Patents Issued in September 20, 2016
  • Patent number: 9445648
    Abstract: This invention provides a safety spur which provides the rider a warning of a potentially dangerous foot position while riding a horse. The spur has a tilt sensor, a radio transmitter, and a radio receiver. Optionally, a 3 axis gyroscope may be used in place of a tilt sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Kathy Phillips
  • Patent number: 9445649
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include assembling at least a portion of an upper of the article of footwear, the upper having a lower perimeter edge. A knitted component forming a portion of the upper includes at least one strand formed with the knitted component. The strand passes through opposite sides of the upper along the lower perimeter edge. The strand is tensioned, and a sole structure of the article of footwear is joined to the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Huffa, Bryan N. Farris
  • Patent number: 9445650
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a male surface fastener member configured for being molded onto a surface of a foaming resin mold body. The male surface fastener member includes a plurality of male surface fastener strips connected with each other in an end-to-end relationship via a connecting portion that is integrally formed with at least the end portions of each male surface fastener strips. Each male surface fastener strip includes a base material having a first surface from which a plurality of engaging elements extend upwardly and first and second substantially lateral resin intrusion prevention walls that upwardly from the first surface along a width direction of the base material between the first and second longitudinal resin intrusion prevention walls. Each of the lateral resin intrusion prevention walls comprises a plurality of engaging elements that are arranged in series in a width direction of the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: YKK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryuichi Murasaki, Yasutoshi Nozawa, Wolfgang E. Coronel, Hisashi Yoneshima, Shinichi Imai
  • Patent number: 9445651
    Abstract: A wearable device is provided with a wearable device structure. The wearable device has a first end and a second end, each with a plurality of magnets. The first and second ends are coupled by overlapping at least a portion of the first end magnets to at least a portion of the second end magnets. A distance between the overlapped magnets on the first end to magnets of the second end is 0.1 to 10 mm. ID circuitry is provided at a surface or an interior of the wearable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hello Inc.
    Inventors: James Proud, Bryan Fan, Robert Shook, Joaquin Fernandez
  • Patent number: 9445652
    Abstract: A mechanism for manually rotating decorative items, such as a gemstone, on an item of jewelry. The mechanism includes a circular ring gear that engages gears formed on a manually rotated crown member and on the mounting securing for the decorative items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Elias Yousef
  • Patent number: 9445653
    Abstract: A Bluetooth audio that can be selectively installed on an umbrella shaft of an umbrella includes an audio body, a coupling shell and a clamp device. The audio body includes an installation recess which has an installation space for installing the umbrella shaft. The installation recess has a closed end corresponding to the substantial center of the audio body and an open end located on an edge of the audio body and corresponding to the closed end. The coupling shell can be selectively placed in the installation space through the open end and installed in the installation recess to close the open end and confine the umbrella shaft at the closed end. The clamp device is located in the audio body corresponding to the closed end and operable by a user's hand to clamp the umbrella shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: KEYSHEEN INDUSTRY (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu, Shopo Hsin Tsu Liu, Fibro Tsu Kun Liu
  • Patent number: 9445654
    Abstract: A security wallet includes a pouch and a strap. The pouch has at least one pocket with a closeable opening. The strap has a fixed end that is directly attached to the pouch and a detachable end that is removably coupled to the pouch. The strap extends from the fixed end and outwardly from a first side of the pouch. In a first configuration, the detachable end is coupled to the first side of the pouch. In a second configuration, the detachable end is coupled to a second side of the pouch opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason V. Drew, Slobodan S. Zivanovic
  • Patent number: 9445655
    Abstract: A portable device cover integrated with a fluid container compartment comprising a chamber for storing a fluid for either medicinal or hydration purposes while reducing the need of additional fluid containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Enrique Peral
  • Patent number: 9445656
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hair accessory characteristic of Shore Hardness between 41 D and 60 D and made from a polymerized plastic mixture including acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), defoamer, lubricant and optical brightener. The hair accessory which is bent and deformed under effect of a tensional stress does not induce white crease marks, cracks or complete breaks and is able to rebounds and returns to initial status after releasing of the tensional stress. The hair accessory with advantages including flexibility, rebound elasticity and plasticity does not compress or hurt a user's scalp and contributes to safety use when the user takes the hair accessory to comb her hairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Shih-Ling Hsu
  • Patent number: 9445657
    Abstract: A wearable reflective device. The wearable reflective device includes a mirror, a base and a strap. The strap is attached to the base for securing the device to a user. The mirror is connected to the base by a pivotal element and a rotational element, wherein the pivotal element is configured to allow the mirror to pivot along a first plane, the rotational element configured to allow the mirror and pivotal element to rotate in a second plane. The first plane is substantially orthogonal to the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Crane IP Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Raymond Phillip Crane
  • Patent number: 9445658
    Abstract: A clip device that allows for easy application of barber capes around a wearer with a reliable connection that facilitates adjustment for a suitable fit is provided. Such a device includes a spring-loaded lift structure that closes around a placed cape portion at any used length with grip means to prevent cape slippage during a haircut operation. The clip itself is configured with a flat back for suitable placement in alignment with the base cape portion and may be removed, if desired, for cleaning or other like actions. As well, the clip includes an extended front including the aforementioned lift structure further including a curved lip to facilitate the disengagement between clip and cape portion on demand, but with a form that is not susceptible to undesired detachment through accidental contact therewith. The clip alone, as well as an incorporating cape, are encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Murphy
  • Patent number: 9445659
    Abstract: An embodiment personal item management apparatus includes a wearable band having a fixed circumference that defines a first outer diameter; and a clasp coupled to the wearable band, the clasp having a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter and being adapted to couple a personal item to the wearable band. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the second outer diameter to the first outer diameter is about 0.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: THE BIG O, LLC
    Inventors: Mary Caroline Nix, Jane Dunne Cooke
  • Patent number: 9445660
    Abstract: An oral care implement comprising at least one tapered bristle. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head having a face; a tuft hole in the face, the tuft hole having a polygonal transverse cross-sectional profile; and a bristle tuft mounted in the first tuft hole and extending from the face of the head, the first bristle tuft comprising a plurality of tapered bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Mintel, Douglas Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 9445661
    Abstract: An oral care implement (1) includes a head (12), a handle (10), a neck portion (11) connecting the head and the handle, and a reservoir (15) which contains at least one active agent. The implement has an activator (22) for activating a delivery device which delivers the active agent to one or more outlets (50). A powered delivery device (18) disposed in the head to deliver a liquid from the reservoir via the outlet. A wide variety of types of active agents may be administered at appropriate and accurate doses for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Donghui Wu, John P. Rouse, John Gatzemeyer, Sharon Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9445662
    Abstract: A leg assembly includes four legs, each of the legs configured to couple to an outer edge of a generally planar member to form an assembly that has a surface supported by the four legs. The leg assembly also includes an adjustable strap coupled to and extending between two of the four legs to form a bracing structure to provide enhanced structural rigidity for the assembly for attachment to a planar element includes four legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FLOYD DESIGN LLC
    Inventor: Kyle Hoff
  • Patent number: 9445663
    Abstract: A sliding guide element for moveable fastening a tabletop on bearing struts of a table frame comprises a main body configured to fasten to the underside of a tabletop, comprising a guiding portion configured to insert into a guide slot in bearing struts and moveable in the guide slot wherein the guide portion includes lateral guide surfaces for lateral guidance in the guide slot. The sliding guide element further includes resilient snap-fit limbs arranged on mutually opposed sides of the main body of the sliding guide element and moveable between an under-engagement position and project laterally over the guide portion to engage under a wall of the bearing struts, and an insertion position in which the snap-fit limbs guide through the guide slot in the bearing struts. The sliding guide elements still further includes a resiliently flexible end stop damper on at least one end region of the sliding-guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Josef Rutz
  • Patent number: 9445664
    Abstract: A table assembly includes a table that has a top surface, a bottom surface and a peripheral edge extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The table is structured to be split in half. A coupler is attached to the table and the coupler may insertably receive an end of a seat pedestal in a boat wherein the table is supported on the seat pedestal. A lock is provided to retain the coupler on the seat pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Dale Gapp
  • Patent number: 9445665
    Abstract: Autonomous trolleys include an integrated power source, which energy can be utilized for integrated trolley systems such as a wheel assist module, heating module, and cooling module. The power source may include a fuel cell system or a rechargeable electrical energy storage device or a combination thereof. The rechargeable electrical energy storage device can be charged by any other power source, including a fuel cell system. The trolley can also be equipped with a fuel tank for easy and safe refueling of a fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Driesses Aerospace Group N.V.
    Inventors: Kevin Huang, Lucas Nastase, Tom Schreuder, Andreas Hoogeveen, Adriaan Eijkelenboom, Cyril Morozeau, Olivier Zarrouati
  • Patent number: 9445666
    Abstract: A shelf with interlayers may include a shelf made by a plurality of connectors and panels, wherein both sides of the panel has at least one connecting portion and connecting unit, and connecting unit has a connecting groove corresponding to the panel, and the connecting groove is configured to engage with auxiliary panels to increase the variability of using an inner space of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Wen-Tsung Chang
  • Patent number: 9445667
    Abstract: An adjustable shelving system includes a base member having opposed first and second sides. A plurality of first shelf assemblies are coupled to the first side of the base member, each first shelf assembly being movable between a first rearward configuration perpendicular to the base member and a first forward configuration forwardly offset relative to the rearward configuration. A second plurality of shelf assemblies are pivotally coupled to the second side of the base member, each second shelf assembly being movable between a second rearward configuration perpendicular to the base member and a second forward configuration forwardly offset relative to the rearward configuration. Each shelf assembly includes rollers configured to support the weight of the shelf assembly and enhance movement. Each shelf assembly may include a vertically floatable hinge configured to allow the shelf assembly to move up or down according to changes in elevation of a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SWINGSTOW, LLC
    Inventor: Michael T. McCuistion
  • Patent number: 9445668
    Abstract: Structure of furnishing element, in particular of a bookcase, having a first upright having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface; at least one inner shelf delimited by a first lateral end having a first abutment surface; at least a first engagement portion retained in the at least one inner shelf; at least a first cantilever bar adapted to be mounted transversely from the outer surface of the first upright, the first cantilever bar including an abutment surface adapted to abut on the outer surface of the first upright; at least a first threaded connection element adapted to connect the first cantilever bar and the first engagement portion so that the abutment surface of the cantilever bar and the first abutment surface of the at least one shelf are drawn respectively against the outer and inner surfaces of the first upright on opposite sides to the first upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Unifor S.P.A.
    Inventor: Dante Bonuccelli
  • Patent number: 9445669
    Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of a refrigerator or a wine refrigerator, and more particularly relates to a combined shelf structure. The combined shelf structure is arranged in a wine refrigerator. The combined shelf structure comprises at least two shelf bodies and at least two carrier bars. Connecting holes through which two carrier bars pass are respectively arranged at both ends of each shelf body. Either the top surface or the bottom surface of the shelf body is provided with a groove, and the remaining surface is provided with a flat structure. The carrier bars pass through the connecting holes. The shelf body with a top surface and a bottom surface which is different from the top surface provides choices to users for placing wine bottles or other canned and bottled drinks vertically or horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: HISENSE RONSHEN (GUANGDONG) FREEZER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yangsong Li, Guoliang Chen, Kai Cheng, Yuehai Xu, Bo Yang, Songshan Pan
  • Patent number: 9445670
    Abstract: A storage rack may include a plurality of sections for holding a respective plurality of items. A first section may include, for example, a first vertical support, a second vertical support substantially parallel to the first vertical support, and a first set of horizontal supports substantially perpendicular to the first vertical support and the second vertical support. The first set of horizontal supports may include a first horizontal support disposed at a first height and a first depth in the first vertical support, and a second horizontal support disposed at the first height and the first depth in the second vertical support. The first horizontal support may extend from an inner wall of the first vertical support towards the second vertical support for a distance that is less than half of the distance between the first vertical support and the second vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Heritage Distilling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin B. Stiefel, Darrin Filand, Carl Taylor-Swanson
  • Patent number: 9445671
    Abstract: A locking regulating device for drawer slide rail, comprising a slide rail component and a drawer, wherein the drawer is fixedly connected with the movable rail on the slide rail component, characterized in that, a locking regulating device fixed on the drawer is also included, the drawer is designed to latch the square hole on the movable rail through the locking regulating device to realize mutual connection; the locking regulating device comprises a locking mechanism and a regulating mechanism; the locking mechanism is composed of a handle and a lock catch through mutual transmission; through the lock catch, the regulating device is self-locked on the movable rail and acts on the handle to complete unlocking of the lock catch; the regulating mechanism is designed to respectively make three-dimensional regulation to the drawer from up/down, left/right and front/back directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Guangdong Taiming Metal Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tai Wai Ng
  • Patent number: 9445672
    Abstract: A portable seat cover device facilitates carrying of a seat cover to position over public chairs. The device includes a cover having a front face, a back face, and a perimeter edge extending around and between the front face and the back face. A bag is coupled to and extends from the perimeter edge of the cover. The bag has a peripheral edge defining an opening into an interior space of the bag. The cover is selectively positionable to occupy the interior space of the bag. A flap is coupled to the peripheral edge of the bag and is selectively extendable over the opening of the bag. A resilient member is coupled to the flap extending around a free edge of the flap. The resilient member engages the cover and the bag inhibiting the cover from coming out of the interior space of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Nirva Demosthene
  • Patent number: 9445673
    Abstract: A bed assembly for providing a place of entertainment and a place to sleep for people of all ages, primarily children. The bed assembly is functional, ornamental, and entertaining. The assembly provides for a frame, body, and wheels. The interior frame and under-carriage assembly is a structure of vertical, horizontal, angled, and transverse support members elevated by columns and truss oriented support members that may be assembled by the consumer. The body of the bed is primarily for ornamental design and is to give shape and dimension to the frame by using a plurality of detachable body panels. A tire/wheel assembly consists of a rim/wheel to provide for ornamental design, seating, and entertainment by the consumer, as it attaches and detaches as part of its function. The assembly includes two locations for storing mattresses for use in sleeping, an upper and lower location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: James Edward Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9445674
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a shelving display system comprising substantially horizontal shelves, multi-chute gravity feed units and advertising panels. The horizontal shelves may be arranged in any number of configurations to display and dispense consumer goods. In a particularly preferred embodiment a horizontal shelf defines the lower portion of the shelving display system. Generally the horizontal shelves are spaced and arranged so as to display and dispense products, such as bundled consumer goods, and more preferably bundles of paper towels, facial and bath tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Patricia Jones, Dennis Patrick Rockhill, Robert James Wurm, Sarah Lee Christoffel, Rebecca Rae Ann Joski, Brenda Faye Tennessen, Allexander Joseph Shorey, Robert Paul Vigneau
  • Patent number: 9445675
    Abstract: A modular apparatus is erected from a kit of component parts to provide for displaying and dispensing selected merchandise at a point-of-purchase placed at a selected site. The merchandise is in the form of packages of selected dimensions to be arranged serially along the apparatus. The kit facilitates transport to the site and erection of the apparatus on-site to accommodate the packages of selected width. Adjustment of the apparatus to the dimensions of the packages is accomplished during erection of the apparatus at the selected site by movement of wall members of the apparatus into guiding juxtaposition with the packages. Rack and pawl arrangements integral with the wall members enable ease of assembly while attaining and maintaining accurate on-site adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Henschel-Steinau, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. DeSena, Michael D. Luberto, Getachew Kassa
  • Patent number: 9445676
    Abstract: A foldable base for a counter includes upright and folded position. The folding base includes a front panel; a first side panel hingedly connected thereto, the first side panel extending backwards from the front panel in the upright position; a spacer joined to the front panel; and a second side panel hingedly connected to the spacer. The second side panel is opposite the first side panel in the upright position. The counter further includes a cover mounted on the base in the upright position. In the folded position, one of the side panels is placed or housed behind the front panel, while the other side panel is placed over the side panel previously placed or housed in the front panel. The counter further includes a door hingedly connected to the first side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Ricardo Ceballos Godefroy
  • Patent number: 9445677
    Abstract: A leakproof cover for combined pouring and venting container closure is disclosed which comprises a cap having an outer surface and an inner surface, a first arm having an aperture, a latch, a projection, a stop member extending downwardly from the inner surface, and a second arm extending downwardly from the inner surface with the second arm having an aperture, a closure device having a threaded rim, a vent, a spout; a pair of arms each having an aperture therein, a first pin for insertion through the apertures in the pair of arms and the aperture in the first arm of the cap for connecting the cap to the closure device, a spout seal device having a pair of arms each having an aperture, an upper member having a pair of depending legs with the upper member and the legs for covering the spout, the upper member having a rubber insert that provides a seal between the spout and the spout seal device to prevent any liquid from leaking out of the spout, and a second pin for insertion through the apertures in the pai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: New Vent Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig E. Brown
  • Patent number: 9445678
    Abstract: A removal safeguard for a knife block, into which at least one knife having a blade can be inserted, includes a cover part, which has at least one recess, and a template, having at least one cut-out, mounted slidably with respect to the cover part, wherein in a first position the recess and the cut-out are aligned to one another in such a manner that a passage of the blade is possible, and in a second position the passage of the blade is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: NEWTEC GmbH
    Inventor: Ali Güngördü
  • Patent number: 9445679
    Abstract: A hanger comprising a hanger body and a hook assembly. An attachment assembly is configured to allow for the coupling of the hanger body and the hook assembly in selectively rotatable engagement. The attachment assembly includes a first coupling component and a second coupling component, the first coupling component positioned on the hook assembly and the second coupling component positioned on the hanger body. A releasable locking component releasably locks the first coupling component and the second coupling component in at least a collapsed configuration and an articulated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hangers PLUS, LLC
    Inventors: James Hansen, Russell O. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 9445680
    Abstract: A portable device that facilitates and aids in self-dressing lower as well as upper body with single and or multiple articles of clothing with minimal physical motion, and coordination (e.g., exertion, bending, squeezing, gripping, twisting etc.). The portable device includes a base that supports and provides stability for maintaining the portable device in an upright position, and defines a workspace for positioning articles of clothing. Further included is a first retainer associated with the base, a second retainer associated with a handle, and a first and second side posts adjustably and moveably associated with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Sheri Bean
    Inventor: Sheri Denise Bean
  • Patent number: 9445681
    Abstract: A chair mat especially designed for use in both a sitting and standing position can have a substantially rigid base including a fold line separating a first portion of the base from a second portion. A resilient cushion can positioned on only the second portion lower surface of the base. The second portion can be movable about the fold line relative to the first portion between a first position where the cushion is downwardly facing and a second position where the cushion is upwardly facing. When the second portion is in the first position, the substantially rigid base can present a substantially continuously smooth upper surface providing for easy movement of any casters or rollers supporting a desk chair spider. When the second portion is in the second position, the cushion can provide a compressible yet resilient portion that facilitates a comfortable standing working position for prolonged periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 9445682
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting bracket for mounting a mailbox, the mounting bracket including a first side section configured to contact one side of the mailbox and having one or more first anchoring portions extending inwardly from the first side section to contact a supporting body, and a second side section configured to contact another side of the mailbox and having one or more second anchoring portions extending inwardly from the second side section to contact the supporting body, wherein the first and second anchoring portions are configured to contact the supporting body without overlapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Chase Disney
  • Patent number: 9445683
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved traverse rod and hardware system that utilizes one or more load bearing trolleys housed within a hollow traverse rod. The traverse rod is a tube having an opening or slot across a top or top surface of the tube. The trolleys are attached to one or more connectors such as rings, which partially or completely encircle the tube and connect to a hanging object such as but, not limited to a curtain or drape. The trolleys move within the tube through the exercise of a cord and pulley system. The bottom or bottom surface of the tube bears the weight of the hanging objects through the trolleys and respective connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Robert D. Rochin
  • Patent number: 9445684
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening comprising: a rail; a covering material, attached to said rail; at least two cords for guiding, supporting and/or lifting the covering material, the cords extending through the rail; and at least one weight disposed within the rail; characterised in that the rail comprises a longitudinally extending front portion, a longitudinally extending rear portion and a longitudinally extending central portion disposed between the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein said at least one weight is positioned at a location remote from the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Robertus Maria Franssen
  • Patent number: 9445685
    Abstract: An apparatus for steaming at least one tamale has a top rack with a plurality of openings formed therein and extending in a generally horizontal orientation, a bottom rack having a plurality of openings formed therein and extending in a generally horizontal orientation in spaced relation to the top rack, and at least one leg extending downwardly from the bottom rack so as to support the bottom rack a desired distance above an underlying surface. Each of the plurality of openings of the bottom rack has an area less than an area of each of the plurality of openings of the top rack. A handle is affixed to at least one of the top rack and the bottom rack. The handle has a gripping portion extending above the top rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Jose M. Diaz
  • Patent number: 9445686
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser and methods of use for combining at least one beverage ingredient with a diluting ingredient to form a beverage. In one embodiment, the beverage ingredient is coffee or tea and the diluting ingredient is water. The beverage ingredient is retained in a container which is positioned in the beverage dispenser. The ingredient is mixed with water at least in part in the container for dispensing into a receptacle positioned relative to the dispenser. In one embodiment, the beverage ingredient is a liquid form of beverage concentrate packaged in a disposable container. The beverage dispenser includes mechanisms and assemblies which form a single opening in the container to allow water to enter and exit the container through the single opening in the container to release and mix the beverage ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Clark
  • Patent number: 9445687
    Abstract: Brewing or preparation chamber (1) which is intended for a beverage-making machine and is suitable for accommodating, and extracting the contents from, a portion capsule (27, 29) which is filled with pulverulent or liquid basic beverage substances and consists fully or partially of electrically conductive material, and the brewing or preparation chamber (1) consists of a first, fixed-location chamber part (2), which is provided with opening means (25) for opening the portion capsule (27, 29) in relation to the beverage outlet and is connected in a fluid-channelling manner to a structure (6, 7, 8) for the outflow of the beverage, and of a second chamber part (3), which can be moved vertically or horizontally in relation to the first chamber part (2), is connected in a fluid-channelling manner, for the purpose of supplying the portion capsule (27, 29) with the extraction liquid, to an extraction-liquid-feeding extraction-liquid pump (37) and is provided with piercing means (11, 12) for opening the portion capsu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Gotthard Mahlich
  • Patent number: 9445688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule intended for delivering a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. The capsule comprises a code support surface on which a code is represented. The code comprises a first value for at least one capsule-related information. The code further comprises a first element and a second element arranged on the code support surface so as that the distance between the first element and the second element is a function of the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Flick
  • Patent number: 9445689
    Abstract: A transfer mechanism for use in a continuous cooking system includes a non-metallic counter-balance having a contact bar located toward its uppermost end and a load located toward its lowermost end. The contact bar is sized to span a useable width of the belt and the load is sized to urge the contact bar into continued contact with a portion of the belt as the belt travels around the end roller. A rotational joint is provided for pivoting the counter-balance toward and away from belt, the joint being arranged to provide a predetermined amount of travel relative to the belt. A slot is provided for adjusting a position of the counter-balance relative to the belt. The uppermost product-contact surface of the bar can be round, flat, or angled and can include grooves to reduce the amount of contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Unitherm Food Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Howard, Austen Laur
  • Patent number: 9445690
    Abstract: A portable cooking grill includes upright posts, rails, a grilling surface, and a fuel tray. Each rail couples a pair of the upright posts. The grilling surface is coupled with the rails and supports food for cooking. The fuel tray is coupled with the rails and receives a volume of fuel. The grilling surface and the fuel tray slide relative to each other to allow them to be relatively moved into distinct positions. In one position, the fuel tray is beneath the grilling surface. In another position, at least a portion of the fuel tray is not beneath the grilling surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Perry Handyside
  • Patent number: 9445691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to eating utensils, such as spoons, forks and knifes that include a riser configured to elevate the distal end of the utensil when the utensil is placed in an upright or inverted position on a planar surface to avoid contamination. The riser includes a riser member having a lower curvature end integrally formed with a handle and an upper curvature end integrally formed with the working end of a spoon, fork or knife A plurality of eating utensils can be stacked one on top of the other for storage or packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Bly Management Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael Joyner
  • Patent number: 9445692
    Abstract: A bathing facility cushion device protects a person from impact damage in the event of an accident incident to bathing. The device includes an elongated resilient retainer and an elongated pad. An inner section and an outer section of the retainer define a channel therebetween. The channel tapers extending away from a medial section of the retainer. A first section and a second section of the pad define a passage therebetween. The pad is enageable to the retainer wherein the retainer is configured for securing the pad over a top surface of a side wall of a bathtub such that the first section and the second section extend downwardly along the side wall of the bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Derwin Hunt
  • Patent number: 9445693
    Abstract: This application includes embodiments of apparatuses (e.g., bath benches) for improving accessibility to a bathtub. Some embodiments include a bath bench with a primary deck and a folding lateral transfer extension (secondary deck). The secondary deck may be coupled to the primary deck by a dual-axis hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Home Depot Product Authority, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Nelson
  • Patent number: 9445694
    Abstract: A cover preferably for a dispenser comprised of at least two components which are assembled together with a joint seam between edge portions of the components and an extrudable material extruded to provide a continuous elongate bead which overlies the joint seal, hiding the joint seal from view and presenting a visible bead surface spanning between exterior surfaces of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: OP-Hygiene IP GmbH
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 9445695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a urinal having an odor seal or trap (2). The urinal is characterized by provision of another odor seal or trap (9), preferably connected in series with the first odor seal or trap (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: URIMAT HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Arthur Schmed, Werner Balkau
  • Patent number: 9445696
    Abstract: A sanitary toilet seat has a pivot point for raising and lowering the toilet seat, which pivot point is located on a plane above a horizontal plane upon which the seat may rest when in a lowered position on the toilet bowl. In addition, a toilet bowl may have a steep inside bowl angle to reduce splash effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph R. Tordella
  • Patent number: 9445697
    Abstract: A toilet lid or seat for use with a toilet includes first and second metallic layers bonded together along an edge to form a shell having a shape and size associated with the toilet lid or seat, the shell having an interior volume. The toilet lid or seat also includes a core structural layer disposed within the interior volume of the shell. The toilet lid or seat further includes a plurality of exterior layers disposed on exterior surfaces of the shell, the exterior layers configured to envelop the toilet lid or seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Topseat International, Inc.
    Inventor: Chengdong Wu