Patents Issued in January 1, 2019
  • Patent number: 10165849
    Abstract: A collapsible, reusable drinking container is provided having a first opening suitable for pouring and filling, a second opening for accessing the interior of the container for cleaning, and a flexible straw for drinking the contents while the container is held in an upright position. The first opening is reversibly sealed with a cap, the second opening with an interlocking ridge and groove fastener, and the straw is reversibly sealed using a plug, a cap, a push-pull cap, a reversibly discontinuous portion of the straw, or an element for reversibly kinking the straw. The straw is attached to the container wall, to the cap for sealing the first opening, or to the fastening strip for sealing the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Arianna Chen
  • Patent number: 10165850
    Abstract: A releasably-engageable strap loop having a unitary body is configured to enhance the securement of a strap or other material within a limited range of motion. The strap loop can be employed to secure, among other things, a head-mounted display unit to a wearable article worn by an individual, facilitating restricted movement of the head-mounted display unit relative to the individual's preferred field of view or any other part of the individual while the individual is active. The releasably-engageable strap loop can include, among other things, a unitary body that can receive a strap, such as one employable to secure a head-mounted display unit to a wearable article or safety gear worn by an individual. In some embodiments, the releasably-engageable strap loop can also include a securing member that is releasably or permanently securable to an external body, providing additional securement and restriction of movement of the head-mounted display unit relative to the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: REALWEAR, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Stephen A. Pombo
  • Patent number: 10165851
    Abstract: A device for attachment to a belt for holding an accessory having a base, a front surface and a back surface, the base having belt receiving slots and the front surface of said base having a right side and a left side wherein said left side of said base having a first retaining portion extending substantially perpendicularly to said front wall and said first retaining portion having a first sidewall extending therefrom substantially parallel to and spaced from said front surface and forming a first recess and said right side of said base having a second retaining portion extending substantially perpendicularly to said front wall and said second retaining portion having a second sidewall extending therefrom substantially parallel to and spaced from said front surface and forming a second recess and a release member formed as part of said base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew J Downs
  • Patent number: 10165852
    Abstract: A teeth cleaning implement includes a deformable hollow body having a volume of dentrifice secured within a central void of the body. Bristles are secured about the outer surface of the body. A plurality of apertures in environmental communication with the central void of the body are placed about and through the outer surface of the body to permit the passage of the dentrifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: William R. Christman
  • Patent number: 10165853
    Abstract: An improved system and method of automatic folding and storage of furniture is disclosed. In one embodiment, an improved combination foldable table and seats system provides a mechanism for automatically raising the combination foldable table and seats system to a ceiling before automatically folding the legs of the table to which foldable seats are attached. In this manner, the combination foldable table and seats system can be folded, stored and again lowered to the ground without the need for a user to lift or move furniture and without the need for extra storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Reza Omidinejad
  • Patent number: 10165854
    Abstract: A modular cabinet assembly has at least a first sub-cabinet and a second sub-cabinet. Each sub-cabinet includes a back board having at least two separate back board pieces that are pivotably connected to each other, a left side board pivotably connected to one of the at least two back board pieces, and a right side board pivotably connected to another of the at least two back board pieces. At least one shelf board having opposite ends is removably connected to the left side board and the right side board of either the first sub-cabinet or the second sub-cabinet. A first end board is connected to either an upper end of the first sub-cabinet or a lower end of the second sub-cabinet. A first connector removably connects the left side boards of the first and second sub-cabinets, and a second connector removably connects the right side boards of the first and second sub-cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Seville Classics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M Lim, Yi Min Li
  • Patent number: 10165855
    Abstract: A rack has a frame and a plurality of shelves. Each shelf has an enclosing frame member that has two first sides connected by two second sides, a connecting bar that connects the first sides at about the center of the first sides, a plurality of slots provided on the inner surfaces of the second sides, and a plurality of slats, each slat having opposing ends that are fitted into opposing slots at the second sides, and with each slat being connected to the connecting bar. At least one connector is provided for removably connecting each shelf to a portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Seville Classics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Lim
  • Patent number: 10165856
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a loading level, and a receiving area for receiving the loading level. A guide device guides the loading level when the loading level is selectively displaced into or out of the receiving area along the guide device. Secured to the guide device is a retraction device for automatically displacing the loading level into the receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Gleixner, Franz Kiechle, Reinhold Lader
  • Patent number: 10165857
    Abstract: A roller unit having an integrated fastening portion includes a supporting shaft fastened to a containing body or a containing main body that can slide and having first and second flanges formed in multi steps with different outer diameters, a rotating body rotatably fixed to a side of the supporting shaft, and a washer coupled to a side of the rotating body to surround and fix the second flange, thereby preventing separation of the supporting shaft and the rotating body. Therefore, it is possible to more conveniently combine the supporting shaft and the rotating body and to prevent separation of the supporting shaft and the rotating body, whereby is possible to improve various functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SEGOS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoon Sig Park, Jae Won Kim
  • Patent number: 10165858
    Abstract: A multi-rail concealed slide rail structure includes an outer rail, a first ball retainer, a middle rail, a pair of second ball retainers, and an inner rail. One side of the outer rail is bent inward to form a first track for the first ball retainer to slide thereon. Two side edges of the middle rail are bent in the same direction to form second tracks, respectively. The middle rail is fitted on the first ball retainer, such that the first ball retainer leans against one of the second tracks. The pair of second ball retainers is movably fitted on the middle rail. One side edge of the inner rail is bent inward to form a third track corresponding to the second tracks. The inner rail is fitted on the pair of second ball retainers. Two parallel tracks are provided between the inner rail and the middle rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Martas Precision Slide Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan-Lai Chen
  • Patent number: 10165859
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a drawer slide synchronizer with a first cable and a second cable. A first bearing is mounted to a first one of a pair of drawer slides, and a second bearing is mounted to a second one of the pair of drawer slides. The first and second cables contact the first bearing, and the first and second cables also contact the second bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alisa Marie Dickerson, Louis A. Wantland, Bagawathkumar Chellappan
  • Patent number: 10165860
    Abstract: A cosmetic panel suspension system for an appliance includes an outer door panel having a perimetrical flange. A plurality of side adjusters is attached to the perimetrical flange. At least one adjustment bracket has a plurality of positioning apertures in slidable engagement with a portion of the perimetrical flange. The plurality of side adjusters extends through respective positioning apertures defined within the at least one adjustment bracket, and adjustment of at least one side adjuster of the plurality of side adjusters slides the at least one adjustment bracket relative to the perimetrical flange. A cosmetic panel is attached to the at least one adjustment bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Trevor L. Hawkins, Scott A. Kositzky, Chad Rotter
  • Patent number: 10165861
    Abstract: A seating unit component assembly comprises a support component that includes a first surface adapted to abut a seated user, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end surface, a second end surface opposite the first end surface, and a pair of side surfaces extending between the first and second end surfaces, and a cover having a plurality of sides that cooperate to form an interior space that receives the support component therein, wherein the cover includes a first portion comprising a non-fabric substantially flexible thermoplastic material covering at least a portion of at least one of the side surfaces of the support component, a second portion comprising a fabric covering at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the first end surface of the support component, and a third portion comprising a substantially rigid overlay covering at least a portion of the second end surface and at least a portion of the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Smith, Gordon J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 10165862
    Abstract: A seating structure includes a frame, a carrier, and a suspension material. The frame includes front, rear, and side portions that define a continuous outer periphery of the frame. The frame further includes a cross portion extending between the side portions. The frame also includes openings in the front and rear portions, with the cross portion between the openings. The cross portion includes stiffening ribs. The carrier includes a suspension material connected to the outer periphery of the frame. The frame and carrier have respective first and second attachment features that engage to lock the carrier onto the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Carola E. M. Zwick, Roland R. O. Zwick
  • Patent number: 10165863
    Abstract: A thoracic support for a seatback of a seat is provided. The thoracic support has a center portion extending in an upright direction and adapted to be positioned adjacent the seatback to align adjacent a thoracic region a user's spine and having a first hardness. A pair of side portions are each disposed on opposing lateral sides of the center portion. The side portions have a second hardness less than the first hardness of the center portion. The pair of side portions and the center portion to define a smooth forward support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Ashford Allen Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Terry O'Bannon, Gerald Steven Locke, Jennifer Badgley, Thomas S. Hicks, Walter T. Cichocki
  • Patent number: 10165864
    Abstract: A chair armrest device includes a main frame and an outer sleeve coupled to the main frame. The outer sleeve includes an insertion portion having a plurality of positioning grooves. A cover is mounted on top of the outer sleeve. An inner sleeve includes a shank inserted into the insertion portion of the shank. An actuating rod is pivotably received in the inner sleeve. A positioning peg is provided on the actuating rod for releasably engaging with one of the positioning grooves. A guiding peg is provided on the actuating rod and is received in an inclined guiding groove of a button. A pad is mounted on top of the inner sleeve and is pivotable relative to the main frame. The button can be pressed to pivot the actuating rod to thereby disengage the positioning peg from the positioning groove for adjusting a height of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Tung-Hua Su
  • Patent number: 10165865
    Abstract: A foundation for a mattress is formed from a foam block and may also have supports that extend across the foam block's bottom side. The supports can be manufactured with the foam block or may be provided in a kit or separately sourced. The foam block is rigid enough to support a mattress and is compressible so it has a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration and its bottom side may have channels for the supports. In the compressed configuration, the foundation may be folded into a compact form and vacuum-sealed in a plastic membrane which easies in storage, shipping, and delivery of the foundation. When the foundation is delivered to its place of use, the compressed foundation can be removed from its packaging, allowing the foam block to return to its expanded configuration and placed onto a standard bed frame with the supports providing crosswise support across the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: James O. Stewart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10165866
    Abstract: A bench for a bed frame having a headboard includes a base frame and a back frame. The base frame includes a seat frame and a leg frame downwardly extended from the seat frame. The back frame is upwardly extended from the seat frame, wherein a shape of the back frame matches with a shape of the headboard of the bed frame. In particular, an ornamental design of the back frame matches with an ornamental design of the headboard of the bed frame, so as to enhance an aesthetic appearance of the bench which serves as a bedroom bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Furniture of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Lei Yang
  • Patent number: 10165867
    Abstract: A bedding or seating product comprises a pocketed spring assembly comprising a plurality of parallel interior strings of individually pocketed coil springs. The interior strings of springs may extend from head-to-foot or side-to-side of the product. The pocketed spring assembly further comprises at least one perimeter string of springs. Each of the springs of each perimeter string of springs has rectangular convolutions to provide edge support to the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 10165868
    Abstract: An internal tensioning structure for use in an inflatable product fulfills the basic function of maintaining two adjacent inflatable surfaces in a desired geometric arrangement when the inflatable product is pressurized. The tensioning structure is formed by connecting a pair of plastic strips sheets via spaced-apart strands, such as strings or wires. When pulled taut, the strands provide a high tensile strength between the two opposed plastic strips. At the same time, the plastic strips facilitate a strong, long-lasting weld between the tensioning structure and the inflatable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Intex Marketing LTD.
    Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 10165869
    Abstract: An internal tensioning structure for use in an inflatable product fulfills the basic function of maintaining two adjacent inflatable surfaces in a desired geometric arrangement when the inflatable product is pressurized. The tensioning structure is formed by connecting a pair of plastic sheets to spaced-apart strands, such as strings or wires. When pulled taut, the strands provide a high tensile strength. At the same time, the plastic sheets facilitate a strong, long-lasting weld between the tensioning structure and the inflatable product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Intex Marketing LTD.
    Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 10165870
    Abstract: A display case door assembly for a temperature-controlled storage device includes a frame defining an opening into the temperature-controlled storage device and a transparent unit coupled to the frame. The transparent unit includes a first vacuum pane, a second vacuum pane, and an evacuated gap between the first and second vacuum panes. The evacuated gap has a predetermined thickness within which a vacuum is drawn, thereby providing a thermal insulation effect for the transparent unit. The transparent unit further includes a plurality of spacers disposed within the evacuated gap and configured to maintain the predetermined thickness of the evacuated gap when the vacuum is drawn therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Anthony, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Artwohl, Jeffery W. Nicholson, Matthew Rolek
  • Patent number: 10165871
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 10165872
    Abstract: A panel assembly, system, and method include upper and lower panels attached respectively to upper and lower back support, which are connectable to each other using linking beams. The upper back support is configured to be hung from a horizontal beam. The panels have through holes and the back supports have front blind holes that are aligned with the through holes in the panels. In another embodiment, rear blind holes are also provided in the back supports. A peg is securable to each of the blind holes. Multiple pegs can be secured to provide furniture options that can be used for storing, displaying, organizing, and merchandizing. Rear blind holes provides additional storage that can be hidden away from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: THINKTERIOR STUDIO PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Jones, Anthony M Hughes, Matthew D. Thorpe
  • Patent number: 10165873
    Abstract: A security device and base for a mobile device. The security device includes a body, at least two sliding arms coupled to the body, and a leveling plate coupled to the body and configured to receive the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Scorpion Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklyn W. Gulick, Jr., Gary R. Page
  • Patent number: 10165874
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bagging clip that couples to a bag holder hook of a shopping bag bagging station. The bagging clip helps to keep shopping bags hung from the bag holder hook in place as one of the shopping bags is opened, filled and removed. The bagging clip includes a plate with at least one slot in the plate. The slot is a cutout in the plate extending from a front surface to a back surface of the plate. The slot is configured to couple with a rail of the bag holder hook of the bag holder, in order to couple the bagging clip to the bag holder hook. Once the bagging clip is coupled to the bag holder hook, shopping bags hung from the bag holder hook will stay in place as individual shopping bags are filled and removed from the bag holder hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventor: Yurgis Mauro Bacallao
  • Patent number: 10165875
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices, kits, and components of an apparatus that can assist a user to identify locations of attachment points or openings on a frame and transferring those measurements to a wall for purposes of supporting a picture that is level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventors: Armando Ulloa, Alfredo Ulloa
  • Patent number: 10165876
    Abstract: An improved floral display box to house flowers. The floral display box includes a vase for arranging a plurality of flowers having an open top, a closed bottom, and one or more side walls. The vase is adapted to house the flowers and accompanying water and nutrients. Further, a lid is removably disposed over the open top of the vase. The lid has a plurality of openings disposed therethrough to hold the flower in place within the vase, the plurality of holes having a diameter of about 0.1 and 1 cm and being disposed at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees with respect to a centerline from a centrally place opening in the lid to the bottom surface of the vase to a centerline through outermost holes in the lid to the bottom surface of the vase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Gaffney
  • Patent number: 10165877
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stackable container system. The stackable container system can comprise a beverage container, a beverage container lid, a plurality of smaller containers, and a plurality of smaller container lids. The smaller containers and smaller container lids are configured to allow any of the smaller container lids to be used on any of the smaller containers. The bottom of the beverage container and the bottom of each smaller container is also configured to allow the beverage container or smaller container to be interlocked with the top of any of the smaller container lids. In addition to storing beverage ingredients, the stackable container system can also be used to store other edible and inedible ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Runway Blue, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Sorensen, Kim L. Sorensen, David O. Meyers
  • Patent number: 10165878
    Abstract: A non-spill container having a collar and seal assembly from which drinking can occur at any location around a rim of the collar and seal assembly. The collar has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a sidewall. The open upper end is proximate to and includes the upper end of a side wall, an upper perimeter and a rim. The closed lower end has a projection extending upward therefrom and at least one passage disposed through the closed lower end to channel a fluid. The sidewall has a tapered shape that extends from the open upper end inward toward the closed lower end and has a support surface provided along an inner surface adjacent to the open upper end. The support surface has at least one radial protrusion is disposed radially adjacent to the support surface to define at least one channel. A fastener assembly is provided on an external wall of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Mark A. Hatherill, Kevin Douglas Johnson, Matthew Joseph Saxton
  • Patent number: 10165879
    Abstract: Drink containers with mouthpiece assemblies having a dispensing configuration and a stowed configuration. A mouthpiece assembly defines a liquid passage through which drink liquid may be dispensed when the mouthpiece assembly is in the dispensing configuration and includes means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some examples, the means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid include a tube that at least partially defines the liquid passage and which includes a crimping region. The crimping region may be constructed of a resiliently and reversibly deformable material that is adapted to restrict the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a means for automatically releasing the mouthpiece assembly from its stowed configuration to a dispensing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: CamelBak Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Davies, Derek Gavin Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10165880
    Abstract: A tumbler having a Peltier device includes: a container having a channel formed in a center portion in a longitudinal direction and a circular drink storing part enclosing the channel and storing drink therein; a Peltier device disposed adjacent to an inner wall of the channel of the container and transferring heat from the drink stored in the drink storing part; and a blowing unit installed to a lower portion of the container to supply an air to the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Kyung Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 10165881
    Abstract: A spoon, including a handle portion and a utensil portion rotatably coupled to the handle portion. The handle portion includes an elongated rod having a top end and a bottom end. The elongated rod is rotatably coupled to the utensil portion at the top end; and a sleeve rotatably enclosing the elongated rod; The utensil portion includes a bowl for transferring content and a weight for balancing the bowl. The bowl is balanced to remain level in two orthogonal directions during use of the spoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: ELI—EQUIPMENTS FOR LIFE IMPROVEMENT LTD
    Inventor: Franck Marciano
  • Patent number: 10165882
    Abstract: A decorative drinking straw assembly for use with a beverage container includes a hollow cylindrical straw having a decorative subassembly releasably attachable about an exterior surface of the straw. A decorative assembly includes one or more decorative elements secured to an attachment sleeve. The attachment sleeve has an inner diameter adapted to snugly fit over the outer diameter of the straw. A flange element provided positioned beneath the decorative assembly prevents inadvertently detached decorative elements from falling into a beverage contained within the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Ashley Monique Rhodes
  • Patent number: 10165883
    Abstract: A can holder system including a stamped sheet having a first-section including a first-tab, and a second-tab, a second-section including a third-tab, and a fourth-tab, an arcuate-member, and a plurality of folding joints. The stamped sheet is configured to fold at the plurality of folding joints for supporting a container in a substantially upright position between uses. The device may be stored in a planar position and be folded at a plurality of folding joints to erect a container caddy. The device may be attached to a belt or a wall for convenient storage and access to a container, can, or beverage cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Ken Glendinning
  • Patent number: 10165884
    Abstract: A serving container and ring element system that includes a serving dish and a ring element having a ring element lip with a shape that substantially corresponds to a shape of a serving dish lip, wherein portions of the ring element lip are formed to be positionable around at least a portion of the serving dish lip to provide frictional engagement between portions of said ring element lip and at least a portion of said serving dish lip, such that said ring element is capable of securing a foil pan within said serving dish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Sabine S. Miller
  • Patent number: 10165885
    Abstract: An apparatus and an associated method that includes a lap tray, the lap tray having a flat portion and a raised perimeter edge, wherein the flat portion defines a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the flat portion defines an aperture. The apparatus further includes a tray compartment operably engaged with the lap tray. The tray compartment has a sidewall and a bottom wall, the sidewall and the bottom wall define, in part, an interior space accessible via the aperture. A lid operably engaged with the tray compartment is configured to enclose the interior space of the tray compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Zhomart D. Sandybayev
  • Patent number: 10165886
    Abstract: A button manipulation device and method of use thereof for directly controlling a button are disclosed. The button manipulation device directly engages and secures a button for greater control while fastening the button through the buttonhole, which may be particularly useful for those with limited use of their hands. Furthermore, directly controlling the button through the buttonhole, rather than pulling the button through the buttonhole by the button thread, reduces the risk of damaging the thread and the material surrounding the buttonhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventors: Jesse T. Little, Timothy S. Little
  • Patent number: 10165887
    Abstract: Technologies are described for devices and methods to utilize an ingredient cartridge assembly. The devices may comprise a cooking pot, a heat source, a loading track, a propulsion system, a loading compartment, and a controller. The loading compartment may be located along the loading track. The controller may be in communication with the heat source and the propulsion system. The propulsion system may be configured to receive an ingredient cartridge assembly including a cartridge. A protective film on the cartridge may be contacted with the propulsion system. The propulsion system may pull the protective film to peel the protective film from the cartridge and slide the cartridge along the loading track towards the loading compartment. An ingredient inside of the cartridge may deposit into the loading compartment as the cartridge passes over the loading compartment. The loading compartment may be configured to deposit the ingredient into the cooking pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Foodstar LLC
    Inventors: Yuriy Lemberg, Mikhail Lemberg, Farit Unusov
  • Patent number: 10165888
    Abstract: Systems and methods of use pertaining to a rocket-type heating and cooking system feature three distinct cooking surfaces designed for simultaneous use and may be dismantled and transported for use in a variety of environments, including use as a heating and cooking device in the home as a fireplace insert, use outdoors in a hiking or camping setting, or use in a developing-world application as a third-world outdoor or indoor kitchen. The heating and cooking system features a combustion chamber and exhaust chimney having optimized dimensions to achieve maximum combustion efficiency, which translates to increased heating and cooking capacities as well as reduced smoke exhaustion. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: David Gordon Steputis
  • Patent number: 10165889
    Abstract: A device and method for steaming and presenting of food deploys a spacer that rests on top of a cookware vessel. The spacer has a lower inner flange to support a steaming rack. A leg supported serving or presentation rack is adapted for lifting, supporting and presenting the steamed food when the spacer and steaming rack are lowered over it. The spacer has a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the presentation rack so that the spacer may be lowered around the presentation rack to engage the steaming rack along the presentation rack. The presentation rack has a sufficient height relative to the spacer height to dispose the food proximal to or above the rim of the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Meyer Intellectual Properties Limited
    Inventors: Jacquelyn Maitram Truong, Xi Zheng
  • Patent number: 10165890
    Abstract: Filtration unit (12) for use in a beverage preparation machine using a container for preparing the beverage; the unit being adapted to engage a container holder (3) intended to be inserted in the machine; said filtration unit comprising a filter (14) and a protective casing (12) encompassing the filter; said casing comprising an inlet wall with at least one liquid inlet (24) and an outlet wall with at least one liquid outlet (25) for delivering filtered liquid to a container lodged in the container holder wherein the filter (14) is arranged in a removable manner from the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Nihan Dogan, Heinz Wyss, Daniel Roland Manser, Nicolas Jean-Guy Bezet
  • Patent number: 10165891
    Abstract: The invention concerns a beverage preparation assembly (1) comprising: —a container (2) for storing a water soluble beverage powder, said container comprising a tank (21) and a powder outlet (22), —a dissolution chamber (3) for preparing a beverage from the water soluble beverage powder and a diluent, said dissolution chamber comprising at last one diluent inlet (31) and a beverage outlet (32), —a chute (4) for guiding the water soluble beverage powder from the powder outlet (22) of the container to the dissolution chamber (3), —an air outlet (5) configured for evacuating air from the dissolution chamber (3), wherein the powder outlet (22) is connected to the chute (4) by a conduit (6), and wherein the powder outlet (22), the conduit (5), the chute (4) and the dissolution chamber (3) are connected together through airtight connections, and wherein said assembly comprises an air inlet (8), said air inlet being positioned above the chute (4) only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Flavien Dubief, Lucio Scorrano, Larry Baudet, Kevin Jamolli
  • Patent number: 10165892
    Abstract: A portable storage and dispensing device for powder to be mixed with liquid is provided. The device, when actuated, dispenses measured powder portions from a reservoir of soluble powder and communicates those measured portions to a drinking vessel or container. The device includes a cannister having an interior cavity for positioning a powder reservoir which is adapted for dispensing with only one hand while gripping a central portion of the cannister. A dispensing end of the cannister is adapted to deposit the powder in small-mouthed containers and concurrently avoid spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Mark LaFosse
  • Patent number: 10165893
    Abstract: Cookware containers are provided with a handle member which also serves as a support to rest a utensil during cooking. Particularly, the spoon supporting handle member is afixed to the cooking container in a laterally aligned direction, rather than the normal perpendicular configuration with respect to a top opening of the container. The container can support a cooking utensil on the spoon supporting handle without having to be moved about on a stove top to avoid burners or the handles of other pots or pans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Alice Gail Smith
  • Patent number: 10165894
    Abstract: A cooking system is disclosed which includes a wok for receiving food, the wok being placed on top of a base unit housing a heating element for heating up the wok, a lid substantially covering the wok, at least a portion of the lid being able to rotate relative to the wok, a shaft secured to the rotating portion of the lid, a stirrer pivotally mounted to the shaft, a controller housed in the base unit controlling the heating element and rotations of the shaft and the lid, the rotation of the shaft causing a part of the stirrer to sweep from an edge of the wok to approximately a center of the wok in a low path and return to an edge of the wok in a high path, in the low path the part of the stirrer approximately touching a surface of the wok, in the high path the part of the stirrer being high above and not touching the surface of the wok, and a computing device residing outside of the base unit and signally coupled to the controller, the computing device storing a computer program upon execution instructing th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Peigen Jiang
  • Patent number: 10165895
    Abstract: A disposable grill is formed with a central region having a periphery in a rectangular configuration. The periphery has a front edge, a rear edge, a left edge, and a right edge, a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall. Hinges couple the walls to associated edges. Each wall is pivotable between an upper position coplanar with the central region for storage and transportation and pivotable to a lower position perpendicular to the central region for supporting food to be cooked. A plurality of slots are formed in the central region. Each slot is rectangular and formed of a longitudinal slit and latitudinal end slits to form downwardly extending supports for strengthening purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: John Bretagna
  • Patent number: 10165896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing foodstuff, the apparatus comprising a receiving portion for receiving foodstuff; a heating source for processing the foodstuff so as to effect a change of a chromatic property of first and second surface areas of the foodstuff; wherein the apparatus is arranged to obtain information that is indicative of the chromatic property of the first surface area of the foodstuff, and control the change of the chromatic property of the second surface area of the foodstuff using the obtained information and predetermined calibration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: SensAbility Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Sean Manning, Kristopher John Rowland, Andrew Callum Richardson
  • Patent number: 10165897
    Abstract: A stand alone container for housing dehydrated foodstuff and for use in a foodstuff machine has a continuous sidewall with first and second ends forming a storage area. A piston is complementarily positioned within the sidewall proximate the first end and is slidable with respect to the sidewall. The container contains dehydrated foodstuff located in the storage area and a removable cover positioned proximate the second end. The foodstuff machine includes a machine housing having an access opening for receiving the container having dehydrated foodstuff therein. A hydrating and positioning system moves from a loading position when the container is in the access opening to a hydrating position with the container second end above the first end and then to a transfer position where the first end is positioned above the second end. A liquid dispenser is positioned above the container when the container is in the hydrating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Mega Consultants, LLC
    Inventor: Edward C. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10165898
    Abstract: A coffee bean conveyance device includes a conveying unit, a coffee bean holding unit and a driving mechanism. The conveying unit is a hollow member detachably assembled to the coffee bean holding unit, such that the coffee bean holding unit and the conveying unit are internally communicable with each other. The driving mechanism is eccentrically connected to the conveying unit, such that axes of the conveying unit and driving mechanism are parallelly spaced from each other. When the driving mechanism operates, coffee beans in the coffee bean holding unit are caused to stably move into the conveying unit and a constant weight or quantity of coffee beans is continuously fed to a coffee bean grinder or a coffee bean dispenser disposed below an outlet of the conveying unit. With these arrangements, the feeding of irregular weight or quantity of coffee beans to the coffee bean grinder or dispenser is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: ACAIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rex Poway Tseng