Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association Honors Bill Adams with 2014 Inventor of the Year Award

Tuesday, April 22, 2014 3:42pm

Founder and Chairman of Adams Manufacturing recognized for significant contributions made to Western, PA economy

PORTERSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA, April 22, 2014 –The Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association (PIPLA) recently presented its 2014 Inventor of the Year Award to Bill Adams, Founder and Chairman of Adams Manufacturing. The award recognizes the innovative contributions Bill Adams has made to progressing the design and use of a number of consumer products, such as suction cups, outdoor resin furniture, and holiday accessories. The award also recognizes the positive, significant economic impact Adams Manufacturing has had within the western Pennsylvania region.

Founded in 1976, Adams Manufacturing has consistently grown thanks to a strong commitment to innovation—and to the idea of designing products that safely enrich the lives of consumers. Adams has been issued 208 design or utility patents since its founding. Adams’ innovative products are sold throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe into prominent global retailers such as Lowe’s, Walmart, The Home Depot, Ace, Do It Best, and on Amazon.com, just to name a few.

What began with suction cups has evolved into a multifaceted, multimillion dollar operation with a commitment to small-town American values and American manufacturing. Based in Portersville, Pennsylvania, Adams proudly employs approximately 300 people and is on track to support further expansion based on its ever growing portfolio of patented new products.

Some notable innovations include Adams’ RealComfort Adirondack® chairs and suction cups with diffusion ring technology.  Looking to improve on an American classic, Adirondack chairs were traditionally made out of wood that was sawed with band saws in straight lines. But the human back needs support, and the head needs a place to rest. Adams Manufacturing found a way to incorporate advanced ergonomic features like lumbar support into their chairs—enhancing overall comfort.

Adams Manufacturing took a similar approach with suction cups. Previously existing suction cups tended to focus light like a magnifying glass, potentially scorching surfaces. Using proprietary diffusion ring technology, Adams patented a suction cup design using high-clarity materials that can’t focus light.

Adams Manufacturing has been vigilant about protecting its innovations—a feat that would not be possible without the talented and dedicated patent and litigation attorneys that represent intellectual property law across the U.S.

The Inventor of the Year Award is awarded annually by the Pittsburgh Intellectual Property Law Association to honor living inventors whose patented inventions have had a significant impact on the economy, social well-being, and the advancement of technology. To be eligible, an inventor or team of inventors must reside or work within, or have some special connection to the Pittsburgh tri-state area.

 

About Adams Manufacturing

Adams Manufacturing is the leading “Made in USA” supplier of exceptional-quality residential and commercial outdoor resin furniture and accessories—selling into the world’s largest on and offline retail channels. Adams is also the foremost manufacturer of suction cups: www.suctioncups.com.  Adams is well known for delivering innovative products with high consumer appeal and value.

Founded in 1976, Adams Manufacturing is headquartered in Portersville, Pennsylvania, with state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution facilities located throughout the region. For more details about Adams Manufacturing, visit: www.adamsmfg.com, or call 800.237.8287.