Patents Represented by Attorney Melvin L. Crane
  • Patent number: 6681954
    Abstract: A product dispenser which includes a main housing and a second housing. The main housing contains a pivot arm that closes an electrical switch via a tension spring for producing a desired sound. The pivot arm is operated by a push button which functions to raise a scissor jack which in turn raises a conveyor tube in which a product has been loaded from a product reservoir. The conveyor tube is provided with a slide door that prevents discharge of a product from the reservoir. The conveyor tube also includes a push rod that contacts a pivotable character when the conveyor tube is raised. The push rod pushes the character over so it appears that the character is pouring a product from a container. At the same time the product moves from the conveyor tube to an exit tube. Then the movements are reversed to a rest position from which they started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6645030
    Abstract: A candy toy holder device which provides fun and visual pleasure for the consumer as well as providing a candy treat. The device includes an upper housing and a main housing which provides a support for a lollipop via a rotatable support holder operative by a motor and gearing in the main housing. The upper housing has one or more movable parts that perform a variety of movements. It may be constructed so that the movements include appendages moving around, up, down, in or out and the candy is designed to rotate whether or not the motion parts are active or inactive. The movements are activated by the use of a motor on a gearing device, a switching device and a power source. The power source is self-contained within the main housing and the housing is designed in a manner that allows the battery to be replaceable as well as the candy. Use of one or more gears and/or gearing systems allows the movements of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6634520
    Abstract: A mechanically operated product dispenser which has a push button that engages one end of a pivoted arm. The opposite end of the pivoted arm is pivotably connected to a slide gear that drives a drive gear. The drive gear drives a spindle on which a cam and a dispenser cog are secured. The cam has a sloping surface groove which receives an arm of a secondary housing in order to pivot the secondary housing as the cam is rotated. The dispenser cog is rotated by the spindle and forces a product in a product reservoir into a dispensing track in the secondary housing. Therefore, the device easily dispenses a product into a receptacle or into one's hand if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6471564
    Abstract: The splattle paddle comprises a main housing with a handle secured thereto. A stretchable, flexible material is secured at an outer edge to the main housing. A button is secured centrally of the main housing to which one end of a linear stretchable cord is secured. The opposite end of the cord is secured to a holding apparatus, such as a clip. In use, a water-filled balloon or ball is secured to the holding apparatus and the water-filled balloon is then hit by the paddle until the balloon breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6471074
    Abstract: A candy holder for holding candy or gum having a hole in a center of the candy or gum. The device includes a housing with an aperture with three different sized diameters in order from an upper end of the housing to the bottom end, a spring assembly forces a plunger shaft upwardly as candy or gum is removed from a candy holder secured axially in the housing. As the candy is removed from an upper end of the candy holder, the plunger is spring forced against the candy to force the candy toward an upper end of the candy holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6402580
    Abstract: A candy holding device designed to add amusement to a child's candy. The device comprises a main housing which can be in the form of a full or partial body or skeleton or any form desired, hard plastic balls, a male pivot point, a female pivot slot, an anchor pin, a hollow noisemaker, an expandable stick holder, a slide groove, a candy stick and a candy. The upper portion of the main housing has a hollow noisemaker with a slide groove. The candy and candy stick are held stationary by the expandable stick holder which attaches to the top of the male pivot point and secured by the anchor pin. The main housing has extensions which hold the hard plastic balls on each side of the hollow noisemaker. By holding the main housing and shaking from side to side, sounds are produced by bouncing the hollow noisemaker against the hard plastic balls via the male pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6328163
    Abstract: A morphing candy holding device including a main housing with a primary chamber and a second chamber. The primary chamber includes an aperture through which a piece of candy secured in the primary chamber can be pushed for consumption by a consumer. A lower housing includes a candy stick holder in the primary chamber which pushes the candy up through the aperture for consumption. The secondary electrical circuit includes a power source, an integrated circuit, a control switch for controlling the electrical circuitry. The electrical circuitry in addition to the integrated circuit includes four LED lights which are in a series from a bottom of the secondary chamber to an upper end of the chamber. The LED lights shine through a series of transition pictures which change from one form to another form from the lower end of the secondary chamber to the upper end of the secondary chamber. Lowering the lower housing inactivates the electrical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6319085
    Abstract: A candy holder-toy that includes a housing which contains a piece of rigid candy therein. A push rod passes into the housing for forcing the piece of candy from the housing for consumption. The housing can be formed as a rocket ship having fins which make the rocket ship appear more realistic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6309683
    Abstract: A novelty candy holding device including a housing to which a candy pop can be secured. The housing includes a bottom end cap which prevents a pliable putty-like material in the housing from drying out. The bottom end cap can be removed to expose the pliable putty material into which one can insert their finger or fingers in order to move the putty material around so that movement of the putty makes a noise as air within the putty is moved. The device can have an end cap with a central opening secured to the housing. A stretchable diaphragm is secured over the central aperture so that one can force the diaphragm into the pliable putty material to move the putty material about so that a noise will be made as the putty material is moved, at which time air in the putty material will make a noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6273580
    Abstract: The light licks is a candy/toy holding device designed to light up during consumption of the candy. The light licks comprises a main housing made of plastic or any suitable material which contains a power supply, a spring, a position and a negative battery contact and the socket end of a non-breakable bulb with a LED. The non-breakable bulb extends beyond the lower end of the main housing. The upper end of the main housing has a switch button with an aperture at the top of the button which holds the candy stick and candy. The light operates when the child uses his/her mouth or tongue to push the candy and the candy stick downward applying pressure on the switch button. The switch button makes contact with the power supply and the LED lights up the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6234344
    Abstract: A candy racer designed so that a child can observe a piece of candy racing along a track within a plastic housing. The track is formed by an inner housing with a spiral surrounding the inner housing so that candy follows the spiral from an upper reservoir to a lower reservoir. The upper reservoir has an aperture in the reservoir and an aperture in a rotatable cover on the reservoir in which the two apertures will correspond to permit a piece of candy to be dispensed from the upper reservoir when the upper reservoir is in a down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6231415
    Abstract: A play pager combined with a lollipop which combines candy with pager sounds. The pager includes an integrated circuit programmed to produce different pager sounds as different switches are closed. An amplifier amplifies the signals and a speaker produces the sounds. A lollipop holder is provided for raising the lollipop to an up position from a down position and from a down position to an up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6217068
    Abstract: This invention sets forth one or more seat belts which are secured at one end to the vehicle body in front of the seat and which extends upwardly and across the seat to connect with the usual well known buckle. The belt can be a retractable type so that it does not flop around on the floor in front of the seat. The belt can pass through a loop on the upper front of the seat. This belt would be used to protect a person, such as a child, lying prone on the seat such as during sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventors: Pat C. Trainum, Douglas J. Trainum, Melvin L. Crane
  • Patent number: 6200189
    Abstract: The pop dancers consist of a main housing with a slide switch, microphone, speaker, integrated circuit board, contact switch, a gearing system, and a motor. The lower end of the main housing contains the power supply. The upper end of the main housing has a tube anchor with a drive rod, outer tube, candy stick holder, flexible/bendable character with an aperture and candy with a candy stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6200186
    Abstract: A candy-toy device which includes a housing. The housing includes a pivot arm which functions to move a cross-armed jack up and down along lower and upper slide tracks when forced by a pushbutton. The pivot arm activates an electrical on-and-off switch which controls an electrical circuitry which produces a desired sound as the pivot arm moves the cross-armed jack up and down along the upper and lower slides. A candy pop is secured to an upper surface of the upper slide track so that the candy pop moves up and down as the jack is moved up and down. The sounds can be made in alternation as the pivot arm closes and opens the on-and-off switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6190225
    Abstract: A novelty candy holding device for holding a lollipop and making croaking sounds by stretching and bending the main housing into various positions. The device comprises a main housing made of a hollow corrugated plastic or a solid material that is flexible, stretchable and bendable. The upper end of the main housing has a figure attached which has an aperture in the top. The aperture has an expandable sleeve to hold a lollipop. The figure can be made to resemble any form desired, for example, a person, an animal, etc. The lower end of the main housing can be made with an open end to enhance the croaking sound when the housing is stretched. A flat base is attached to the lower end of the main housing for a support and to hold the main housing in an upright position. The base can be made to resemble feet or any form desired. The device has also been designed so the lollipop can be replaced with any type of lollipop desired and the device can provide fun for children of all ages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6183336
    Abstract: A candy holding device that is designed to combine candy and which supports the candy. The device includes an upper housing, a middle housing, and a lower housing. The upper housing is a liquid-filled container that has a metallic rotor in the lower portion. The rotor is put in motion by a motor and a magnetic rotor causing a tornado movement within the liquid to provide entertainment. The liquid may also containing objects (glitter, three-dimensional figures, etc.) that are visible to the user. Additionally, at the top of the upper housing is a support for a piece of candy which can be made to be replaceable is desired. The middle housing contains the motor and a switch means. The motor spins the magnetic rotor that in turn spins the metallic rotor in the upper housing. The switch means controls the motor and the lower housing contains the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6155453
    Abstract: A plurality of different operative candy dispensers which can be interconnected as one device through which candy pieces are dispensed from a first candy dispenser and which are dispensed in order through each of the interconnected candy dispensers. Each of the candy dispensers includes a main housing, a motor, gear train, power supply, control switch, candy reservoir, exit spout from said housing and a mechanism for moving and dispensing the candy from the exit spout of the housing. Each of the separate candy dispensers are equipped with an auxiliary electrical plug or connection by which each of the candy dispensers can be connected to a master switch which when closed will bypass the control switch of each separate candy dispenser to operate all of the interconnected dispensers together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6139393
    Abstract: A combination whistle and candy/gum holding device. The device is provided with a central hollow shaft which is surrounded by a cylindrical housing. A whistle is attached to one end and a slide piston is slidable in the hollow shaft so that different sounds can be made by blowing into the whistle while moving the piston. Candy in the surrounding housing can be dispensed as desired by a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6099873
    Abstract: A candy holder candy twister including a main housing in which a piece of candy contained on a hollow sleeve is removed from the housing for consumption by a threaded shaft. The threaded shaft moves the candy piece as the shaft is rotated. A cap which can be made to represent any desired facial expression, character head, alien head, hat or any other design. The cap is provided with a string or some other device by which the candy holder may be held by a person and displayed for sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter