Patents by Inventor William R. Mathias

William R. Mathias 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: 11571087
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a foldable foot pivotally coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The foldable foot is movable relative to the first and second legs between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The foldable foot contacts an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the foldable foot is unfolded and the portable grill is erected and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface. The foldable foot provides a handle by which the portable grill can be picked up when the foldable foot is folded and the portable grill is collapsed and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Jerzy Latocha, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 11571088
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a support bar coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The support bar further extends at an angle away from the first and second legs. The support bar is configured to contact an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface. The support bar is further configured to provide a handle by which the portable grill can be hung when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented vertically relative to the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 11510525
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame, a leg unit, and a leg lock assembly. The leg unit is movably coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg. The leg lock assembly is operatively coupled to the leg unit and located partially within the frame. The leg lock assembly is configured to lock the leg unit in a first position relative to the frame when the portable grill is in the erected configuration, and to unlock the leg unit from the first position to enable movement of the portable grill from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Jerzy Latocha, Jeffrey L. Crull, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 11510526
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a cookbox, a lid, a cooking grate, and a grate retainer. The lid is movably coupled to the cookbox, and is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The lid and the cookbox define a cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position. The cooking grate is located within the cooking chamber and supported by the cookbox. The cooking grate is movable relative to the cookbox when the lid is in the open position. The grate retainer is coupled to the lid, and extends inwardly from an inner surface of the lid. The grate retainer is configured to restrict movement of the cooking grate relative to the cookbox when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Jerzy Latocha, Jeffrey L. Crull, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 11503950
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame, a cookbox, a lid, and a lid lock assembly. The cookbox is coupled to the frame. The lid is movably coupled to the cookbox. The lid is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The lid lock assembly is coupled to the frame. The lid lock assembly is configured to enable movement of the lid from the closed position into the open position when the portable grill is in the erected configuration, and to lock the lid in the closed position in response to the portable grill being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Jerzy Latocha, Jeffrey L. Crull, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 11503952
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a frame, a leg unit, and a leg latch assembly. The leg unit is coupled to the frame. The leg latch assembly includes a post rigidly coupled to the leg unit, and a swing plate pivotally coupled to the frame. The swing plate includes an opening to receive the post when the portable grill is in a collapsed configuration. The opening includes a first post-receiving portion having a first diameter, and a second post-receiving portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter. The swing plate is pivotable to selectively locate the post in the first post-receiving portion or the second post-receiving portion. The swing plate is separable from the post when the post is located in the first post-receiving portion, and inseparable from the post when the post is located in the second post-receiving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Jerzy Latocha, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 11503951
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a valve and regulator assembly and a tank blocker. The valve and regulator assembly includes a tank connector configured to removably couple a fuel tank to the valve and regulator assembly. The tank blocker is configured to prevent the portable grill from being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration when the portable grill is in the erected configuration and the fuel tank is coupled to the tank connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: WEBER-STEPHEN PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Jerzy Latocha, Jeffrey L. Crull, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20210212507
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a valve and regulator assembly and a tank blocker. The valve and regulator assembly includes a tank connector configured to removably couple a fuel tank to the valve and regulator assembly. The tank blocker is configured to prevent the portable grill from being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration when the portable grill is in the erected configuration and the fuel tank is coupled to the tank connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, JR., Jerzy Latocha, Jeffrey L. Crull, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20210212515
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a cookbox, a lid, a cooking grate, and a grate retainer. The lid is movably coupled to the cookbox, and is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The lid and the cookbox define a cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position. The cooking grate is located within the cooking chamber and supported by the cookbox. The cooking grate is movable relative to the cookbox when the lid is in the open position. The grate retainer is coupled to the lid, and extends inwardly from an inner surface of the lid. The grate retainer is configured to restrict movement of the cooking grate relative to the cookbox when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Jerzy Latocha, Jeffrey L. Crull, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20210215342
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a support bar coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The support bar further extends at an angle away from the first and second legs. The support bar is configured to contact an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented vertically relative to the underlying surface. The support bar is further configured to provide a handle by which the portable grill can be picked up when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, JR., Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20210212513
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a support bar coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The support bar further extends at an angle away from the first and second legs. The support bar is configured to contact an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface. The support bar is further configured to provide a handle by which the portable grill can be hung when the portable grill is in the collapsed configuration and oriented vertically relative to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, JR., Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20210212514
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill includes a frame, a leg unit, and a leg latch assembly. The leg unit is coupled to the frame. The leg latch assembly includes a post rigidly coupled to the leg unit, and a swing plate pivotally coupled to the frame. The swing plate includes an opening to receive the post when the portable grill is in a collapsed configuration. The opening includes a first post-receiving portion having a first diameter, and a second post-receiving portion having a second diameter less than the first diameter. The swing plate is pivotable to selectively locate the post in the first post-receiving portion or the second post-receiving portion. The swing plate is separable from the post when the post is located in the first post-receiving portion, and inseparable from the post when the post is located in the second post-receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, Jr., Jerzy Latocha, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20210212510
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame, a leg unit, and a leg lock assembly. The leg unit is movably coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg and a second leg spaced apart from the first leg. The leg lock assembly is operatively coupled to the leg unit and located partially within the frame. The leg lock assembly is configured to lock the leg unit in a first position relative to the frame when the portable grill is in the erected configuration, and to unlock the leg unit from the first position to enable movement of the portable grill from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, JR., Jerzy Latocha, Jeffrey L. Crull, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20210212511
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame, a cookbox, a lid, and a lid lock assembly. The cookbox is coupled to the frame. The lid is movably coupled to the cookbox. The lid is movable relative to the cookbox between a closed position and an open position. The lid lock assembly is coupled to the frame. The lid lock assembly is configured to enable movement of the lid from the closed position into the open position when the portable grill is in the erected configuration, and to lock the lid in the closed position in response to the portable grill being moved from the erected configuration into the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, JR., Jerzy Latocha, Jeffrey L. Crull, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Publication number: 20210212512
    Abstract: Portable grills are disclosed. An example portable grill movable between an erected configuration and a collapsed configuration includes a frame and a leg unit coupled to the frame. The leg unit includes a first leg, a second leg spaced apart from the first leg, and a foldable foot pivotally coupled to and extending between the first and second legs. The foldable foot is movable relative to the first and second legs between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The foldable foot contacts an underlying surface to support the portable grill when the foldable foot is unfolded and the portable grill is erected and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface. The foldable foot provides a handle by which the portable grill can be picked up when the foldable foot is folded and the portable grill is collapsed and oriented horizontally relative to the underlying surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Paul R. Hunt, Karol Polaczek, Karol Polaczek, JR., Jerzy Latocha, Simon Livingston-Jha, William R. Mathias, Evan Sparks, Joel Kramka, Montel Caruthers, Henry M. Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 8528787
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a back-housing, a cover movably coupled to the back-housing, and a latch coupled to the back-housing. A catch is coupled to the cover. The latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. The cover has an opening. A key insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover. A push button insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. A key device is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. The push button insert and the key device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, William R. Mathias, Alan P. Paal
  • Publication number: 20110303699
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a back-housing, a cover movably coupled to the back-housing, and a latch coupled to the back-housing. A catch is coupled to the cover. The latch cooperates with the catch to hold the cover against the back-housing when the cover is in a first position. The cover has an opening. A key insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the opening of the cover. A push button insert is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. A key device is disposed to be removably coupled to the key insert. The push button insert and the key device are mutually interchangeable with each other for being removably coupled to the key insert by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: GEORGIA-PACIFIC CONSUMER PRODUCTS LP
    Inventors: Antonio M. Cittadino, William R. Mathias, Alan P. Paal
  • Patent number: 4538199
    Abstract: A resistance wire sensing overcurrent protection module (CSM) for an electrical supply circuit (SC) having a hot temperature sensing diode (32) mounted at the center portion (8c) of an M-shaped resistance wire (8) connected in the supply circuit and an ambient temperature sensing diode (20) mounted on a substrate (18) supported between the supply terminals (4a-b, 6a-b), both diodes being connected to respective pairs of terminals (12a-b, 10a-b) mounted on a header (18) along with the supply terminals. A cover (46) is mounted on the header and filled with glass micro-balloons (48) to isolate thermally the two diodes. A constant current circuit (49) supplies constant current to the two diodes which operate a differential amplifier (52) having an output proportional to the temperature difference as a measure of supply current. This output trips a Schmitt trigger comparator (54) when the supply current rises to an overload value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph F. Bielinski, M. Frank Chacon, Dennis M. Kramer, William R. Mathias, Stanley Schneider