Patents Issued in July 18, 2017
  • Patent number: 9706850
    Abstract: The disclosed invention pertains to apparatuses for supporting a food item. The apparatuses include a sleeve operable to slide over an armrest of a seat, wherein the sleeve is collapsible when not in use, and a support portion extending from the sleeve and being operable to receive and support the food item. The disclosed invention also pertains to blank precursors for forming the disclosed apparatuses for supporting a food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: STADIUM SLEEVE ENTERPRISES LTD.
    Inventor: Jason Abu-Ulba
  • Patent number: 9706851
    Abstract: This invention is a mattress core that is manufactured as a single unit. It is made up of individual cones that have different configurations resulting in different densities at different portions of the mattress. There are three main ways to accomplishing this goal: columns of different sizes and shapes, columns with different hole diameters, and columns with different density foam used to create them. A key advantage of this invention is that it is a single mattress made from a single mold, and does not require multiple parts to be put together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: James Malkiewicz, Michael Malkiewicz
  • Patent number: 9706852
    Abstract: A protective sleep structure is provided which is adapted to protect occupants of a bed placed thereunder during an earthquake and the like. The structure includes an arched roof extending to a rectangular base supported by a plurality of truss panels formed as unitary structures. A canopy layer formed of solid material covering the arched roof provides additional structural rigidity as well as a shield against debris falling through the arched roof toward occupants below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Karen Elaine Thomson
  • Patent number: 9706853
    Abstract: A method of assembling a chair component includes providing a first chair member, providing a second chair member moveable between a first position, wherein the second chair member is coplanar with the first chair member, and a second position, wherein the second chair member is parallel with the first chair member, and wrapping a cover member about the first and second chair members. The method further includes providing a drawstring operably coupled with the cover member, drawing the cover member about the first and second chair members when the second chair member is in the first position, fixing an effective length of the drawstring while the second chair member is in the first position, moving the second chair member from the first position to the second position, and securing the second chair member in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Todd David Krupiczewicz, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Dale M. Groendal
  • Patent number: 9706854
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multifunctional crib, which includes a bedstead, a bedplate member and a bouncing member. The bedstead includes an upper enclosure frame, a lower enclosure frame and at least three three-way connectors that connect the upper and lower enclosure frames. The bedplate member is removable and can be installed on the bedstead. The bouncing member is removable and can be installed in a closed area of the lower enclosure frame, which is below the bedplate member. There is bouncing space between the bouncing member and the ground. An exterior protective net is installed outside the periphery of the bedstead. Such a crib can serve as not only a crib, but also a trampoline and game pool, to avoid a waste of resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jie Zhou
  • Patent number: 9706855
    Abstract: A child containment system has a child containment structure with a bottom and a perimeter wall surrounding the bottom. A bassinet has an infant support surface and a surrounding wall around the infant support surface. The bassinet can be mounted to the child containment structure with the infant support surface elevated above the bottom of the child containment structure. An infant support unit can have a frame, a bed supported by the frame, and legs that extend from one end infant support unit to the distal second end. The infant support unit is configured for use in a first operational mode in which the infant support unit at least partially positioned within the child containment structure with the bed overlying the bassinet's infant support surface, and with a portion of the legs contacting the bassinet's infant support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GRACO CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: John (Jason) C. Arnold, IV, Brandon Burkholder, Annette Stella, Matthew Rivera
  • Patent number: 9706856
    Abstract: The food-retaining net for use with a food tray and high chair is a barrier that prevents objects from falling or being knocked off the tray of a high chair. The food-retaining net for use with a food tray and high chair is a framework structure that partially surrounds the tray of a high chair. The framework structure is covered with a mesh fabric that forms the barrier to prevent objects from falling off the falling or being knocked off the tray of a high chair. The framework structure is directly attached to the tray of the high chair using a fastener. The food-retaining net for use with a food tray and high chair further comprises a mesh textile and a framework structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: Greg Nevitt, Cari Bradley
  • Patent number: 9706857
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed. The system may also include the use of over-the-air power to power any of the shelf components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, David S. Breslow, Gideon Schlessinger
  • Patent number: 9706858
    Abstract: A product display displays bottles each suspended by its neck. The apparatus is usually a rack display with several shelf frames that each has a number of sliding bottle support structures with left and right slide structures spaced laterally so as to define a slot of substantially uniform width over at least a lengthwise portion of the slide structures. That width is such that the necks of the bottles extend upwardly through the slot and a widened portion of the bottle's neck rests on both the slide structures and slides forward and rearward. The left and right slide structures in the lengthwise portion are inclined forwardly and downwardly at a downward angle relative to level that is in a range of 3 to 7 degrees. Friction between the bottles and the slide structures is low enough that the bottles, by virtue of their weight, slide forwardly on the slide structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Gamon Plus, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Johnson, Travis Ogden Johnson
  • Patent number: 9706859
    Abstract: A hanger assembly for a wire shelf includes at least one bracket configured to releasably couple to wire members of the wire shelf. The bracket includes a hook-shaped end portion that defines a channel for receiving a first one of the wire members and an elbow portion that defines a bend for receiving a second one of the wire members to thereby releasably couple the bracket to the wire shelf. The bracket may further include a second end portion opposite the hook-shaped end portion and a U-shaped portion defined between the elbow portion and the second end portion such that the second end portion extends generally back towards the elbow portion and the hook-shaped portion. A rod may be coupled to the bracket. Also disclosed are saddles for coupling to the brackets and receiving a rod, and a rod joiner for coupling between rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Clairson, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Wayne Brinton, Jr., Ernie Junior Torres, Milind S. Nimgulkar, Robert B. Anderson, III
  • Patent number: 9706860
    Abstract: It discloses a dish sending device for restaurant, comprising: a suspended guide rail, traveling trolley provided on the guide rail, lifting mechanism provided on the travelling trolley; a dish container connection device is provided at the lower end of the lifting mechanism; a trolley sliding contact line is provided on the guide rail, and the travelling trolley is provided with a carbon brush for contact with the trolley sliding contact line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Ping Li
  • Patent number: 9706861
    Abstract: A blank for forming a printed sheet with foldable frame includes a blank body having front and rear surfaces, a central rectangular portion formed thereon with a print on the front surface. The blank further includes four wing portions extending from the four margins of the central rectangular portion and the four wing portions are foldable into four rectangular tubular frame sections. Twelve locking mechanisms are used to lock the four frame sections in a folded position. A method of forming the printed sheet with foldable frame is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Kwok Hee Wong
  • Patent number: 9706862
    Abstract: Double-walled decorative articles such as flower vases and candle holders comprise an inner form defining a receptacle and an outer form, spaced apart from the inner form, to create a cavity. A bottom opening in the outer form enables decorative filler materials to be introduced to the cavity such that the decorative materials do not enter into the receptacle, which may contains flowers, water, candles, hot wax or other substances. A removably replaceable plug or cap is used to close off the bottom opening following the introduction of the decorative filler materials. The inner and outer forms may be provided as a unitary item or separate pieces may be joined. The decorative filler materials may be provided in conjunction with the article as part of a kit, in which case the amount of filler material is matched to the volume of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: Adam Kasha, Cyrus Morshidi
  • Patent number: 9706863
    Abstract: A thermo mug having a mug cover and a mug body, a water discharge opening and a steam discharge opening provided on the mug cover, a valve provided in the mug cover for controlling the steam discharge opening to open first and then the water discharge opening to open subsequently, and a press button connected with the valve and provided at one side of the mug cover. The press button controls the valve to move. The present invention has a simple structure which allows discharge of the steam first and then the discharge of water by using one single button so that users will not scald themselves by the discharged hot steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 9706864
    Abstract: Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a wine glass stem spacer configured to be coupled to, and decoupled from, a stemmed glass. An exemplary wine glass stem spacer is in the general form of a foam or soft rubber cylinder having a height that is substantially equivalent to the depth of a typical cup holder cavity. A stem receiving cavity may be bored through the spacer along a vertical axis and a vertical stem insertion slit may be cut from the outer surface of the spacer to the stem receiving cavity, thereby providing for coupling of the spacer around the stem of a wine glass. Advantageously, when an embodiment of the spacer is coupled to the stem of a certain wine glass, the wine glass may be protected from tilting when placed in a cup holder cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jose Orlando Matus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9706865
    Abstract: A cup holder with an adjustable depth includes: a cup-holder base, having at least one accommodation hole; a fixed cup holder, fixed in the accommodation hole of the cup-holder base; and a moveable cup holder, moveably sleeved over the fixed cup holder and capable of rotating around the fixed cup holder to ascend and descend, where during ascending and descending of the moveable cup holder, an inner cavity of the moveable cup holder and an inner cavity of the fixed cup holder jointly define a container placement hole for placement of containers of different heights. The present invention solves the problem that containers of different heights placed in the cup holder easily fall out when the automobile is accelerating, hard braking or travelling over uneven road surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Yanfeng Adient Seating Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ruyi Shen
  • Patent number: 9706866
    Abstract: A sizer for a hanger lacking a hook boss includes a pair of longitudinal walls spaced apart from each other by a pair of end sections. The sizer may include a pair of protrusion, wherein a first is disposed on a first wall of the pair of longitudinal walls and directed toward a second wall of the pair of longitudinal walls. A first jaw is disposed on one of the pair of end section. The pair of longitudinal walls flexes apart when the jaw passes over a flange of the hanger. The first jaw includes a lower portion having a curved edge. The first jaw further includes an upper portion. The lower portion and upper portion meet at an abrupt jaw point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: MAINETTI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Mario Mainetti
  • Patent number: 9706867
    Abstract: A jewelry attachment device having a main body including a main platform that a person can rest their wrist or forearm thereon, and a clasp stand adjustably connected to the main body that includes a slot, such that a person can place a jewelry clasp member within the slot of the clasp stand in an opened position, place a jewelry item and their wrist or forearm upon the main platform, adjust the position of the clasp stand, and then connect with one hand a ring loop portion of the jewelry item to the jewelry clasp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Alison Brett
  • Patent number: 9706868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector (1) for attaching a reference array (72) in a fixed positional relationship with respect to a patient, wherein the patient is to be covered by a sterile drape in the attachment area, the connector (1) comprising: a support (12) which is to be situated below the drape (30); and a clamping element (14) which is to be situated above the drape and can directly or indirectly hold the reference array (72) or a reference array adaptor, wherein the clamping element (14) clamps the support (12), with the drape (30) caught between the two, by means of at least two distinct clamps (16) which clamp the support (12) from at least partly opposing directions in such a way that the positional shift in the clamping element (14) as a result of clamping the drape (30) at the clamping position is compensated for, such that its overall positional shift is substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Stephan Karasz, Rupert Heigl, Norman Plassky, Brian Vasey
  • Patent number: 9706869
    Abstract: A fruit squeezer for squeezing juice picks up, squeezes and discards the squeezed fruit with use of a single hand. The squeezer has a first handle and a second handle that are rotatably connected to each other. Each handle has a top portion and a bottom portion. A biasing spring biases the top and bottom portions apart. A U-shaped jaw is fixed to the bottom end of the second handle. A pressing plate jaw is pivotally mounted to the bottom end of the first handle. Squeezing the top ends of the handles toward each other against the force of a spring moves the jaws for squeezing the fruit. A screen operatively connected to the handles simultaneously rotates at a second pivot axis from a rest position to a screening position below the fruit for screening solids from the squeezed juice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: Theresa Peronti, Maryann Peronti
  • Patent number: 9706870
    Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a housing unit, a cooking chamber, a steam generation unit for supplying the cooking chamber with steam, a removable container unit associated with the steam generation unit. The removable container unit includes a container portion and a holding portion. The container portion and the holding portion together have a longitudinal extent that is a multiple of a width of the container portion. The container portion has a height that is a multiple of the width of the container portion. The container portion provides a capacity for water to be evaporated that is at least 1 liter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Ruediger Hoehn, Alexander Schnee, Christian Schulze, Carolin Kaudewitz
  • Patent number: 9706871
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a heating device for a kettle, comprising an enclosure, a radiator fan, a rack, a core PCB, a wire coil, and a temperature sensor in the enclosure. A heating platform which has a housing cavity is arranged on the upper part of the enclosure. The radiator fan is mounted at the bottom of the enclosure. The rack is fixed inside the enclosure. The core PCB is configured in the lower part of the rack and above the radiator fan. The wire coil which is provided with a heat coil is installed on the rack, and the temperature sensor is electrically connected with the core PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: STUDIO CQ (GUANGZHOU) LTD
    Inventor: Pot Matthijs
  • Patent number: 9706872
    Abstract: A control device for gas appliances (1) comprises: a manual-control element (12, 22); a circuit arrangement (25a) that includes control elements, electrical-interconnection elements, detection elements for detecting actuation of the manual-control element (12, 22) and supplying corresponding signals to the control elements; and a supporting structure (21), which can be associated in a stationary way with respect to a gas tap, wherein the supporting structure (21) includes at least one first part of stationary structure (40, 41) that defines a housing for at least part of the circuit arrangement (25a), the first part of structure (40, 41) being in particular designed for being housed within a body of a gas appliance. The control elements are designed for counting the time, and the device includes optical warning elements (43?, LG).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Moro, Paolo Savini
  • Patent number: 9706873
    Abstract: An automated system for brewing and dispensing a brewed beverage is provided including a beverage brewing apparatus configured to dispense the brewed beverage into a container. A user interface is disposed with said beverage brewing apparatus. The user interface includes at least one iced beverage user input directed to preparation of the brewed beverage when the brewed beverage is to be dispensed over ice. A controller is operably coupled to the user interface and the beverage brewing apparatus. The controller is programmable to compensate for dilution of the brewed beverage in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Anthony, Justin Riley, Darwin Keith-Lucas
  • Patent number: 9706874
    Abstract: A press for brewing hot coffee and hot tea by compressing tea leaves or coffee grinds to the bottom in the drink container or vessel with a structural filter that both has an improved sealing member from the filter to vessel and includes a filter screen and most importantly, a movable flapper valve which opens under pressure as the apparatus is pushed through the water towards the coffee grinds or tea leaves to expose a filter so that the coffee grinds or tea leaves at the bottom of the container seep into the water to create hot brewed coffee or tea. For coffee, the coffee beans are ground and coffee grinds are used. For tea, tea leaves are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Ross
  • Patent number: 9706875
    Abstract: Provided is a beverage percolation device that can efficiently supply hot water and water vapor and that does not require a user to perform troublesome work. An exemplary device provides a warm water storage tank (1) that holds water; an electric heater (10) that heats the water in the warm water storage tank (1); a hot water guide tube (4) that heats the water in the warm water storage tank (1) to a first temperature and guides that hot water to a coffee powder (C); a steam guide tube (3) that heats the water in the warm water storage tank (1) to a second temperature higher than the first temperature and guides that steam to the coffee powder (C); and a control unit (20) that controls the supply of the hot water and the steam to the coffee powder (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: UCC Ueshima Coffee Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihiro Baba
  • Patent number: 9706876
    Abstract: A containing assembly for a food product for use as a culinary tool to assist in preventing thermal injury to a user while inserting and retrieving the food product from a toaster slot, the assembly including a support assembly defining a basket for receiving and retaining the food product, and having a support frame with a u-shaped bar with two side bars and a base bar and two articulating side walls coupled to the bottom of the support frame, the rotatable side wall rotates about an axis proximate the bottom of the support frame. A stop restricts the outward rotation of the rotatable side wall at a predefined open position. A handle is fixedly coupled to one of the two side bars of the support frame and configured for inserting and retrieving the support assembly from the toaster slot with a single user hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Toaster Buddies Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Larry Walker
  • Patent number: 9706877
    Abstract: A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with walls enclosing an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with an apparatus that is provided with a coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package prior to use in itself is closed off such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, and the coffee bean receiving device is arranged to be guided through the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the dosing space through the coffee bean outlet out of the inne
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Age Willem Tanja, Ivo van Os, Philippe Jacques van Camp, Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff
  • Patent number: 9706878
    Abstract: An integrated closure-stirrer cookware device for stirring while the closure is attached to the cookware includes a pot having an open top. An outer lid, which is complementary to the open top, is reversibly couplable to the pot. The outer lid is not rotatable relative to the pot. An opening, which is circular, is positioned in the outer lid. An inner lid, which is complementary to the opening, is sealably and rotatably coupled to the outer lid. The inner lid is rotatable relative to the outer lid. A stirrer that has a top end and a working end is positioned through a penetration positioned in the inner lid. The penetration is positioned proximate to a perimeter of the inner lid. The working end extends transversely from a bottom of the inner lid. A vent is positioned through the outer lid such that steam escaping through the vent is directed away from the inner lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Bobbie Campbell
  • Patent number: 9706879
    Abstract: A blade driving assembly includes a blade-supporting shaft disposed to rotate parallel to, but laterally offset from, the axis of a food processor's drive outlet. A planetary drive system conveys rotational drive to the blade-supporting shaft, so that the blade-supporting shaft rotates around its own axis, thereby spinning the blade or blades, while at the same time the blade-supporting shaft rotates bodily around the drive-outlet axis, describing a locus, centered on the drive-outlet axis but separated therefrom by a radial distance (d) corresponding to the lateral offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KENWOOD LIMITED
    Inventor: David Harvey
  • Patent number: 9706880
    Abstract: A shaker assembly has a body with viewing panels on opposite sides. An agitator is viewable through the viewing panels. Agitators have printable panels or molded figurines which may be in shapes of corporate logos or names. Conically tapered springs have inner smaller ring-shaped ends connected an agitator and outer larger ring-shaped ends positioned away from the agitator. The printed panels or molded figurines are visible through the viewing panels when the shaker assembly is in motion or at rest. The lid has a smooth outer surface. A hinged cover rotates outward from the smooth outer surface to open a pouring spout in the lid. A carabiner clip rotates outward from the smooth outer surfaces of the lid and hinged cover. When closed and stored, the cover and the carabiner clip complete the smooth outer surfaces of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Michael P. Kalamaras
  • Patent number: 9706881
    Abstract: A planar ring for messages proximate a drain stopper decorative device has a flat, wide shape. The ring has a top surface and an opposite bottom surface. The visible top surface has an outer edge upon its perimeter. The outer edge spans from the top surface to the bottom surface. Inwardly from the outer edge, the ring has a band with a width. The band's width falls within from about 10/32 inch to about ½ inch. Inwardly from the band, the ring has its inner edge of a constant radius lesser than the outer edge. Within the inner edge, the ring has an aperture that admits a stopper. The two edges attain a perpendicular orientation to the two surfaces. The ring has a multiple layer construction with a smooth transparent layer at the top surface upon an ink layer upon a substrate with a releasable adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Ann B. Brannan
  • Patent number: 9706882
    Abstract: A splicing shower has a main shower, which is disposed with an inlet waterway, a main outlet assembly and at least a water diversion connection, the main outlet assembly is connected to the inlet waterway, the water diversion connection is connected to the inlet waterway, the water diversion connection is disposed with an on-off switch. The assistant shower is disposed with a diversion waterway and an assistant outlet assembly, the assistant outlet assembly is connected to the diversion waterway. When the assistant shower is spliced to the main shower, the water diversion connection is connected to the diversion waterway, when the assistant shower is separated from the main shower, the switch is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignees: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Yaohui Lin, Zhicong Lin, Zuqiang Zhuang
  • Patent number: 9706883
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluid dispensing system that includes modularized components such as a flow-out member from which fluid dispenses, fluid displacement mechanism, including electronics associated therewith and a reservoir for storage of fluid. The flow-out member, fluid displacement mechanism, and components constituting the fluid dispensing system including the reservoir may have one of a linear or nonlinear cooperative relationship in terms of connectivity and operation, and may be positioned in one of a close proximity or remote locations from one another. Flow out member is provided that may moved in more that one direction to refill reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventors: Fadi Shakkour, Kong Xiangcun, Manuel Medina
  • Patent number: 9706884
    Abstract: The present invention is a disposable bath brush intended for one or possibly two uses in the shower or bath. The bath brush contains soap gel and moisturizer stored in containers within the brush. Either of these fluids may be dispensed by applying pressure to the individual container or an integral release button, thereby causing the respective fluid to flow out of an opening at the front center of the brush. Also included is a retractable handle to provide a user with an extended gripping surface for reaching the back of the body and the feet. The front of the brush comprises bristles of any of a variety of materials and of an adequate length to provide a thorough cleansing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Linda Melissa Arkwright
  • Patent number: 9706885
    Abstract: A water dispenser for personal hygiene includes an upper cover member, a lower cover member, and a compressible member disposed between the upper cover member and the lower cover member. The upper cover member has a first opening for receiving water and a second opening for discharging water. The water dispenser also includes a telescoping tower disposed within the compressible member between the upper cover member and the lower cover member. The telescoping tower includes a plurality of tiers, with each of the plurality of tiers having a plurality of openings. A hose is releasably coupled to the water dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Shayma S. J. M. Alhuraibi
  • Patent number: 9706886
    Abstract: According to the principles of the present invention a reclosable lid assembly is provided. The assembly is intended for covering a dispensing opening of flexible packaging for wet wipes. The assembly includes a main lid secured to the assembly and positioned above the dispensing opening. The assembly includes a break tab secured to the assembly by at least one breakable connector. In an initial position, the break tab covers part of the main lid to prevent the main lid from being opened by a user. A functioning position is achieved when the user applies a force to the break tab to break the breakable connector for allowing the break tab to be moved away from the main lid so that the main lid can be freely opened by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: PIERSON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Theodore J. Pierson
  • Patent number: 9706887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaner-head for a vacuum cleaner. The cleaner-head has a housing, this housing being connected to a hinged soleplate assembly which can be opened and closed to provide access to the inside of the housing. In accordance with the invention, the soleplate assembly is a clip-on assembly which a user can manually un-clip from the housing, as required, to detach the soleplate assembly for separate cleaning or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Lloyd Genn, Matthew John Dobson
  • Patent number: 9706888
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a housing and a suction inlet thereon, the cleaner comprising a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow therethrough and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The housing further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms that extend laterally outwardly from the central portion, wherein each extension comprises a mount, which receives a rotatable agitator thereon. A drive assembly is configured to counter-rotate each agitator with respect to the other agitator, and wherein the suction inlet is positioned on the housing rearward of, and between, each of the axes of rotation of each agitator. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris outside the periphery of the housing along a converging debris path, towards the suction inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan J. Krebs
  • Patent number: 9706889
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for selectively fastening a dirt cup to a vacuum cleaner having a locking recess. The latch mechanism can include a latch member having a portion that is selectively received in the locking recess and a latch actuator comprising at least one button. When the latch mechanism is actuated, the latch actuator bears against the latch member, which initiates vertical movement of the latch member relative to the latch actuator. The latch member is thereby moved from a latched position in which the portion of the latch member is received within the locking recess to an unlatched position in which the portion of the latch member is removed from the locking recess, thereby allowing the dirt cup to be removed from the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai Man Lee, Yu Xiaoming, Zhu Jiangping
  • Patent number: 9706890
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a body; a power cord that extends from the body; a cord reel rotatably installed in the body and around which the power cord is wound; and a blower assembly that generates a suction force, wherein the cord reel is formed in a hollow, cylindrical shape, and the blower assembly is disposed inside the cord reel. The size of the cord reel may be formed to be sufficiently large while the size of the body may be maintained in a compact form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joo Seok Jeong, Sok Won Paik
  • Patent number: 9706891
    Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Ziegler, Christopher John Morse, Duane L. Gilbert, Jr., Andrew Jones, Scott Pratt, Paul E. Sandin, Nancy Dussault-Smith
  • Patent number: 9706892
    Abstract: A rotatably installed adhesive roller unit and a take-up unit to wind up the adhesive sheet after being drawn out of the adhesive roller unit and having lint adhered thereon. The take-up unit is installed to be configured to rotate forward and backward synchronized through a rotation transmission unit with forward and backward rotation of the adhesive roller unit. The adhesive roller unit engages the rotation transmission unit when pressed onto a contact surface and moved forward. The adhesive roller unit is energized to release the engagement with the rotation transmission unit when moved backward and separated from the contact surface. A rotation inhibiting mechanism is provided to inhibit the rotation of both the adhesive roller unit and the take-up unit when the adhesive roller unit separates from the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Tomio Kanai
  • Patent number: 9706893
    Abstract: A liquid extraction cleaning device comprises a main unit, a liquid pump, a flexible hose, and a hand tool. The main unit comprises a vacuum pump. The hand tool comprises a vacuum inlet port, an agitator, a spray nozzle, and a grip portion. The vacuum inlet port of the hand tool is operatively connected to the vacuum pump via the hose passageway in a manner such that the vacuum pump is capable of drawing fluid through the vacuum inlet port and into the hose passageway. The spray nozzle is operatively connected to the liquid pump in a manner such that the liquid pump is capable of forcing liquid out of the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: RUG DOCTOR, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Wall, Ann Marie Morrow, Walter Haug, Phuong Le, Charles Michael Ostendorf, Schubert Pereira, Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr., Vincent Lau, Jason Edward Hill, Jason Tilk, Evan Spirk, Lindsey Tufts, Craig Saunders, Paul Stephens
  • Patent number: 9706894
    Abstract: A multi-function multi-use rag system and method integrating a variety of substantially planar sheets in a unitized application context is disclosed. The system/method physically integrates a stack of cleaning rags or other materials that may be of different types and have different functional characteristics. These rags are attached together at their outer periphery via sewing or other fastening means. A peripheral segment of the rag stack that is not attached to other layers may allow the stack to be everted to configure one set of a plurality of inner surfaces to form the outer surfaces of the rag stack system. Eversion of the rag stack thus permits formation of a number of different outer surface combinations that is equal to twice the number of stacked rags. Incorporation of internal stack barrier layers in some embodiments allows isolation of individual layers within the rag stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Madison Mark Jones
  • Patent number: 9706895
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a balancing system (50) that exerts force with different values to a door during the opening-closing stages and the household appliance (100) wherein the same is used. The different force values during opening/closing are obtained by the cable (3) in the balancing system (50) rubbing against the sections (9, 10) of the first spool (5)z with different physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Ali Egemen Ucar, Uygar Unverdi
  • Patent number: 9706896
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a spray unit fixed at a washing tub and configured to spray wash water, and a conversion assembly provided as to convert the direction of the wash water being sprayed from the spray unit toward a tableware basket. The conversion assembly includes a vane rotatably provided while disposed as to face with respect to the spray unit such that the direction of the converted wash water is adjusted. Through the structure as such, the spraying range of the wash water is extended, and may be able to minimize noise from the striking of the wash water against an inside wall or door of the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwan Woo Hong, Dae Uk Kang, Jeong Hoon Kang, Hooi Joong Kim, Chan Young Park, Chang Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 9706897
    Abstract: A personalized cleaning composition dispensing device for use in an automatic dishwasher dispensing the right chemistry at the right time during a wash cycle to provide an improved cleaning performance compared to standard automatic dishwasher dispensers. The device includes wash cycle sensing system that controls the release of chemistry via temperature and water flow data measured during the current wash cycle and uses either a preprogrammed product release algorithm for new wash cycles or a modified product release algorithm based on wash cycle data previously stored in the data storage unit for repeated wash cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Mik Van Tol, Robby Renilde Francois Keuleers, Paulus Antonius Augistinus Hoefte, Benjamin Niestroj
  • Patent number: 9706898
    Abstract: The dish towel with separable mating elements is an attachment device that is adapted to work with a dish towel. The attachment device comprises a first element and a second element. The second element is attached to the dish towel. The first element is attached to a stationary object such as the door handle of a refrigerator or an oven. The attachment device holds the dish towel in a storage position until first element is separated from the second element which allows the dish towel to be used. The dish towel with separable mating elements comprises a dish towel and an attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Claire Kraft
  • Patent number: 9706899
    Abstract: Provided is a double doormat including an upper mat and a lower mat, and in detail, to a double doormat in which foreign substances, such as dirt on shoes, are accommodated in a space between an upper mat and a lower mat such that an area around an entrance is clean, a cleaning cycle is extended by making the space where the foreign substances are accommodated big, and the accommodated foreign substances are prevented from contaminating an area around the double doormat by escaping upward from the upper mat due to an impact of dusting the shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBAL THE ONE KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang Yeon Lee