Patents Issued in March 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9585486
    Abstract: A method and apparatus include attaching a lighted cup holder to a seating arrangement. The lighted cup holder includes a cup holder body and a light-producing light source, with the cup holder body being attached to the seating arrangement and having a cup receptacle therein, the light-producing source being disposed within the cup receptacle for illuminating the receptacle. A light-sensitive element operatively connected to the light source selectively controls production of light by the light source in such a manner that illumination of the cup holder is provided only under conditions where visibility is reduced to the point that it becomes difficult to locate the cup holder. The light-sensitive element is mounted on a master lighted cup holder and controls illumination of the master lighted cup holder and one or more slave lighted cup holders operatively connected to the master lighted cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: RAFFEL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Ken Seidl
  • Patent number: 9585487
    Abstract: A relaxation device includes a base, a support structure connected to the base, a seating portion and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is coupled to the seating portion and moves the seating portion in a manner replicating the gate of a walking horse. Persons with autism spectrum disorders and other conditions may utilize the device as a method of relaxation to lessen certain behaviors and characteristics associated with such conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Gait, LLC
    Inventors: Marilyn I. Brown, Harriet Y. Phillips, Scott A. Albright, Justin D. Erickson, Robert K. Blake
  • Patent number: 9585488
    Abstract: A child seat apparatus for use in a swimming pool includes a frame assembly including an opposed and parallel pair of side frames, a vertical adjusting assembly movably connected to the pair of side frames, a floatable seat assembly connected to the vertical adjusting assembly between the pair of side frames, and a weighted base connected to the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Marie R. Kalista
  • Patent number: 9585489
    Abstract: The portable foot and leg rest assembly includes a main body and an extendible support assembly attached to a lower surface of the main body. The main body includes a top portion, a base portion, and an intermediate portion provided between the base portion and top portion. The intermediate portion includes removable dual leaf members. The leaf members are attachable to the top portion. The extendible support assembly includes first and second leg members and a stand member. The first and second leg members slidably engage the base portion and the stand member. The stand member includes a control assembly which is configured to selectively lock the first and second leg members at a desired position and thereby set the portable foot and leg assembly at a desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jeehan A. M. T. Al-Quraini
  • Patent number: 9585490
    Abstract: A pneumatic mattress has two edge cells and transverse inner cells, arranged in adjacent pairs as alternate cells. An inflation hose has internal pipes, which receive alternating pneumatic pressure for the cells via extensions to connectors at both ends of cells. The edge cells are physically connected to the inner cells via the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Linet spol. S.R.O.
    Inventor: Brian Pile
  • Patent number: 9585491
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to inflatable mattresses in the form of beds, chairs, couches, or other gas-inflatable structures. The mattress has an internal support structure with one or more diagonal structural support elements comprised of rigid or flexible cords or cables that are coupled to the top, bottom, and/or sides of the air mattress. The support elements provide increased top-to-bottom, side and/or corner rigidity when subject to top loading. The mattress may also include an integral handle structure so as to allow a user to readily lift and/or transport the air mattress when inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LSO LP
    Inventors: Brian P. Cox, Cynthia Brooks
  • Patent number: 9585492
    Abstract: An integral latex foam having a first layer foam and a second and/or subsequent layer of latex foam is disclosed. The first layer foam contains an additive that is applied in the form of a solution, emulsion or dispersion. The first layer has a thickness from 0.01 to 9 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Latexco NV
    Inventor: Alexander Bolliou
  • Patent number: 9585493
    Abstract: An infant bed apparatus includes a support frame, a bed frame for defining an interior space suitable for receiving a child, and a motorized drive unit. The support frame includes a first and a second housing disposed at two locations spaced-apart from each other along a lengthwise axis of the infant bed apparatus. The bed frame has a first portion anchored with the first housing, and a second portion assembled with the second housing. The motorized drive unit is operable to drive the second portion of the bed frame in movement relative to the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Robert E. Haut, Jonathan K. Mountz
  • Patent number: 9585494
    Abstract: A lounger seat, as for infants or children, having a body with a seating area, sidewalls for retaining the child in the seating area, and a non-flat lower surface for supporting the lounger on a support surface. In example embodiments, the non-flat lower surface allows rocking of the lounger. A kickstand or brace is optionally extendable to block the lounger from rocking, or retractable to permit rocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Burns, Jacob Sclare, David Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9585495
    Abstract: A built-in mobile arm for a crib for storing and using a mobile arm secured to a crib. The built-in mobile arm includes a crib having base, one or more sidewalls, and an open upper end, defining an interior volume. The device further includes a mobile arm having a first end, a second end, and one or more members, wherein a first member is pivotally secured to a second member so as to allow the arm to fold into a stored configuration. The second end of the mobile arm is adjustably secured to the crib, whereas the first end is able to support a mobile thereon. The crib further includes a recessed area disposed on a sidewall that receives the arm therein for storing. In an alternate embodiment, the recessed area is disposed in a leg of the crib, wherein the mobile arm can retract therein or extend upwards therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Gottsleben
  • Patent number: 9585496
    Abstract: A jewelry display hanger is provided that has a body, a hook, a neck, a base and a flap. The body has a hook on a first end and two sides extending outwardly to a second end. The neck extends from the second end of the body and connects to the base, which has first and second arms. First and second recesses are formed between the arms and the second end of the body. Each of the arms has at least one slot that extends between one of the recesses and an aperture. The flap extends downwardly from the base and has a closure device near its distal end. The closure device is detachably affixed in an aperture in the base or neck to secure the distal end of the flap to the base or neck for attaching the hanger to an article of jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: B&G Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jake Strassburger, Daniel V. Cunneen, Keith C. Cedro
  • Patent number: 9585497
    Abstract: A modular product display system comprising a first horizontal shelf having opposing ends; two or more display panels disposed on a top surface of said first horizontal shelf; one or more side walls, each having a height and supporting each opposing end of said shelf; wherein said display panels are modular and each comprise a rear panel perpendicularly disposed to a bottom panel suitable for product placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Xuefen Luo, Jackson Chi-Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 9585498
    Abstract: A prosthetic sleeve holding apparatus for holding at least one prosthetic sleeve includes a base member including opposed top and bottom surfaces having a generally planar configuration, the base member including a first guide ring positioned on the top surface. A support member is rotatably coupled to the base member, the support member having upper and lower surfaces and a circular configuration for rotation about an imaginary vertical axis of rotation. The support member includes a second guide ring situated on the lower surface of the support member. A pair of spaced apart support rods extends upwardly from the support member, each support rod having a cylindrical configuration and a free end displaced from the base member and that is configured to support the prosthetic sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jesse C. Borden
  • Patent number: 9585499
    Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongated pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to assume a rest position at a back side of the individual and proximate to an adjacent surface of a bed when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation. The pillow includes a hinge-like attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual's bed clothing. The attachment structure provides sufficient rotation to allow the pillow to rotate to the rest position in response to the force of gravity, ready to be engaged in a partial captured configuration between the individual's back and bed surface upon initial rotation of the individual from the side-sleeping orientation toward a supine sleeping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Family Concepts II, LLC
    Inventor: Vaughn W. North
  • Patent number: 9585500
    Abstract: A system of place-setting components used to facilitate serving and eating healthy food portions. The place-setting system comprising: a plate and a nestable set of two or more serving spoons. The plate includes one or more serving areas corresponding to a portion size for one or more food components of a meal. Each of the serving spoons in the nestable set includes a bowl-shaped cup and a handle. The handle of the serving spoons comprising: a first segment, extending distally from the proximal end of the handle, with a portion of a distal-most section of the first segment extending upward; a second segment connected to the first segment, with the second segment extending downward; a third segment connected to the second segment, with the third segment extending generally upward; and a fourth segment connected to the third segment, with the fourth segment extending generally distally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: VisualQs, LLC
    Inventor: Sheila Kemper Dietrich
  • Patent number: 9585501
    Abstract: An insulating seal member adapted for use in association with a pair of beverage cups including an annular body, wherein the annular body includes: an upper region having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a top surface; a lower region having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a bottom surface; and an intermediate region positioned between the upper and lower regions; wherein the top surface of the upper region is adapted to sealingly engage a bottom surface of an annular rim of a first beverage cup; and wherein at least one of a lower surface of the intermediate region and the bottom surface of the lower region is adapted to sealingly engage a top surface of an annular rim of a second beverage cup positioned below the first beverage cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: L. Robert Hamelink, Andrew Ruiter
  • Patent number: 9585502
    Abstract: A drinking mug that doubles as an exercise apparatus is formed of non-toxic porcelain ceramic, glass, or wire reinforced glass. The combination of dimensions of the mug adds up to a total mass of at least 1.360 kilograms and possesses the ratio of dimensions of substantially 1, 3.9, 3.9, 2.443, 5.777, and 4.0 between the thickness of a base, diameter of the base, outer diameter of a barrel, inner diameter of the barrel at the end where the barrel connects to the base, height of the barrel, and vertical length of the handle, respectively. A neoprene material lines the base, handle, and the outside barrel surface. A substantially circular brim serves as a surface transition between the inside and outside surfaces of the cylindrical barrel and can contain a plurality of substantially concave scoops, each centered approximately ninety radial degrees offset of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Kang
  • Patent number: 9585503
    Abstract: A dry product dosage dispenser has a container with a cavity between top and bottom ends, a cap on the top end, and an internal partition extending between the top and bottom ends of the body, forming two sub-cavities within the body. The internal partition forms a diverging funnel-like structure giving each sub-cavity a wide upper opening on one end and a narrow lower opening on the opposite end to help product freely flow from one end to the other. Product passes from one sub-cavity to the other through an opening in the internal partition. The dispenser is flipped from its upright position to dispense the product passed through the opening. An adjustable volume compartment can be used at the second end of the container to enlarge the volume of the dispenser and provide variable dosages. The internal partition may be removable or separate for use as an insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Thomas Branton Watson
  • Patent number: 9585504
    Abstract: A dispenser for granular material such as sugar and salt or other granular ingredients, including a collection portion and metering chamber. A metering cartridge located in the metering chamber includes a portion recess which collects a predetermined amount of granular material to be dispensed. The metering chamber is actuated and the granular material located in the portion recess is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Prince Castle LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Kestner, Scott R. Hammac, Alexander Malevanets, Aleksandr Yazvin, Zack McCoy, Eric Larson, Edward Eaton
  • Patent number: 9585505
    Abstract: The invention relates to the protection of glasses and glassware in the hospitality and bar industry. Specifically, the device provides for a rubberized or plastic nesting device sized to fit on the outside of glassware, such as for example, a pint glass, whereby the plastic nesting device permits multiple glasses to nest and save space during cleaning and storage and preventing the direct contact of the sides of the glassware that might lead to breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Pint Cones, LLC
    Inventor: Austin Meline
  • Patent number: 9585506
    Abstract: A magnetic bra hanger is provided. The bra hanger is configured to magnetically receive an underwire of a bra to attach the bra to the hanger. The bra hanger may be configured to hang a single bra, or a plurality of bras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Peg Casey-Mederios, Mairead Mederios, Frank Mederios
  • Patent number: 9585507
    Abstract: A garment transportation and storage device comprises a support rod at the bottom, a hook at the top, and a ball-shaped handle between the support rod and the hook for transporting garments supported on the support rod by hangers and for engaging the hook with a support structure. An article transportation and storage device comprises an inverted U-shaped frame, a support rod slidably engageable with the frame, and a hook mounted on the frame for pivotal movement between extended and retracted positions. A garment receiving and supporting hanger is provided with an inflatable garment protection device that prevents wrinkling of garments supported by the hanger. A garment transportation and support device comprises opposed garment engaging arms that pivot outwardly to securely support a garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Jacquelynn R. Lueth, William D. Garnet
  • Patent number: 9585508
    Abstract: A curtain system is described which includes a curtain having a plurality of rod engaging members attached thereto, a plurality of rods each having a first end, and a curtain release mechanism attached to each rod at the first end thereof. The rod engaging members each include a stem having a first end and a second end, the first end of the stem configured for engagement with the curtain release mechanism, and a keyway formed in the stem and proximate the first end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ICP Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Graneto, III
  • Patent number: 9585509
    Abstract: A cooking appliance has a pivotable pot having a pot pivot axle and a pivotable lid having a lid pivot axle, and includes a common drive for pivoting the pot and the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: FRIMA-T SAS, FRIMA INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Wassmus, Markus Lingenheil, Pascal Gluck, Kevin Spahlholz, Jean Vorady, Manuel Baehl
  • Patent number: 9585510
    Abstract: A hot water dispenser adapter device includes a housing unit having an open proximal top and a distal closed bottom defining a brewing chamber for holding an impermeable pierceable cartridge, the cartridge having a top and a bottom and containing a beverage extract, the distal closed bottom having at least one outlet pipe for externally connecting the bottom of the impermeable pierceable cartridge for outflow of liquid; a lid covering the open proximal top of the housing unit and the brewing chamber, the lid including an external centrally threaded adapter and an internal inlet pipe with a passage-way therethrough, for externally connecting the top of the impermeable pierceable cartridge for inflow of liquid; and a hinge mechanism for connecting the housing unit with the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Allan Erhart
  • Patent number: 9585511
    Abstract: A system for preparing portions of a beverage suitable for consumption, comprising an apparatus for preparing the beverage and a closed and form-retaining holder removably received in the holder, which holder is at least filled with a product to be dissolved and/or to be diluted such as a concentrate. The apparatus is provided with a liquid device for dispensing under pressure a fluid comprising a liquid such as water and, optionally, a gas such as steam or air, a receiving space in which the holder is received and at least one probe provided with at least one channel which, on the one side, is in fluid communication with the liquid device and which, on the other side, terminates in at least one outflow opening of the probe. The apparatus is designed for puncturing the wall on a first side and for moving the probe and the holder relative to each other such that the probe, in use, can be inserted through the first side of the holder whereupon the at least one outflow opening reaches into the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer
  • Patent number: 9585512
    Abstract: In a drink preparation machine, particularly espresso machine, with a height adjustable drink outflow unit (6) disposed on the front side of a machine housing front wall (3), a machine housing front wall (3) having an opening (4) extending in height adjustment direction (5) through which opening (4) a drink supply pipe (22, 36) extends. In the machine housing (2) at least one masking band (8) is disposed behind the opening (4). The masking band (8) is connected to the drink outflow unit (6) and masks on the inside of the machine housing front wall (3) one section (41, 42) each of the opening (4) not covered on the outside. At least one deflection section (25?, 28) of the masking band (8) is deflected away from the inner side of the machine housing front wall (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: EUGSTER/FRISMAG AG
    Inventors: Walter Brändle, Fritz Forrer, Lars Birke
  • Patent number: 9585513
    Abstract: A beverage maker includes a body and a cover movably attached to the body. The body includes therein (among other components), a tank, a pump, a controller, a switch electrically coupled with the pump, and a pressure release valve in fluid communication with at least the pump and tank for releasing the pressure therein. The cover mechanically actuates the switch into an “on” position, to maintain the pump in an inoperable condition, and mechanically actuate or release the pressure release valve into one of an open or closed position, upon movement of the cover to the closed position thereof The cover releases the switch for return into the “off” position, placing the pump in an operational condition, and mechanically actuating or releasing the pressure release valve into the other of the open or closed positions, upon movement of the cover from the closed position toward the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Hanes, Patrick T. Mulvaney
  • Patent number: 9585514
    Abstract: Provided is an article of cookware and a method of making same. The cookware is made from a bonded, multi-layer composite comprising a core construction having a central core disc of a high heat conductive material and an outer ring-shaped core disc surrounding and spaced from the central core disc by a gap to minimize thermal conduction from the central core disc to the outer ring-shaped core disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: All-Clad Metalsrafters, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Groll, John Watkins
  • Patent number: 9585515
    Abstract: A packaging device allowing for the distribution, storage and cooking of various food products, such as perishable or frozen food product(s). The packaging device includes a plurality of micro-perforations that may promote the extended shelf-life of the perishable food product and the maintenance of the quality of the perishable food product or be configured to maintain the integrity of a frozen food product. The packaging device also includes a venting system that allows the cooking of the perishable or frozen food products within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mirtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Nazir Mir
  • Patent number: 9585516
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a self-stirring cooking pot lid, featuring a plurality of electric stirring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Nicole Harding
  • Patent number: 9585517
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus provides a frame for supporting a pot or cooking vessel. A basket is sized a shaped to fit the interior of the pot or cooking vessel. The pot is movable from a cooking position to intermediate draining position to a discharge position. In the discharge position, a pot lid is receptive of food articles that had been cooked. The lid is preferably pivotally attached to the frame and/or cooking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Sal Piazza
  • Patent number: 9585518
    Abstract: A cooker includes a cooking chamber having a first end and a second opposite end. A firepot is located at the bottom of the cooking chamber near the first end. The firepot receives and burns fuel to heat the cooking chamber. An exhaust stack is mounted near the second end of the cooking chamber. A heat management plate divides the cooking chamber into a lower fire pit portion and an upper cooking portion. The heat plate has an array of hot gas convection openings that extend between a first location which is spaced away from the firewall and a second location that is adjacent to the stack wall. The open area presented by the openings increases between the first location and the second location. An optional adjustable gate may also be present in the heat management plate between the firewall and the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: YODER SMOKERS, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Phillips
  • Patent number: 9585519
    Abstract: A stirring blade includes an upper blade assembly and a lower blade assembly. The upper blade assembly includes a first four-edged blade and an upper blade carrier to which the first four-edged blade is fixed, and the lower blade assembly includes a second four-edged blade and a lower blade carrier to which the second four-edged blade is fixed. The upper blade carrier is connected to the lower blade carrier by a detachable connecting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GUANGDONG XINBAO ELECTRIC JOINT-STOCK LTD.
    Inventors: Jiangang Guo, Dingguo Peng, Dingxun Sheng
  • Patent number: 9585520
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a mixing system. The mixing system includes a stand mixer having a charging dock. The charging dock includes a charging output that provides a charging current. The mixing system also includes a cordless kitchen appliance having a rechargeable battery disposed therein. The cordless kitchen appliance is coupleable to the charging dock. The charging output provides the charging current to the rechargeable battery when the cordless kitchen appliance is coupled with the charging dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SEARS BRANDS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Wei Liu
  • Patent number: 9585521
    Abstract: A bread keeper is formed as storage container for holding bread, and may be configurable between expanded and contracted positions. A door is attached to allow access to the bread within the container. The door folds flat to rest on a horizontal surface such as a countertop, and is constructed from a material suitable for use as a cutting board, thereby allowing the bread to be cut while extending partially out of the container and onto the cutting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Progressive International Corporation
    Inventor: Justin Bagley
  • Patent number: 9585522
    Abstract: A portable hand washing station including a wheeled cart for traversing a variety of terrain, a hinged lid, a reservoir for storing fluid therein, and a spigot on a front side of the cart for dispensing liquid, such as water or sanitizing fluid, from the reservoir. At least one solar panel with at least one rechargeable battery is provided along with at least one universal serial bus (USB) port for charging items such as a cell phone. At least one wireless speaker is disposed on the cart. A handle having a cross-member, which doubles as a paper towel holder, is disposed on the outer wall of the lid. A telescopic dowel, which slidingly engages the cross-member, serves as a light holder. Outer storage pouches are disposed on the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Tyrone Brown, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9585523
    Abstract: A stopper has an elongated body and a cap that detaches from one end. The body has a seal proximate the cap for engaging a drain ring. The cap can have various decorations upon its upper surface such as logos, team mascots, and patterns applied by painting or waterproof durable adhesive label. The decorative attachment device has a cap that separates from the body with a male button within a chamber at the end of the body. The cap has a cooperating female button on its lower surface. Another embodiment has the cap separate from the body, hook and loop fastener, and a centered aperture. The cap has female loop fastener and a centered pin depending beneath the cap. The pin engages the aperture to align the cap to the body. Alternatively, the cap has a magnetic link to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ann B. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9585524
    Abstract: A wall-entry bathtub includes a basin, a shell defining an entryway to allow access into the basin, and an entry wall movable between a lowered position and a raised position, wherein the entry wall is substantially clear of the entryway in the lowered position and at least partially blocks the entryway in the raised position. The bathtub also includes first and second entry wall position sensors configured to sense the position of the entry wall and a controller in electronic communication with the first and second entry wall position sensors, wherein the controller is configured to control components of the bathtub based at least in part on the position of the entry wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Scott R. Knapp, Santosh R. Narasimhan, Jeffrey F. Tempas, Kenneth A. Lefeber, David P. Ourada, Fred Ogreenc
  • Patent number: 9585525
    Abstract: A bidet for infants and children includes a main body that is shaped as a chair, has an inner surface and an outer surface and comprises a backrest part with a predetermined length, a cradling part forming a predetermined angle with the backrest part, and a buttock-cradling part between the backrest part and the cradling part and connecting the backrest part and the cradling part and concavely recessed in the inner surface of the main body, a plurality of hang protrusions formed at an outer surface of the backrest part and arranged with predetermined intervals for fixing the main body at different angles, and a supporting member having a predetermined length and formed at a bottom surface of the buttock-cradling part, and a discharge port is formed lengthwise through a center portion of the buttock-cradling part concavely recessed in the inner surface of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ju Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 9585526
    Abstract: A pilot valve switch mechanism of a shower system includes a fixed portion and a valve spool. The fixed portion is has an inlet waterway, a first and second outlet waterway and a control hole that can connect to the outlet waterways. The first outlet waterway has a first outlet and the second outlet waterway has a second outlet. The valve spool is slidably assembled inside the fixed portion vertically to the inlet waterway, and has a slim hole connected to the inlet waterway. The valve spool and the fixed portion form a pressure cavity. The control hole and the slim hole are connected to the pressure cavity. The pressure cavity is controlled by the control hole to drive the valve spool to move along the inlet waterway to close the first or second outlet, switching the inlet waterway to connect to the first or second outlet waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mingfu Zhang, Lei Wang, Xiaofeng Yang, Huasong Zhou
  • Patent number: 9585527
    Abstract: A foamer dispenser includes a hollow stem, an air piston configured to pressurize and pump air, and a tubular guide that is coupled integrally to the air piston, that defines an airway for air supply between the hollow stem and the tubular guide, that holds the hollow stem slidably, and that is configured to come out of abutment with the flange in response to sliding of the hollow stem, thereby opening the airway is provided. The flange is provided with: an outer annular wall protruding upward from an outer edge of the flange; and a guide rib located on an outer side of the tubular guide in the radial direction and configured to be guided by the tubular guide during sliding of the hollow stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizushima, Tsuyoshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9585528
    Abstract: A dispenser includes a backplate mountable to a surface. The backplate has a cover associated with it. An anti-ligature fixture is associated with either the backplate or the cover. The anti-ligature fixture is positioned to cut any ligature positioned between the dispenser and the surface as an anchor point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GOJO INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Touby Khamphilapanyo, Aaron M. Kurchev, Michael Prediger
  • Patent number: 9585529
    Abstract: A toilet training device may include an ornamental support device and an attachment device. The ornamental support device may be adapted to rest upon a floor with a centerline of the ornamental support device aligned with a centerline of a toilet. The ornamental support device may include a footrest adapted to extend away from both sides of a centerline of the ornamental support device. The attachment device may be secured to the ornamental support device and adapted to removably secure to a toilet bowl basin rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Frederick Mulford, Elna Mulford
  • Patent number: 9585530
    Abstract: A hand carryable surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a main body housing a suction motor, and a cyclone bin assembly. The cyclone bin assembly comprises a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. At least a portion of the dirt collection chamber may extend under at least a portion of the suction motor. The suction motor may be oriented at an angle to a vertical axis and a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Jason Boyd Thorne
  • Patent number: 9585531
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly usable with an upright vacuum cleaner, comprising: a nozzle assembly body; a drum brush unit disposed in the nozzle assembly body, the drum brush unit having a drum brush disposed to move dirt or dust adhered to a surface to be cleaned while coming in rotational contact therewith; a subsidiary brush unit disposed in front of the drum brush unit, and the subsidiary brush unit having a subsidiary brush to preliminarily move the dust or dirt adhered to the surface to be cleaned before the drum brush moves the dirt or dust adhered to the surface to be cleaned; and a locking unit disposed to the drum brush unit to selectively fix the subsidiary brush unit to the drum brush unit, wherein the subsidiary brush unit is rotatably connected to the drum brush unit to selectively maintain a contact state or a non-contact state to the surface to be cleaned, and, when the subsidiary brush unit maintains the contact state to the surface to be cleaned, the locking unit fixes the subsidiary brush unit to the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Hun Yoo, Yun Hee Park
  • Patent number: 9585532
    Abstract: A rotating brush roller of a floor care device is a cylindrical rotational element including a hollow body as a central piece and end pieces to be supported via bearings in a brush housing of the floor care device. A spiral, outwardly open, receiving shaft or groove is provided in the outer circumferential surface of the hollow body for receiving and retaining therein a continuous spiral brush strip. The central piece is a self-supporting hollow body of plastic, into opposite ends of which the end pieces engage with a form-fitting connection. The receiving shaft for receiving the brush strip continues at least partially in the end pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Stein & Co. GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Liffers, Andreas Laaser
  • Patent number: 9585533
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided, including a suction inlet, a dirt collection container, a filter device, a suction conduit, a suction unit, wherein the dirt collection container is in flow communication with the suction unit via the filter device and the suction conduit and wherein the filter device has a negative pressure applied to it by the suction unit, and including an external air valve device, wherein the filter device is capable of having external air applied thereto on the clean side thereof via the external air valve device and wherein for cleaning the filter device the external air valve device is capable of being brought from a closed valve position to an open valve position and back again from the open valve position to a closed valve position, characterized by a battery device for supplying energy to the external air valve device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Alfred Kärcher GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Maic Hensel, Frank Fuchs, Julien Scholl
  • Patent number: 9585534
    Abstract: A cleaning machine for cleaning surfaces, including a support frame holding a rotary cleaning organ to clean the desired surface, first rest for the support frame, auxiliary rest wheel of the support frame movable into assume first and second positions in which it is raised and lowered, respectively, the auxiliary wheel being positioned at a base of a stem slidable in a bushing associated to the support frame with the axis perpendicular to the support frame between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The stem includes a groove defined on a surface thereof and the bushing includes a pin projecting internally thereof and able to slide in the groove. The groove includes first and second upper cusps proximal to the end of the stem that is distal from the wheel, the first and second upper cusps being alternated with first and second lower cusps directed towards the end of the stem proximal to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: IP CLEANING S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Reccanello
  • Patent number: 9585535
    Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the presently claimed invention relate to steerable, light-weight, low-profile suction bases for upright cleaning apparatuses that utilize a smaller suction base body to reduce weight and bulk, while still providing sufficient room for an internally mounted brush roll motor and controller PCB, plus additional mechanical and electrical components in the suction base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited
    Inventors: Jeff Morgan, Dennis Lamb, Steven Myers, George V. Hibbs