the arm. The leg section is configured to support the portioning device on a surface. The leg section includes a blade holder configured to hold an end of a blade portion, and a leg lock configured to adjustably lock the leg in a position. The blade is configured to cut an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: WILTON INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: David Starr, Catherine Franczyk, Jeffrey Bull, Hugh Melling, Traci Chapple, Jeffrey Chiu, Mason Umholtz
  • Patent number: 8955431
    Abstract: An imprinter for creating impressions of designs in media such as buttercream, fondant, gum paste, modeling dough, and cookie dough for decoration. The imprinter includes a retainer having a retainer body and at least one retaining portion and a lock configured to be received by the retainer. The lock has a lock retaining portion engageable with the retaining portion of the retainer to selectably secure the lock to the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David Starr, Erin Smith, Traci Chapple, Stephanie Goode, Mason Umholtz, Angie Lullie, John McDavitt
  • Publication number: 20140227412
    Abstract: An imprinter for creating impressions of designs in media such as buttercream, fondant, gum paste, modeling dough, and cookie dough for decoration. The imprinter includes a retainer having a retainer body and at least one retaining portion and a lock configured to be received by the retainer. The lock has a lock retaining portion engageable with the retaining portion of the retainer to selectably secure the lock to the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: David STARR, Erin SMITH, Traci CHAPPLE, Stephanie GOODE, Mason UMHOLTZ, Angie LULLIE, John McDAVITT
  • Patent number: 8608016
    Abstract: A straw having a flexible portion. The flexible portion of the straw is removably coupleable to a lid. The straw may be bent to engage a straw latch on the lid, sealing the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Wilton Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Chiu, David Starr, Mason Umholtz, Stephanie Guttas, Traci Chapple
  • Patent number: 8528764
    Abstract: A drink bottle comprising a lower bottle portion and an upper bottle portion configured to removably connect to form a liquid-tight seal. The upper bottle portion includes a connection portion engageable with a connection portion of the lower bottle portion. The drink bottle further includes a sleeve configured to be arranged about one of the upper bottle portion and the lower bottle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Traci Chapple, David Starr, Jeffrey Chiu, Mason Umholtz, Stephanie Guttas
  • Publication number: 20130126527
    Abstract: A straw having a flexible portion. The flexible portion of the straw is removably coupleable to a lid. The straw may be bent to engage a straw latch on the lid, sealing the straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey Chiu, David Starr, Mason Umholtz, Stephanie Guttas, Traci Chapple
  • Patent number: D722843
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Angie Lullie, Traci Chapple, Erin Smith, Lisa Deszcz
  • Patent number: D760548
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Deszcz, Erin Rohler, Traci Chapple, David Starr, Beth Somers
  • Patent number: D760559
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy Chu, Lisa Deszcz, Traci Chapple, David Starr, Erin Smith, Angelina Lullie
  • Patent number: D833835
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: WILTON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sarah Mault, Traci Chapple, Michael Werner, Andrew Johansen
  • Patent number: D888365
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Werner, Traci Chapple, Shannon Smith
  • Patent number: D1124896
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2026
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathryn Wolske, Traci Chapple, Andrew Johansen