Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Dunlap, Codding & Rogers, P.C.
  • Floral sleeve having a decorative pattern
    Patent number: 6412219
    Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Method and apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes
    Patent number: 6413487
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for catalytic production of carbon nanotubes. Catalytic particles are exposed to different process conditions at successive stages wherein the catalytic particles do not come in contact with reactive (catalytic) gases until preferred process conditions have been attained, thereby controlling the quantity and form of carbon nanotubes produced. The method also contemplates methods and apparatus which recycle and reuse the gases and catalytic particulate materials, thereby maximizing cost efficiency, reducing wastes, reducing the need for additional raw materials, and producing the carbon nanotubes, especially SWNTs, in greater quantities and for lower costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Daniel E. Resasco, Boonyarach Kitiyanan, Walter Alvarez, Leandro Balzano
  • Accordion-type plant cover with attached skirt and methods
    Patent number: 6408597
    Abstract: A plant cover, comprising a base formed from a sheet of material, said base having an upper end, a lower end, and an outer peripheral surface, an opening intersecting the upper end forming an inner peripheral surface and a retaining space, a skirt formed from a sheet of material, said skirt connected to the upper end of the base, and expansion means formed integrally with the base, the expansion means comprising an excess of material, the expansion means permitting the base to expand and contract to both closely encompass and follow the contours of a pot. Methods of using a plant cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Apparatus for lifting and moving an upright cylindrical container
    Patent number: 6406248
    Abstract: A work load lifting and moving apparatus is formed by a wheel supported horizontal main frame in turn supporting a mast assembly having a vertically reciprocal lifting frame gripping and lifting the work load by a hoist supported by the mast assembly. Other lifting apparatus supported by the main frame tilts the vertical axis of the work load in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis E. McGill, Billy J. Lucas
  • Method for forming decorative grass having an appearance assimilating the appearance of paper
    Patent number: 6406651
    Abstract: Decorative grasses having a texture and/or appearance assimilating the texture and/or appearance of paper are disclosed, as are method for making such decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the materials is modified to assimilate the texture and/or appearance of paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l. Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Sleeves formed of polymeric materials having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper
    Patent number: 6401430
    Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article having an appearance simulating paper made by forming a flexible, laminated material having a paper-like texture or appearance into a substantially flexible article for receiving an object. The substantially flexible article includes a base having a lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The lower end of the base of the article may be closed and may also contain a gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Packaging material
    Patent number: 6401436
    Abstract: A packaging material for use in filling baskets and protecting articles during a shipping process. The packaging material includes a flexible backing having a first surface and a second surface. A mass of individual, thin, flexible strips of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass is connected to a flexible backing so as to substantially cover at least one side of the flexible backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Preformed pot cover having a paper-like appearance
    Patent number: 6403207
    Abstract: A substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article, such as a flower pot cover, is disclosed wherein the article has a paper-like appearance. The article can be made by forming a flexible, substantially non-shape sustaining polymeric material or a laminated material wherein at least one surface of the material is modified to provide the material with a paper-like texture or appearance. The substantially flexible, shape-sustaining article, which has an appearance of being made of paper, includes a base having a closed lower end, an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough and a decorative border extending outwardly from the open upper end of the base. The base of the article has a plurality of overlapping folds of which at least a portion are permanently connected so that the article may be substantially flattened and then unflattened to assume the original shape of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • System for producing corrugated decorative grass
    Patent number: 6402675
    Abstract: The present invention discloses folded corrugated material for producing segments or strips for use as Easter grass, packing material and the like or for use as flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Flattened decorative bag or sleeve having gussets convertible to a decorative bag for holding a basket and methods
    Patent number: 6397560
    Abstract: A flattened decorative bag having gussets which is convertible to a decorative bag for a basket which, when a basket is inserted therein, conforms to the shape of the basket. Methods of making and using a flattened decorative bag having gussets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Plant package having a botanical item and growing medium
    Patent number: 6397521
    Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Packaging material
    Patent number: 6394276
    Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material intertwined with and bondably connected to one another so as to form a cohesive cushioning unit and method for forming same is provided. The strips of material have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the strips of material to one another and enabling the strips of material to be bondingly connected to a container and an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Packaging material
    Patent number: 6390300
    Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Pot cover having an elastic portion
    Patent number: 6385905
    Abstract: A tubular sleeve for covering a floral container such as a flower pot, the tubular sleeve having a lower portion constructed from an elastic material which can be stretched about the bottom of a floral container, to secure the sleeve about the floral container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Decorative cover for a flower pot or floral grouping having a cloth-appearing finish on a surface thereof
    Patent number: 6387463
    Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, INC
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Packaging material
    Patent number: 6385949
    Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Decorative ribbon materials and methods for producing same
    Patent number: 6387459
    Abstract: A ribbon material produced by cutting a sheet or web of flexible material into strips of flexible material having a uniform, predetermined width such that the ribbon material can be wrapped about items and formed into bows and decorative ornamentations containing ruffles, loops and curved segments. The ribbon material can be a flexible material having a holographic design on at least one surface thereof or a flexible laminated material containing a holographic design or an iridescent material. The ribbon material can also be textured, printed and/or embossed. At least a portion of the ribbon material may be provided with a matte or textured finish simulating the appearance of cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Trailer hitch apparatus and methods of using same
    Patent number: 6386572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe and secure trailer hitch for use with a towing vehicle. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an optical guiding trailer hitch device which allows an operator of a towing vehicle to easily, accurately, and safely attach a trailer to the towing vehicle. Additionally, the optical guiding trailer hitch device may further include an assembly for aligning the trailer in a horizontal plane relative to the towing vehicle. The present invention in conjunction with a trailer may be used for the transportation of a boat, a camper, a mobile home, or any such object which may be moved from one place to another place using a trailer and a towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Archie Cofer
  • Method for molding objects
    Patent number: 6387315
    Abstract: A sculptor's pressure vessel having a frame, a pressure container and an expandable member for pushing the pressure container against a portion of the frame to seal the container. A pressurized gas supply is connected expandable member to inflate it and to push the pressure container against the top of the frame to seal the pressure container. The pressurized gas supply is also connected to the frame top to pressurize the pressure container when it is in sealed contact with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: John K. Gooden
  • Trailer decoupling prevention device
    Patent number: 6382657
    Abstract: A trailer decoupling prevention device for preventing the trailer from decoupling from a trailer hitch mounted on a towing vehicle. The trailer decoupling prevention device comprises a bracket, and a connector assembly to connect the bracket to the trailer. A lower plate is movably supported by the bracket. A lower plate stop assembly is provided for selectively permitting movement of the lower plate between a coupled position and an uncoupled position. In the coupled position, at least a portion of the lower plate is positioned to prevent the trailer from being removed from the trailer hitch. In the uncoupled position, the lower plate is positioned to permit removal of the trailer from the trailer hitch. A unique coupling member for selectively coupling a flexible linkage to an attachment member is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: BTH, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles M. Lynn, Leroy W. Crawford, John S. Sheffield