Patents Issued in December 22, 2015
  • Patent number: 9215902
    Abstract: Visors formed from a pliable and flexible material, such as but not limited to EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) having patterns of through-holes and partial cutouts for allowing accessories such as labels, charms, badges, puncture tool and sunglass/eyeglass supports and the like, to be plugged into the holes and cut-outs and easily removable and interchangeable with other accessories. A removable rear head strap be attached to the visor, having a plurality of holes with fasteners to adjust the strap to different head sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Foamula Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Johns
  • Patent number: 9215903
    Abstract: A device for use with a helmet in contact sports, which includes a curved body connected with the helmet and configured for disposal along a front part of a user's neck. The body includes: (i) planar first and second surfaces, the first surface having a curved portion to generally conform under the user's chin; and (ii) a third surface that is curved along the front part of the user's neck and configured to be spaced from but does not contact the user's neck. The device is configured to absorb an impact force and resist the user's neck from moving forward during a sports collision. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua D. Abbey, Raphael P. Davis, Craig D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9215904
    Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a helmet having magnetic coupling is provided. In a particular embodiment, the helmet includes at least one protective layer configured to cover at least a portion of a user's head and a pad coupled to a back plate, a back plate coupled to a protective layer, a back plate comprising a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher David Sackett
  • Patent number: 9215905
    Abstract: A heat-generating shoe comprises a power generation device. When applying a force to the heat-generating shoe, the power generation device with applied force produces electrical energy by electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric effect without external power supply or replacing the battery, so as to generate power automatically during the user walking. More particularly, the present invention can increase the temperature inside the shoe body for preventing users from frostbite in cryogenic environment. Additionally, the present invention provides a variety of types of power generation devices, so a suitable power generation device can be adopted depending on the power demand, thickness of heat-generating shoe, and/or costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Shen-Ko Tseng
  • Patent number: 9215906
    Abstract: A waterproof and vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper that is lined at least partially by an upper membrane impermeable to water in a liquid state and permeable to water vapor. The upper membrane is connected hermetically to a sole which is impermeable to water in the liquid state. The hermetic connection is provided by a sealing element included in an assembly insole. The sealing element is permeable with respect to sealing material, or a glue, sealing adhesive, or polymeric material for providing the sole, and is impregnated with the sealing material, which grips the upper membrane and is connected to the sole or forms a single body therewith, sealing it to the upper membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
  • Patent number: 9215907
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure includes footwear with a sole assembly including an abrasion resistant medial arch portion. In various embodiments, a sole assembly can include a primary portion extending across lateral, toe, and heel regions of the sole assembly, and a secondary portion at a medial arch region of the sole assembly. The primary portion can include a first compound having a first durometer and the secondary portion can include a second compound having a second durometer higher than the first durometer. Additionally, the sole assembly can include a dam portion spaced between the primary and secondary portions. The dam portion can include sidewalls that form a recess configured to separate the first compound from the second compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: LaCrosse Footware, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew James Linth, Aaron Barker
  • Patent number: 9215908
    Abstract: A foot bed comprises a bottom encasing mechanically coupled to a cushion. The cushion is mechanically coupled to an encasing sheet. The encasing sheet is mechanically coupled to a top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: OTZ SHOES, INC.
    Inventor: Ludovic Christian Malmoux
  • Patent number: 9215909
    Abstract: Footwear having interchangeable heels, includes: (a) a top component having a back section, a middle, a front and an upper section for encompassing a foot, the top component having an underside shape and contour, and having at least two separate connect mechanisms for connection to a bottom component; (b) a bottom component having a having back, a middle, and a front section, the bottom component having a topside shape and contour sufficiently coinciding with the top component underside shape and contour so as to nest with one another, and having at least two separate connect mechanisms corresponding to the at least two separate mechanisms of the top component for connection to it; and (c) at least one locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Sandra L. Saccullo, Mark Dimuzio, Andrew Serbinski, Richard Wyant, Eric Leal
  • Patent number: 9215910
    Abstract: The present invention describes a dispenser of protective covers for the sole of a shoe. The sole covers are disposed on a sheet that is placed within the dispenser. The dispenser comprises a series of roller supports that are adapted to position the sheet of solve covers onto an exposed platform. A user steps the exposed platform in order to apply the cover to the user's footwear and remove the sole cover from the sheet. The top of the sole cover includes an adhesive that enables the cover to adhere to the sole of the user's shoe, thereby enabling a user to walk around the house while reducing the likelihood that the user would spread dirt therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Baljinder Singh Dhillon
  • Patent number: 9215911
    Abstract: A belt buckle with a storage compartment uses a typical box frame buckle architecture with a storage compartment hingedly attached to a back side of the box frame on a side opposite a grab bar of the box frame. The storage compartment articulates between a closed position against the box frame and an open position. In the closed position, a pin is removably received within a receiver in order to secure the compartment in the closed position. When the storage compartment is in the closed position, pivot posts that hold the grab bar are within the storage compartment and the grab bar partially overlays an open side of the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher W. Carnley
  • Patent number: 9215912
    Abstract: In a sliding fastener, a fastener element is adhered at a predetermined pitch. The fastener element includes: a close-contact portion; and first and second engaging/disengaging portions which are respectively disposed on the first and the second tape surface sides of the close-contact portion. The close-contact portion has a first close-contact surface and a second close-contact surface which are respectively disposed in one direction and the other direction along the tape length direction. In addition, the pitch is set smaller than a sum of a dimension between the first and the second close-contact surfaces and a dimension between the first and the second close-contact surfaces. As a result, it is possible to make an element row rigid in a line in a more firm manner when a left and right element rows are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Kondo
  • Patent number: 9215913
    Abstract: A rotatable bivalve housing comprising a first annular structure and a second annular structure that may be fixedly engaged with one another to provide a circular volume within which a rotatable ring, or a rotatable ring structure, may be securely rotated. Additionally, the first annular structure may be fixedly engaged with the second annular structure, each annular structure having one or more arcuate bow structures extending outwardly from the portion of the annular structure supportive of the rotatable ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Claude Bisserier
  • Patent number: 9215914
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing customer interest in articles of manufacture, including hand-held portable canopies, such as umbrellas and parasols. A set of actuating components are coupled to moveable elements of the article of manufacture, the moveable elements respond to operation of an user-controlled actuating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Finn Alexander Strong
  • Patent number: 9215915
    Abstract: A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit includes a rigid exo-skeletal frame and a flexible storage bag that couples to the rigid exo-skeletal frame while within an open storage region framed by the exo-skeletal frame. The mobile storage unit also includes a top seat portion and stabilizing features that extend and retract from the rigid exo-skeletal frame to support the mobile storage unit in the upright position. The mobile storage unit can also include a monitoring device for transmitting signals that are used to determine the location of the mobile storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Zuca, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura Elizabeth Udall, Nicholas V. Udall
  • Patent number: 9215916
    Abstract: A protective cover of a mobile terminal is provided. The protective cover for supporting a mobile terminal in a dual direction and a multi angle includes: the protective cover for housing the mobile terminal at the inside; and a support sheet mounted in a recess formed at an outer surface of the protective cover and spread based on a groove line formed in a lattice and having a portion close contacting with the protective cover and having the remaining portions spread from the protection cover and contacting with the ground and for supporting the mobile terminal. Thereby, by supporting the mobile terminal in various heights and angles using an auxiliary card, the mobile terminal can be supported in a multi direction and a multi angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Namsu Kim
  • Patent number: 9215917
    Abstract: Protective eyewear cover that may be folded into or onto itself when removed from the eyewear, resulting in a profile that is slightly thicker than and slightly larger than the size of a single lens of the eyewear. The protective eyewear cover of the present invention is compact in comparison to certain conventional eyewear protection, such as a hard or semi-hard eyeglass case, yet offers maximum protection in comparison to other conventional eyewear protection, such as eyeglass bags or pouches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Richard Pluta
  • Patent number: 9215918
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a luggage bag, which includes an outer container and an organizer that is contained therein. The outer container includes a detachable garment flap having an envelope for storing one or more garments therein. The organizer includes a plurality of foldable compartments. The organizer can be stored within the outer container and covered by the detachable garment flap. The compartments can stack and fold onto each other and can fold into and out of the outer container. The compartments can be removably attached to each other by a connector, such as pile tape, snaps, buttons, etc. The compartments can be modular such that the organizer can be configured to include any desired number of compartments. In some embodiments, the organizer can occupy substantially the entire interior volume of the outer container. The compartments of the organizer are configured to unfold, deploy, and extend from the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: OREGAMI, LLC
    Inventors: David Kao, Richard P. Christen
  • Patent number: 9215919
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a deformable roller and a housing having a reservoir for containing a product, such as a cosmetic product or a medicinal product. The deformable roller comprises a napped roller over molded to, and encasing, a roller pin. Both the napped roller and the roller pin may be formed of materials that are suitable for an injection over-mold manufacturing process. The deformable roller disposed configured for applying product to a body and for deforming and tangentially mating and/or un-mating with an orifice of a reservoir of the housing for sealing and/or un-sealing the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: HCT ASIA LTD.
    Inventors: Adrian C. Apodaca, Timothy Thorpe
  • Patent number: 9215920
    Abstract: This applicator for cosmetic products, or lipstick, is a single or multiple ply card with an embossed pattern that retains a sample of lipstick from a separate container. The pattern shears lipstick from a tube onto the applicator. Also, the pattern assists a consumer in placing the cosmetic upon the applicator. In use, a woman selects a lipstick and moves the applicator, with the raised pattern, or field, down, across the lipstick source. The lipstick collects between the embossing of the raised field. A woman folds the applicator, moves it to her mouth, and transfers the sample to her lips. Following use, a woman reverse folds the applicator and encloses the raised field and sample residue for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignees: Orlandi, Inc., Dela, Corp.
    Inventors: Sven Dobler, Dale Beal
  • Patent number: 9215921
    Abstract: A packaging and applicator device for applying at least one cosmetic, makeup, or care product composition, the device comprising: a container containing the composition; and an applicator member that is secured to the container and that defines an application surface, the applicator member being made, at least in part, out of an inorganic material, and having at least one channel passing therethrough so as to enable the composition to pass from the container to the application surface; the application surface having a surface area lying in the range 50 mm2 to 200 mm2, better in the range 70 mm2 to 150 mm2, better still in the range 80 mm2 to 100 mm2, and the applicator member having a weight that is greater than 4 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Laure Thiebaut, Sylvain De Raemy
  • Patent number: 9215922
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for packaging a cosmetic product, comprising a container (10) having an opening defined by a neck (12) of the container, and a cap (20) for closing the container (10). The cap (20) comprises a cover element (22), a closing-off element (40) for the opening, connected to the cover element (22), a spring member (39) located between the cover element (22) and the closing-off element (40), and a mechanism (30) for locking the cap on the container (10). According to the invention, the locking mechanism (30) comprises a means (25) for retaining the cover element on the container and a means (31) for actuating the retaining VIII means (25) so as to selectively enable the cover element (22) to move with respect to the container (10) from a locked position of the cover element to an unlocked position of the cover element (22) in which the cap (20) can be separated freely from the container (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Jean-François Delage, Lionel Drugeon, Jean-Marc Lebrand
  • Patent number: 9215923
    Abstract: A table apparatus and method of constructing the same including a table top having a plurality of slots, a plurality of legs, each of the legs inserted into a corresponding slot, and a support brace having a first longitudinal slot and a second longitudinal slot, the first longitudinal slot having a longitudinal length greater than a longitudinal length of the second longitudinal slot. A first leg of the plurality of legs is positioned in the first longitudinal slot. A second leg in the plurality of legs is positioned in the second longitudinal slot. The first leg can have a first bolt, the first bolt positioned to extend through a first slot of the plurality of slots and the first longitudinal slot. The second leg can have a second bolt, the second bolt configured to extend through a second slot of the plurality of slots and the second longitudinal slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Luther Boone
  • Patent number: 9215924
    Abstract: A mobile furniture system includes a work surface and a framework assembly, which includes a pair of vertical frame members to support the work surface. The frame members extend above the work surface. At least one utility service line is routed through the framework assembly. A rotatable support may be operatively coupled to each frame member. The rotatable support includes a housing and a rotatable wheel. At least a portion of each of the rotatable supports is in vertical alignment with one frame member. A pair of leg members is operatively coupled to the work surface and is spaced from the pair of frame members. Another rotatable support is coupled to each leg member. A movable foot may be coupled to each of the frame members and to each of the leg members to support the system in a stationary configuration upon a lowering movement of the movable foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Laboratory Solutions International, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Seefeldt, Michael A. Holzer, Robin E. Hecker
  • Patent number: 9215925
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a furniture system and method of manufacture is disclosed. The furniture system may comprise one or more raised horizontal platforms. The plurality of platforms may flank a basin, such as a catch basin. The furniture system may comprise one or more support members to support and/or raise the platforms and/or basin from ground level. The furniture system may comprise one or more containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: C + D, LLC
    Inventors: Dawn R. Scotti, Chase Albright
  • Patent number: 9215926
    Abstract: A storage rack includes front and rear deck beams and C-shaped tie supports extending between the deck beams. Each tie support has a side wall, a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange and bottom flange have front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. The top flange has a reinforcing rib. When assembled with the deck beams the front and rear ends of the top flange are seated on a support ledge of the deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. Similarly, the front and rear ends of the bottom flange are seated on a lower leg of the front and rear deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. The tie supports cooperate with the deck beams to limit the sagging of the decks, while also preventing outward twisting of the deck beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: LF CENTENNIAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Offerman
  • Patent number: 9215927
    Abstract: A panel television support and mounting kit allows the consumer to employ any of the three modes of support, namely stand mount, elevated console mount and wall mount. The elevated console mount incorporates a vertical spine to elevate the panel television above the console and an offset arm to support the television over an upper shelf of the console. A mounting structure is provided that can be attached to the spine or to a wall. Pivoting and tilting is accommodated by the mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: LF CENTENNIAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Kenneth Whalen, Paul R. Jones
  • Patent number: 9215928
    Abstract: An expandable podium has a first part (2) which includes a supporting base panel (7) and a rear panel (8) rising from the base panel, a second part (3) which includes a top panel (9) and a front panel (10) depending from the top panel, wherein in expanded mode of the podium a lower hinge (5) links a bottom corner (10?) of the front panel to the nearest forward corner of the base panel and an upper hinge links a top corner (8?) of the rear panel to the nearest rearward corner of the top panel, each of the upper and lower hinges forming an elongate element the ends of which are connected pivotally to the appertaining base, top, front and rear panels about a respective pivot axis. The pivot axes extend at converging directions that intersect in a common point of intersection, beyond the rear panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: KG SPENNARE AB
    Inventors: James Royden, Jerk Thomsgard
  • Patent number: 9215929
    Abstract: A drive device includes an ejection element, a housing, and a locking element for the ejection element. The locking element is disposed in or on the housing and is movable relative thereto, and a detent element, which is connected to the ejection element and, in the closed position, abuts the locking element. In the locking position, the locking element can block the path of the detent element in the opening direction. The ejection element can be released both when a movable piece of furniture is subjected to increased pressure from a closed position in the closure direction and when the movable piece of furniture is pulled from the closure position in the opening direction. A detection system detects the position of the movable piece of furniture, and a transmission device transmits the position of the movable piece of furniture detected by the detection system to the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: JULIUS BLUM GMBH
    Inventor: Harald Brunnmayr
  • Patent number: 9215930
    Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a storage device is provided. The storage device provides lockable elevated storage. The storage device includes a housing assembly and a base assembly. The housing assembly includes a housing body, a strut, a door assembly, a door seal, and a hinge. The base assembly includes at least two left leg assemblies, at least two right leg assemblies, at least one horizontal transverse member, at least two horizontal longitudinal members, at least two first stabilizing brackets, and at least two second stabilizing brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Weinkove, Osborne Kirby Walls, III
  • Patent number: 9215931
    Abstract: A storage rack includes front and rear deck beams and C-shaped tie supports extending between the deck beams. Each tie support has a side wall, a top flange and a bottom flange. The top flange has front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. The bottom flange has front and rear ends and tabs extending downwardly therefrom. When assembled with the deck beams the front and rear ends of the top flange are seated on a support ledge of the deck beams with the tabs received into respective slots. Similarly, the front and rear ends of the bottom flange are seated on a lower leg of the front and rear deck beams with the tabs received into the respective slots. The tie supports cooperate with the deck beams to limit the sagging of the decks, while also preventing outward twisting of the deck beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: LT CENTENNIAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Ryan Thomas Offerman
  • Patent number: 9215932
    Abstract: A chair action features a movable seat frame (11), a drive frame (12) for effecting seat frame movement, and an underpinning yoke frame (13), intervening pivot slides operative between frames, with guideway slots (14, 14, 16) and followers (19) variously in frames, to contrive a combined pivot swing and translational slide action, and free-floating seat frame mobility, while conforming to virtual pivot geometry; operable under a potential energy function in an inter-relationship between back recline and seat movement, for a common or harmonious experience between different occupancy weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Hilary Rolf Birkbeck
  • Patent number: 9215933
    Abstract: An elastomeric load bearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Coffield, Daniel S. Sommerfeld, Andrew B. Hartmann
  • Patent number: 9215934
    Abstract: Provided is a corrective chair using a slider means that includes a supporting leg, a seat plate that is coupled to the supporting leg and on which a user seats, and a backrest whose lower part is coupled to an upper part of the supporting leg and that supports a back of the user when the user seats on the seat plate. The chair includes a slider that is interposed between the supporting leg and the seat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jae Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 9215935
    Abstract: A chair shade including a cover sheet, frame having a first end and a second end, a sliding unit simultaneously affixed to the cover sheet and slidably affixed to the frame such that the sliding unit moves along the length of the frame when a force is applied and maintains its position on the frame when no force is applied and a securing unit that secures the first end and second end of the frame to corresponding opposite sides of a chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: James Surek, Marinela Surek, Scott W. Beu, Ronaldo J. Santiago, Renato E. Imana
  • Patent number: 9215936
    Abstract: A single-person chair includes a proximal end and a distal end. A generally convex central portion extends between the proximal end and the distal end. The central portion extends upwardly, forming a first pool between the proximal end and the central portion and a second pool between the distal end and the central portion. A longitudinal centerline extends between the proximal end and the distal end. A first sidewall extends between the proximal end and the distal end on a first side of the longitudinal centerline. A second sidewall extends between the proximal end and the distal end on a second side of the longitudinal centerline such that that a liquid can be contained within the chair between the proximal end, the distal end, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Dianne Hoffmann, Mark D. Kuhn, IV, Luc Tenthorey, John Halko, IV
  • Patent number: 9215937
    Abstract: An adjustable side rail assembly includes a side rail and an actuation assembly. The side rail is rotatable between a storage position and a use position. The actuation assembly includes an inner member, an outer member, and a locking assembly. The outer member is coupled to the side rail and is rotatable relative to the inner member between first and second rotational orientations for rotating the side rail between the storage and use positions, respectively. The locking assembly is transitional between a locked condition, wherein the locking assembly engages both the inner and outer members to fix the inner and outer members in the first or second rotational orientation, and an unlocked condition, wherein the locking assembly is disengaged from the inner and/or outer member to permit rotation of the outer member relative to the inner member between the first and second rotational orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Drive Medical Design & Mfg.
    Inventor: Michael Serhan
  • Patent number: 9215938
    Abstract: A product display system includes a plurality of brackets, a plurality of shelves, and a plurality of products. Each bracket is configured to mechanically engage a support structure. Each shelf is mechanically engaged with at least one bracket. The shelves form a first row, a second row, a third row, a first column, a second column, and a third column. The first row is adjacent the second row, and the second row is adjacent the third row. The first column is adjacent the second column, and the second column is adjacent the third column. Each product is supported by one of the shelves. The shelves are arranged such that the distance between the shelves in the first column and the third column is smaller than the width of the product supported by the shelves in the second column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Display Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Neumann, Eleanor Lovinsky, David Piazza, Anthony Camello
  • Patent number: 9215939
    Abstract: A display fixture has a bin with multiple sections. A clip attached to a back panel of the bin has an aperture for receiving a fastener to fasten the bin to a peg board. A back support is mounted to the bin and has a downwardly extending leg that is sized to fit between the peg board and a back surface of a base that the display fixture is seated upon. The bin includes a lower tier of product sections defined in part by a front panel and has a lower sign support with two legs attached to the front panel and a lower label holder connected between the two legs such that there is an open space defined between the two legs and between a top of the front panel and a bottom of the lower label holder. The bin also includes an upper tier of product sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Erin L. Zobel, Jason W. Johnson, Christopher A. Hammond
  • Patent number: 9215940
    Abstract: A display fixture includes a shelf display including a main body having a front side and a backside, a plurality of shelves coupled to the front side of the main body and adapted to support merchandise and a back support attached to the backside of the main body and extending from the backside of the main body. The display fixture also includes a rack display including a frame having at least one substantially vertical member located on a first side of the rack display, at least one substantially vertical member located on a second side of the rack display and at least one arm coupled to the frame to support hanging merchandise. A plurality of fasteners secure the at least one substantially vertical member to the back support of the shelf display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Laura L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 9215941
    Abstract: A frame assembly for displaying a flat article and a combined frame assembly and flat article. In one aspect, the frame assembly comprises a frame, a coupler, a backer panel, and a window panel. The frame comprises a floor structure, a wall coupled to the floor structure, a locking feature on the wall, and a coupling member. The coupler comprises a retaining member and a mounting member. The coupler is coupled to the coupling member of the frame by interaction between the mounting member of the coupler and the coupling member. The retaining member of the coupler protrudes into a display cavity of the frame for retaining a flat article by the retaining member extending into an opening in the flat article. The window panel is positioned in the display cavity of the frame and the locking feature retains the window panel within the display cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Scott Kressin
  • Patent number: 9215942
    Abstract: A closure for a beverage container is disclosed. Said closure comprises an inserted element (2) and a closing member (3) which can be inserted into a mouth of the inserted element (2). A first engaging structure (22) mounted on the internal face of the inserted element (2) can be connected to a second engaging structure (36) arranged on the external face of the closing member (3). The inserted element (2) further has a funnel section (25) above the first engaging structure (22). The closing member (3) has a closed top surface (32), a handle element (31), and an apron (35) with outlets (33). The engaging structures (22, 36) are designed such that the closing member (3) can be moved relative to the inserted element in a vertical direction between a first position in which the closing member (3) seals the mouth and a second position in which the outlets (33) open passages for a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: PI-DESIGN AG
    Inventor: Jørgen Bodum
  • Patent number: 9215943
    Abstract: A clothing hanger accessory that allows a user to store clothing accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, finger rings, bangles, wristbands, headbands, scrunchies, etc. in close proximity to clothing garments that, in combination, form an entire clothing outfit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Annie Varghese-Abraham
  • Patent number: 9215944
    Abstract: Method(s) and device(s) are presented for accurately positioning and fastening a surface cover to the surface. A surface cover can be provided with a cover snap member that has a drill guide through which a hole can be drilled into the surface. The hole can be used to fasten a surface snap member, which snaps together with the cover snap member. The surface snap member can be attached to the surface through a separate screw. Alternatively, the surface snap member can have an integral screw that provides for self-attachment. The surface snap member can have a bore which aligns with the drill guide when the surface snap member and the cover snap member are snapped together. The user can snap the cover snap member and surface snap member and drill a hole into the surface through the channel formed by the aligned drill guide and bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Steven Gelb, Geoffrey Albert Dellapenna
  • Patent number: 9215945
    Abstract: A removable cover is provided for a decorated Christmas tree to prevent house pets from getting into the tree or playing with ornaments and lights on the tree. The cover wraps at least partially around the tree, with the top edge being hooked to tree branches with the top of the tree extending above the cover. Preferably, the bottom edge of the cover drapes onto the floor. The cover may partially or fully enclose the tree from the floor up to a desired height. The tree cover can be quickly and easily placed on the tree when people are sleeping or out of the house, and easily removed and stored when display of the tree is desired. The cover is a sheer material so that ornaments and lights are visible through the material when the cover is on the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Lori A. PeCoy
  • Patent number: 9215946
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine with a receptacle for removably receiving therein a disposable cartridge having a first liquid ingredient and alcohol separated by a frangible partition. A movable lid closes the receptacle with the cartridge therein and has an inlet tube that pierces the upper portion of the cartridge when the lid is closed. An outlet tube at a lower portion of the receptacle pierces the lower portion of the cartridge when the lid is closed. A bottle is removably mounted on the machine beneath the outlet tube. A cold water reservoir is connected to the inlet tube. For carbonated beverages, a carbon dioxide source is connected to the machine at the upper end of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Sean Jenkins
  • Patent number: 9215947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brewing apparatus for brewing by extraction from a portion capsule, having a first brewing-chamber element and a second brewing-chamber element, wherein the first brewing-chamber element can be moved between a loading position, in which the first and the second brewing-chamber elements are spaced apart from one another in order for the portion capsule to be introduced, and an extraction position, in which the first and the second brewing-chamber elements have been advanced towards one another in order to form a substantially closed brewing chamber for the portion capsule, wherein the brewing apparatus is designed such that the orientation of the portion capsule remains substantially constant as it is transferred from the loading position into the extraction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG Elektrohaushaltgerate
    Inventors: Remo Sonderegger, Daniel Fischer
  • Patent number: 9215948
    Abstract: One variation of an apparatus for cooking includes: a housing including a first section configured to be immersed in fluid within a cooking container and a second section adjoining the first section; an annular knob arranged over the second section; a position sensor arranged within the second section and configured to detect rotation of the magnetic element; a display arranged on the housing and configured to display a cooking parameter selected through rotation of the annular knob; a heating element arranged within the first section; a circulator arranged within the housing and configured to draw fluid, in the cooking container, along the heating element; and a controller configured to control the heating element and the circulator according to a temperature of the fluid measured by the temperature sensor, thereby maintaining the fluid within a predetermined range of temperatures including the selected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Nomiku, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Fetterman, Lisa Qiu Fetterman, Wipop Bam Suppipat
  • Patent number: 9215949
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination griddle and modular grilling frame comprising in one example a thermally conductive frame having a longitudinal dimension, a transverse dimension, and a lowermost portion forming a perimeter foot. The grilling frame may also provide a transverse divider extending between opposing sides of the perimeter foot. The transverse divider in one example having: a first longitudinal side and a longitudinally opposing second longitudinal side. Also provided is a thermally conductive grilling surface extending between the first longitudinal side of the transverse divider and the portion of the perimeter foot facing the first longitudinal side of the transverse divider. Generally, the area bounded by the second longitudinal perimeter foot and the portion of the perimeter foot facing the second longitudinal side is substantially unobstructed and comprises a surface defining an insert shelf for fitting of a grilling surface such as a perforated plate or mesh panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Magellan Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Andre Dean Cloutier, Edwin Cheong, Adriana Collins, Marie Thornton, Debra Lynne Sasken-Duff
  • Patent number: 9215950
    Abstract: A portable grill assembly includes a grill grate, a fire tray, the fire tray including a plurality of holes, a plate configured to be secured to the fire tray, a gap created between the plate and the fire tray to enable a uniform flow of oxygen to pass through the gap on all sides of the fire tray into the holes and a grid pattern extending upward from the fire tray to elevate a fuel over the holes, and a support stake. The support stake includes at least one coupler to secure multiple sections of the support stake, the coupler includes a lip to prevent movement of sections of the support stake relative to the coupler. The support stake is configured to secure and position the fire tray a distance above the ground and to secure and position the grill grate a distance above the fire tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Walker
  • Patent number: 9215951
    Abstract: A toaster having a body portion engageable over a housing with slots sized for bread passage therethrough aligned with cavities on said house sized to accommodate the bread for toasting. Individually controlled heating elements on each side of each cavity to allow users to independently control the amount of toasting of each side of each inserted piece of bread. The exterior of the body is preferably porcelain to provide resistance to heat transference to the body of the user and to provide a plurality of colors available for the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventor: William S. Korbin