Patents Represented by Law Firm Halvorson & Venable, P.C.
  • Patent number: 6142158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hair barrettes. More specifically, hair barrettes with removable clasps. The removable clasps may be attached to the barrette by a variety of different structure, including direct attachment and attachment through an intermediate universal adapter. The universal adapter allows the clasp to remain in the hair while simultaneously exchanging the ornamental component of the hair barrette. Furthermore, the universal adapter allows interchange of parts such that any size clasp may be used with any of the receiving ornamental components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Lisa Lloyd, Jose Pepe Elijio Velasquez
  • Patent number: 6049926
    Abstract: The present invention is a head cradle for supporting the head of an individual during physical or massage therapy. The device of the present invention attaches to an article of furture such as a table and is lockably adjustable in position. The device may be used with individuals who are lying in either the prone position or the supine position. The device of the present invention supports the head of the individual without obstructing the access of the therapist to important portions of the neck and spinal region. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is substantially J shaped and includes a detachable head rest. Furthermore, the present invention includes an accessory tray which is adapted to be used in combination with the head cradle and has a centrally located ointment holder and a projecting towel holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Manuel G. Amaral
  • Patent number: 5973243
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is a guitar pick that is useful as a pick for stringed instruments. The device is generally worn between the two joints of middle phalange of a forefinger of a hand that is used to pluck the strings that extend over the aperture to the resonating cavity of the stringed instrument. The device has a pick portion that is attached to a ring portion. Preferably the pick portion projects from the ring portion at an angle from the plane of the ring portion. The angled projection of the pick portion from the ring portion permits a user to quickly and easily switch from picked play to finger picking play. It is conceivable that other fingers of either hand could be adorned similarly to a useful end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Eric J. Christenson
  • Patent number: 5973917
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable work station which is designed to be used in motor vehicles. The work station is a cabinet which is capable of being secured to a passenger seat of the motor vehicle, preferably by an attached securing means. There is provided a computer tray which is adapted to be releasable attachable to the work surface of the work station and capable of being received within the interior of the work station. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides a computer tray which is attached to an articulated cantilever system which, when the lid to the main compartment is opened, projects and presents the computer tray and any computer which is secured thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: M. Gerald White
  • Patent number: 5971901
    Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise apparatus which utilizes gravity to create a gentle tension upon the lower back. This gentle tension is used in combination with stretching and toning exercises to strengthen and rehabilitate the lower back. The present invention further provides an attached vibratory device attached to the exercise apparatus. The attached vibratory device is used in conjunction with lower back exercises and stimulates the muscle tissue and blood circulation. The apparatus of the present invention comprise the primary structures: a body support structure, a leg support structure and a base connected to both the body support structure and the leg support structure. The apparatus of the present invention further provides for a multitude of different positions in which the therapeutic stretches and exercises may be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: George B. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5972043
    Abstract: A device that is useful for the mixing and application of hair coloring products comprises a mixing and application brush with a handle that is attached to a brush portion. The handle is adapted to be received by and work with a rotating hand tool. The brush portion includes a brush base that is generally spatulate in shape and includes at least one mixing aperture. Bristles are also included for applying the mixture to a client's hair. Moreover, a two-piece mixing bowl, having a lower portion and an upper portion is provide. The upper portion of the mixing bowl has an aperture that is designed to receive the handle of the brush and allow the brush to be rotated within the bowl by the hand tool. The brush and mixing bowl may be provided in an convenient kit form and a method for using the same is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Tim Galvan, Hortencia Galvan
  • Patent number: 5951148
    Abstract: The present invention is a device that is adapted to be received over individual lighting elements of an ornamental light string. The preferred form of the device is a body of primarily unitary construction and having an open end and a closed end. The lighting element is received through the open end and into the body of the device. The diameter of the open end is adapted to snugly fit around the outer diameter of the light element for frictive adhesion. The device of the present invention is adapted to substantially block any light emitted from the lighting element such that remote viewers are unable to detect them. In alternate embodiments, the device of the present invention is modified to allow a reduced amount of luminosity to escape thereby rendering the covered lighting element dimmer than an uncovered element. Additionally, the present invention may be included with traditional ornamental lighting strings in a kit form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Jamie A. Limber
  • Patent number: 5949535
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of rating eyewear according to their solar radiation protective capabilities. Measured ultraviolet (UV), blue light (BLUE), and reflective and blocking properties (STYLE) of eyewear are transformed into a substantially linear numerical value. The ultraviolet and blue light values provide information about the absorptive properties of eyewear lenses. The UV and BLUE values provide information about the absorptive properties of the lenses while style provides information about the light blocking properties of the frames. These values are then placed upon rated eyewear, thus allowing consumers the ability to make more informed decisions when shopping for protective eyewear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Gary W. Hall
  • Patent number: 5925186
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for marking golf balls comprising a top portion with at least two apertures and a tube that is centrally located and perpendicularly attached, said tube also having a pair of oppositely located longitudinal slits therein, a bottom portion having at least two apertures and a post that is centrally located and perpendicularly attached, said post on the bottom portion being adapted to slideably fit within the tube located on the top portion, further, two projections on the post extend through the slits thereby limiting movement of the top portion relative to the bottom portion, additionally, the at least two apertures in the top portion are aligned with the at least two apertures in the bottom portion, whereby when a golf ball is placed between opposing apertures in the top portion and the bottom portion, a clamping pressure between the top and bottom portion secures the golf ball in place and the golf ball is then capable of being marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Edward A. Klimek
  • Patent number: 5918965
    Abstract: A flashlight holder is disclosed herein that comprises a sleeve capable of slideably receiving a belt therethrough, with the sleeve having affixed thereto a means for engaging a flashlight and retaining the flashlight substantially parallel to the belt line. Thus, the present flashlight holder is belt-mounted to provide the user with ready access to the flashlight but positions the flashlight horizontally along the belt line, instead of vertically hanging from the belt line, so that the flashlight does not interfere with one's ability to walk or sit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Marcelo E. Ferrada
  • Patent number: 5913282
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is useful as a disposable litter box and comprised of a base flexibly attached to a cover and constructed from a single piece of biodegradable, lightweight construction material that either is, or is treated to be, moisture resistant. An object of the invention is to provide a collapsible, disposable pet litter box having a cover flexibly attached to a base and wherein the device of the present invention is capable of being manipulated, into an erect state, that allows access to the litter material held within the base, and into a collapsed state that caps the base and seals litter in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventors: Maura B. Indes, Thomas E. Adam
  • Patent number: 5881671
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus that prevents crawling insects such as ants from infesting a pet food dish. The invention accomplishes this task without the use of any chemical pesticides, bait or electronics. The apparatus prevents the ants from detecting the smell of pet food by preventing the smell from reaching a critical portion of the path from the food source, to the ground. The apparatus may also be configured to attach to the bottom of table legs such as those used at a picnic or other outdoor gathering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: James L. Riedl
  • Patent number: 5816352
    Abstract: A battery-powered toy vehicle permitting conversion between rider control and remote radio control is provided. A steering assembly attached to the underside of the toy vehicle is capable of being both remotely controlled by a radio controlled steering actuator, and rider controlled by a steering wheel. A switch effects the mechanism for converting between radio-control and steering wheel control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Brian A. Hacker
  • Patent number: 5720193
    Abstract: A detachable push button firearm lock is provided. The lock comprises; a housing, and a plurality of pin sets. The housing halves are interlocking and separation capable thereby locking or making available a desired firearm. Access blocking means for the ammunition, magazine, bolt, breech, hammer, slide, actions, and firing capability is also provided. The lock is user recodable by providing a plurality of identical corresponding locking and unlocking pins, when rotated end over end, cause a combination change. Tamper resistance as well as accompanying tamper resistant unlocking means is also disclosed. Optional ease of use features including open latch, closed latch, open stop, and digit grips are also depicted. Further, optional portability and or stationary mounting means are also provided as well as display only means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel J. Dick
  • Patent number: 5648637
    Abstract: An otherwise conventional shell is provided with a load consisting of a plurality of axially stacked disks. The disks separate during flight and each strikes the target with a substantial portion of the initial momentum imparted to the disks thereby contributing to the stopping power of the load. In alternative embodiments, individual disks are scored so that on impact, the disks shatter into many smaller fragments, each capable of penetration into the target to impart additional wound trauma to the target. Disks may be made of lead, ceramic, or other dense material. Alternatively, plastic or a relatively soft elastomeric material is used when a non lethal but debilitating load is appropriate such as in crowd control situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: George D. Clark, III
  • Patent number: D412197
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Henry Q. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: D427431
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Jensen