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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6090420
    Abstract: An animated body candy pop device comprising a main housing, an expandable sleeve in said main body, a candy stick and candy adapted to be secured to the expandable sleeve. The main housing can be solid or hollow and made with a pliable material to provide a "limp" feeling effect. The upper end of the main housing has an aperture. The expandable sleeve is inside the aperture for receiving an end of the candy stick for a snug fit. The expandable sleeve holds the upper end of the main housing slightly rigid. The lower end of the main housing has a hanger loop for displaying the product. The hanger loop can also fit around a person's wrist or used to hang onto a belt for easy carrying. The candy can be replaced with any type of lollipop. The device can be made in different body styles such as animals, fish, and insects, etc. to provide fun and entertainment for children of all ages. Further, the neck portion can be provided with a noisemaker which will make a noise when the neck is bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 6004597
    Abstract: A novelty candy/pen holding device designed to provide fun and entertainment to children of all ages. The device includes a main housing comprising a hollow stretchable and bendable plastic tube or any suitable material with a hollow plastic upper housing connected with the main housing. The plastic upper housing has an aperture at the top to hold a ball point pen ink cartridge or any other writing accessory. The lower end of the main housing has a threaded end cap whereupon a threaded candy/gum reservoir is threaded to the main housing. To dispense the candy/gum from the reservoir, remove the ball point pen ink cartridge from the aperture of the hollow upper housing and tilt the reservoir so the candy/gum travels through the hollow main housing into the hollow upper housing and out the aperture at the top of the hollow upper housing into a child's hand. Replace the ball point pen ink cartridge to keep the candy/gum inside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5921841
    Abstract: The swirlee pop is a candy holding device including two parts. A main housing comprising a hollow cylindrical tube containing a luminescent colored liquid that flows freely from one end to the other end while being captured by an air trap in both ends as it flows which creates a wavy bubbly effect for visual enjoyment. The second part is a replaceable sucker that is attached to one end. A clear liquid could also be used successfully with free floating glittery objects or miniature toys encased with the housing for a variety of tastes and to suit all ages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5913453
    Abstract: A candy holding and dispensing device which combines a lollipop with loose candy or gum pieces in one convenient holder. The device comprises a main housing of clear plastic which contains loose candy or gum pieces. The upper end of the main housing is provided with an aperture to which a lollipop is secured. The upper end or lower end of the housing can be made with threads so it can be separated. The main housing can also be made with threads so the main housing can be refilled with candy or gum pieces or it can be made as a self-contained non-refillable main housing. The lower end of the main housing contains a spring and a dispensing shaft which has slots for dispensing candy or gum pieces near the top of the shaft. The end of the dispensing shaft extends out of the lower end cap of the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5874119
    Abstract: A novelty candy holder and dispenser which comprises a main housing with a conical insert. A handle extends downwardly from the main body and is provided with lock pins. The handle can be pushed upwardly to force the candy upwardly from the housing and be rotating the handle look pins on the handle fit into slots to lock the candy sucker in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Primcess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5860732
    Abstract: A novelty flashlight and liquid candy consumption device. This device includes an upper housing which is attached to an upper end of a flashlight and filled with a liquid candy. The flashlight is turned on to make the candy cylinder glow brightly while the liquid candy is being consumed. The upper housing is covered with a cap which has a perforated upper end through which the candy can be consumed. After the candy has been consumed, the device can be employed as a miniature flashlight. A battery source may be permanently sealed inside the housing and is not replaceable or may be removable. The removable cap is provided with a removable clear plastic cover which is placed over the cap and which is secured in place at one end for protection of the candy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5855500
    Abstract: A candy holder noisemaker device designed to make a clacking or ringing sound. The device has a main housing, a switch, a motor and a power supply. The housing encompasses a gearing system with cam rods, clacker arms with attached clacker balls, a clacker bell and a replaceable lollipop. The housing can be made of plastic or any suitable material. Located within the main housing is the power supply that makes contact with the switch, which in turn operates the motor. An upper housing contains the gearing system with the can rods. When the gearing system is engaged, the cam rods make contact with spring loaded clacker arms. This causes the clacker balls, which are attached to the clacker arms and located above the upper housing, to strike alternately on the sides of the clacker bell making a clacker or ringing sound. The clacker bell is attached to the top of the upper housing so the clacker bell can move slightly when struck by the clacker balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5853112
    Abstract: A candy holding and retrieving device which moves a powdered candy or any suitable candy from a reservoir onto a plastic or rubber belt which delivers the candy to a user. The device includes a main housing which contains a motor, a power supply, a gearing system designed for the proper torque and speed, and a plastic or rubber belt. The belt can be made with the surface bumpy or have a scoop made into or attached to the belt for collecting hard candy or gum and depositing it out at an opening in the main housing. The upper end of the main housing has a wheel which turns on an axle and which engages the gearing system. The lower end of the main housing has another wheel that turns on an axle. The plastic or rubber belt encircles both wheels on the outside of the main housing. A spaced plastic covering on the outside of the main housing encloses the plastic or rubber belt, and is provided with a contact switch for operating the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5820437
    Abstract: A Wacky Pop Noise Maker is a novelty toy and candy holding device designed to hold a sucker type candy and to make noise. The Wacky Pop comprises a hollow main housing with plastic rings with a noise maker in the housing between an upper end cap and a bottom end of the housing. The upper end includes an aperture and a sucker type candy. The sucker type candy is inserted into the aperture at the top of the upper end cap of the hollow main housing. The upper end cap also has small apertures around the top end of the cap to allow passage of air. The outside of the hollow main housing has plastic rings and the lower end of the housing is open with a plastic rod across the bottom. Inside the hollow main housing the noise maker slides freely when the holding device is shaken or when the air is pushed back and forth through the apertures in the top edge of the upper end cap producing a variety of noises. This combination of candy and a toy noise maker gives children twice the fun. The candy can be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
  • Patent number: 5690535
    Abstract: An improved candy pop holding device which includes two different spindle shafts each including a receptacle for holding a stick of a candy pop. The device includes a power supply, a switch for controlling the power supply, a motor for driving a suitable gearing system for rotating the two candy pops at a convenient rotation for consumption by a consumer. The motor and gearing system is designed to produce a desired torque and rotational speed to spin the two candy pops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter