Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
  • Patent number: 9456660
    Abstract: An odor impregnated shoe insert assembly includes a panel that has a size and shape to conform to and cover an insole of a shoe. The panel has an upper surface, a lower surface and a perimeter edge. A covering is mounted on completely covers the upper surface of the panel. The covering is impregnated with a scent. The panel is positioned within the shoe and the shoe placed on a foot to transfer the scent to the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Armando Magdaleno, Elizabeth Magdaleno
  • Patent number: 9456661
    Abstract: A footwear customization kit is disclosed. The kit comprises a container including an article of footwear, a stand, a steaming bag and a set of instructions. The article of footwear includes a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated. The stand and the steaming bag can be used to heat the article of footwear in a steam environment. The steaming bag includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The central portion of the steaming bag defines an interior cavity for receiving the article of footwear. The peripheral portion can include grasping holes for grabbing the steaming bag in the steam environment. The steaming bag can expand from a flattened configuration when filled with the article of footwear in the steam environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Dieter, Alexandre Baudouin, Brian D. Baker
  • Patent number: 9456662
    Abstract: A method surface functionalizes and produces a surface fastener part (12) forming a surface faster (10) that can be opened and closed repeatedly with a mating surface fastener part (14). The surface fastener parts (12, 14) include protruding hook parts (18) disposed at least partially on a carrier part (16), each having a head part (20) on its side facing away from the carrier part (16) and forming a fastening element (22). At least one part of the hook parts (18) of a locking part (12, 14) is provided with a functional medium. The associated head parts (20) are kept largely or completely away from the medium. The fastening forces for engaging the corresponding fastening elements (22) and forming the closed surface fastener (10) are then reduced. The holding forces are then increased up to separating the corresponding fastening elements (22) and forming the opened surface fastener (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GOTTLIEB BINDER GMBH & CO KG
    Inventor: Konstantinos Poulakis
  • Patent number: 9456663
    Abstract: A child-proof locking system for a slide fastener includes a slide which engages a pair of molded plastic interlocking strips. The slide is carried in a puller having a proximal grip and a distal latch. When the slide fastener is closed, the puller seats in a strike, with the latch having a plurality of arms abutting a distal end of the strike to lock the puller. To open the slide fastener, the latch arms are pressed inwardly with one hand, to clear the strike, while the grip is pulled away from the strike with the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: RODAWG HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Jasper E. Wheeler, Jordan Diatio
  • Patent number: 9456664
    Abstract: The method for forming a stopper includes injection molding a stopper molding comprising a molding body portion which embeds an end portion of an element row, and a thin fin portion which extends outward from a periphery portion of the molding body portion on at least one end portion side of the element row, and forming a high frequency wave adhesion portion by adhering the fin portion of the stopper molding by a high frequency wave. By this, a fixing strength of the stopper can be increased, and the high frequency wave adhesion portion can be configured to bend easily by making a thickness of the high frequency wave adhesion portion thin, thereby stably forming the stopper which is difficult to detach for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Ryo Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9456665
    Abstract: The invention is a clip holder that can be applied to fabric or clothing, specifically shirts or underwear, designed to aid in maintaining the folded status of the garment. The holder has two horizontal, parallel posts with space between them on one side, which descend or curve down on the same end and then converge to form a single post in the center, which then turns horizontally in the same direction as the two posts above and is almost parallel to the two posts. From a side view, the shape of the holder appears as a “U” shape, which narrows at the opening compared to the interior of the holder. It is this narrowing that enhances the gripping ability of the holder on the folded garment. Because the single post fits between the top posts, two folded garments with this invention applied become easily stackable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Oliver Eugene Stubblefield
  • Patent number: 9456666
    Abstract: The adjustment device for a portable element includes: a first and second pair of first and second wire-shaped elements; a first adjustment unit mounted mobile on the first pair of wire-shaped elements and configured to: define two deviation paths of the first pair of wire-shaped elements and to separate the first and second wire-shaped elements of the first pair by a first distance X1, and define a first mechanical coupling means with the second pair of wire-shaped elements; and a second adjustment unit mounted mobile on the second pair of wire-shaped elements and configured to: define two deviation paths of the second pair of wire-shaped elements and to separate the first and second wire-shaped elements of the second pair by a second distance X2, and define a first mechanical coupling means with the first pair of wire-shaped elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ZEDEL
    Inventors: Eric Girault, Grégory Martin
  • Patent number: 9456667
    Abstract: An enhancer for jewelry necklaces in which the enhancer is connected to lower ends of an upper strand and allows a plurality of lower strands to be attached to each respective enhancer so as to allow the consumer to provide a plurality of ornamental appearances for the resulting necklace structure. An alternative embodiment uses a single enhancer for allowing a plurality of decorative elements such as charms to be added to a necklace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Barbara Bixby
  • Patent number: 9456668
    Abstract: An auricle covering including an outer wall and an inner wall having a substantially auricle shape. A connection wall between the inner wall and outer wall creates a channel. The channel has a width that conforms to the helix of an auricle. There is at least one aperture on a lower portion of the inner wall. The at least one aperture provides access for a backing of an earring to fit therethrough ensuring a proper fit around an auricle when the auricle covering is in use. An indicia is on a front side of the outer wall providing customization of each auricle covering and allows a user to show team spirit and support of a desired logo, team, church, company or a specific design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Willard Lafayette, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9456669
    Abstract: A diamond which will display a heart and arrows pattern characteristic substantially conforming to the hearts and arrows pattern inherently generated in a symmetrically polished round cut diamond when subjected to light. The diamond is polished in a symmetrical shape having four main crown facets on the long sides of the diamond, four main crown facets on the corner sides of the diamond, a table facet, 8 crown star facets adjacent the table facet, 16 crown half facets, 8 main pavilion facets, 16 pavilion half facets, 4 subsidiary pavilion facets, 16 subsidiary pavilion half facets with each subsidiary pavilion facet postioned adjacent two pavilion half facets and multiple girdle facets of varying thickness on both the long and corner sides of the diamond. The hearts and arrows pattern generated by this gemstone forms 8 symmetrically aligned arrows and 8 symmetrically aligned hearts when visually observed through a conventional scope in the presence of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: WORLDWIDE DIAMOND TRADEMARKS LTD.
    Inventor: Roni Rydlewicz
  • Patent number: 9456670
    Abstract: Devices and systems are provided that comprise a reaching apparatus removably coupled with a mobility device such that an individual can couple, uncouple, and/or use the reaching apparatus while concurrently using the mobility device for stability and/or mobility assistance. Related devices and systems further comprise a sheath coupled with the mobility device, the sheath configured to slidably receive at least part of the reaching apparatus therein. Furthermore, methods for manufacturing such devices and systems are provided, providing both retrofit options as well as methods for manufacturing specific mobility and/or stability devices comprising the reaching apparatus hereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Barbara Wood
  • Patent number: 9456671
    Abstract: An example can include an apparatus for aiding walking along a surface. The example can include a foot to interface with the surface, the foot being rigid to resist bending during walking. The example can include a bendable puck fixed to the foot at an edge of the bendable puck. The example can include a handle coupled to a center portion of the bendable puck. In the example, the foot can be spaced apart from the handle, with the puck being elastically bendable to permit movement of the handle with respect to the foot during walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hurryworks LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Crowhurst
  • Patent number: 9456672
    Abstract: A shopping organizer comprises a purse or handbag enabled to carry cards and money, a carrier enclosure separate from the purse or handbag, attached to the purse or handbag, the carrier enclosure having a dispensing opening on one end, and a plurality of shopping bags, each formed from a material having a low coefficient of friction and capable of sustaining permanent fold creases, the shopping bags folded along the creases and arranged in a stack held together by a strap, the stack of shopping bags placed in the carrier enclosure such that individual ones of the plurality of bags may be grasped and pulled out of the stack through the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Donna Condon, Anthony Christopher Condon
  • Patent number: 9456673
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a protective case for a portable electronic device, including a back cover and a front cover for housing a portable electronic device therein, wherein the back cover and the front cover include one or more mating surfaces operationally configured to fluidly seal the perimeter of the protective case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: David Chang
  • Patent number: 9456674
    Abstract: A case includes a first plate, a second plate, a first sidewall protruding from the first plate, a second sidewall protruding from the second plate and a cover. The second plate is attached to the first plate and is rotatable around the first plate to obtain different angles between the first plate and the second plate. The second sidewall, the first sidewall, the first plate and the second plate define a receiving space when the angle is 180 degrees. The cover is attached to the second sidewall and is rotatable around the second sidewall to position an end of the cover in front of the first plate. A length of the cover between the end and the second sidewall can be variable corresponding to the different angles. The end of the cover is rotatable to abut against the first sidewall holding the first plate at different angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fu-Kuo Huang
  • Patent number: 9456675
    Abstract: Footwear worn on a foot of a user having a heel and toes with toenails, and abrades the toenails of the toes of the foot of the user without any input from the user. The footwear includes a sole, an insole, a vamp, a toe portion, and a pedicure assembly. The insole is disposed on top of the sole, and has the foot of the user rest thereon. The vamp extends upwardly from the sole, and overlies the foot of the user. The toe portion extends upwardly from the sole, forwardly from the vamp, and overlies the toes of the foot of the user. The pedicure assembly is disposed within the toe portion, and abrades the toenails of the toes of the foot of the user without any input from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph B. Haas
  • Patent number: 9456676
    Abstract: A cosmetic container is configured such that when a cover is rotated against a container main body in the removing direction, a guided part of a stopper portion rotated in sync with a grip portion is first guided by a guiding part of a joint, the stopper portion, the sleeve portion, and a cosmetic material M or an application body 3 move to the side of the container main body, the cosmetic material and the application body contact each other, and the screwing operation of the first and second screw parts then takes effect, to cause the cover to be removed from the container main body. This enables an appropriate amount of the cosmetic material to be attached to the application body along with a removing operation of the cover from the container main body without the need for a particular operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOKIWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9456677
    Abstract: A plastic container for a roll-on deodorant is described, which roll-on deodorant has a receptacle and a roll cage for the captive, rotatable holding of an applicator ball. The roll cage can be made integral with the receptacle. The plastic container can be produced in an extrusion-blow-molding method from a tube that is for example extruded continuously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ALPLA WERKE ALWIN LEHNER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Johann Künz
  • Patent number: 9456678
    Abstract: An applicator assembly is disclosed having a rotating applicator, a controller, and an LED. A fragrance, cosmetic or other substance, preferably liquid, gelatinous, semi-fluid, or semi-solid, is applied to the user or object by pressing dragging the rolling applicator onto an application surface. As the applicator is dragged, the rolling applicator rotates and distributes the fragrance, cosmetic or other substance onto the application surface. In addition, as the rolling applicator rotates, the controller can generate signals based on movement of the rolling applicator that are used to vary an attribute of light emitting from one or more LEDs. Movement of the rotating applicator preferably causes a change in the wavelength or intensity of the one or more LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Hooshmand Harooni
  • Patent number: 9456679
    Abstract: A bottle and accessories carrier generally includes a bottle carrier with preferable accessory storage. One version includes a holster portion for retaining at least one bottle or container; straps or other means attaching the holster portion onto a user's body or other article; a preferably flattened bottle; and an accessory storage area for carrying items. A strategically placed spacer or padding layer improves breathability and reduces bounce, providing a more comfortable carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Amphipod, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith S. Willows, June A. Angus, Antonio Del Rosario
  • Patent number: 9456680
    Abstract: A toothbrush having a first set of bristle tufts arranged along a first row, the first set of bristle tufts attached to a head and oriented in a vertical position. The toothbrush has a second set of bristle tufts arranged along a second row, the second set of bristle tufts attached to the head and oriented at an angle that is between 4 and 10 degrees to the left of the vertical position. The toothbrush has a third set of bristle tufts arranged along a third row, the third set of bristle tufts attached to the head and oriented in the vertical position. The toothbrush has a fourth set of bristle tufts arranged along a fourth row, the fourth set of bristle tufts attached to the head and oriented at an angle that is between 4 and 10 degrees to the right of the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Fresh, LLC
    Inventors: Doug Corbett, Geoff Carroll, Huy Kha Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9456681
    Abstract: A toothbrush has one or two part-spherical pockets formed in the brush surface. Balls or pellets of matching shape of dehydrated toothpaste are placed in the depressions, the brush is wetted and the pellets turn to a gel, ready for brushing. The pellets may be of various colors and flavors to entice children to brush their teeth and may be dispensed from a storage chamber carried in the tooth brush handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Joshua D. Atkin
  • Patent number: 9456682
    Abstract: A drill-powered rotational brush apparatus features an electrically non-conductive tubular housing, and a metal input shaft rotatably supported in the housing has an external end reaching out from the housing for engagement in the chuck of the drill. A connection is provided between an internal end of the metal input shaft and a brush whose radial bristles reside externally of the housing at the second end thereof. The connection features an electrical insulator that electrically isolates the metal input shaft from the brush and any portion of the connection that lies externally of the tubular housing beyond the second end thereof, thereby protecting the user form the risk of electrical shock. The connection end of the brush matches the cross-sectional size and peripheral shape of the external end of the input shaft to allow coupling together of two like apparatuses to collectively form a longer brush assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Wade Taylor
  • Patent number: 9456683
    Abstract: According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an article of furniture may be stabilized by one or more stretchers capable of contracting or extending to create a stabilizing force between the components of the furniture. The article of furniture may include a top surface member and a plurality of support members. The one or more stretchers may engage the support members, applying a stabilizing force. The furniture may be assembled and disassembled quickly and without the use of irreversible couplings such as nails, screws, staples, or adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Donald Kevin Price, Jeffrey Justice McSwain
  • Patent number: 9456684
    Abstract: The present invention teaches an integrated folding table and chairs set, comprising a table and two chairs. The table comprises cross hinged table legs on both sides and a table top. The chair comprises the same or symmetrical supporting legs on both sides, a cushion and a back cushion. The supporting leg comprises mutually crossing front supporting rods and rear supporting rods. The front supporting rod extends upward from the cushion to form back cushion segments. A back cushion is installed on either back cushion segment, and the cushion is fixed to the front supporting rod and rear supporting rod; wherein, the table legs respectively comprise two cross hinged U-shaped rods. The top cross rod of the two U-shaped rods is used to fix and support the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Zenithen USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew David Frankel, Shi-Ping Zheng, Tian-Xia Zheng
  • Patent number: 9456685
    Abstract: A table (1) capable of accommodating place settings for a plurality of people is provided. The table (1) comprising a first table top (2) and a second table top (3), both of which are capable of accommodating place settings for one or more people. The place settings on the first table top (2) being alignable with the second table top (3) place settings so that at least two people at the table (1) are face to face. The first and second table tops are moveable relative to one another so that the alignment of the first table top place settings and the second table top place settings can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Wade-Smith
  • Patent number: 9456686
    Abstract: A system comprising a switching device linked to a common display screen and including a wireless receiver configured to receive content, the switching device configured to use the received content to drive the common display screen and a plurality of interface devices, each interface device including an interface housing, an interface device processor, a control button mounted within the housing and a plug linked to the housing via a cable, the plug receivable within a connection port of a computing device, a first interface device including a first device processor, a first plug and a first control button, the first processor configured to perform the steps of, with the first plug received in the connection port of the first computing device and first content presented on the first display screen while other content is presented on the common display screen, detecting selection of the first control button and, upon detecting selection of the first control button, causing a wireless transmission to the switc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis Epstein, Brett Kincaid, Hyun Yoo, Suzanne Stage, Lukas Scherrer, Larry Cheng
  • Patent number: 9456687
    Abstract: A video source control assembly for use with at least a first display screen and a plurality of video source devices, the control assembly including a deck member forming a top surface and at least one cable passing opening, a switching device, a plurality of control cables, each control cable including first and second ends, each first end linkable to at least one source device and the second end linked to the switching device to provide video content thereto and a separate housing mounted to an intermediate portion of each of the control cables so that flexible portions of the associated control cable extend from the housing to each of the first and second ends, a separate selection button mounted in each of the housings that provides a control signal to the switching device causing the switching device to modify the content presented on the display screen, wherein, the portion of each cable between the housing and the second end passes through the cable passing opening and the housing has dimensions such t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis Epstein, Brett Kincaid, Hyun Yoo, Suzanne Stage, Lukas Scherrer, Larry Cheng
  • Patent number: 9456688
    Abstract: A modular storage of modular storage units defined by plural hollow elongate support members having longitudinal ends including apertures into which vertical connection members can be inserted to connect adjacent modules. The inserts may be of a predetermined length to connect two horizontally adjacent modules or a length twice the predetermined length to connect two horizontally adjacent modules. For vertically and horizontally connected modules, double-headed dowel pins can be inserted in a U-shaped channel of the connection members that rigidly and securely retain the modules connected to each other so as to enable the configuration to present a stable work surface. A second type of connection member can be used to provide for an end connection at a top or bottom of the configuration, enabling a hook to hold onto the adjacent hollow tubular member and/or to provide for insertion of a caster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: KMC Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Moyer
  • Patent number: 9456689
    Abstract: A plant growing apparatus of a hydroponic and/or aeroponic plant growing system includes a support assembly and a pair of height control mechanisms. The support assembly includes a bottom platform, supported and mobilized by corner caster wheel devices, and top and intermediate platforms, vertically spaced apart from one another and the bottom platform by upright corner posts rigidly affixed at the corners of the bottom platform. The intermediate platform may be manually raised or lowered along the posts. The height control mechanisms are concurrently operable to raise or lower the top platform along the posts. In addition to the plant growing apparatus, the plant growing system also includes light modules supported by the top platform, plant grow cells supported by the intermediate platform below the light modules, and a water reservoir and pump on the bottom platform and connected in communication with the plant grow cells and height control mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Robert Tinsley
  • Patent number: 9456690
    Abstract: A double-walled drawer frame includes an inner wall and an outer wall that can be bonded to each other, preferably with adhesive. The inner wall has an inner wall bonding section, and the outer wall has an outer wall bonding section. The inner wall bonding section and the outer wall bonding section are arranged in the interior of the double-walled drawer frame in the assembly position, and can be bonded to each other for the bonding of the inner wall with the outer wall. The inner wall can be stably fixed in its position relative to the outer wall by a mechanical holding device that can be bonded to the inner wall bonding section and the outer wall bonding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: JULIUS BLUM GMBH
    Inventor: Markus Feuerstein
  • Patent number: 9456691
    Abstract: A structure to prevent a drawer from falling off may include a rail and a stopping unit. The rail has an elongated side board, one side of the rail is extending to form a bottom board with an equal length as the side board. The bottom board has at least one through connecting opening. The stopping unit has a head portion, and one end of head portion has two pressing pieces, and a space formed between the two pressing pieces. When the pressing pieces move towards the space, the head portion is elastically deformed and plugged into the connecting opening of the rail. The stopping unit is configured to prevent the drawer from falling off if excessive force is applied thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MALZINE Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Pao-Hsun Tang
  • Patent number: 9456692
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a multi-piece shelf bracket including a support arm that receives a connector having a support portion and at least one hook portion, and a method of assembling the multi-piece shelf bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Tibbe, Daniel L. Krueger
  • Patent number: 9456693
    Abstract: A system for securing a plurality of structural members of a type of furniture together includes a plurality of brackets that each attach to an end of at least one of the structural members. A modified bracket permits simultaneous attachment of two or more of the structural members at an end of each of the structural members to the modified bracket. After attachment of the structural members to the modified bracket, each structural member is disposed at any desired angle with respect to a remainder of the structural members. A further modified bracket permits attachment of only one structural member end to the further modified bracket and attachment of the further modified bracket to another structural member along a longitudinal length of the other structural member. A recess provided at an end of each of the structural members receives a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal protrusions of any of the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Roskear Porter Broughton
  • Patent number: 9456694
    Abstract: A seat support assembly including a substantially tubular containing jacket having a first end with an inwardly oriented return lip and a second end closable with a sealing closure, a guide portion adapted to be at least partially received by a seat stand, a resilient separator abutting a portion of the guide portion and the sealing closure, an adapter to attach to the guide portion and at least abut an inner surface of the containing jacket wherein the assembly damps oscillation between the adapter and the containing jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Muddie's Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Douglas Barrington Paul
  • Patent number: 9456695
    Abstract: A manual control component (100) for an electrically adjustable piece of furniture comprises a housing (110) and a switch element (120) with an upper part (130) that features a flat, upwardly directed control panel (132) with a first and a second control surface (134, 136), as well as a lower part (140) that features a downwardly directed control lever (142). The lower part is coupled to the upper part in an essentially rigid fashion. The switch element is pivotably supported in the housing (110). The manual control component (100) further comprises a circuit arrangement (150) that is designed for detecting a pivoting motion of the switch element (120) and for generating a signal in order to activate a drive of the piece of furniture (200) in dependence on the detected pivoting motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: LOGICDATA ELECTRONIC & SOFTWARE ENTWICKLUNGS GMBH
    Inventor: Walter Koch
  • Patent number: 9456696
    Abstract: A foam seating article includes an outer foam layer molded around an inner core of molded foam or expanded polystyrene that includes a lumbar support protrusion. The lumbar support protrusion has a convex outer surface disposed inside the seat back area of the outer foam layer and that is not visible on the outer contour of the seat back area. The inner core is made from polyurethane polyol and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and has a hardness greater than 25 Shore A and a density less than two pounds per cubic foot. The polymer material of the inner core has a hardness greater than that of the outer foam. The outer layer of molded foam is high density (HD) foam, memory foam or latex foam. A fabric covering encloses the inner core and molded outer foam layer. The foam seating article can be a chair, sofa, chaise lounge or bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Zinus, Inc.
    Inventor: Youn Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 9456697
    Abstract: Provided is a bench comprising: a) a plurality of parallel middle members, each of the middle members having at least two openings; b) at least two crossbars with a first end and a second end, each of the crossbars configured to go through one of the two openings; c) a plurality of legs for attaching to the crossbars, the legs making contact with a ground; wherein the plurality of the middle members are spaced apart from each other in such configuration that each of the two openings align from one middle member to another, and each of the crossbars transverses one of the openings of the middle members to be attached to the legs at the first and the second end of the crossbar, a top surface of the middle members in the configuration attached to the legs defining a sitting area of the bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Sarkis Simitian
  • Patent number: 9456698
    Abstract: A foldable bed frame structure with wheels includes two frames and two side leg supports. Each frame includes two longitudinal poles and transverse poles connected between the longitudinal poles. The foldable bed frame structure further includes a middle leg support disposed between the frames for connecting the two frames. The middle leg support includes two U-shaped middle leg pipes, two top connecting poles, two bottom connecting poles, and at least two wheels disposed at the bottoms of the U-shaped middle leg pipes. The inner ends of the longitudinal poles of the frames are pivotally connected with two ends of each of the two top connecting poles of the middle leg support, respectively. The present invention is convenient for folding and moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GRANTEC (XIAMEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Suk Kan Oh
  • Patent number: 9456699
    Abstract: The foldable bed frame contains two frame assemblies side-by-side and laterally joined together. Each frame assembly contains an upper assembly and a lower assembly. Upper beams from the two upper assemblies are end-to-end joined together through upper connection pieces. Lower beams from the two lower assemblies are end-to-end joined together through lower connection pieces and intermediate connection pieces between the lower beams and the lower connection pieces. The various connection pieces are light-weighted and reliable, allowing the bed frame to be folded and unfolded smoothly and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GRANTEC (XIAMEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Suk Kan Oh
  • Patent number: 9456700
    Abstract: A bed apparatus has a housing with an intake duct, a closeable vent, and an exhaust port. The intake duct is configured to intake air from an area outside of a bed. The closeable vent is configured to selectively supply the air to the bed. The exhaust port is configured to selectively return the air to the area outside of the bed. At least one electric fan is disposed within the housing between the closeable vent and the intake duct. In operation, the bed apparatus can be switched from a sound-enrichment-only function, to a sound-enrichment-and-bed-air-delivery function, simply by closing and opening the vent, respectively. The bed apparatus may further include a clamp for securing a bed cover above the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: BEDAIR BREEZE LLC
    Inventor: Mark Greener
  • Patent number: 9456701
    Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling fluid communication between fluid chambers in a device such as an inflatable device includes a valve body having first and second ports for fluidly connecting to first and second fluid chambers, and defining a plurality of primary valve seats in series between the ports. A plurality of compound valves are within the valve body and each includes a primary valve member movable to close or open one of the primary valve seats, and a secondary valve member movable to close or open a secondary valve seat in the primary valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Aeris Technology LLC
    Inventor: Robert Eells
  • Patent number: 9456702
    Abstract: In a seat with ventilation property, at least one three-dimensional network cushion element is provided in a foam padding(s) of the seat at at least one point on which at least one body portion of a seat occupant is to be substantially contacted. The three-dimensional network cushion element is formed by a plurality of fibers, each being composed of a core portion and a sheath portion covering the core portion, such that all the fibers are bonded with one another at the respective sheath portions thereof. Preferably, each of the fibers may be an helical fiber of eccentric core type wherein the core portion is eccentrically positioned in the sheath portion. Further, the three-dimensional network cushion element(s) may be arranged in the foam padding so as to prevent intensive exertion of a load from the seat occupant's body portion(s) upon the three-dimensional network cushion element(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kei Miyata, Junpei Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 9456703
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a system for determining an optimal mattress type for an individual, the system comprising a body shape measurement assembly and an optimal mattress type determination means. The body shape measurement assembly comprising a plurality of reference measurement lines (110) and a camera (112) facing the plurality of reference measurement lines to measure the body shape of an individual in a receiving area in the system, by scanning a front image and side image of the individual, and analyzing the scanned images relative to the plurality of reference measurement lines so as to determine a front profile and a side profile of the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Kayfoam Woolfson
    Inventors: Eoin O'Mahoney, Duncan Bain
  • Patent number: 9456704
    Abstract: A merchandiser including a case and a light assembly coupled to the case. The case defines a product display area and at least one shelf for supporting and displaying food product within the product display area. The light assembly is coupled to the case and is positioned to illuminate the food product. The light assembly includes a housing, at least one LED coupled to the housing, a lens cover defining a sidewall portion of the light assembly, and a specular member coupled to the sidewall portion and spaced apart from the LED to reflect a portion of light from the LED toward the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Anshuman Bhargava, Sesha Madireddi, Craig S. Reichert
  • Patent number: 9456705
    Abstract: A merchandiser system includes a case that has a door and a door heater. The system includes a low temperature refrigeration unit sized to fit within a case compartment and to operably couple to the case to maintain food product within a low temperature range. The system also includes a medium temperature refrigeration unit sized to fit within the compartment and operably couple to the case to maintain food product within a medium temperature range. The system includes a controller in communication with the door heater and is programmed to activate the door heater only in response to the low temperature modular refrigeration unit positioned within the compartment. One of the low temperature refrigeration unit and the medium temperature refrigeration unit is removably coupled to the case within the compartment, and is replaceable by the other refrigeration unit to change the temperature range of the product display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Jony M. Zangari, Oswaldo Carrillo
  • Patent number: 9456706
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser includes a case defining a product display area and having a base, a lower flue, a first air passageway, and a second air passageway. The first air passageway and second air passageway are in fluid communication with the lower flue and with the product display area. The refrigerated merchandiser also includes an evaporator positioned in the first air passageway and a fan assembly positioned in the base in fluid communication with the lower flue to generate an airflow. A fan plenum into which the fan assembly is disposed includes an airflow divider to direct a first portion of the airflow to the first air passageway and to direct a second portion of the airflow to the second air passageway. The proportion of air between the first portion and the second portion is a function of the position and geometry of the airflow divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Nguyen, Timothy D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9456707
    Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser including a case that defines a product display area. The case has an air inlet located adjacent the product display area, an air outlet to discharge an airflow into the product display area, and a passageway fluidly connecting the air inlet to the air outlet to direct a conditioned airflow from the air outlet across the product display area and generally toward the air inlet. The merchandiser also includes an electrical component and a power generation system that has a power generation device in communication with the airflow to convert kinetic energy of the airflow into electrical energy to power the electrical component based on movement of the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. Moody, Raymond P. Twohy
  • Patent number: 9456708
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a merchandiser box and an adapter. The merchandiser box has an exterior bottom surface and an interior space defined by a back, a pair of sides, an interior bottom surface, a top and a front having a window. The interior space supports and displays merchandise. The adapter couples the back of the merchandiser box to a wall of a display fixture such that the exterior bottom surface of the merchandiser box is exposed along its entirety. The adapter includes at least one slot for receiving at least one hook located on an exterior of the back of the merchandiser box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer A. Theisen, Erin L. Zobel
  • Patent number: 9456709
    Abstract: The use of embossed paper material allows for inexpensive production of a re-useable, recyclable, and consumer safe hot beverage container. The beverage container may consist of a bio-degradable polymer coating on the inside lining of the cup, and a petrol based chemical coating on the outside of the cup. In a preferred embodiment, the use of embossed paper material allows for inexpensive production of a re-useable, recyclable, and consumer safe hot beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventors: Rafael Rosas Gonzalez, Elias Ortiz