Patents Issued in January 9, 2018
  • Patent number: 9861165
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular lacing engine for automated lace tightening. In an example, a modular footwear apparatus includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lacing engine for automated lace tightening. The upper portion can include a lace to adjust fit of the upper portion against a foot, the lace adjustable between a first position and a second position based at least in part on manipulation of an effective length of the lace. The lower portion can include a mid-sole and an out-sole, and the lower portion can be coupled to the upper portion at the mid-sole. The lacing engine can include a top-loading lace spool to engage a loop of the lace to enable manipulation of the effective length of the lace through rotation of the lace spool, the lacing engine received within a cavity in the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Summer L. Schneider, Daniel A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9861166
    Abstract: A cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a base layer that attaches to the outsole of the footwear, a cushioning layer and a traction element layer. The traction element layer is attached to the base layer solely by the cushioning layer. Each of the cleat layers provides friction with the ground when the cleat engages the ground. The durometer of the base layer and the durometer of the traction element layer are greater than the durometer of the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Richard J. Locke, Craig H. Rubino, Armand J. Savoie
  • Patent number: 9861167
    Abstract: An ornament holder includes a frame body and a presser plate attachable to the frame body. The frame body includes a plate-like portion and locking shafts extending upright from the first plate-like portion. The presser plate is formed with a hole into which the locking shafts are inserted for attaching the presser plate to the frame body. The locking shafts include horizontally protruding locking portions. The presser plate includes locked portions adjacent to the hole and configured to engage with the locking portions of the locking shafts The locking shafts are elastically deformable so as to approach each other when being inserted into the hole of the presser plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: CLOVER MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rie Shirai, Atsushi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9861168
    Abstract: A free arm umbrella includes a fixing plate (1), an upper nest (2), a lower nest (3), umbrella ribs (5) and support ribs (6). The umbrella ribs (5) are hinged with the upper nest (2) and the two ends of the support rib (6) are hinged with the lower nest (3) and the umbrella rib (5) respectively. The free arm umbrella also includes a control mechanism (7), a support rod (9), a first strut rod (10) and a second strut rod (20). The two ends of the first strut rod (10) are hinged with the lower nest (3) and the upper portion of the fixing plate (1) respectively. One end of the second strut rod (20) is hinged with the upper nest (2) and the other end is provided with a support block (21). The middle part of the first strut rod (10) is hinged with the middle part of the second strut rod (20). The two ends of the support rod (9) are hinged with the second strut rod (20) and the fixing plate (1) respectively. The control mechanism (7) is fixed on the fixing plate (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma
  • Patent number: 9861169
    Abstract: A convertible placemat and carrier having a generally planar flexible sheet with a center portion for supporting an object, preferably food and beverage products. The carrier also includes a plurality of spaced-apart slits arranged in a plurality of concentric rings extending radially outward from the center portion of the sheet. The remaining portion of the sheet between the slits is interconnected to form a lattice structure. The sheet is moveable from a flat planar configuration to an expanded configuration in the form of a carrier. An object is held in the center of the sheet and handle portions are moveable upwardly away from the center portion and the sheet expands via the lattice structure to form a carrier for holding the object placed in the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Susan D. Scior, William G. Weber
  • Patent number: 9861170
    Abstract: A suitcase includes a kit to convert the suitcase to a luggage cart. A typical rolling suitcase additionally includes at least three sockets provided in spaced relation in the major bottom wall of the suitcase base and open to an outside of the suitcase, and at least three stem casters, each stem caster having a wheel rotatable in a housing and a stem attached to the housing, the stem being configured to be removably secured in one of the at least three sockets. When the at least three stem casters are secured in the at least three sockets and the bottom wall of the suitcase base is arranged facing the ground with the wheels of the at least three stem casters touching the ground, the suitcase is useable as a luggage cart by piling at least one further suitcase over the suitcase lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Robert M. Hamaty
  • Patent number: 9861171
    Abstract: The water bottle and cell phone holder is a carried item of luggage. The water bottle and cell phone holder is a receptacle that stores a water bottle and a personal data device. The water bottle and cell phone holder is provisioned with a strap that allows the water bottle and cell phone holder to be carried by hand or hung from a shoulder. The water bottle and cell phone holder comprises a tube, a pocket, and a shoulder strap. The tube, pocket, and shoulder strap are attached in such a manner that a loop is formed. The loop allows the water bottle and cell phone holder to be either hand carried or hung from the shoulder. The tube stores the water bottle. The pocket stores the personal data device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Lorita Burnside
  • Patent number: 9861172
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a luggage includes a grip unit, a button unit and a crank unit. The button unit includes a left push and a right push button. The crank unit includes a left crank having a first end provided with a left resting section abutting the left push button and a second end provided with a left ratchet section, a right crank having a first end provided with a right resting section abutting the right push button and a second end provided with a right ratchet section engaging the left ratchet section. Thus, the button unit includes two push buttons mounted on two opposite ends of the grip unit, so that the button unit will not be touched or pressed by the user, thereby preventing the handle assembly from being unlocked inadvertently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Shuen Hsuan Wang
  • Patent number: 9861173
    Abstract: A suitcase with charging function, comprising: a suitcase body; rollers disposed at the bottom of the suitcase body; current generating devices disposed on rollers; a PCB, connected to the current generating device; a rechargeable battery, connected to PCB. Wherein the current generating device comprises: a roller bracket, fixed to the bottom of the suitcase body and connected to the roller through a roller shaft; a power generator fixing plate, fixed on the roller bracket and having a generator PCB and power lines; a power generator, fixed on the power generator fixing plate and connected to the generator PCB. There is a first gear on the roller connected to the roller shaft, and a second gear on the shaft of the power generator, and the second gear is engaged with the first gear directly or through transmission gears. The rechargeable battery has a built-in circuit board and at least one output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Sze Wai Stevenson Lau
  • Patent number: 9861174
    Abstract: Pedicure toe band separators and methods of making and using the same. Each toe band separator wraps around a single toe and is secured thereto while avoiding contact with the toenail. Once secured to the toe, the toe band separator provides a space or gap between adjacent toes and toenails so that when the toenails are painted, contact with one or more such adjacent toes and/or toenails is avoided via the toe band separators of the invention and the space/gap generated thereby. The toe band separators may be used in combination with an additional spacer, and may be reusable or single-use disposable toe bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Naoemi P. Gullickson
  • Patent number: 9861175
    Abstract: A cosmetic container with application body, a liquid cosmetic accommodated in the container being supplied to an application body provided to a tip of the container through an intermediate core, the liquid cosmetic being applied by the application body, in which the application body is disc-shaped, rotatably provided at an outlet of the liquid cosmetic at the tip of the container, and in contact with the intermediate core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOKIWA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9861176
    Abstract: A piston structure of a pumping-type cosmetic container. The piston structure includes two pistons which come into close contact with an inner wall of a container body and are overlapped. During a pumping operation, a first piston firstly ascends to a certain section and then lifts up a second piston located on the lower part thereof such that the first piston and the second piston ascend together; thus, it is possible to reduce the volume taken up by the pistons when the contents are initially filled, while the thickness for a normal operation of the pistons is still maintained, so that relatively more contents for the same volume can be filled in the same container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: YONWOO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shin-Bok Jung
  • Patent number: 9861177
    Abstract: A packaging device for packaging a fluid refill, in particular for a cosmetic, the packaging device including a sheath having an open end, and a removable assembly that is suitable for being fastened in removable manner to the open end between a locked position in which the refill is held in the sheath, and an unlocked position in which the refill may be removed from the sheath. The removable assembly includes a retainer interface that co-operates with the open end and that presents an anchor member, and also an actuator member that co-operates with the retainer interface while being suitable for being moved axially relative thereto, so as to be taken into an actuated position in which the actuator member urges the anchor member to be anchored to the open end of the sheath, and a disengaged position in which it releases the anchor member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PARFUMS CHRISTIAN DIOR
    Inventors: Savine Lefevre, Francois Gautier
  • Patent number: 9861178
    Abstract: A system and method for attaching a device to a user includes securing a first plate to a user. The first plate can be secured to the user, for example, via one or more straps and/or a hook and loop fastener. The system and method further include securing a second plate to the first plate, wherein an article of the user's clothing is sandwiched in between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate and second plate may be secured to each other by a magnetic connection, by engagement of a sliding pin that pierces a portion of the first plate and the second plate, or a combination of a magnetic connection and an engagement of a sliding pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: WatchGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert V. Vanman, Jim Dulaney, Larry Hall, Gary Burton, James Walter Exner
  • Patent number: 9861179
    Abstract: Revealed invention relates to a backpack for carrying portable chairs, and/or selected equipment comfortably on the back of a person. Shoulder harness support straps secure it to the back of an individual and the waist harness support transfer the weight to the hips. People attending sporting events, concerts, picnics, or camping many time have an uncomfortable job of carrying several portable chairs, and/or selected equipment, slung over their shoulders for a considerable distance. The bulk and weight of carrying more than one portable chair, and/or selected equipment becomes a frustrating task. Especially if one has to carry up to six chairs, and/or selected equipment, or other items. The Sport chair backpack has six designated locations for chairs, and/or selected equipment to be securely and comfortable, carried over a long distance. Shoulder harness support straps secure it to the back of an individual. Waist harness support transfers the weight to the hips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth Coburn Kotter
  • Patent number: 9861180
    Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle mounted hammock frame having dual beams that resist torsion and rotation of the sidearm extensions. It allows for a hammock to be suspended in the bed of a pickup truck approximately 6 feet above ground level. Further, the sidearm extensions have a narrow and wide side such that when the frame is folded for storage the narrow extension nestles inside the wide extension. The extensions are rotatably attachable to the central crossbeam assembly via sidearm receivers and generally L-shaped sidearm guides. The extensions may be easily attached or detached from the sidearm guides by inserting or removing a hinge pin. Moving the frame can be made easier by attaching axles and wheels to the folded frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: David Brian Jungling
  • Patent number: 9861181
    Abstract: A hanging chair that includes an upper frame member, a lower frame member, and a plurality of upright supports. The upper frame member is connectable to an external support structure and having a top plate and a bottom plate. The lower frame member has a top plate and a bottom plate. Each upright support having a first end and a second end. The first end of each upright support is connected to the upper frame member between the top plate and the bottom plate of the upper frame member. The second end of each upright support is connected to the lower frame member between the top plate and the bottom plate of the lower frame member. The plurality of upright supports are pivotally moveable between a collapsed position, where the plurality of upright supports are pivoted toward one another, and an expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Worldwide Creations, LLC
    Inventor: Scott D. Wehner
  • Patent number: 9861182
    Abstract: An attachment device for attaching to a user's finger, thumb, hand, or wrist is provided. The attachment device may also be configured to support an object, such as a small electronic tool. According to one implementation, an attachment device comprises a mounting frame, a side wall extending at an angle from the mounting frame, an outer C-band extending from an end of the side wall, and an inner C-band extending from the mounting frame. The outer C-band is configured to at least partially surround the inner C-band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lee Oberpriller, Timothy R. Fitch
  • Patent number: 9861183
    Abstract: An equipment carrier comprises one or more support members, an equipment holder, and an extensible tether. The equipment holder receives and retains an equipment item. The support members support the equipment holder against a wearer's torso or limb. The extensible tether is attached to the carrier is attached to the equipment item. The extensible tether is under tension and elongated when the equipment item retained by the equipment holder, and is under negligible tension and not elongated the equipment item held by the wearer at the wearer's face or head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FeraDyne Outdoors, LLC
    Inventor: Fred H. Hunt
  • Patent number: 9861184
    Abstract: This invention provides for the ability to holster articles and includes a front panel, a rear panel and a pivot and cavity defined by the front panel and rear panel. A resilient member can extending through opening in the front panel and rear panel operatively associated with the front panel and rear panel rear panel so that when an article is inserted into the cavity, tension is placed on the article securing it into the cavity. Multiple cavities can be included so that multiple articles can be carried. The invention can be attached by a mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Wilder Tactical Group, LLC
    Inventor: Josh VanHeusen
  • Patent number: 9861185
    Abstract: A fastener-stick dispenser for dispensing sticks of fasteners, such as staples, nails, and screws. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a body defining a fastener-stick receptacle that receives a plurality of the fastener sticks. The dispenser also includes a dispensing port through which fastener sticks are dispensed one or more at a time by a user. The dispenser may also include one or more securing device for securing the dispenser to a user so that the user can carry the dispenser in a hands-free manner. A method of providing a fastener-stick dispenser is also disclosed. The method includes providing a fastener stick dispenser and providing various instructions for its use. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a pivotable dispensing mechanism designed, configured, and arranged to dispense fastener sticks in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the fastener sticks. The dispensing mechanism may be actuated using a lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: John Paul Southgate
  • Patent number: 9861186
    Abstract: A brush includes a middle piece having a left connector and a right connector, and a left piece including a left middle portion having a proximate end, a hinge end, and a connector coupled to the proximate end and configured to be removably coupled to the left connector of the middle piece. The left piece also includes and a left end portion having a distal end and a hinge end pivotably coupled to the hinge end of the left middle portion. The brush also includes a right piece including a right middle portion having a proximate end, a hinge end, and a connector coupled to the proximate end and configured to be removably coupled to the right connector of the middle piece. The right piece also includes a right end portion having a distal end and a hinge end pivotably coupled to the hinge end of the right middle portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Hemant Chandrakant Kurani
  • Patent number: 9861187
    Abstract: A self-righting toothbrush includes a medial section disposed between head and tail sections. The head section mounts a set of frontwardly extending bristles. The tail section has a rearwardly extending asymmetry. The medial section has a pivot surface whose center of rotation defines a pivot point on a longitudinal neutral pivot axis. The pivot surface allows the toothbrush to pivot about the neutral pivot axis when the toothbrush is placed on a support surface. The head and tail sections have respective centers of mass. In a non-bristles up position, the head and tail section centers of mass are spaced from the neutral pivot axis on opposite sides thereof. Due to a moment imbalance dominated by the tail section center of mass, there is a net rotational moment about the neutral pivot axis that induces the toothbrush to pivot about the neutral pivot axis to a bristles up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Israel Harry Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9861188
    Abstract: An oral care implement having a cover member. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising: a body comprising a handle and a head coupled the handle, the head comprising a first coupling element, and the handle comprising a second coupling element; a store of oral care material located within the body; an outlet located on the head; a cover member comprising a cap portion, a mounting portion, and a third coupling element, the cover member alterable between: (1) a first state in which the first and third coupling elements cooperate with one another to detachably couple the cover member to the head to seal the outlet; and (2) a second state in which the second and third coupling elements cooperate with one another to detachably couple the cover member to the handle so that the mounting portion can operate as a stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventor: Eduardo J. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 9861189
    Abstract: Reconfigurable paint brush containers provide both display packaging and an edging tool. The container has a painting edge aligned with bristles of the paint brush and a fulcrum on which the paint brush rests. The fulcrum initially spaces the bristles of the paint brush away from the painting edge in a resting state. The painting edge is aligned with a wall corner, where paint is to be applied and a force is applied to the paint brush in the direction of the fulcrum. The force overcomes the spacing effect and brings the bristles into contact with the painting edge such that paint on the bristles is applied in a straight line to a portion of the wall exposed to the bristles at the painting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Brandon Morgan, Grace Morgan
  • Patent number: 9861190
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wood gang form including: a placing plate made with wood; a frame joined to the edge of one side of the placing plate; and a plurality of joist members which are arranged on one side of the placing plate at a predetermined interval from each other, are joined to one of the placing plate and the frame to reinforce the placing plate or the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SEOBO INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bum Su Lee
  • Patent number: 9861191
    Abstract: The present invention is pool or billiard table having a system of multiple local section, wedge leveling devices secured in recesses in a support frame, which allow a user to precisely and in very small increments adjust sectionwise leveling of a slate slab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: JIANXI RASSON BILLIARD MFG. CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Jin Song
  • Patent number: 9861192
    Abstract: A liftable table has a table frame, a fixing board, a lifting device, and a table board. The table frame has a main frame and a holding seat. The holding seat is deposited on the main frame. The fixing board is mounted on the main frame. The lifting device is deposited on the holding seat and has a driving set and at least one crossing set. The crossing set is extended from or folded in the receiving space of the holding seat, and is connected to and driven by the driving set. The table board is deposited on the crossing set to move upwardly or downwardly. A user views and operates a computer put on the table board with a sitting or a standing posture, and this prevents the user from using the computer with the sitting posture for a long time and avoids damages to the user's health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Yao-Chuan Wu
  • Patent number: 9861193
    Abstract: A bracket device includes a bracket, at least one mounting member, and a hook. The bracket has an end plate. The at least one mounting member is mounted on the end plate of the bracket. The hook is movably connected to the bracket in order to be at either one of a first position and a second position with respect to the bracket. The hook is extended with respect to the end plate of the bracket when at the first position and is retracted with respect to the end plate of the bracket when at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: King Slide Works Co., Ltd., King Slide Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Shun-Ho Yang, Zong-Sian Wong, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9861194
    Abstract: A safe chest of drawers includes a chest body, one or more drawers, a sliding bar, a spring box assembly, a sliding brake assembly and one or more drawer mounting assemblies. The chest body includes a drawer accommodation part and a leg part. The drawers are inserted into the drawer accommodation part, and are selectively opened and closed. The sliding bar performs sliding movement in forward and backward directions, and is coupled to a pair of movable casters. The spring box assembly is configured such that it has a protrusion structure including a plurality of unidirectional protrusions configured to restrict backward sliding movement. The sliding brake assembly is disposed over the spring box assembly, and has a brake member. The one or more drawer mounting assemblies function to implement forward sliding by pushing the sliding bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Heejun Park
  • Patent number: 9861195
    Abstract: A setting device for a latching arrangement for setting a movable furniture part which is received in a furniture body, the setting device comprising a receptacle, a spring member and an operating lever, it being possible for the setting device to be mounted on a holding member of the latching arrangement such that it can be pivoted via the receptacle, and a latching element being configured on the spring member. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the shape of the spring member, and therefore the position of the latching element, can be varied by means of the operating lever, without interaction with a further element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Grass GmbH
    Inventors: Tim Lucas, Gabriel Auer
  • Patent number: 9861196
    Abstract: A slide rail assembly includes a supporting rail, a first rail, a second rail, and an interlock device. The second rail can be displaced with respect to the first rail. The interlock device is movably disposed between the first rail and the supporting rail. The second rail displaces the interlock device while being displaced from a retracted position with respect to the first rail to a predetermined position in an opening direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: King Slide Works Co., Ltd., King Slide Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Shun-Ho Yang, Chi-Wei Wu, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9861197
    Abstract: A slide rail assembly adapted to mount an object to a rack includes first through third rails. The first rail is mounted to the rack. The second rail is movably connected to the first rail and includes a reinforcement structure having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion. The third rail is movably connected to the second rail. When the slide rail assembly is in a fully pulled out position, each of the second and third rails is at an extended position with respect to the first rail, the second rail is located between the first and third rails, and the first and second portions of the reinforcement structure correspond in position to the third and first rails respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignees: King Slide Works Co., Ltd., King Slide Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Shun-ho Yang, Chien-Li Huang, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9861198
    Abstract: The present application provides various examples of bracket for mounting a shelf to a flat vertical surface such as a wall. Examples and configurations disclosed herein provide brackets that have a high ratio of weight-supporting capacity to visibility relative to previous wall-mountable shelf-support apparatuses. One or more elongate members may extend through one or more apertures in a metal base. The proximal end(s) of the one or more elongate members may be welded to the back of the metal base around a cross-sectional perimeter of a cross-sectional shape that is shared by the proximal ends of the elongate members and the back ends of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin Anderson
  • Patent number: 9861199
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf system for a household appliance includes at least one shelf assembly having at least one support structure, wherein each support structure of the shelf assembly includes upper and lower coupling elements outwardly extending from the support structures. A track member is coupled to a sidewall of an internal compartment of the appliance. The track member includes an outer surface with at least one longitudinal channel disposed therein. The longitudinal channel further includes a plurality of spaced-apart receiving notches disposed along a vertical length the channel. The upper and lower coupling elements of the support structures are configured to be received in the longitudinal channels of the track members and nested within the receiving notches thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Luiz Afranio Alves Ferreira, Gean Ricardo Hay, Edson Isaltino Bento
  • Patent number: 9861200
    Abstract: Provided is a sliding rail for mounting a shelf, which is mounted on a shelf for displaying things of various kinds and is simply regulated in length according to thickness and width of the shelf, thereby improving convenience in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DUDU WORLD. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gisun Lim
  • Patent number: 9861201
    Abstract: A chair assembly includes a base structure defining upper and lower portions, and a support structure, a seat support structure having a forward portion pivotably connected to the upper portion of the base structure for rotation about a first pivot point and a rearward portion, a back support structure having a forward portion pivotably connected to the lower portion of the base structure for rotation about a second pivot point that is located below and rearward of the first pivot point, and an upwardly extending back portion that moves rearwardly and downwardly as the back support structure pivots and the back portion moves, and a control link pivotably coupled to the seat support structure for rotation about a third pivot point and to the back support structure for rotation about a fourth pivot point each located rearward of the first and second pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Battey, Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Gary Lee Karsten, Kurt R. Heidmann, Todd D. Krupiczewicz, Nathan R. Brock, Jeffrey A. Hall, Gordon J. Peterson, Todd T. Andres
  • Patent number: 9861202
    Abstract: The present application discloses a chair with a bi-directional controllable air rod valve including a chair leg, a seat cushion, and a compression air rod that connects the chair leg and the seat cushion, where two sides of a cavity of the seat cushion are each provided with a set of valve control members. The set of valve control members disposed in the cavity of the seat cushion enables a user to adjust the chair with both left and right hands conveniently, which greatly facilitates the operation, and in addition, the hidden design of the valve control members prevents the exposed valve control members from hurting a mover or a user and meanwhile, protects the valve control members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Qianglong Furniture Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Qi, Yong Chern Ng
  • Patent number: 9861203
    Abstract: A seat assembly for task-oriented seating comprises a seat support and a seat coupled to the seat support. The seat is movable under load, such as from the user's weight and movements, relative to the seat support. The seat has a cushion molded over a supporting armature with multiple bias elements. The seat and seat support are configured to deflect by predetermined amounts at defined locations over an extent of the seat assembly. In this way, the seat assembly provides for a range of comfortable and effective positions for users engaged in different active motions and having different preferences and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: A-dec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Alvarez, Jonathan Wilson, Rebekah Slyter, Kohler Johnson, Charles Stark, Brian E. Bonn, Fred Kaas, Aaron Ochsner, Nathan Hadley
  • Patent number: 9861204
    Abstract: An automatic support system for headrest includes a first fastener, a connecting component, a driving rod, a first swinging component, a first sleeve component, and a linear drive device; The linear drive device is pivotally connected to the first fastener and has an output shaft that is capable of linearly sliding, a front end of the connecting component is pivotally connected to the first fastener, the output shaft of the linear drive device and one end of the driving rod are respectively pivotally connected to two spaced positions of a rear end of the connecting component, a front end of the first swinging component is pivotally connected to the first fastener, the other end of the driving rod is pivotally connected to a rear end of the first swinging component, and the first sleeve component is fixed to a headrest and set on the first swinging component detachably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DONGGUAN WEIHONG HARDWARE AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 9861205
    Abstract: An armrest for a chair includes a first slideable member moveably positioned within a support post and a second slideable member moveably positioned within the support post. The first slideable member is moveably positioned within a channel of the second slideable member such that the first slideable member is moveable relative to the second slideable member. An actuator is connected to the first and second slideable members. The actuator can optionally be included that is actuatable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The first and second slideable members are immovable within the post when the actuator is in the locked position and the first and second slideable members are moveable within the post when the actuator is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Hector, Khalid Masoud
  • Patent number: 9861206
    Abstract: A mattress topper includes a pocket coil pad having a top surface and a bottom surface. The pocket coil pad includes a plurality of pockets, each pocket having a compressible coil that moves independently of the other compressible coils of the pad. The mattress topper includes a first foam pad overlying and connected with the top surface of the pocket coil pad, and a second foam pad overlying and connected with the bottom surface of the pocket coil pad. The compressible coils are joined together by a fabric covering that holds the compressible coils together as a unitary structure. The compressible coils have a height of about ΒΌ inch or greater. The pocket coil pad and the first and second foam pads cover an area that is the same size such as single, twin, queen, king, and California king sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Comfort Revolution, LLC
    Inventor: Dimitrios Corodemus
  • Patent number: 9861207
    Abstract: Cushioning articles such as mattresses can include a three dimensional wave spring core. The wave spring includes a polymeric lattice spring structure including a plurality of alternating layers stackedly arranged to define a height of the wave spring, wherein each one of the alternating layers is defined by a single strand having one or more upward and downward undulations, wherein the alternating layers are arranged such that an upward undulation of one layer is connected to a downward undulation of the other layer to define a cell configured to receive a compressive force, wherein the lattice structure has a sinusoidal shape when viewed top down and is configured to have three dimensional structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Michael S. DeFranks, Rahul Kirtikar, Henry J. Marcacci, Michael McDonald, Nicholas B. Savage, Kevin C. Bogaert, Parker Frost
  • Patent number: 9861208
    Abstract: Embodiments of mattress systems comprise a mattress base, a multifunctional foam layer having a substantially planar top side and a non-planar bottom side contacting a top side of the mattress base, and wherein at least one air passage is present in spacing formed between the top side of the mattress base and the non-planar bottom side of the multifunctional foam layer, and a thermo-regulating gel layer affixed to at least a portion of the top side of the multifunctional foam layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Mattress Development Company of Delaware, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Carlitz
  • Patent number: 9861209
    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 of the 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: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GRACO CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: John (Jason) C. Arnold, IV, Brandon Burkholder, Annette Stella, Matthew Rivera
  • Patent number: 9861210
    Abstract: A child motion device including a support frame, a frame hub coupled to the support frame, a gliding swing mechanism pivotally mounted to the frame hub, and a cantilevered child support portion pivotally mounted to the gliding swing mechanism. In example embodiments, the child support portion can be in the form of a child seat or a bassinet. In example embodiments, the child support portion can be oriented between multiple seat-facing orientations for providing either of a side-to-side gliding movement or a front-to-back gliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Chaitanya Tadipatri, Stephen Burns, Jacob Sclare
  • Patent number: 9861211
    Abstract: A variable shelf organizer system for displaying merchandise thereon including a roller glide floor member, a standard track glide floor member, a plurality of removably adjustable divider members and a front wall member. The divider members and front wall member are engageable with both floor members and when multiple divider members are engaged with either floor member, product channels are formed therebetween for holding and securing products of varying size and shape on either floor member. The roller glide floor member is best suited for heavier packaged products such as six-pack or twelve pack products and the track glide floor member is best suited for standard products. The width of the shelf system may be increased or decreased by joining or detaching similarly constructed floor members in a side-by-side relationship and the length of the shelf system may be increased by attaching one or more floor extension members to the floor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Presence from Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Miller, Jr., Andrew J. Boron, Kent Lee Hanners
  • Patent number: 9861212
    Abstract: An ice merchandiser includes a cabinet assembly including a base panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a right side panel, a left side panel, and a top panel. A first joint type is used to couple the rear panel to the base panel, the base panel to each of the right and left side panels, and the rear panel to each of the right and left side panels. A second joint type is used to couple the top panel to the right side panel, wherein the second joint type includes a slide channel structured to receive a flange of the right side panel and a flange of the top panel to couple the top panel to the right side panel. The first joint type differs from the second joint type, yet neither joint type utilizes a fastener or an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Leer, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Muth, Patrik Gorun
  • Patent number: 9861213
    Abstract: A cold food display unit includes a well defining a receptacle, an insert positioned within the receptacle, a refrigeration system, a first cooling air discharge, and a second cooling air discharge. The insert is positioned within the receptacle to form a first cooling air flow path and a second cooling air flow path. The refrigeration system includes a cooling air outlet positioned within the receptacle to provide cooling air to the first and second cooling air flow paths. The first cooling air discharge discharges a first flow of cooling air toward the second side of the well, and the second cooling air discharge discharges a second flow of cooling air toward the first side of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Goch, Kathleen A. Wollenberg
  • Patent number: 9861214
    Abstract: Provided are systems, methods and techniques for displaying merchandise. One such system includes a support structure, a receptacle physically connected to the support structure and having a plurality of openings around its periphery, and a plurality of merchandise assemblies. Each merchandise assembly, in turn, includes an item of merchandise and an attachment device fastened to the item of merchandise. The attachment device has a vertically oriented insertion member that is tapered from top to bottom and is removably inserted into one of the plurality of openings in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: KRATOS ENTERPRISES HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Nicolopulos, John Gunther, Thomas A. Moeller