Patents by Inventor Kirk Firestone

Kirk Firestone has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10182671
    Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg close to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: NOA BRANDS AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kirk Firestone, Scott L. Amman, Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160302594
    Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg close to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: NOA Brands America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Firestone, Scott L. Amman, Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Patent number: 9398820
    Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg closer to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: NOA Brands America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Firestone, Scott L. Amman, Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130336707
    Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg closer to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Kirk Firestone, Scott L. Amman, Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Patent number: 7798349
    Abstract: A base including an inwardly and upwardly projecting flexible surface within a continuous seating ring supports a generally cylindrical wall extending upward from the base. A plurality of annular inwardly projecting, and vertically flexible rings interrupting the cylindrical wall. At least one of rings projects inwardly more than some others of the rings to achieve an improved sidewall crush resistance A shoulder portion, includes a plurality of vertical ribs separating a plurality of vacuum responsive panels. The vertical flexibility of the bottle sidewall reduces the amount of flexing required in the shoulder panels and base to accommodate the same vacuum development, and enhances the total amount of post capping vacuum development that can be accommodated by the bottle as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth D. Maczek, Kirk Firestone
  • Publication number: 20080190884
    Abstract: A bottle having a base including an inwardly and upwardly projecting flexible surface within a generally continuous seating ring has a generally cylindrical wall extending upward from the base. A plurality of annular inwardly projecting, and vertically flexible rings extend about the cylindrical wall perimeter interrupting the cylindrical wall. At least one of rings projects inwardly more than some others of the rings to achieve a sidewall crush resistance that is at least as great as comparable bottles with thicker sidewalls. A shoulder portion, including a plurality of vertical ribs separating a plurality of vacuum responsive panels, extends upward from the cylindrical wall to a neck leading to a cappable opening. The vertical flexibility of the bottle sidewall reduces the amount of flexing required in the shoulder panels and base to accommodate the same vacuum development, and enhances the total amount of post capping vacuum development that can be accommodated by the bottle as a whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth D. Maczek, Kirk Firestone