For A Household Appliance Patents (Class 206/320)
  • Patent number: 9871550
    Abstract: A protective enclosure for an electronic device includes a cushion layer and a structural layer. The cushion layer covers the back surface and side surfaces of the installed electronic device. The structural layer is disposed over the cushion layer and includes a back portion, a right side portion, and a left side portion. The structural layer includes a thinned region on the back portion. The thinned region has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the remainder of the back portion of the structural layer. The thinned region of the structural layer allows a section of the protective enclosure to bend away from the back surface of the electronic device for installation and removal of the electronic device from the protective enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Witter, Matthew S. Krajec, Patrick J. Nelson, Paul N. Walker, Thomas D. Boileau
  • Patent number: 9857835
    Abstract: A device having a protective cover includes an electronic device and a protective cover; the electronic device includes a screen and a Hall sensor; the protective cover is provided with a magnet body including at least two magnets, in which at least one magnet having magnetic lines that pass through the Hall sensor when the protective cover covers on the screen. By providing at least two magnets in the protective cover, when the protective cover covers and moves on the screen, the magnetic lines of at least one magnet of the two magnets are able to pass through the Hall sensor in the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: XIAOMI INC.
    Inventors: Wei Sun, Zhenfei Lei, Xiangdong Wang
  • Patent number: 9850666
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a panel system for covering a building wall. The panel system includes at least one panel assembly. Each panel assembly includes a panel having a front panel wall, a side panel wall, and a back mounting flange overhanging the front panel wall. Each panel also includes at least one perimeter extrusion. Each perimeter extrusion includes a panel engaging portion having a panel slot shaped to receive the back mounting flange of the panel, and a connector engaging portion having a connector slot. The panel system also includes at least one connector extrusion for mounting the panel assembly to the building wall. Each connector extrusion includes a connector base mountable to the building wall, and at least one connector flange shaped to fit in the connector slot of the perimeter extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: CARTER ARCHITECTURAL PANELS INC.
    Inventors: Miguel Antonio Moore Libreiro, Joel Adam McKinley
  • Patent number: 9831905
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a case for an electronic device. The case includes a cover having a peripheral wall defining an interior for receiving at least a portion of the electronic device, the cover having a protrusion extending in a length dimension. The case further includes a control feature extending through the peripheral wall of the cover. The control feature has a first body portion configured to engage a switch of the electronic device, when the electronic device is received in the interior of the cover. The control feature further has a second body portion accessible from outside of the interior of the cover. The control feature further has a central body portion between the first body portion and the second body portion, the central body portion having a channel in which the protrusion is received, wherein the control feature is moveable along the length dimension of the protrusion, relative to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Pelican Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Flores, Jianzhi Chen
  • Patent number: 9817446
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing merchant/customer interaction include determining that a tablet computer is in a merchant orientation, retrieving merchant product information according to a received instruction and merchant orientation information, and displaying a merchant screen on the tablet computer that includes the merchant product information according to the merchant orientation information. A change in the orientation of the tablet computer enclosure/stand is then detected from the merchant orientation to a customer orientation. In response, the merchant screen is transitioned on the tablet computer display to a customer screen as the tablet computer enclosure/stand changes orientations by moving the merchant screen and the customer screen linearly while in a stacked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Voege, Faran Najafi, Egan Schultz, Satish Govindarajan
  • Patent number: 9790634
    Abstract: A washing machine tub insert system is provided that prevents the wash tub from impacting the washing machine cabinet during shipping and handling. The tub insert system may be made from a bottom panel and an insert that lock together. The insert outwardly biases locking members against the cabinet rim and against the tub to minimize relative movement of the tub and cabinet, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of the wash tub damaging the washing machine cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Eugene Senn, Matthew Marrow
  • Patent number: 9778705
    Abstract: An accessory device comprising: an enclosure; one or more electrical components positioned within or attached to the enclosure; an attachment feature connected to the enclosure and configured to magnetically couple the accessory device with the electronic device, the attachment feature comprising: an exterior surface; a corresponding plurality of openings formed through the exterior surface; a plurality of movable contacts corresponding in number to the plurality of openings, each movable contact extending out of one of the plurality of openings; one or more biasing members operatively coupled to the plurality of movable contacts to bias the contacts such that a contacting portion of each contact protrudes beyond the exterior surface of the attachment feature through its respective opening; and an alignment feature comprising at least one magnet positioned adjacent to the plurality of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Hani Esmaeili, Oliver Ross, Brett Degner, Daniel Wagman, Eric S. Jol, Ibuki Kamei, Mahmoud R. Amini
  • Patent number: 9768821
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a window, a display disposed on a rear surface of the window to output an image, a terminal body having a front surface on which the window is disposed, and an external cover coupled to an outer surface of the terminal body to protect an outer appearance of the terminal body. The external cover comprises a front cover that covers at least one outer surface of top, bottom, left, and right surfaces of the terminal body and a portion of a front surface of the window. Since the external cover covers a portion of a front surface of the mobile terminal in addition to an outer surface of the mobile terminal, an area for protecting the mobile terminal against an external impact or foreign substances may increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaemoon Kim, Insu Song, Jaewook Lee, Inseok Yoo, Youngmin Lee, Hyunin Yoo, Aram Shin, Guetae Cho
  • Patent number: 9764527
    Abstract: The invention concerns an elongated protective corner for the transport and/or packaging of products. The corner has at least two non-corrugated paperboard plies combined together to create two perpendicular wings and an apex. The plies form multiple ply sections, and at least one of the ply sections of a given ply overlaps another ply section of the same ply. This overlapping arrangement gives the apex a resistance force of about 100 to about 500 lbs. The thickness of the corner can vary, with each wing being in the range of about 100 to about 250 points, and each ply is made from paperboard having a grammage of about 120 to about 380 g/m2. The resistance force can be determined by mounting the corner upon two blocks, and applying a force to the apex at a middle of the corner until a fracture is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: ABZAC CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Pierre-Michel D'Anglade
  • Patent number: 9768822
    Abstract: A protective carrying case for a mobile electronic device is provided having a concealed storage compartment. The concealed compartment may store credit cards, identification cards and other personal articles. The case also includes an integrated stand that enables a user to prop the mobile device at a desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Forever Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Shung Loh, Ho Yin Lee, Ping Hay Heun
  • Patent number: 9762396
    Abstract: When theft protection of a computing device is initiated, credentials of the user are provided to one or more services that verify the credentials and generate a recovery key. A data value is generated based on the recovery key and an identifier of the computing device (e.g., by applying a cryptographic hash function to the recovery key and the computing device identifier), and the data value is provided to the computing device, which stores the data value at the computing device. When a user is prompted to prove his or her ownership of the device, the owner can prove his or her ownership of the device in different manners by accessing the one or more services via a network (e.g., the Internet), or by providing the recovery key (e.g., obtained using another computing device) to the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mihai Irinel Susan, Bogdan Andreiu, Scott R. Shell, Scott Michael Bragg, Ling Tony Chen
  • Patent number: 9762280
    Abstract: Portable mobile phone holders that permit the substantially simultaneous use or access of two or more mobile phones are provided. The holders include a foldable structure having a first panel and a second panel that are rotatable between a closed position and one or more open positions, a first mobile phone retaining device mounted on the first panel, and a second mobile phone retaining device mounted on the second panel. When the foldable structure is opened, the first mobile phone retaining device and the second mobile phone retaining device are accessible. In addition, the mobile phones mounted in the mobile phone retaining devices are also accessible. The phone holders may include one or more third panels that protect the mobile phones when the holders are closed. Methods of using mobile phones, holders for other mobile devices, and kits for providing mobile phone holders are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Jordan C. Munn
  • Patent number: 9756916
    Abstract: A protective case for use with an electronic device includes a cushion layer and a structural layer. The cushion layer is configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective case. The structural layer is configured to surround at least a portion of the cushion layer. The structural layer includes a back portion, at least two side walls, a slot in the back portion for removably retaining a card, and a rack and pinion system configured for selectively ejecting the card, at least partially, from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Rebecca Lawson, Jonathan B. Rayeski, Larry Holmes, William T. Smith, John P. Fitzgerald, Lucas B. Weller, Kevin W. Witter, Peter J. Gronewoller
  • Patent number: 9758274
    Abstract: A protective case in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes a backing shaped to securely attach to a back side of a personal electronic device, a cover hingedly connected to the backing, and a joint operably positioned between the backing and the cover. The backing includes a first magnetic region. The cover includes a screen protector and a tab hingedly connected to the screen protector. The tab includes a second and third magnetic regions hingedly connected to one another. The joint is bendable along a bending axis to allow the cover to move between a closed configuration in which the first and second magnetic regions are detached from one another and an open configuration in which the first and second magnetic regions are releasably attached to one another. The first, second, and third magnetic regions have advantageous respective distributions of magnetic polarities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Touchfire, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley S. Melmon, Steven A. Isaac
  • Patent number: 9760118
    Abstract: This is directed to a case for securing and protecting an electronic device. The case can include a cover connected to a pouch by a hinge such that the cover can be overlaid over a device interface (e.g., a device display). The case can be constructed by layering and combining several types of materials, including for example materials having resistant outer surfaces, materials limiting the deformation of the case, materials providing a soft surface to be placed in contact with the device, and rigid materials for defining a structure of the case. In some embodiments, the case can include a tab that allows a user to fold open the cover of the case to form a triangular prism. The prism can be placed on any of its surfaces such that the device can be oriented towards a user at particular angles (e.g., a typing-specific orientation and a media playback orientation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Rohrbach, Vinh Diep
  • Patent number: 9748996
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device includes a bottom plate, an integral side wall extending from the edges of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the integral side wall cooperate to define a concave portion for receiving an electronic device. At least one connecting structure is arranged across the bottom plate and the integral side wall. Each connecting structure divides the protective cover into a first cover and a second cover. One of the first cover or the second cover is able to rotate relative to the other cover via the connecting portion, forming an angle between the first cover and the second cover, whereby the protective cover forms a standing base to support the electronic device at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Wen Tien
  • Patent number: 9743730
    Abstract: A protective cover includes a first shell and a second shell cooperating to receive an electronic device. The protective cover further includes a rigid frame mounted on the second shell. The first and second shells are flexible, and the rigid frame is made of rigid material. The second shell equipped with the rigid frame hinges on the first shell to form a holder to support the electronic device at a viewing angle. The protective cover includes soft shell for absorbing physical shocks and a rigid frame for structural support at a viewing angle on a supporting surface when the electronic device is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Wen Tien
  • Patent number: 9742888
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a case, a panel which includes a first surface including a contour line and is held by the case such that the first surface faces outward, the contour line being provided with a first recess, a first component located in the case, and a cover which is provided with a through hole or a cut for communication between the first component and the outside and is located to hide the first recess when the first surface is two-dimensionally viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Shuhei Hisano, Hiroyoshi Kawanishi, Hayato Mizuno
  • Patent number: 9731861
    Abstract: A base assembly for supporting an item having internal components during shipment of the item is provided. The base assembly includes a base panel and two opposing end panel assemblies. The base panel includes two opposing end members, two opposing side members, and a plurality of support panels. Each end member and side member has an inner edge and an outer edge. Each support panel extends upwardly from one of the inner edges of the end members and the side members to support the internal components of the item. The end panel assemblies extend from the outer edges of the end members. Each end panel assembly includes an end panel vertically spaced a distance from an adjacent end member and a plurality of reinforcing panels positioned between the respective end panel and the adjacent end member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Joel Cram
  • Patent number: 9725198
    Abstract: Shrink wrap films that are customized to have a shape matching a shape of a particular part or parts are disclosed. The shrink wrap films can be formed using unique manufacturing techniques that involve heating the part or parts prior to applying the shrink wrap film. The resultant part or parts will have substantially wrinkle-free and defect-free shrink wrap film applied thereon. In some embodiments, additional functional and cosmetic features are formed in the shrink wrap film. In some embodiments, a laser cutting procedure is used to form the features in the shrink wrap film. Methods can be used to provide visually and tactilely smooth and aesthetically appealing shrink wrapped consumer products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Eugene A. Whang, Paul E. Newburn, Mark E. Doutt, Rafael L. Dionello, Hsien Y. Pu, Michael A. Korinek, Evan A. Cernokus, Michael S. Long
  • Patent number: 9714111
    Abstract: The cushioning material is assembled by: bending a single sheet, which comprises a bottom sheet, a first side sheet, a second side sheet, and an upper sheet, into a rectangular cylinder shape and inserting second flaps and an interlocking sheet in an insertion hole of a middle sheet; bending each first flap away from the first side sheet and bending the middle sheet towards the first side sheet to fit together second interlocking grooves with first interlocking grooves; bending the interlocking sheet to be roughly perpendicular to the upper sheet and bending the second flaps to be roughly perpendicular to the interlocking sheet to engage interlocking sections with the first flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Itano
  • Patent number: 9700113
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a case for portable electronic devices. According to various embodiments, a case may be capable of extending to accommodate different portable electronic devices. A discrete series of grooves within the case may provide the case with additional elasticity. A pattern of tessellations within the case may provide the case with additional elasticity. The increased elasticity may allow the case to be configured to frictionally engage and retain various portable electronic devices with slightly different physical dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Targus International LLC
    Inventors: Jonny Yuan, Alex Robert Cabunoc, Colin D. Greenidge
  • Patent number: 9703330
    Abstract: A protective cover for a portable computing device includes a first hardshell component, a second hardshell component, and a hinging element. The first hardshell component removably snaps onto a first portion of the portable computing device to protect the first portion of the portable computing device. The second hardshell component removably snaps onto a second portion of the portable computing device to protect the second portion of the portable computing device. The hinging element comprises a flexible material and is attached to the first hardshell component and the second hardshell component such that the hinging element of the protective cover aligns with the hinging structure of the portable computing device. The hinging element flexes to allow the second portion of the portable computing device to remain articulable relative to the first portion of the portable computing device when the protective cover is installed on the portable computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Stephen Willes, W. Travis Smith, Jonathan Watt
  • Patent number: 9700114
    Abstract: A protective case and mounting system for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: ROKFORM IP LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Whitten, Bernhard Leitner, Craig Erion
  • Patent number: 9692863
    Abstract: A cover-leafing leather casing of cellular phone and a smart phone using the same are described. The cover-leafing leather casing of cellular phone comprises a leather cover for buckling to a touch panel of the smart phone. The leather cover is connected to a first magnet of a rear shell body of the smart phone by way of a magnetic induction connecting portion, and the magnetic induction connecting portion comprises a second magnet which is mutually attracted to the first magnet. The present invention employs the cover-leafing leather casing to be easily disassembled and to be conveniently cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HUIZHOU TCL MOBILE COMMUNICATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinhua Xie, Runlai Jiang, Yuanliang Xu
  • Patent number: 9675148
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a case for portable electronic devices. According to various embodiments, a case may be capable of extending to accommodate different portable electronic devices. A discrete series of grooves within the case may provide the case with additional elasticity. A pattern of tessellations within the case may provide the case with additional elasticity. The increased elasticity may allow the case to be configured to frictionally engage and retain various portable electronic devices with slightly different physical dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Targus International LLC
    Inventors: Jonny Yuan, Alex Robert Cabunoc, Colin D. Greenidge
  • Patent number: 9675150
    Abstract: A case for a portable electronic device includes a card storage compartment for storing one or more cards, a cover for covering the card storage compartment, and a first card retaining means. The card storage compartment has a bottom surface and a side wall of first, second and third walls and the first card retaining means is formed on the first wall for retaining the one or more cards in the card storage compartment by exerting pressure on the one or more cards. There may be second and third card retaining means, and the third card retaining means helps retaining the one or more cards by exerting pressure on the card(s) against the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SPIGEN KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dae-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 9676517
    Abstract: A server packing assembly includes a server unit, a pallet unit and an anticollision unit. The server unit includes a rack that includes bottom and top walls and a pair of spaced-apart side walls that interconnect the top and bottom walls and that cooperate with the top and bottom walls to define front and rear openings, and at least one server disposed in the rack. The pallet unit includes a main board supporting the server unit thereon and positioned relative to the rack. The anticollision unit includes a front protector that removably covers the front opening and that is removably coupled to the rack and secured to the pallet unit, and a rear protector that removably covers the rear opening and that is removably coupled to the rack and secured to the pallet unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Jheng-Ying Jiang, Sun-Lai Chang
  • Patent number: 9675147
    Abstract: A cover for a tablet computer incorporates a built-in stand, allowing viewing angles in portrait and landscape orientations. The cover includes a front cover that is connected to a back cover. In an implementation, the front cover has at least five fold lines formed in the cover. These fold lines meet at an intersection point. These fold lines are not parallel to any edges of the front cover. And these fold lines divide the front cover to have least three triangular sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Incase Designs Corp.
    Inventors: Markus Diebel, Scott Davis, Luke Arthur Pushee, Bruce Owyoung, Timothy Ahn
  • Patent number: 9670611
    Abstract: A washing machine tub insert system is provided that prevents the wash tub from impacting the washing machine cabinet during shipping and handling. The tub insert system may be made from a die cut corrugated blank and foam locking members. The blank is folded to create a V-shaped structure that outwardly biases the locking members against the cabinet rim and against the tub to minimize relative movement of the tub and cabinet, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of the wash tub damaging the washing machine cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Eugene Senn, Matthew Marrow
  • Patent number: 9661906
    Abstract: A protective cover for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, can transform into an adjustable stand to hold the device in multiple viewing angles. The cover protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the cover. The stand can be adjusted to allow for multiple viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Incase Designs Corp.
    Inventors: Markus Diebel, Hyun Hong
  • Patent number: 9655422
    Abstract: A holder for consumer products, including an at least substantially rectangular, flat storage portion having a first and a second at least substantially flat wall, the walls defining between them at least one flat compartment provided with an opening for accommodating the consumer products therein, and an at least substantially flat flap portion having an at least substantially rectangular plate-shaped wall element, wherein a first elongate connecting element is provided at the location of a first longitudinal edge of the wall element is designed for being accommodated in a first passage that is provided in the first wall for interconnecting the wall element and the storage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: VELCRY DESIGN
    Inventor: Marcus Henricus Nobertus Buijssen
  • Patent number: 9642428
    Abstract: A sleeve case is for a portable electronic device (e.g., laptop computer or electronic tablet device) and includes neoprene or fabric panels attached to an elastic polymer frame, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The elastic polymer frame extends around a perimeter of the sleeve to provide cushioning or padding for side edges of the sleeve. A magnetic or other latching mechanism is used to secure an opening on one side of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Incase Designs Corp.
    Inventors: Jonathan Brown, Hyun Hong, Allen Min Choi
  • Patent number: 9635918
    Abstract: A protective case includes a chassis having sides and a back that define a cavity with an opening for an electronic device. The back has an inner back surface configured to be adjacent to a back surface of the installed electronic device. The protective case also includes a suspension system having a first cushion and a second cushion. The first cushion is configured to contact the back surface of the installed electronic device and to provide an air gap between the chassis and the back of the installed electronic device. The second cushion is configured to contact side surfaces of the installed electronic device and to contact a front surface of the installed electronic device to form a seal with the front surface of the installed electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Martin J. Kay, Bosung Kim, Anthony P. Patron, Virginia J. Wang
  • Patent number: 9636579
    Abstract: A portable gaming and entertainment system (or “environment”) for use with a game console and related components that allows the user thereof to easily, safely and conveniently transport the system. The system comprises a case having a lid pivotally attached to a base. One or more custom inserts are provided to securely receive the game console therein. The custom inserts permit the system to be usable with a variety of supported game consoles. The lid includes a monitor and speakers, and is operative to be opened and maintained at a position to provide a desirable viewing angle for a user. The lid closes against the base to enclose the game console and other related components so that the user may easily transport and/or store the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: G.A.E.M.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Dean T. Mercier, Parker Chou, Ryan Moore
  • Patent number: 9635127
    Abstract: Devices are personalized while the devices are still at least partially contained within packaging. Discovery information may be exchanged between a packaged device and a user device. Such discover information may be exchanged as a result of the packaged device and the user device being moved into proximity with each other. A communication connection may be configured between the packaged device and the user device. Data may be obtained at the packaged device related to the communication connection. The packaged device may be personalized for a user utilizing the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Tucker, Christopher Russell Costello
  • Patent number: 9622556
    Abstract: A protective case can be used with a mobile device having front and back surfaces and side surfaces extending between the front and back surfaces, including a top side, a bottom side, a right side, and a left side, the mobile device having a screen on the front surface. The protective case can include a shell configured to engage and substantially surround at least three of the surfaces of the mobile device and preferably all or nearly all surfaces of the mobile device while still capable of allowing the user to functionally interact with biometric sensor (such as a fingerprint sensor) and/or not interfere with the intended functionality of the proximity sensors of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Incipio, LLC
    Inventors: Andy Fathollahi, Timothy Alan Hemesath, Kitty Yu-Ling Yung, Carlos Del Toro
  • Patent number: 9621696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a casing and protective shell for a mobile electronic device. The casing includes an outer layer having a first side exposed to the outside, and a second side opposite to the first side; a flexible buffer layer having a first side connected to the second side of the outer layer, and a second side opposite to the first side of the buffer layer; and a layer for holding, which has a side connected to the second side of the buffer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Inventec Appliances (Pudong) Corporation, Inventec Appliances Corp., Inventec Appliances (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuang Hui Hung
  • Patent number: 9603428
    Abstract: The portable workstation includes a case having a base, a first side wall and a second side wall, a back side wall positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a selectively pivotable cover including an upper side and a lower side. The lower side of the pivotable cover can have a screen for displaying media, such as visual images. An upper compartment is positioned beneath the selectively pivotable cover and a plurality of drawers is positioned beneath the upper compartment. A locking mechanism is positioned in communicating relation with each of the plurality of drawers. A telescopic handle is coupled to the back side wall. A ruler section is positioned opposite the back side wall. At least one wheel is positioned in communicating relation with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Khaled Jafar Al-Hasan
  • Patent number: 9603425
    Abstract: A case incorporates a built-in stand for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, which the case houses. The case protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the case. The built-in stand is adjustable and allows for multiple viewing angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Incase Designs Corp.
    Inventors: Markus Diebel, Hyun Hong
  • Patent number: 9581286
    Abstract: A tablet computer holding device having a rigid and substantially rectangular base is provided. A pair of upstanding walls extends vertically upward from the perimeter of the base and partially bound the base. The upstanding walls provide a widened area for a user to grip. The upstanding walls extend along a pair of opposing sides of the holding device and wrap around the corners thereof, such that the upstanding walls resemble a pair of opposing U-shapes. Since the upstanding walls do not extend around the entire base, inputs and buttons disposed on the sides of the tablet computer can be easily accessed. A plurality of elongated ridges is disposed about the perimeter of the holding device to facilitate grasping the holding device. One or more fasteners, such as clips, are disposed on the periphery of the base and are used to securely hold a tablet computer in place thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Allan R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9578940
    Abstract: A protective case for receiving and retaining a portable electronic device is provided. The case comprises dampening features disposed in at least two corners of the case to protect the electronic device from inadvertent impact and the resultant forces. Various embodiments of the case comprise multi-materials designs and features that allow utilize of various controls and features of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Thule Organization Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Burgess, Ken O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 9580855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing material for a laundry treatment apparatus having a casing with an entrance/exit hole through which laundry is entered and exited and an outer tub hung in the casing and having an opening through which the laundry is entered and exited, the packing material including a base part at a side of a predetermined fold line corresponding to the shape of the opening and a gap compensating part at another side of the fold line, wherein the base part is inserted into a space between the outer tub and an entrance/exit hole forming part forming the entrance/exit hole in the casing, and wherein the gap compensating part is inserted into an inside of the outer tub when the packing material is folded along the fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Daehee Kim
  • Patent number: 9565910
    Abstract: A waterproof protective case can include a front portion and a back portion configured to attach to the front portion to form the protective case. The waterproof protective case may include a port cover for covering and sealing a port opening near a feature, such as an electrical port. The port cover may include a gasket to seal the port opening, as well as a flexible member with a thinned area that flexes to allow the port cover to open and close. The protective case may include an aperture covered by a membrane to allow sound transmission through the case, and the flexible member of the port cover may include at least one opening to allow sound transmission through the flexible member. The port cover may also include an aperture covered by a membrane to allow sound transmission through the port cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventor: Cameron D. Magness
  • Patent number: 9565940
    Abstract: A system for semi-moveable objects is described. The system comprises a container device including capture mechanism material; a plurality of securing devices including a first plurality of securing devices; and instruction information providing instructions to install a collection device to capture a lightweight object by cutting the capture mechanism material to generate a capture mechanism and fastening the capture mechanism with a securing devices to a semi-moveable object and a supporting structure, the collection device comprising the capture mechanism including a first capture mechanism, and the securing devices including a first type of securing device, the securing devices including a first portion of securing devices and a second portion of securing devices, the first portion of securing devices to fasten the first capture mechanism to a supporting structure and the second portion of the first plurality of securing devices to fasten the first capture mechanism to a semi-moveable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Revolution Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: George Wilson, Dinesh Amin
  • Patent number: 9565913
    Abstract: An improved protective case for a mobile device is disclosed herein. The protective case may comprise a base portion, a stop, and at least one sliding or moving impact section to assist in the absorption of impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Incipio, LLC
    Inventor: Andy Fathollahi
  • Patent number: 9545140
    Abstract: A protective enclosure for an electronic device includes a back structural member configured to connect with a front structural member, the back and front structural member forming a hard shell shaped to and surrounding an installed electronic device. An external cushion member can be disposed over the hard shell of the protective enclosure. An internal cushion member can be lined in between the back structural member and the electronic device. The internal cushion member can have an opening aligned with a feature on the electronic device, a portion along the opening of the internal cushion member formed to protrude through an aligned opening in the hard shell which also corresponds to an opening in the external cushion member, the portion of the internal cushion member contacting an outer surface of the external cushion member and sealing the surface of the protective enclosure from dust and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Otter Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie L. Johnson, Jonathan H. Guerdrum, Aaron M. Gaylord, Shanshan Li
  • Patent number: 9541311
    Abstract: A cascade refrigeration system includes an upper portion having at least one modular chiller unit that provides cooling to at least one of a low temperature subsystem having a plurality of low temperature loads, and a medium temperature subsystem having a plurality of medium temperature loads. The modular chiller unit includes a refrigerant circuit having at least a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. An ammonia refrigerant mixed with a soluble oil circulates within the refrigerant circuit. A control device may be programmed to modulate the position of the expansion device so that a superheat temperature of the ammonia refrigerant near an outlet of the evaporator fluctuates within a substantially predetermined superheat temperature range to positively return soluble oil from the evaporator to the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hill Phoenix, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Hinde, John D. Bittner, Shitong Zha, Joseph R. Poland
  • Patent number: 9540134
    Abstract: A protective case for use with a personal electronic device includes a backing shaped to securely attach to a back side of the device and an articulated cover configured to extend over a front side of the device. The backing includes end portions configured to secure opposite edges of the device, and a first coupling component spaced apart from the end portions of the backing. The cover includes a plurality of panels and a second coupling component releasably securable to the first coupling component. The cover is movable into a configuration in which the first and second coupling components are attached to one another and the plurality of panels form a support structure that supports the device at an angle relative to a horizontal support surface. The support structure is adjustable to change the angle without detaching the first and second coupling components from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Touchfire, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley S. Melmon, Steven A. Isaac
  • Patent number: 9541960
    Abstract: A device arrangement may include a casing surrounding a casing interior. The casing may include a viewing window which is sealed by a transparent window pane. An electronic device may be disposed in the casing interior and have a display. The display may be secured in a fixed position on the window pane. A suspension/damping device may support at least one of the window pane and the electronic device on the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ECOM INSTRUMENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Dieter Hofmann, Dieter Roessler