Patents Issued in June 21, 2016
  • Patent number: 9370246
    Abstract: A collapsible chair has a backrest portion, a seat portion, first and second front cross members, first and second rear cross members, left and right armrest members, and left and right pairs of legs. Each of the first and second front cross members and each of the first and second rear cross members extends from the left pair of legs to the right pair of legs. The chair is collapsed by folding the backrest portion forward, moving the left pair of legs toward the right pair of legs, and inverting the left and right armrest members in a manner such that the backrest portion wraps over the seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Zhejiang Hengfeng Top Leisure Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yang Baoqing, Sheng Mingxiang, Cheng Xinhuan, Ge Hongchun
  • Patent number: 9370247
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would provide web-strapping for upholstery of furniture, methods of providing web-strapping for upholstery of furniture, web-strapped furniture, and methods of web-strapping furniture. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention would provide an exemplary strap assembly of material for furniture upholstery comprising at least one fastener fastened into each end of the strap such that a tail end of each fastener is secured from extraction from the strap. In one exemplary strap assembly embodiment, fasteners would be fastened in each corner of each end of a strap so that a tail end of each fastener would be secured from extraction from the strap. Other exemplary embodiments would provide an exemplary article of furniture and methods of making an exemplary article of furniture, comprising said strap assemblies installed to span a space between opposing chair rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: John W. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 9370248
    Abstract: A seating system for improved user comfort and convenience while maximizing auditorium floor space utilization. The seating system is composed of two modular components: (1) a reclining theater seat assembly and (2) a comfort divider. The reclining theater seat assembly is comprised of a seating surface, a reclining back, armrests and a support base. The comfort divider is comprised of foot rest assemblies and recliner backstop assemblies arranged in an alternating fashion. The comfort divider is placed between each row of theater seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Enrique Ramirez MagaƱa
  • Patent number: 9370249
    Abstract: A chair with a coupling companion stool base includes a frame that has: a claw extending downward from a second portion of a lower portion of the frame; a latch extending downward from and movably connected with a first portion of the lower portion; two legs adapted to support the frame upon a supporting surface extending downward from the lower portion; and a receptacle defined between the claw and the latch. The base supports the frame above a supporting surface and has a saddle with opposite back and front edges and a top surface that faces away from the supporting surface. The top surface may also define at least one of a work surface, a writing surface, and a sitting surface. The base releasably couples with the frame, having the saddle seated in the receptacle, the front edge seated in the claw, and the back edge captured by the latch. When decoupled, the chair portion may be used as casual floor rocker seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Sauder Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Warncke, Jeffrey A. Jameson, Thomas A. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 9370250
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an ultimate comfort n care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a medical or a hospital bed, and, more particularly, to a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed-sheets while the hospital bed is occupied by a patient. The present invention also comprises of a medical bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of a used bed sheet with a new bed sheet while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof. Optionally, the medical or hospital bed can also have an air bladder system to inflate or deflate the hospital bed mattress while a bed sheet is being changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ultimate Comfort N Care Products LLC
    Inventor: Nimer Mohammed Ead
  • Patent number: 9370251
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an ultimate comfort n care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a medical or a hospital bed, and, more particularly, to a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed-sheets while the hospital bed is occupied by a patient. The present invention also comprises of a medical bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of a used bed sheet with a new bed sheet while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ultimate Comfort N Care Products LLC
    Inventor: Nimer Mohammed Ead
  • Patent number: 9370252
    Abstract: A pocketed spring assembly comprises a plurality of parallel strings of springs, each string joined to an adjacent string, each string comprising first and second opposed plies of fabric and a plurality of pockets formed along a length of the string by transverse seams joining the first and second plies. At least one spring is positioned in each pocket. An upper end of each transverse seam is below the upper surface of the string so as to partially separate adjacent pockets within a string of springs. Each spring has two end portions and a middle portion. The convolutions of the middle portion are greater in diameter and pitch than the convolutions of the end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Guido Eigenmann, Darrell A. Richmond, Thomas W. Wells
  • Patent number: 9370253
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method and system of receiving information of a user's support facility comfort requirements; using a software application to determine a proper support facility firmness configuration to match the user's requirement; selecting foam springs with the proper user required firmness as determined by the software application; and configuring the selected foam springs within the support facility to match the user's firmness requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Martin B Rawls-Meehan
  • Patent number: 9370254
    Abstract: A voluminous padded chair or cushion forms an all-encompassing supportive structure through a voluminous, substantially donut shaped configuration. The voluminous configuration includes a padding, inflation, or liquids in the chair, a back portion that supports the back, neck and head of an infant, and a pair of support arms. A front portion provides an anchor for tethering toys and a tray thereto. A base seat for sitting is effective for absorbing urine and soil. The voluminous configuration supports and enwraps parts of the user's body to minimize random movement and thus preventing user from sliding down onto their back from a seated position. The chair is sufficiently voluminous, so that the chair is prevented from overturning from an upright position, even when the chair rests on an uneven surface or is occupied by a user who is moving excessively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Heather Linn Weber
  • Patent number: 9370255
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making same utilizing a breathable mesh material having a reduced suffocation resistance level for infant and toddler use. The breathable mesh material includes an inner and outer fabric that includes larger openings on the front substructure than on the back substructure and a pile substructure is integrated and extends between the front and back substructures allowing air to substantially move effectively therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: BreathableBaby, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Richard Waters, Susan Marie Waters
  • Patent number: 9370256
    Abstract: A baby crib includes a bedstead, a mattress bracket and four bridging sets. The bedstead includes two longitudinal brackets and two widthwise brackets. The mattress bracket includes two longitudinal frames, two widthwise frames and four arched frames. Each bridging set includes a bridging plank and a detent member. Each bridging plank is hinged on one widthwise frame and swivelable in parallel therewith during packaging and transportation, and the detent member can be retracted toward each arched frame. Each widthwise bracket has a plurality of adjustment holes. Each bridging plank has a plurality of positioning holes and a fastener to selectively run through anyone of the positioning holes to lean on a bottom surface of each widthwise frame so that users can do adjustment manually to anchor the bedstead in the event that the hole interval of any adjustment hole of each widthwise bracket is slightly shrunk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Ching-Ying Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 9370257
    Abstract: A foldable infant positioner with a softgoods seat is a seating apparatus that includes a softgoods seat and a hardgoods foldable support structure. The support structure includes a seat support that is movably coupled to a ground engaging section so that the support structure can move between a deployed configuration and a stored configuration. The seat may be removably secured to the seat support by folding a top portion of the seat over and around the seat support and then coupling the seat thereto. The seat may also have a front flap which extends beneath the seat and prevents an infant's feet from directly contacting the support surface when an infant is disposed in the seat, in an upright seated position, thus preventing the infant from pushing down on the front flap and tipping the infant positioner over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Devin J. Roberts, Kurt J. Huntsberger, Brian F. Murty
  • Patent number: 9370258
    Abstract: A control system for a child swing comprising a swing arm mechanically coupled to a motor. The control system is configured to monitor electromotive force (EMF) generated by the motor at an input signal line and is configured to use the monitored EMF to control a speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter vom Scheidt, Jr., James P. Meade
  • Patent number: 9370259
    Abstract: A control system for a child swing that comprises a drive mechanism that includes a motor configured to impart torque to the at least one swing arm so that a child seat moves in an arcuate path. A phase control subsystem generates a motor drive signal configured to maintain a desired lead angle between a phase of the drive mechanism and a phase of the swing arm. An amplitude control subsystem configured to steer the phase control subsystem based on a correlation of an actual height of the child seat to a selected height of the child seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Pyrce, James P. Meade, Mark Alan Wollen, James Paul Baker, James A. Bishop, Jr., Ross Allan Niver
  • Patent number: 9370260
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's bouncer apparatus. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a support frame, seat assembly configured to support a child, and bouncer control device. The support frame includes one or more semi-rigid support arms that extend above a base portion and suspend the seat assembly above the base portion. The bouncer control device is configured to impart a driving force on the seat assembly, thereby causing the seat assembly to continuously oscillate at the natural frequency of the children's bouncer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Kids II, Inc.
    Inventors: David Gilbert, Peter D Jackson, Alex E Soriano, Jing Ru Chen
  • Patent number: 9370261
    Abstract: An inclined pulmonary-assisting mattress with a profile assisting infants and small children with respiratory problems and other adverse medical conditions, including asthma, wheezing, colic, SIDS, ear infections, and acid reflux. It can be used with a crib, bassinette, or other defined infant sleeping area, as long as it appropriately fills that sleeping area to eliminate all injury, entrapment, or breathing obstruction risk for the child using it. The mattress is not used on top of a crib mattress, but instead replaces a crib mattress until the child recovers or outgrows the breathing difficulty or adverse medical condition. At such time, the inclined pulmonary-assisting mattress is removed and the child is allowed to sleep on a regular crib mattress or other substantially horizontal surface. Intended applications include, but are not limited to, use in hospital neo-natal units, children's nurseries, and by parents of infants suffering from breathing or digestive issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Gun B. C. Strandberg, Jessica C. Kent
  • Patent number: 9370262
    Abstract: An open refrigerated display case comprising: a refrigerated display area comprising one or more shelves; an air outlet and an air inlet opening into the display area and spaced from one another; a duct fluidically coupling the air inlet to the air outlet, the duct being configured to direct air flow out of the air outlet across the display area and toward the air inlet to form an air curtain across the display area; wherein each of the one or more shelves are provided with an associated flow stabilizing device; wherein each flow stabilizing device comprises a pair of stabilizing beams which are spaced from one another so as to define an innermost stabilizing beam and an outermost stabilizing beam; wherein a first slot is formed between the innermost and the outermost stabilizing beams, the first slot extending transversely across the display area perpendicular to the direction of the air flow within the air curtain, the first slot having a stabilizing inlet, a stabilizing outlet and a stabilizing throat disp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Wirth Research Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas J. P. Wirth
  • Patent number: 9370263
    Abstract: A method for selling consumer fireworks is provided. The method includes disposing a cargo container having an outer housing and first and second shelving units at a location. The outer housing defines an interior region with the first and second shelving units disposed on opposite sides of the interior region such that a longitudinally extending aisle is located between the first and second shelving units. The method further includes disposing first and second consumer firework devices on the first and second shelving units, respectively. The method further includes determining a sales price of at least one of the first and second consumer firework devices that were selected by a consumer that entered through a consumer entrance into the interior region to view the firework devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Arbor Valley Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Horvath
  • Patent number: 9370264
    Abstract: A shelving unit includes a crossed core unit having four walls formed of folded corrugated fiberboard. The walls are orthogonally arranged with respect to each other and define four quadrants therebetween. Floating shelves are arranged with at least one shelf disposed in each quadrant. Each of the shelves is formed of folded corrugated fiberboard. Each of the shelves is joined to two proximate walls of the crossed core unit. Support tubes are provided. Each support tube is formed of folded corrugated fiberboard and each tube is disposed though one wall of the crossed core and extends inside of two floating shelves that are located in proximate quadrants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Vincent Markee
  • Patent number: 9370265
    Abstract: A foldable mobile restaurant booth and a method of its use are configured for ease of mobility and storage by allowing the seat portion to fold upward toward the seat back. The booth has a seat back and seat portion coupled to a base, and a linkage arrangement coupling the seat portion to the seat back. The base may have a plurality of wheels for allowing the booth to roll easily on the ground. The linkage arrangement permits the seat portion to move between a first, operative position to a second, folded position in which the seat portion extends at an angle no more than 45 degrees from vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Palmer Hamilton, LLC
    Inventors: Steve M. Whittington, Jeffrey Allen Schreiner
  • Patent number: 9370266
    Abstract: A frame that is fitted around the border of a display device such as, but not limited to, a television set is disclosed. The frame is configured to be removably mounted to the display device. According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame has multi-piece construction which provides for advertising panels to be removably inserted into the frame. The frame and the advertising panels may be constructed of a material which allows transmission of infrared and/or RF signals to pass through. Optionally, the frame and/or the advertising panels may include knock-out panels positioned over a receiver for an infrared and/or RF signal. A mounting system, such as a hook-and-loop fastening system, may be used to mount the frame to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Best Fit Frames, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Best, George Parke, IV, Christopher M. Wareham
  • Patent number: 9370267
    Abstract: A hanger, support and other component or system capable of supporting one or more objects is contemplated. The hanger may be configured to provide four-way adjustability sufficient to facilitate adjustably supporting objects after being affixed to a supporting surface and/or to facilitate adjustably supporting objects having a wire or other support member hidden from view or otherwise difficult to orientate relative to a support surface. The hanger may be configured to enable four-way re-positioning in an up, down, left or right direction, optionally while the one or more objects are supported thereon, without requiring removal or manipulation of fasteners anchoring it to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Dean N. Greve
  • Patent number: 9370268
    Abstract: A hook device (2) for hanging objects such as picture frames comprises a housing (10) which has an internal space for allowing a carrier for the hook device (2) to extend through the housing (10), and which is normally provided with a projection designed for functioning as a hanging hook. The hook device (2) further comprises a clamping mechanism for fixing the housing (10) on a carrier, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a first hollow cylinder (20) having a tapered inner surface (21), which is retained in the housing (10) in an axial direction by form closure. During the assembling process of the hook device (2), the first hollow cylinder (20) is inserted into the housing (10) by moving the cylinder (20) through an opening (17) in a radial direction, different from other elements (30, 40, 50) of the hook device (2), which are moved in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: JAN VAN BOXTEL ARTITEC B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Maria Van Groesen
  • Patent number: 9370269
    Abstract: A pillow that includes two sheets of flexible material, joined together to define a space and that is inflatable to provide a cushioned support. The pillow has a head zone that provides cushioning for a user's head and two wings that are configured to extend away from the head zone such that the pillow is substantially U-shaped in the plane of the pillow, when deflated. A channel extends between the sheets of flexible material to connect the wings. The channel is positioned at a point in the head zone furthermost from the wing ends. The width of the channel increases from the center line such that when the pillow is inflated, the pillow has a substantially V-shaped profile that is formed about the centerline and centered on the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: D G CAPITAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Barnaby Bevan Edwards, Steven Richard Spong
  • Patent number: 9370270
    Abstract: A straw includes an elongated body extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated body with a hollow center and an outer surface; an opening extending through a thickness of the body and in fluid communication with the hollow center; and a sleeve slidingly engaged with the outer surface and configured to completely cover the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Wei K. Hsu
  • Patent number: 9370271
    Abstract: A supply container forming part of a descaling system of a flowline system includes a housing having a water inlet supplied by a water source. The water inlet opens into a reservoir chamber containing a water-soluble descaling agent. A bottom chamber is in fluid communication with the reservoir chamber. The bottom chamber is configured to collect the descaling agent dissolved by the water. A capillary line discharges a solution of the descaling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Jutta Tembaak, Mario Last, Juergen Johann
  • Patent number: 9370272
    Abstract: Production machine (1) for beverages and liquid comestibles, the machine comprising: a housing (20); a capsule holder designed for insertion into the housing (20), wherein the capsule holder comprises a capsule receiving means (11); a liquid injection assembly (4a, 4b) provided in the housing (20). The capsule holder and the machine are designed such that the capsule holder can be transferred manually, via a relative movement of the capsule holder and the housing of the machine, at least between: —a first capsule loaded position, in which any capsule (30) received in the capsule holder is positioned ready for being engaged by the liquid injection assembly (4a, 4b) and, —a second capsule loading position adapted for loading a capsule outside of the housing (20). Complementary stopping means of the capsule holder and the housing are provided which are configured to automatically engage each other to stop the capsule holder in the second capsule loading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Vincent Martin, Heinz Wyss, Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Lucio Scorrano
  • Patent number: 9370273
    Abstract: An apparatus and method may be configured for detecting selection between a hot version and a cold version of a beverage, causing opening of a first of a plurality of valves and closing of a second of the plurality of valves for providing water to a first of a plurality of mixing chambers based on the selection, causing delivery of beverage concentrate to the first mixing chamber, controlling a flow rate of the water and a flow rate of the beverage concentrate into the mixing chamber for mixing of the water with the beverage concentrate in a controlled ratio to create the beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuejun Li, William W. Segiet, Fernando A. Ubidia, John F. Lewis, Aaron M. Stein
  • Patent number: 9370274
    Abstract: The invention relates to a distributing head, which is used to distribute a hot liquid over an infusion material in a beverage maker. The distributing head has a housing (1, 2, 3, 4), which has an interior (7) and an inlet (13) for the liquid that opens into the interior (7) and a plurality of outlet openings (35), which lead outward from the interior (7). The housing (1, 2, 3, 4) has at least one first portion (1, 2), which is made of a first material, and at least one second portion (3, 4), which is made of a second material that repels liquid better than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PI-DESIGN AG
    Inventor: Jorgen Bodum
  • Patent number: 9370275
    Abstract: A small cooking appliance comprises a bottom housing, a top housing, and a ring assembly. The bottom housing has a top surface that forms a bottom cooking surface. The top housing has a bottom surface that forms a top cooking surface. The top housing is movably attached to the bottom housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The ring assembly is positioned between the top and bottom cooking surfaces when the top housing is in its closed position. The ring assembly comprises a top ring, a bottom ring, and a center cooking plate. The center cooking plate is adapted to be removably inserted between the top ring and the bottom ring such that a space defined by the ring assembly is divided into top and bottom cooking cavities when the center cooking plate is inserted between the top ring and the bottom ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: David L Jackson, Michael Garman, Abraham S Longmire, George Stamper, Michael M. Pierce, Derek A. McCullough, Mark C Steiner, Claire Ashley
  • Patent number: 9370276
    Abstract: A stove comprising a stove body defining an interior cooking chamber, and a plurality of removable leg assemblies for supporting the stove body. Each leg assembly includes a removable leg, and a coupling member for coupling the removable leg to the stove body. The coupling member is configured to provide an adjustable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Onward Multi-Corp. Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Andrew Witzel, James Edward Scott, Benjamin Michael Harrison
  • Patent number: 9370277
    Abstract: A portable campfire utensil and/or accessory holder assembly including a base member, a stop member, a first arm having an upper member and a lower member, a second arm having an upper member and a lower member, a top member; and wherein the campfire utensil and/or accessory holder assembly is convertible between a non-deployed storage configuration and a deployed utensil and/or accessory retaining configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Nick Weaver
  • Patent number: 9370278
    Abstract: A salad processing system including a container with a processing lid thereon includes a gear with a handle driven gear wheel and pinions to provide rotary drives on the bottom side of the lid. A basket couples with one of the drives to spin-dry produce material. Another drive cooperates with a container mountable on the lid to drive chopping and mixing tools. A port through the lid allows access to the mixing container. A passageway through the lid receives a cuttings container and provides a socket for stationary blade tools including a slicer and a grid of knives. A lever pivotally mounted to the lid with a slotted plunger block dices produce through the grid of knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MASTRAD, S.A.
    Inventors: Bérengère Suquet, Mathieu Picchi, Mathieu Lion
  • Patent number: 9370279
    Abstract: A system for food preparation, including a system body, a blade actuator retained by the system body; a set of blades; a blade platform rotatably mounting the set of blades, the blade platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a container platform defining a container receptacle, the container platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between a loading position and a processing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: North American Robotics Corporation
    Inventors: Elvine Pineda, Matthew Udomphol, My Vu
  • Patent number: 9370280
    Abstract: A blender includes a container having a plurality of ribs projecting into a processing zone of the container. The plurality of spaced ribs each include a width and a depth that taper from a top end section adjacent a teardrop shaped opening of the container to a more narrow bottom end section adjacent a bottom wall of the container. A side wall of the container continuously tapers from the teardrop shaped opening to a substantially square shaped bottom end portion including first, second, third and fourth side wall sections connected to one another at respective rounded corners. A blade assembly is coupled to the container and includes a plurality of blades angled at different planes with respect to a horizontal plane. The blender container further includes a handle adapted to receive a handle of a similar blender container, such that like blender containers can be nested for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Conti
  • Patent number: 9370281
    Abstract: A scrubbing device simplifies the task of cleaning a person's body. The device includes a housing unit. The housing unit includes a main housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending between the top wall and the bottom wall. The top wall has an opening positioned therein defining a compartment extending downwardly into the top wall. The compartment stores soap therein. A handle is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end of the handle is coupled to the housing unit. A brush is coupled to and extends downwardly from the bottom wall of the main housing. A plurality of holes is positioned in the bottom wall between the compartment and the brush wherein the holes are configured to dispense the soap from the compartment outwardly to the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Addison I. Harewood
  • Patent number: 9370282
    Abstract: A bath brush includes a brush element, having an elongated arm and a brush head. The elongated arm has a longitudinal groove formed in a first side of said arm and a locking device formed on a second side opposite the first side. The brush handle provides a hollow cavity for receiving the arm therein and includes a rib configured to be received in the longitudinal groove formed on the arm. At least one recess or opening is provided on the handle for receiving the locking device therein. The arm is convertible between an extended position and a retracted position. The locking device and the recesses and/or openings formed on the brush arm and handle, respectively, g are configured to cooperatingly engage and selectively lock the brush's arm within the handle in both the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Paris Presents Incorporated
    Inventors: Erik Petersen, Stacy Alycia Thomas Castro
  • Patent number: 9370283
    Abstract: A paper product dispenser that includes a motor adapted to dispense a paper product and a controller. A network interlace card is in communication with the controller and is adapted to connect the paper product dispenser to a network. DIP switches are connected to the motor to adjust the length of the paper product and the interval between the activation of the motor. A power roller is connected to the motor and an idle roller is face-to-face with the power roller. The paper product passes between the power roller and the idle roller. A paper sensor is positioned below the power roller to detect the presence or absence of the paper product. A thermopile sensor is also provided to detect the presence of a human being adjacent to the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Fellhoelter
  • Patent number: 9370284
    Abstract: A retention mechanism in a dispenser for retaining an exchangeable roll of material, the retention mechanism includes a housing including a front wall. An insertion slot for a bearing pin of an end plug of the exchangeable roll extends along the front wall. A cam lock is arranged in the housing so as to be rotatable in a plane which is parallel to the front wall and to the direction of extension of the insertion slot. The cam lock includes a retaining member which is movable between an open position and a locked position by rotating the cam lock. When the retaining member is in the open position, the bearing pin can be inserted into the insertion slot, and when the retaining member is in the closed position, the bearing pin is retained in a locking section of the insertion slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Per Moller, Martin Bonnevier, Joonas Jokitalo, Oskari Jokitalo, Craig Billman, Erik Hjort
  • Patent number: 9370285
    Abstract: A battery-powered handheld vacuum device for use on building sites includes: a dust collection box; and a motor housing, in which a drive motor provided with a fan impeller and a battery pack for supplying current to the drive motor independently of an electrical network are provided. The dust collection box is fixed in place on the motor housing in releasable manner. A handle, with which the battery pack engages at least sectionally, is formed on the motor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Visel, Heiko Roehm, Georgios Margaritis
  • Patent number: 9370286
    Abstract: A self-righting cleaning appliance of the cylinder type comprises a cyclonic separating apparatus for separating dirt from a dirt-bearing fluid flow, and a floor-engaging rolling assembly. The cleaning appliance is arranged so that it is urged to return to an upright position if it is tipped onto its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Robert Dimbylow, Peter David Gammack, Patrick Joseph William Moloney, David Christopher James Newton, James White
  • Patent number: 9370287
    Abstract: A vacuum attachment for reaching smaller spaces includes a gasket and narrow tubing. The gasket has a cap with outer and middle walls sized to fit an open end of two sizes of vacuum hose, the cap also having a central hole for the narrow tube. The gasket middle wall also stiffens the gasket. On the internal sides of the walls, the ribs stiffen the gasket and ridges let air pass and reduce pressure build up in a vacuum motor. The narrow, bendable tube has sufficiently thick walls to avoid collapse when a vacuum is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Welchert
  • Patent number: 9370288
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner nozzle having a flexible bellow arrangement for connecting a nozzle inlet to a nozzle outlet. The bellow arrangement has a flat inside surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Roger Karlsson
  • Patent number: 9370289
    Abstract: A floor scrubber with a floor scrubber head having a backing plate to which a pad is secured with the pad adapted to being placed in contact with a surface to be cleaned. The scrubber head includes a motor support to which a motor is mounted with the backing plate being secured to the motor support, with the motor configured to move the backing plate and pad when cleaning a surface. The scrubber head further includes a cover member having an opening through which the motor extends, with the cover member further including a pair of wheels with an outer perimeter of the wheels partially extending beyond a periphery of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Steamex Cleaning Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kipling J. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 9370290
    Abstract: A mobile robot configured to travel across a residential floor or other surface while cleaning the surface with a cleaning pad and cleaning solvent is disclosed. The robot includes a controller for managing the movement of the robot as well as the treatment of the surface with a cleaning solvent. The movement of the robot can be characterized by a class of trajectories that achieve effective cleaning. The trajectories include sequences of steps that are repeated, the sequences including forward and backward motion and optional left and right motion along arcuate paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Dooley, James Philip Case, Nikolai Romanov
  • Patent number: 9370291
    Abstract: A suction foot for a floor cleaning machine having an outer body, which has side pieces having an L-shaped longitudinal cross-section comprising a first horizontal side piece and a second vertical side piece, which extends perpendicular to the first side piece, having an inner body, which is releasably attached to the outer body. The inner body is coupled to the outer body with a sliding movement that is perpendicular to the first horizontal side piece and parallel to the second vertical side piece. A tension band is provided to press a sealing strip against the inner body. The ends of the tension band engage with the ends of the inner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Hako GmbH
    Inventors: Ricardo Ruiz-Porath, Heinrich Katenhusen, Christian Tabeling
  • Patent number: 9370292
    Abstract: An absorbent paper sheet for tissue or towel includes an amount by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and an amount by weight of fibrillated regenerated cellulosic microfibers prepared from a cellulosic dope of dissolved cellulose comprising a solvent selected from tertiary amine N-oxides, cellulose dissolving imidazolium salts, cellulose dissolving pyridinium salts, cellulose dissolving pyridazinium salts, cellulose dissolving pyrimidinium salts, cellulose dissolving pyrazinium salts, cellulose dissolving pyrazolium salts, cellulose dissolving oxazolium salts, cellulose dissolving 1,2,3-triazolium salts, cellulose dissolving 1,2,4-triazolium salts, cellulose dissolving thiazolium salts, cellulose dissolving piperidinium salts, cellulose dissolving pyrrolidinium salts, cellulose dissolving quinolinium salts, and cellulose dissolving isoquinolinium salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP
    Inventors: Daniel W. Sumnicht, Joseph H. Miller
  • Patent number: 9370293
    Abstract: A cleaning device operable for use with a disposable cleaning towel is provided. The cleaning device includes a handle, a head, first and second clamps, and an ejector. The handle extends between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The head is disposed relative to the distal end portion of the handle. The head defines a head surface over which the disposable cleaning towel is fixed during use of the cleaning device. The head defines a head cavity and a head aperture extending between the head cavity and the head mating surface. The first and second clamps are disposed relative to the head, and each are selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. In their respective closed positions, at least a portion of each of the first and second clamps is operable to abut the head surface and hold the cleaning towel in place. In their respective open positions, each of the first and second clamps is positioned away from the head surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Butler Home Products LLC
    Inventors: Mark Butts, Jeff Tadin
  • Patent number: 9370294
    Abstract: An appliance latch provides a hook that may be energized against a spring force to receive a catch element which releases the hook to pull the catch element into engagement. A toggle arm may be used to hold the hook in the energized state before receipt of the catch element to provide for a sensitive and predictable release of the spring force with rotation of the hook. The hook may be mounted on a floating pivot both to accommodate the toggle arm operation and to permit re-engagement of the catch element with the hook in the event that the hook is released from its energized state without engagement of the catch element, for example, by inertial forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Osvatic, Kenyon A. Hapke
  • Patent number: 9370295
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Trice Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Kienzle, Richard T. Briganti, Richard H. Washburn, II, Carl Deirmengian