Patents Issued in March 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9585436
    Abstract: A shoe liner adapted to selectively couple to a vertical, rear, interior wall of a shoe includes a natural fabric body that is an elongated ovoid shape having a foot side and an opposite shoe side. The shoe side includes an adhesive back adapted to selectively adhere to the vertical backwall interior side of the shoe. The shoe liner further includes an interior chamber defined between the foot side and shoe side layers. The interior chamber is adapted to hold a volume of cotton batting filler material. The exterior surfaces of the shoe liner are made from a natural material and are available in a myriad of colors, textures, and patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Mary Jo Sketch, Anne Marie Sketch
  • Patent number: 9585437
    Abstract: A method of making an article including links includes a step of generating a link pattern according to a pre-selected portion of the article. The link pattern includes a plurality of link indicia that correspond to a plurality of links. After associating each link from the plurality of links with a link indicia from the plurality of link indicia, a plurality of threads may be threaded through the plurality of links to form a link matrix. The link matrix may be associated with the pre-selected portion of an article to make an article including links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Aveni
  • Patent number: 9585438
    Abstract: A fusing system includes an upper member and a base member. The upper member includes a pressing layer and the base member is associated with a last member. The pressing layer has a contoured portion that approximates the shape of a portion of the last member. The upper member can be associated with the base portion and a vacuum can be applied so that the pressing layer is pulled down onto materials disposed on the last member for purposes of fusing the materials together to form articles, such as articles of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Johnson, Yung-Tsung Tseng
  • Patent number: 9585439
    Abstract: A connector comprises a base, a gate, and a locking mechanism. The base forms an opening. The gate is slidably operatively connected to the base and spans the opening. The locking member has an engaging position and a releasing position. The engaging position secures the gate to the base, and the releasing position allows the gate to be moved relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: D B Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Scott C. Casebolt
  • Patent number: 9585440
    Abstract: A buckle device includes a securing member, a frame, and at least one resilient member. The securing member is adapted to be fixedly mounted on a base. The frame includes a pivoting portion pivotally connected to the securing member to enable the frame to rotate relative to the securing member, a pair of side arms respectively connected to two opposite ends of the pivoting portion, and a forearm disposed oppositely to the pivoting portion and having opposite ends that are respectively connected to the side arms. The resilient member has a secured end portion that is secured at the securing member, and an abutting end portion in abutment with the frame for biasing the frame to rotate toward the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Xiao-Hong Xiao
  • Patent number: 9585441
    Abstract: A buckle including a male member; and a female member into which the male member can be inserted for engagement, when an external force in a direction opposite to the insertion direction is exerted on the male member after an engaging face of the male member and an engaged face of the female member being engaged, an engagement width between the engaging face and the engaged face becomes larger than an engagement width before the external force being exerted due to the elastic deformation of legs of the male member exposed through openings in an opposite direction to a side on which the legs faces each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Kaneko
  • Patent number: 9585442
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a system comprising a zip-locker and a zip-locker receiver. The zip-locker comprises a first portion and a second portion configured to fasten to an interconnect, at least one of the first portion and the second portion having ratchet teeth formed and extending longitudinally on an outer surface thereof. The zip-locker receiver is configured to ratchetably receive the zip-locker and comprises an aperture and a pawl disposed within the aperture configured to complement and cooperate with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker to prevent removal of the zip-locker from the aperture of the zip-locker receiver at times the pawl of the zip-locker receiver is engaged with the ratchet teeth of the zip-locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Sean P. O'Donnell, David Boudreau, Albert F. Beinor, Jr., C. Ilhan Gundogan, Ralph C. Frangioso, Jr., Robert P. Wierzbicki
  • Patent number: 9585443
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a reclosure for a reclosable package or container, such as a plastic bag, wherein opening or closing the zipper causes an audible sound and a tactile feel. The apparatus includes a cutting wheel which is opposed to a pressure wheel. The cutting wheel includes cutting teeth spaced about its periphery. Interlocked zipper material is engaged between the cutting wheel and the pressure wheel to form indentations in the interlocked zipper, thereby resulting in audible and tactile feedback when the zipper is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MINIGRIP, LLC
    Inventors: Roy D. Kosub, Sr., Jacob Arriaga, Richard Lee Bell
  • Patent number: 9585444
    Abstract: There is provided a slide fastener and a method for manufacturing a slide fastener. A slide fastener is provided with: a pair of fastener tapes; a pair of fastener element rows provided respectively on the opposing tape-side edges of the pair of fastener tapes and having a plurality of fastener elements; and a slider configured to engage and disengage the pair of fastener element rows with and from each other. Each of the fastener element rows is composed of a monofilament which is made of synthetic resin. The monofilament has, on the surface thereof, a surface layer which can be colored with dyes. A roughened surface having a number of concaves is formed on the surfaces of the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Natsuki Kamada, Tadahiro Inomata, Shinji Matsuzawa
  • Patent number: 9585445
    Abstract: A clasp for securing a first strap with a second strap includes a first clasp portion having a first frame member and a first set of magnets movable from a first to a second position, the first clasp portion adapted to be attached with the first strap; and a second clasp portion adapted to selectively connect with the first clasp portion, the second frame clasp portion having second frame member and a second set of magnets positioned in a fixed location within the second clasp portion, the second set of magnets positioned adjacent the first set of magnets when the second clasp portion is connected with the first clasp portion, the second clasp portion adapted to be attached with the second strap. When the first and second set of magnets create an attractive magnetic force therebetween in the first position and a repulsive magnetic force therebetween in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Amy Qian, Bartley K. Andre
  • Patent number: 9585446
    Abstract: Ring protector made of non-elastic or elastic materials produced by common manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, 3D printing or by skilled hands, to snuggly fit around a ring and completely surround the outside of a ring and any incorporated designs, stones or settings. The ring protector may contain padding or cushion material within any design recess to further protect the ring and any incorporated designs, stones or settings. Ring protectors made according to principles of this invention protect rings from damage while the ring both on and off the ring-wearer's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Angelo Scalzo
  • Patent number: 9585447
    Abstract: A reversible umbrella has a pole, a first handle affixed to a first end of the pole, a second handle affixed to a second end of the pole, and a plurality of ribs extending outwardly of the pole. A canopy is affixed to the ribs. The canopy has a first side facing one direction and a second side facing an opposite direction. The ribs are movable from a first position, wherein the first side of the canopy is in a generally concave configuration with respect to the first handle, to a second position, wherein the first side of the canopy is in a generally convex position with respect to the first handle. The opposing sides of the canopy preferably have different appearances or textures, such that the user can select between two designs to be exposed on the exterior of the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Keeon Rudder, David Cossey
  • Patent number: 9585448
    Abstract: A luggage assembly includes a first piece of luggage and a second piece of luggage. An attachment member is affixed to the second piece of luggage. The attachment member couples the second piece of luggage to the first piece of luggage so that the first and second pieces of luggage are self-stabilized while upright and inclined, and while in motion and while stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: WEST COAST TRENDS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Herold
  • Patent number: 9585449
    Abstract: The present invention includes a mobile phone enclosure which provides a user access to the features of the mobile device within a protective enclosure further providing at least one appearance enhancing device. Such an enclosure may comprise a brush and/or comb and may provide at least one storage area for the appearance enhancing device. Such a protective enclosure may be for an electronic device having interactive controls and may comprise a protective shell substantially surrounding said electronic device when the electronic device is disposed in said shell, the electronic device being insertable in and removable from said shell by hand and having at least one opening in the shell substantially aligned with the interactive controls when the electronic device is disposed in the protective shell, and having at least one appearance enhancement device removably disposed within the bounds of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Seth Berger
  • Patent number: 9585450
    Abstract: A package having a roughened surface that does not adhere to a medical device enclosed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Peck, George E. Himes, Jr., Michael G. Tokarski, Christopher Wildsmith, David C. Turner, John B. Fore, Mark Mandeville
  • Patent number: 9585451
    Abstract: A card holder is provided, having at least one compartment that holds at least one card. When the compartment is slid open, at least one card is made accessible. There are preferably multiple compartments that make up the card holder, each compartment revealing a different card when slid to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Velentzas, Andrea Elia
  • Patent number: 9585452
    Abstract: Luggage of the pull-along type comprises a container, a sleeve fixed to the container, and a telescopic tube mounted in a sliding fashion in the sleeve between a retracted position, and a deployed position. The luggage further includes a resilient element interposed between the tube and the sleeve, designed to allow the tube to be pushed into the sleeve beyond the retracted position against a restoring force exerted on the tube by the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Louis Vuitton Malletier
    Inventors: Richard Wilczak, Christophe Degoix
  • Patent number: 9585453
    Abstract: A device for clamping thick, textured, coiled or kinky hair includes first and second curved components, each with an outer edge and an inner concave curved edge between first and second ends. The inner concave edges include a plurality of inwardly directed, spaced-apart teeth. A hinge joins the first ends of the curved components, enabling the second ends of the components to open and close around a bundle of hair with the teeth penetrating into the bundle. A cooperating closure maintains the device in position around the bundle of hair. The ends of the teeth define an opening even when the device is closed around the bundle of hair. The first and second curved components are preferably integrally formed from molded plastic. The cooperating closure may include first and second hook shapes. The device may come in different sizes to accommodate different hair textures and styles of children and adults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ceata E. Lash
  • Patent number: 9585454
    Abstract: An application device applies an active agent to a fibrous material. The application device has a housing defining a storage volume which is arranged in the housing and is intended for storing the active agent, and an applicator. By the applicator, the active agent located in an application volume is applied to the material. In order to make reliable and straightforward application possible, the applicator has an application volume, a number of hollow teeth which are arranged in a comb-like manner and have an upper wall and a lower wall, between which at least part of the application volume is arranged, and also gaps which are located between the teeth and are intended for introducing the material into the application volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Anke Wagner, Rainer Mühlberger, Daniel Eiche, Peter Roth, Andreas Mühlberger
  • Patent number: 9585455
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holder for nail polish containers, including at least one ring portion configured to fit around a user's finger and having formed therein an opening slit, and at least one crown portion disposed above and interconnected with the ring portions. The crown has a cavity formed therein and an expandable opening configured to receive a nail polish container. The ring portions and the crown are portions of a unified body formed from a substantially pliable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Station 22, LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth Boyle, Mark Miclette
  • Patent number: 9585456
    Abstract: A cosmetic composition container includes cosmetic composition storage foam; and cosmetic composition discharge adjustment foam adjacent to the storage foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: AMOREPACIFIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jung Sun Choi, Kyung Ho Choi, Kyung Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 9585457
    Abstract: Packages for cosmetics are provided including an applicator that engages with a wiper component of a container in a manner such that the applicator and wiper are capable of moving together in one or more directions within the container, including without limitation, vertically, horizontally, diagonally, rotationally, and any combination of such movements. This increased range of mobility permits the applicator element to access more of the cosmetic material within the container than heretofore possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: AVON PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Marisol Simard, Gregory A. Ornoski
  • Patent number: 9585458
    Abstract: A lip balm applicator product comprises upper and lower portions that are connectable together to define the applicator product being of a substantially spherical shape. A support platform is located in the lower portion and accommodates a quantity of lip balm having an arcuate surface. A lip balm comprises a composition of waxes and oils in solid form and formed to have an arcuate surface. The composition is formed to have the arcuate surface using a hot pour process. A method of manufacturing a lip balm comprises providing a receptacle having a concave arcuate surface. A lip balm material in a heated, liquefied phase is poured into the receptacle. Once poured, the heated, liquefied phase is allowed to solidify such that a surface of the solidified lip balm material has an arcuate configuration that corresponds to the concave arcuate surface of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: EOS PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Teller, Craig Dubitsky, Coral Garvey, Dennis Payongayong
  • Patent number: 9585459
    Abstract: A vacuum cosmetic container for cream type cosmetics has a feature in that a content absorption member absorbing discharged contents is installed to the upper portion of a button part, so that it is possible to use the contents absorbed in a content absorption member as needed by coating with a hand or a cosmetic applicator and thus to prevent unnecessary consumption of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: YONWOO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: You-Seob Kim, Ki-Baik Kim
  • Patent number: 9585460
    Abstract: A screw-based dispenser for the application of cosmetic products and other applicable gels, liquids, and solids. The screw-based dispenser may have one or more of the following features: a cylindrical outer casing having at least two diametrically opposed feedback struts, a threaded screw connected to a base that is rotatable relative to the cylindrical outer casing, an elevator retention mechanism, a movable elevator operably engaged with the threaded screw within the cylindrical outer casing, and an elevator locking mechanism providing resistance to spontaneous axial movement of the elevator toward an end of the threaded screw opposite the rotatable base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TUF-TITE, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon D. Wade, Greg McMurray, Wayne A. Huerth
  • Patent number: 9585461
    Abstract: A method of producing an adhesive sheet for skin includes attaching a water-absorptive support to a water-permeable biocompatible film to prepare a stack including the biocompatible film and the support, applying an aqueous ink including water and a functional material to the biocompatible film side of the stack thereby to fix the functional material to the biocompatible film, and separating the biocompatible film having the functional material fixed thereto from the support. An adhesive sheet for skin comprises a water-permeable biocompatible film to which an aqueous ink including water and a functional material has been applied and fixed and a water-absorptive support detachably attached to the biocompatible film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruka Kusukame, Tomoki Masuda, Masayo Shinoda
  • Patent number: 9585462
    Abstract: A device for carrying an object, comprising first and second shoulder straps, first and second chest straps to be fitted around the lower chest of a person, and a back portion connecting a first end of the shoulder straps with a first end of the chest straps. Second ends of the shoulder straps are connected to the chest straps, and second ends of the chest straps are detachably connectable to each other by means of a buckle. Lengths of the chest straps are adjustable. Each of the chest straps comprises at least an elastic section, said elastic section being elastically extendable in a longitudinal direction of the chest straps. Disclosed is also a backpack comprising such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: USWE SPORTS AB
    Inventors: Karl-Johan Engdahl, Jörgen Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 9585463
    Abstract: A shoulder carry assist is a device that allows the user to carry loads without having his or her movement restricted and without losing the use of his or her hands. The device features a left shoulder pad and a right shoulder pad that are connected via a left linkage rod, a right linkage rod, and a width-adjustable cross-bar. Loads may be attached to a left load-bearing hanger and a right load-bearing hanger that are attached to the left shoulder pad and the right shoulder pad by a left cord and a right cord, respectively. The left cord and the right cord are guided via a plurality of left offset guides and a plurality of right offset guides as well as a stabilizing guide located on both the left shoulder pad and the right shoulder pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Edwin R. Lourie
  • Patent number: 9585464
    Abstract: An oral care implement having a head that achieves an enhanced cleaning action during brushing. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head connected to the handle, the head comprising a base structure having a front surface and an opening in the front surface; a carrier having a front surface and a rear surface, the carrier comprising a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extending from the front surface, the carrier movably supported above the front surface of the base structure so that a gap exists between the rear surface of the carrier and the front surface of the base structure; and a spheroid positioned within the opening so that a first portion of the spheroid protrudes from the front surface of the head into the gap and alters movement of the carrier relative to the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Moskovich, Andreas Wechsler, Michael Rooney, Douglas Hohlbein
  • Patent number: 9585465
    Abstract: A cleaning devices for cleaning objects such as paint brushes. The cleaning device includes a head portion positioned along a longitudinal axis and a handle portion connected to the head portion and positioned along the longitudinal axis. The head portion may include an upper surface; a flat lower surface opposite the upper surface; a pair of side surfaces joining the upper and lower surfaces. The handle portion may include a front handle portion; and a back handle portion, the front handle portion connected to the back head portion. The flat lower surface of the head portion includes a plurality of holes for propelling liquid in a forward direction. The flat lower surface of the head portion further includes a plurality of groups of bristles extending perpendicular outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Carlos Vasquez
  • Patent number: 9585466
    Abstract: A wall mountable table and nesting apparatus for providing wall art which may be additionally deployed as a freestanding table. The wall mounted table and nesting apparatus includes a wall mount defining a first French cleat style mount, a nesting member which is adapted to hang on the wall mount and provide a first display surface as well as a second French cleat style mount, and a table member which includes a plurality of selectably deployable legs and is adapted to hang on the nesting member and provide a second display surface or, in the alternative, to stand on a floor as a freestanding table. The first display surface and second display surface may include the same aesthetic design or distinct designs to provide either the same or an alternate experience depending on whether the table member is on the wall or the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ryan Boylston
  • Patent number: 9585467
    Abstract: A lifting desk includes a desk top, a support frame and a base. The support frame has an inner pipe with a top end, a bottom end, and an outer pipe. The inner pipe is movably inserted into the outer pipe, the top end of the inner pipe pivotally joining the desk top, the bottom end of the outer pipe pivotally joining the base; a connecting bar and a drawing bar, one end of the connecting bar pivotally joining the center position of the inner pipe, the other end slidably connected to the bottom surface of the desk top, one end of the drawing bar pivotally joining the base, the other end of the drawing bar slidably connected to the outer pipe. The desk top, the inner pipe and the connecting bar form a link mechanism. The outer pipe, the base and the drawing bar form a second link mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NEW-TEC INTEGRATION (XIAMEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 9585468
    Abstract: A cord management system for furniture includes an elongated flexible member having a plurality of cable clip elements attached thereto for attachment to multiple cables to retain the cables near the elongated member. The elongated flexible member is resilient and is configured for attachment to an article of furniture, such as a table, that is vertically moveable from a first lowered position to a second raised position. For example, when the article of furniture is in the raised position, the elongated member can be extended to a first position in which the member resembles an “S’ shape, a “?” shape, a “” shape, or a backward “S” shape, e.g. “” shape and when the article of furniture is in the lowered position, the elongated member can be compressed to a curved compressed configuration that is “{tilde over ( )}”, “” or “” in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Masamichi Udagawa, Sigrid Moeslinger
  • Patent number: 9585469
    Abstract: A combination multi-level rack includes two side racks, at least an object holding member, and a fastener. Two sides of each of the side racks are provided with a longitudinal part, respectively, and a transverse part combined with the longitudinal parts. Four corners of the holding member are provided with a combining member, respectively. Each of the combining members has an engaging groove and a combining part disposed on a lateral side of the engaging groove, and the engaging groove engages the transverse part. The fastener removably engages the combining part with the longitudinal part. Therefore, the object holding member is stably combined to the two side racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Steve Huang
  • Patent number: 9585470
    Abstract: A position-adjustable support assembly comprises at least one surface mount, an actuator affixed thereto, and a body coupled to and supported on the actuator free of the at least one surface mount. The body is moveable relative to the at least one surface mount in response to a motive force applied by the actuator. The actuator may be affixed to the at least one surface mount inboard of an outer perimeter defined by a frame portion of the body so as to be accommodated interstitially between the at least one surface mount and the body. In some embodiments, the support assembly may further comprise a strain gauge, coupled to the body at a terminal region thereof, which may be configured to detect a strain force acting on the body in the terminal region and control movement of the body based on the strain force detected by the strain gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: JORO Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Johnny Mattar, Jamil Mattar
  • Patent number: 9585471
    Abstract: The present document describes auxiliary cabinet capable of displacement within an opening defined above a ground surface, the auxiliary cabinet comprising: a base cabinet; and a slideable guilding portion on the base cabinet for guiding the base cabinet within the opening during the dispacement between an extended position and a retracted position; wherein when the base cabinet is in the extended position, it is at its frontmost position and when the base cabinet is in the retracted position, it is at its rearmost position, thereby providing a working space above the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Jeff Beauregard, Jocelyne Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 9585472
    Abstract: A simple, low cost, easy to clean adaptive furniture set is provided, affording a variety of furniture configurations including a bed, a chair or a shelf storage unit. This modular set is particularly useful for students, low-income families, and transient or refugee populations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: John F. O'Connell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9585473
    Abstract: Furniture pieces are disclosed. A furniture piece includes a body, a non-flat base surface, a seat surface, a back protrusion, and a work surface. The non-flat base surface is positioned on a first side of the body, and the seat surface is positioned on a second side of the body opposite the first side. The back protrusion extends outward from the second side of the body adjacent the seat surface. The work surface is positioned on a third side of the body extending between the first and second sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Viggi Kids, Corp.
    Inventor: Sandra Turner
  • Patent number: 9585474
    Abstract: A traveling harness system is provided for an appliance to maintain electrical connections between the appliance and a drawer, while allowing the drawer to move. Wiring harness guides formed in the drawer force the wiring harness to maintain a predictable and desirable loop radius to reduce stress on the wiring harness, which prevents the wiring harness from prematurely wearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Haltmeyer, Dean A. Martin, Guadalupe Antonio Sanchez, Jose Paulo Remor
  • Patent number: 9585475
    Abstract: A method for restoring the visual appearance of a wire shelf, products employed in the method, and a kit containing the parts used for the restoration are provided for simplifying the process of altering the appearance of a wire shelf construction. The kit preferably includes a top surface covering having adjustable depth dimensions. A profile number is adapted preferably to engage in an edge of the top surface and the top surface and profile members are attached the underlying wire shelf to maintain the assembly in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: John Louis Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Tines
  • Patent number: 9585476
    Abstract: A linear actuator to provide the moving force for adjustable furniture, such as beds, chairs or tables. The linear actuator includes a drive assembly, rigid arm, and linkage assembly. The rigid arm includes a pusher block with one or more attachment means where the linkage assembly is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph T. Swisher, Joseph T. Pettigrew
  • Patent number: 9585477
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a movable backrest of an adjustable chair, which can include: a backrest assembly, a first backrest support, a first backrest connector, a second backrest support, a second backrest connector, and a backrest guiding apparatus; the backrest assembly is connected to the first backrest support through a first shaft, the backrest assembly is connected to the guiding apparatus through a seventh shaft, the first backrest support is connected to the first backrest connector through a second shaft, the backrest guiding apparatus is connected to the first backrest connector through a sixth shaft. The invention is simple, durable, and easy to operate, can help eliminate a gap between the backrest and the sitting pad when the adjustable chair is at different positions, reduce the friction feeling of a person's back and prevent the backrest from touching the well when the adjustable chair is at different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: REMACRO MACHINERY & TECHNOLOGY (WUJIANG) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bruce Huang, James Li, Dick Qin, Daniel Wang, Jerry Zou
  • Patent number: 9585478
    Abstract: Among other things, a seat includes a base; a back-supporting surface coupled to the base; and a seating surface movable relative to the base in a direction of motion toward and away from the back-supporting surface. The back-supporting surface has a lower portion nearer the seating surface that is movable, relative to an upper portion of the back-supporting surface that is farther from the seating surface, in the direction of motion as the seating surface moves in the direction of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Joel H. Eisenberg
  • Patent number: 9585479
    Abstract: An “invisible” syncro tilt mechanism is provided for chairs. The chair has a seat with a back portion and a seat pan portion and the seat pan portion is connected to the back portion and to a pivotable support structure, and thereby to a base. The mechanism has a generally closed track defined in the seat pan portion. A plunger is attached to a front portion of the pivotable support structure. The plunger is slidably disposed in the track. A spring is disposed in the track which is connected at opposing ends to the plunger and to a front end of the track. The mechanism does not extend or protrude outside of the seat pan. The mechanism provides synchronous movement of the plunger in the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KEILHAUER LTD.
    Inventors: Steve Keilhauer, Martin Bergmann, Gernot Bohmann, Harald Grundl
  • Patent number: 9585480
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for reclining seats. A seat may have a seat back, a seat bottom, and a spine within the seat back and seat bottom. The seat bottom may be coupled to a base. The seat bottom may translate relative to the base. The seat may include a guide ramp coupled to the base. A portion of the spine may be located within the guide ramp. In response to translation of the seat bottom, the guide ramp may apply a torque on the spine, causing the seat back to recline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith M. Ferguson, Douglas E. Hoover
  • Patent number: 9585481
    Abstract: A folding chair includes a seat frame and a chair cloth connected to the seat frame. The seat frame includes a plurality of supporting rods including two front rods and two backrest rods, and a plurality of crossed bearing rods. Two crossed bearing rods arranged between each two adjacent supporting rods to form a plurality of facades. The lower end of each crossed bearing rod is pivotally connected to a base disposed on one of the two adjacent supporting rods and the upper end is pivotally connected to a pivot base disposed on the other of the two adjacent supporting rods. The pivot base is slidable along the other of the two adjacent supporting rods to provide support and positioning. A distance between two adjacent bases is less than a distance between two adjacent pivot bases such that the backrest rods are able to tilt backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Anyplace Concepts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan Jun Choi
  • Patent number: 9585482
    Abstract: Among other things, a piece of furniture is formed from three separate precut pieces of flat triple wall cardboard. A first one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on a floor with the first piece rising vertically from the bottom edge and has at least one slot at an upper edge of the first piece. A second one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on the floor with the second piece rising from the bottom edge and having at least one slot at an upper edge of the second piece. A third one of the pieces has a crease across the piece and at least two slots along at least one edge that is parallel to the fold. The piece of furniture is formed by mating the one slot in the first piece with one of the slots of the third piece, folding the third piece of cardboard at the crease, and mating the one slot in the second piece with another one of the slots of the third piece, with the third piece folded along the crease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Zachary Rotholz
  • Patent number: 9585483
    Abstract: An adjustable head support apparatus includes a head support and an adjusting assembly disposed within the seat back of a chair. The adjusting assembly includes a positioning base, a rotating block, a moving base and a latch base. The positioning base is disposed at a rear end of the seat back and the rotating block is pivoted within the positioning base. The moving base is installed at the rear end of the positioning base to move the head support. The latch base is installed at the front end of the head support and engaged with the latch. When the head support is pulled up enough to move the moving base upward, the moving base will rotate the latch of the rotating block. Therefore, the height of the head support can be adjusted to satisfy different people and the support of the head can be provided properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 9585484
    Abstract: A back support cushion device includes a support member, at least one cushion assembly, and at least one elastic assembly. The support member includes a first groove. The cushion assembly includes a second groove. The elastic assembly is located between the support member and the cushion assembly and includes an elastic member, and first and second members. The elastic member includes first and second portions. The first portion is engaged into the first groove, and the second portion is engaged into the second groove. The first member includes a first end disposed in the first portion and a second end connected to the first groove. The second member includes a first end disposed in the second portion and a second end connected to the second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sing Bee Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 9585485
    Abstract: A seating device can include a seat and a base connected to the seat to support the seat. A tilt mechanism can be connected to at least one of the base and the seat. The tilt mechanism can include at least one of (a) at least one seat connecting member connecting the seat to an upper portion of the base, (b) a plurality of resilient fingers that are attached to the base to engage a floor and flex in response to a user providing a force while sitting or leaning on the seat, and (c) an elastomeric floor engagement member that is attached to the base and has a bottom peripheral portion that contacts a floor and is flexible in response to a user providing the force. In some embodiments, the tilt mechanism may include all of elements (a)-(c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Murray, Bret Recor, Adam Deskevich, Michael Harper, Robert A. Melhuish, Hendrik R. van Hekken, Simon Gatrall, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Alexander Kwok Yin Ko, Steven Howard Janssens