Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9549592
    Abstract: A tightening device is provided for footwear, in particular, for sports footwear of the kind comprising a substantially rigid outer element and a substantially flexible inner element. The tightening device comprises a strap element and the strap element is configured so that—when it is tensioned—it is capable of applying pressure directly both onto the outer element and to the inner element, whereby the pressure is applied more efficiently and uniformly and the user's comfort is thus increased. In addition, the strap element has a substantially continuous surface, which increase the stability of the tightening device and eliminates the risk of an incorrect positioning also in the case of high stresses during sports practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Tecnica Group S.P.A.
    Inventors: Silvio Quagliotto, Claudio Zampieri
  • Patent number: 9549593
    Abstract: The slide fastener has a separable bottom end stop, and the separable bottom end stop has at least an insert pin and a box pin. The insert pin has an escape portion provided with an inclined surface or a curved surface along which the thickness dimension of the insert pin decreases in the direction of the tape width toward the side edge that faces the box pin, the escape portion being positioned in the front-end corner portion of a first-surface of the insert pin, the corner portion being positioned along the edge that faces the box pin. This allows the escape portion of the insert pin to function as an interference prevention means, efficiently prevent chain failure in an element row when the slide fastener is bent into a U-shape, and maintain stable engaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kojima, Miyuki Ohgaku
  • Patent number: 9549594
    Abstract: A customizable bracelet or belt that has a matrix of evenly spaced holes all around the article. Inserts such as pegs, rhinestones, and charms are configured to be inserted through any of the holes and will be snugly secured inside the hole. In this way, a very large number of configurations can be designed by a user by using different combinations of the inserts. The configurations can be in a particular pattern, spell words, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Rick DeRennaux
  • Patent number: 9549595
    Abstract: An inversely foldable automatic umbrella includes a main shaft; an operating sleeve and a connecting sleeve mounted around the main shaft; a compression spring with two ends thereof contacting the connecting sleeve and the operating sleeve, respectively; a first canopy with a central portion thereof fixed to the operating sleeve; a second canopy with a central portion thereof fixed to the top end; a skeleton disposed between the first canopy and the second canopy; and a pull-moving mechanism having a sliding unit and a connecting unit. The sliding unit is slidingly disposed on the skeleton. Two ends of the connecting unit are pivotally disposed on the sliding unit and the operating sleeve, respectively. When the operating sleeve is at a folding position to fold up the first canopy and the second canopy, the skeleton is allowed to completely adhere to the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Hao-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 9549596
    Abstract: A system and method for a moldable wallet. A moldable wallet has a clam shell shape with a top shell coupled to a bottom shell by a shell hinge. The wallet comprises a sealed side located at the shell hinge, and a clamped top side, right side, and bottom side. The top shell and the bottom shell have a moldable material, which can be a thermoplastic material or other bendable or moldable metal. The wallet can further include a money clip which can be integral with the wallet or a separate piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Gladen G. Smith, II
  • Patent number: 9549597
    Abstract: A luggage article having a lower portion supporting a pluralities of supports and including a plurality of walls forming a luggage case structure defining an interior cavity and having a front wall, back wall, opposing side walls, and a bottom wall, at least one support assembly being mounted on a lower portion adjacent the front wall, the lower portion of the front wall has a protruding ledge structure extending at least partially laterally across the front wall, front edges of the opposing sidewalls being offset rearwardly from the front edge of the protruding ledge structure to enhance stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Reinhard Meersschaert, Andrea Della Vecchia
  • Patent number: 9549598
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for housing a device include a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member optionally includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter may be defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TreeFrog Developments, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Rayner, Andrew C. Crawford, Alfred Blochlinger
  • Patent number: 9549599
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a stackable container for gemstones that has an optically clear lid having an optically planar upper surface with a first optical property, such as a refractive index. The lid has an underside coating of a clear gel adhesive having a second optical property matched with the first optical property to minimize optical distortion. The gel releasably adheres gemstones to the lid. The base and lid of the stackable container clamp releasably together without hinges and without a snap fit closure. The container has a gemstone containment volume wherein gemstones appear to “float” and can be examined. For stackability, an upper region of the lid mounts releasably to an underside of a base of a like second stackable container; and the base mounts releasably to an upper region of a lid of a like third stackable container such that a plurality of stackable containers are stackable in an array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Margo O'Tyson Bedman, Peter George Carlier, Lisa Brooks Pike
  • Patent number: 9549600
    Abstract: Folding, flat storable box including a foldable inner container, formed by a first longitudinal band closed on itself and forming a first deformable prism unfoldable between a flat position and a deployed position, and secured to a second transverse band secured, on a base, to a third longitudinal band deformable between a flat position and a folded position where the third band closed on itself surrounds the inner container which can be folded over, when the inner container is in a deployed and folded down position, in abutment on the main base, where the base includes at least one projecting indexing element for holding the inner container in a single particular deployed position of the first prism on the base, when the inner container is in the position folded over onto the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Tissot S.A.
    Inventors: Charline Juillet, Benjamin Bouhan
  • Patent number: 9549601
    Abstract: A hair folding and creasing brake device for creating pre-folded and creased triangular hair foils for dimensional hair color placement has a hinged sheet which is hinged so that foil sheets placed on its surface can be clamped and then bent to form a crease in the foil. A hair coloring foil is prepared by placing a foil or a pack of foils onto the device which is then folded over the foil to clamp the foil and then folded again to bend the foil to impart a crease to the foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Mary E. Callicutt
  • Patent number: 9549602
    Abstract: A unitary packaged color cosmetic composition having a foundation makeup benefit and a concealer benefit, said composition stored in a receptacle having a closure and applicator, wherein the applicator has a foundation makeup benefit application section and a concealer benefit application section and the section of the applicator used to apply the composition to the keratin surface application area corresponds to the desired benefit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ELC Management LLC
    Inventors: Clara G. Mercado, John F. Logalbo, Aya Shidara, Linda Carol McKenna, Palmer McGuinness, Janet Pardo, Thomas Edward Owen
  • Patent number: 9549603
    Abstract: A cartridge-type cosmetic container includes: a main body outer tube to which a cartridge body is attached; a driver body that is rotatable relative to the main body outer tube; a push rod that is propelled by relative rotations of the main body outer tube and the driver body; and a screw spring that is housed in the main body outer tube, and contracts as a result of attaching the cartridge body. The screw spring includes: a first flat plate part whose position is defined in the main body outer tube; a second flat plate part that approaches the first flat plate part by the cartridge body attached; plate spring parts that join both of the flat plate part each other; and a female thread protuberance that is provided on the plate spring parts, and interlocks with a male thread of the push rod as the plate spring parts curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SUZUNO KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Ohba, Tomoya Minamino
  • Patent number: 9549604
    Abstract: A cosmetic applicator includes a hollow seat including a projecting axial sleeve, a threaded shank moveably disposed through the sleeve, a cup at an end of the threaded shank, and slits on the cup; a casing secured to the seat, the casing being configured to receive the threaded shank and including ribs on an inner surface, the ribs being inserted into the slits; a first activation assembly including an exterior case secured to the seat, an interior case, a sleeve member, a sleeve element, first external threads on an inner surface of the exterior case, a first flange at an end of the interior case, second external threads on an inner surface of the interior case, a hollow cylinder in the interior case, and a second flange at a first end of the hollow cylinder; and a hollow intermediate case secured onto the first and a second activation assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Li-Mei Liu
  • Patent number: 9549605
    Abstract: A cap that is suitable for use on conventional liquid containers, particularly water bottles for recreational use. The cap includes a release mechanism for dispensing liquids. The release mechanism is at an angle from the vertical axis of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Danelski
  • Patent number: 9549606
    Abstract: A case for carrying accessories for law enforcement officers is presented, including a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and/or the back panel are constructed from a relatively flexible, stretchable, resilient material. One or more compartments are formed between the front panel and the back panel. For example, a first compartment is adapted and constructed to contain an ammunition magazine; a second compartment is adapted and constructed to contain a handcuffs key, a pen or another similarly elongated object; a third compartment is adapted and constructed to contain handcuffs. At least one selectively securable strap assembly is secured to the back panel, for securing the case to a belt of a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Giddel Casadesus
  • Patent number: 9549607
    Abstract: An oral care implement including a head, a gum massaging element extending from proximate a peripheral side of the head, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements positioned on the head. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements including a side tooth cleaning element positioned inwards and adjacent the gum massaging element. The gum massaging element provides transverse support to the side tooth cleaning element during brushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Armin Baertschi, Martin Zwimpfer, Robert Moskovich
  • Patent number: 9549608
    Abstract: An edger for a paint roller, comprising: a roller frame; a roller cover, having lateral edges, the lateral edges being outside a painting width of the paint roller and being configured to glide against a surface without marring the surface; a displaceable mount, configured to have a first position in which a roller cover is fully engaged over the paint roller and a second position in which the roller cover is disengaged from the paint roller; and at least one auxiliary brush, located on at least one lateral edge of the roller cover, configured to provide painting coverage adjacent to an edge of the roller. A paintbrush edger comprising a linked pair of selectively deployed shields, separated by a wicking space, having tips which glide in a corner, protecting a from contact with paint, while withdrawing paint which seeps into the corner into the wicking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Leith Seanan Emery
  • Patent number: 9549609
    Abstract: A mobile multimedia workstation comprises a base, a mobile component attached to the base bottom side, first and second upright members attached to the top side and spaced apart to define an opening, a clamp comprising first and second clamp faces connected by an adjustable member positioned within the opening and adjustable to urge first and second clamp faces toward each other and in contact with front and rear surfaces of the first and second upright members to fix a position of the clamp along the first and second upright members, a first arm having a first end connected to the first clamp face through a pivot junction and a second end defining a slot, a post within the slot and a device connected to the post, a threaded member disposed through the slot for adjusting a slot width to restrain the post within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MyWorld Mediastudio
    Inventors: Ronald James Constantino, James Eric Preece, Robert James Worzalla
  • Patent number: 9549610
    Abstract: A picnic table storage system includes a collapsible table that has a deck and a system of collapsible legs. A frame is provided and the frame may be suspended from a vehicle. A box is slidably coupled to the frame such that the box may be positioned beneath the vehicle. The collapsible table is insertable into the box such that the collapsible table is stored within the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Rodney Gettel
  • Patent number: 9549611
    Abstract: A shower caddy includes horizontal shelves and a vertically sloped panel having a smooth surface. A bottom edge of the panel is positioned above and in registration with a hair screen carried within a lowermost shelf. Hair from one's head and body caught on one's hands and fingers during washing are transferred to the panel by touching the panel or land directly on the panel. Water overspray during showering or direct splashing causes the hair to slide down the panel and become trapped in the screen, which is easily removed from the shelf for disposal of the collected hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Sebastian Bernal Bocanegra
  • Patent number: 9549612
    Abstract: A table may be sized and configured to nest with another table to reduce a height of a plurality of stacked tables in a nested configuration. The table may include a nesting portion formed in an upper surface and sidewall of the table top. The table may also include a frame with one or more engaging portions sized and configured to be disposed in the nesting portion of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together. In addition, the table top may include a compression edge sized and configured to be disposed in a nesting portion of an adjacent table when the tables are nested together. The compression edge and engaging portions may be sized and configured to be simultaneously disposed in the nesting portion of the adjacent table when the table is nested with the adjacent table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell Peery, David C. Winter, Mitch Johnson
  • Patent number: 9549613
    Abstract: A bracket for attaching a drawer slide to a cabinet wall includes: main panel having front and rear surfaces, upper and lower edges, and opposed side edges; an L-shaped upper flange mounted to front surface of the main panel; an L-shaped lower flange mounted to the front surface of the main panel substantially parallel to the upper flange; a recess in the main panel positioned between the upper flange and the lower flange; an access ramp extending between one of the side edges and the recess; and means for mounting the main panel to the cabinet wall so that the rear surface confronts the rear wall. The upper and lower flanges are configured to capture the upper and lower edges of a panel of a mating bracket attached to a drawer slide. The recess is configured to receive and capture a nub extending from the panel of the mating bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Tenn-Tex Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hightower
  • Patent number: 9549614
    Abstract: An office chair mechanism includes a base support for placement on a chair column, a seat support on the base support being movable relative to the base support and a backrest coupled to the seat support. Pivoting the backrest moves the seat support relative to the base support. A track element is movably connected at a base support connecting point to the base support and at a seat support connecting point to the seat support to adjust pivoting resistance of the backrest. Pivoting the backrest alters position and/or location of the track element. A spring element acting on the track element and on the seat support or on the backrest and/or a backrest support is acted upon with a movement of the seat support relative to the base support. An adjustment device alters the position of a point of action of the spring element on the track element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Bock 1 GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hermann Bock
  • Patent number: 9549615
    Abstract: The leg rest includes a base frame and a retractable frame assembly. The base frame has a through hole and two connecting sockets. A connecting rod connects between the connecting sockets. Two hole seats are provided on the connecting rod. The retractable frame assembly connects with the base frame and includes a first support frame having two connecting arms and a main board connected therebetween. The connecting arms separately connect the connecting sockets. A link with a connecting tube perpendicularly extends from the main board. The connecting tube is coaxially connected between the hole seats. A second support frame rotatably connects to the main board. A support seat rotatably connects to the second support frame and has a transversal rod. A vertical rod is perpendicularly connected between the transversal rod and the main board. A support pad is fixed onto the support seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DONGGUAN KENTEC OFFICE SEATING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Su
  • Patent number: 9549616
    Abstract: An accessory holder that includes an arcuate holding element having a mounting arm that is operatively attached to mounting foot where the mounting foot can be disposed onto a lawn or beach chair having woven strips of material under which the mounting foot can be inserted to temporarily retain the accessory holder such that the accessory holder can be used for storage of items such as drinks, jewelry, and other loose items while a person is resting upon the lawn or beach chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Jerry F. Schilligo
  • Patent number: 9549617
    Abstract: A seat back or chair cooling apparatus that cools the back of a user without the need of forced air. The cooling apparatus includes a pocket having an open end and three closed or closable sides. At least one gel pack embodiment is configured to be inserted into the pocket open end. An adjustable belt, housed in a belt pocket and attached to the pocket sides, is deployed to affix the back cooler assembly to a chair back. Hook straps and hooks provide additional attachment points to secure the back cooler assembly to a chair back, and these straps and hooks have separate hook strap and hook storage pockets within the cooling pocket. The cooling pocket can include polyester, fabric or olefin materials, and can also include a mesh backside. Embodiments of the pocket closures in the portable seat or chair back cooler include metal-magnetic button fasteners, button and button-hole fasteners, or Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: AXIS Sourcing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Alisha Haskell Deluca
  • Patent number: 9549618
    Abstract: The present invention is a folding bed that is embedded into a filing cabinet. The folding bed comprises of three folding sections pivotably connected to each other to be sized to fit vertically into the compartment of the filing cabinet. The folding bed including a pull-push assembly to pull the folding bed out of the cabinet and a rotation system to rotate the folding bed from a vertical position into a horizontal position and reverse. When the door, which looks like a combination of two drawer doors, is opened, the folded bed is easily slid out of the cabinet and rotated to the right or left direction depending on the position of the cabinet proportional to a wall or other obstruction and opens the foldable bed in a horizontal position and retracts the foldable legs to support the bed on the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Farhang Honarvar
  • Patent number: 9549619
    Abstract: Flexible cushions include structures configured to secure to a mattress or other sleeping surface, permitting cushion re-shaping to divide or otherwise configure a sleeping space. Cushions join to the mattress via an L-shaped plate that seats against a side an under a bottom of the mattress. The cushion is supported by the L-shaped plate, which may extend inside the cushion or otherwise mate with a flexible shaping pipe in the cushion. The flexible pipe in the cushion allows the cushion to be shaped in any fashion with sufficient human force while retaining its shape when slept on. The L-shaped plate is joined to an opposite latch plate that secures to an opposite side of the mattress by an adjustable belt that runs between the L-shaped plate and latch plate. The belt may run under the mattress and join to any number of structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Yoshimichi Hashiba
  • Patent number: 9549620
    Abstract: The support characteristics within a foam mattress body may be varied by inserting reinforcements into channels cut or otherwise formed within the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventor: Richard F. Gladney
  • Patent number: 9549621
    Abstract: A noise suppressor for use with a crib includes a frame that is configured for being detachably coupled to a frame of the crib. The frame of the noise suppressor is configured to extend across an open top of the crib. The noise suppressor includes a noise suppressor structure that is coupled to the frame of the noise suppressor. The noise suppressor structure is configured to at least substantially extend across the open top of the crib and is formed of a noise suppressing material. The noise suppressor further includes electronics disposed along one of the frame of the noise suppressor and the noise suppressor structure. The electronics include a speaker, a timer, and a first sensor for sensing sound within the crib above a predetermined threshold. In one variation, the electronics is configured to play a recording when either a predetermined amount of time has lapsed or the sound above the predetermined threshold is observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Roseline Michael Neveling
  • Patent number: 9549622
    Abstract: A shelf divider system that includes a shelf base (12) defining a support for multiple products, which base has a front (16) and a rear (18) and multiple parallel elongate slots (50) in the base. The slots extend in a direction from front to rear in multiple sets (53) of at least two aligned slots. An upstanding transversely extending front stop (26) mounted to the base at the front has an upper edge (31) and at or adjacent the upper edge respective seats (46) associated with the sets of at least two aligned slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CHECKMATE INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD.
    Inventors: John Leahy, John Oretti
  • Patent number: 9549623
    Abstract: An expandable partitioning device includes a pair of slide bars. Each slide bar includes a pair of first cooperating surfaces for slideably connecting the other slide bar. The first slide bar has a plurality of recesses along its length. The second slide bar has a rotatable toggle switch with at least one locking member. When the toggle switch is engaged (rotated) the locking member(s) rotate into the recesses of the first slide bar, locking the relative positions of the two slide bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Benton Snell, Terry Michael Bailey
  • Patent number: 9549624
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a hanging device including slides configured to align the hanging device at desired positions with the frame and on a wall. Embodiments may be configured to be aligned with a frame in both horizontal and vertical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Louis C. Parrillo
  • Patent number: 9549625
    Abstract: A bedding system may be installable on a mattress. The bedding system may have a bottom sheet, a top sheet, and a duvet. The bottom sheet may have a peripheral portion with bottom sheet mounting elements that secure the bottom sheet to the mattress, and top sheet fastening elements. The top sheet may have top sheet mounting elements that secure the top sheet to the bottom sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: WILKINSON & CO HOME LC
    Inventors: Jay B. Wilkinson, Marius V. Gedgaudas
  • Patent number: 9549626
    Abstract: An eating utensil assembly may include a first eating utensil that may include a first handle having an opening therein, a support member coupled to the first handle across the opening, and an eating utensil head coupled to an end of the first handle and having a curved shape. The eating utensil assembly may also include a second eating utensil removably carried by the support member within the opening in the first handle. The second eating utensil may include a second handle and a cutting blade coupled to an end of the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Snap Out Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Truog, Corbet Truog
  • Patent number: 9549627
    Abstract: A drink stand is provided having a base portion that is designed to rest on the ground or other horizontal surface. A top portion is designed to be affixed to the base portion through a support rod. The top portion is surrounded by a continuous loop that includes stemware holders where a portion of the loop is bent inward to form an opening. The top portion includes a centrally located large vessel holder. Cup holders with a gap adapted to receive a handle are affixed between the loop and the large vessel holder. A support rod is included with the cup holder that has a bent floor portion that effectively forms a planar surface that supports the bottom of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Grady
  • Patent number: 9549628
    Abstract: A container support apparatus can include a base body having a first portion, a second portion, and a boundary region between the first and second portions. The apparatus can include a first straight lateral connector member and a second straight lateral connector member, each formed at least in part from the first portion of the base body. The apparatus can include a bottom support member disposed in a coplanar position with the first portion of the base body in an undeployed state. The first and second lateral connector members can undergo downward angular pitching in conjunction with the bottom support member undergoing simultaneous vertical translation and planar rotation relative to the second portion of the base body during transition from the undeployed state to a deployed state, and the bottom support member can maintain a parallel orientation relative to the second portion of the base body during this transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Gena Koufos, Brandon Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 9549629
    Abstract: A serving tray system usable by an intended user having a hand to carry objects, the hand having fingers and a thumb, the system comprising: a serving tray, the serving tray including a substantially rigid tray body defining a tray aperture extending therethrough; and a tray mounting element wearable by the intended user, the tray mounting element including a base and a tray mount extending from the base and insertable through the tray aperture to mount the serving tray to the tray mounting element. The serving tray is usable by the intended user to carry the objects thereon when the serving tray is separated from the tray mounting element and held by the hand. The serving tray is mountable to the tray mounting element by inserting the tray mount through the tray aperture to free the hand when the objects have been removed from the serving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Brigitte Bourget, Robert Martel
  • Patent number: 9549630
    Abstract: A hanger including a hanger body, a hook assembly and an attachment assembly. The hanger includes a hanger body and a hook assembly. The hook assembly includes a body and a hook member. The attachment assembly is structurally configured to couple the hook assembly to the hanger body while facilitating relative rotation thereof, and, comprises a first coupling component and a second coupling component. The first coupling component includes a central post having an outer surface and locking tabs at a distal end thereof. The second coupling component has a central bore with a rear annular surface. The central post extends through the central bore, with the locking tabs interfacing with the rear annular surface so as to substantially preclude axial movement of the central post within the central bore, while allowing rotation about an axis that extends through the central post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hangers Plus, LLC
    Inventors: James Hansen, Russell O. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 9549631
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination of a bracelet and a device for assisting in attaching a bracelet of the type having a clasp at one end and a receiver at the other end and being flexible between such ends. The device comprises a dangling member attached to the bracelet, which dangling member is of sufficient length so that at least one finger of the wearer's involved hand can engage the dangling member against the involved hand and thereby position said receiver at or near the wrist while the wearer's other hand manipulates the clasp at the other end of the bracelet so as to bring such clasp into proximity with the receiver and then so as to attach the bracelet. In another embodiment of the invention, a detachably attachable dangling member is disclosed that can be retrofitted to a typical bracelet. In another embodiment of the invention, the dangling member is permanently attached near one end of the bracelet and is detachably attachable elsewhere on the bracelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Katharine Charity Sittler
  • Patent number: 9549632
    Abstract: Apparatus for a protecting a roadside mail box from snow thrown by snowplow by which includes first and second generally planar members each having at least one rectilinear edge and a top and a bottom. Bracing members are fixed to the first and second generally planar members with the members forming a wedge shape with a vertical edge to divert the thrown by the snowplow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Charles O Pickens
  • Patent number: 9549633
    Abstract: A shaker bottle comprising an open top lower vessel for retaining a liquid volume, an upper member releasably engaging and closing the open top lower vessel; the upper member including a liquid passage inlet in a bottom surface thereof connected to a closable port on an exterior of the upper member allowing liquid in the lower vessel to pass through the inlet and the closable port when the closable port is open and the upper member is closing the lower vessel; the upper member including a storage chamber suitable for receiving a powder supplement; the storage chamber including a releasable bottom member forming a seal with the storage chamber separating the storage from the lower vessel when the releasable bottom member is in with the storage chamber; the bottom member when released from the storage chamber being received in the lower vessel with the storage chamber being open to the lower vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Hon-Kwong Ng, Justin Benjamin Rosete
  • Patent number: 9549634
    Abstract: A sweet tea brewing product and system for brewing sweet tea is disclosed including making a concentrated sweet tea solution before mixing with water which comprises at least one water permeable sieve wherein tea particles and sugar granules are contained. The tea particles and sugar granules are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a hot concentrated sweet tea solution. The concentrated tea solution is then mixed with a proportioned amount of water to make consistent sweet tea. An alternative embodiment may be employed whereby coffee is substituted for tea to make a sweetened coffee solution that may be brewed hot or over ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Alan Stewart, Adam Paul Stewart
  • Patent number: 9549635
    Abstract: The techniques provide for a reconfigurable extraction column length based on the number of columns from a plurality of columns configured for use in an extraction apparatus. The apparatus includes a plurality of columns that each have an inlet, a central portion configured to hold extractable material during an extraction process, and an outlet. The reconfigurable extraction apparatus also includes a piping system connected to each of the plurality of columns that can selectively connect each of the plurality of columns, such that each column from the plurality of columns can be configured for an extraction process either singularly or in series or in parallel with one or more other columns from the plurality of columns, administering a solvent to one or more of the plurality of columns, and outputting the solvent after an extraction process occurs in the one or more of the plurality of columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Meltz, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Kalenian
  • Patent number: 9549636
    Abstract: A beverage forming system and method in which characteristics of a dispensed beverage are controlled. A beverage forming system may include an outlet chamber having an inlet opening to receive beverage from a beverage forming chamber, and an outlet opening to output beverage. The outlet chamber may have a standpipe in the outlet chamber between the inlet and the outlet openings that prevents a direct passage of beverage to the outlet openings, thus controlling characteristics of the beverage, such as an amount of foam, the size of bubbles in a foam, etc. The standpipe may have a portion extending upwardly from a bottom of the outlet chamber and impeding a direct flow path between the inlet and the outlet openings, thus forcing flow to pass around and/or over the standpipe portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Y. Smith, Stoyan Plamenov Hristov, James E. Shepard
  • Patent number: 9549637
    Abstract: An apparatus/method of cleaning a roaster bowl having a pouring lip and a cover (e.g., sugar or other coating is adhered to the bowl, its pouring lip and the cover). Water is added to the roaster bowl and the cover is placed over the roaster bowl. An appropriately sized and located steam vent is disposed between the cover and roaster bowl, adjacent to the bowl's pouring lip. The roaster bowl is heated to boil the water to produce steam that dissolves the sugar adhered to the roaster bowl and to the underside of the cover. Steam exiting the bowl via the vent condenses on the pouring lip to dissolve the sugar that is adhered to the pouring lip, and the sugar-laden steam drips back into the bowl thus cleaning the pouring lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CALICO COTTAGE, INC
    Inventors: Thomas Montoya, Mark Wurzel, David Sank, Lawrence Wurzel, Steven Nagle, Robert Delauro, Barbara Riordan, Hanif Chung-Ying, Judith Levin, Christa Harrison, Andrew Irwin, Duane Saxton, Kevin Blakelock, Kenneth Antes, Mark Whatley, Ronald Beilin, Barnett Tessler
  • Patent number: 9549638
    Abstract: The present BBQ oven with controllable level position of charcoal chamber and inserts generally comprises a truncated spherical body including a thermometer and recesses for barbecuing food and/or insert holding rods in the upper portion of body, and the first necks (for control of the level position of the burning charcoal chamber, comprising a plate for charcoal), second neck (for an air flow control), sleeve and clamping member in the lower portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Armen Karapetyan
  • Patent number: 9549639
    Abstract: A handheld, hand-operated blender may include a container, a lid threadably connected to an upper portion of the container, a bottom portion including a stationary bottom portion threadably connected to a lower portion of the container and a rotatable bottom portion rotatable with respect to the container. The blender may also include a blade assembly including a plurality of blades and a shaft rotatably connected to the rotatable bottom portion and a gear assembly mechanically connected to the blade assembly and the rotatable bottom portion such that rotation of the rotatable bottom portion rotates the blade assembly at a faster revolution per minute than the rotation of the rotatable bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HOT BUTTERED ELVES, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Garr
  • Patent number: 9549640
    Abstract: A dry food dispensing device for controlling the portion size of the dispensed food, comprising a storage receptacle for containing dry foods, wherein the receptacle is seated over a base providing a housing for a dispensing mechanism, the dispensing mechanism comprising: a turnable free flow valve having wings, capable of rotation to an opening angle defined by a position limiter; and a depressible handle for controlling the free flow valve via the position limiter, wherein the dispensing mechanism releases a portion of the dry food, with the portion being determined by a user as a function of time the turnable free flow valve is held at the opening angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Ofer Landau
  • Patent number: 9549641
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a portable container for storing, organizing, and transporting bottles. The portable container being a case having an outer shell made of two openable halves having an interior and a back wall; a rear retainer attached to the back wall and running along the width of the interior, the rear retainer including a plurality of rounded grooves, each configured to accommodate a bottle; and a sliding bracket positioned within each interior, the sliding bracket being attached to the respective half but spaced away from the back wall, the sliding bracket having a plurality of rounded grooves, each configured to accommodate the bottle, such that when the sliding bracket is in a closed configuration, each bottle is sandwiched between the rear retainer and the sliding bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Gordon Marshall Frisbie