Patents Assigned to i3 Ventures
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Patent number: 7401949Abstract: A rub-rail assembly that, in some illustrative embodiments, includes a carrier and an insert. The carrier may include, for example, a back support, and first and second legs extending from the back support. The insert may include a main body, and a pair of legs adapted to provide an interference fit with the legs of the carrier when the insert is installed in a seat position with the carrier. The some illustrative embodiments, the main body of the insert may include a lumen extending lengthwise for receiving an elongated light source, and in other embodiments the carrier may include the lumen for receiving an elongated light source. An elongated bumper assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: I3 VenturesInventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Patent number: 7373897Abstract: A boat cover system that can provide some level of protection to the interior of the boat when the boat is not in use, and can also provide some level of protection to the occupants of the boat when the boat is in use. The cover system may include a cover assembly that includes a support frame and a cover, where the support frame supports the cover. One or more cover supports may be provided for supporting the cover assembly. The one or more cover supports may be adapted to allow the cover assembly to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. In some cases, more than one cover assembly may be used on a boat.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: i3 VenturesInventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Patent number: 7258472Abstract: An illuminated bumper assembly having an elongated light source for emitting light rays and an elongated bumper for carrying the elongated light source. The elongated bumper is adapted to allow light rays from the elongated light source to be emitted along its length. In some embodiments, the elongated bumper has a primary bumper surface that faces away from a protected surface, and the elongated bumper is structured to engage one or more approaching objects and at least partially protect the protected surface from the one or more approaching objects. In some cases, the elongated light source may be situated between the primary bumper surface and the protected surface such that the primary bumper surface also helps protect the elongated light source from the one or more objects. The illuminated bumper may be adapted for use on boats and/or other applications, as desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: i3 Ventures, LLCInventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Publication number: 20070032319Abstract: A lighting apparatus is disclosed for providing illumination to an object or surface. In one illustrative embodiment, the light apparatus is used to help improve the visibility of a vehicle by providing illumination to at least part of the vehicle. In other illustrative embodiments, the light apparatus may be used to provide illumination for other objects or equipment including, for example, docks, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper. When so provided, the lighting apparatus may help provide a level of protection to objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse. In other illustrative embodiments, the lighting apparatus may be used to increase the visual appeal of an object or surface, such as a wall, a toy, an appliance or any other object, as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2006Publication date: February 8, 2007Applicant: I3 VENTURES, LLC.Inventor: Brian Tufte
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Patent number: 7134773Abstract: A lighting apparatus is disclosed for providing illumination to an object or surface. In one illustrative embodiment, the light apparatus is used to help improve the visibility of a vehicle by providing illumination to at least part of the vehicle. In other illustrative embodiments, the light apparatus may be used to provide illumination for other objects or equipment including, for example, docks, retail and/or store shelving and/or equipment, bars, desks, counters, walls, railings, steps, and/or any other object or surface, as desired. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus includes a bumper. When so provided, the lighting apparatus may help provide a level of protection to objects and/or surfaces that are subject to bumping, sliding or other abuse. In other illustrative embodiments, the lighting apparatus may be used to increase the visual appeal of an object or surface, such as a wall, a toy, an appliance or any other object, as desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: I3 Ventures, LLCInventor: Brian N. Tufte
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Patent number: 6371634Abstract: A boat side light for illuminating the side of a boat at night. The boat side light includes one or more light sources for generating light rays, and a directing means for directing the light rays toward the side of the boat. A number of configurations are contemplated, including one or more light assemblies that are provided along the side of the boat. Alternatively, an elongated carrier may be provided that extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the boat, the elongated carrier may or may not have a bumper included therewith.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: i3 Ventures, LLCInventor: Brian N. Tufte