Patents Assigned to Idea, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6234364
    Abstract: The present invention is a spill-resistant beverage server ideally suited for pouring beverages aboard airliners in flight. The server utilizes a plurality of small pour openings and a closed top which prevents accidental spillage in the event of rough flying conditions. A thumb actuator lever opens the pour openings when in use and a closing device closes the pour openings when the thumb actuator is released. The server is shaped to provide a low center of gravity, even when the container is full, thereby providing a stable server resistant to tipping. A rubber coating over the handle gives the operator a positive grip and prevents accidental dropping. The server also incorporates an indicator device used to display the type of beverage contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith G. Nybakke, Greg A. Loffler
  • Patent number: 6142316
    Abstract: A product module adaptable for interlocking engagement with other similarly constructed modules to form a composite display assembly for merchandising products therefrom, each product module including at least one elongated product channel defined by a pair of laterally spaced upstanding side walls and a substantially planar product supporting floor portion extending therebetween, each product channel including a product graphic panel which is removably attachable to the front portion of each product channel via a wide variety of different constructional arrangements. Each product graphic panel is preferably dimensioned such that when it is attached to the front portion of a particular product channel, the graphic panel will substantially overlay the product identification and graphics associated with the lead product container positioned within that particular product channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Harbour, Christopher C. Bidwell, Donald J. Miller, Jr., Dewalt W. Fowler, William B. McWilliams
  • Patent number: 6095374
    Abstract: An improved supporting closure for a container adapted to hold a viscous liquid and having an externally threaded neck comprising a pivotably connected dispensing cap and a container support. The dispensing cap has an internally threaded, dual diameter, section arranged to fit two sizes of threaded necks, and a projecting end piece defining a dispensing outlet. The container support comprises a substantially dish-shaped member with a peripheral skirt adapted to rest on a flat supporting surface and a central recessed section to receive the projecting end piece of the dispensing cap and a plug to block the dispensing outlet when the container is supported in an inverted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Good Idea!, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Ricard, David Kroll, Robert Engman
  • Patent number: 6090861
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of organic aerogels, whereby the organic solvent in which the gel is immersed is directly extracted supercritically without the need for exchange with a low temperature solvent (i.e., CO.sub.2) prior to extraction of the pore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: General Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Mendenhall, Greg R. Andrews, Joseph W. Bruno, Donald F. Albert
  • Patent number: 6077876
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of organic aerogels, whereby the organic solvent in which the gel is immersed is directly extracted supercritically without the need for exchange with a low temperature solvent (i.e., CO.sub.2) prior to extraction of the pore fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: General Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Mendenhall, Greg R. Andrews, Joseph W. Bruno, Donald F. Albert
  • Patent number: 6050067
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for padding and cushioning an equine saddle for use between the saddle and the equine's back. The apparatus consists of a pad that includes an inner layer resistant to moisture and an outer layer for contacting the equine's back and the underside of the saddle. The pad includes a pocket for receiving an inflatable/deflatable cushion that enhances the animal's comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Fastrac Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralphine S. Knight, Joel D. Knight, Kathryn J. Bridges
  • Patent number: 6034591
    Abstract: The present invention is an alarm clock device which programmably and automatically coordinates the movement of one or more electric toy trains, or the like. The present invention alarm clock preferably triggers the movement of an electric toy train when a pre-set alarm time is reached. The alarm clock device comprises at least one base that defines an elongated substantially non-linear track for regulating the movement of a toy train. The traveling speed of the train is preferably regulated by a voltage varying device, such as a transformer, that is attached to the track and also coupled to a manually adjustable speed controlling member within the alarm clock. The movement of the train is preferably accompanied by applicable audible sounds that correspond therewith. The duration of movement may be programmed manually and may be adjusted in any variety of ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex P. Glynn, Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 5938498
    Abstract: The present invention is a toy construction block system which includes a plurality of toy construction blocks and a plurality of interblock connectors. Said blocks each have a main outer structure having a top, four sidewalls and an open bottom. The top has a plurality of symmetrically arranged elongated projections for interlocking with other, similar blocks and the open bottom has an underside to said top which itself has an elongated friction post extending therefrom. The friction post is hollow and is centrally and symmetrically located on the underside. The critical features are that the top has thereon a top recess in alignment with the friction post, a bottom recess within the friction post of the block, and at least one of the four sidewalls has a side recess therein adapted to receive an interblock connector. In preferred embodiments of said interblock connector, each connector has at least an elongated body and first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 5916574
    Abstract: The natural poison skin treatment method of the present invention includes applying to skin a composition including an effective amount of natural poison skin treatment medication selected from the group consisting of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, an effective amount of a vasoconstrictor and an inert carrier. The natural poison skin treatment medication is therapeutic to natural poison skin conditions by acting as an antibacterial agent. The vasoconstrictor removes the redness normally associated with natural poison skin conditions as well as additional redness which may be caused by the benzoyl peroxide itself. The carrier is simply an inert flowing carrier to permit the application of the active ingredients to the skin. In preferred embodiments about 1 to 15% of the natural poison skin treatment medication based on the total weight of the composition is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen G. Fried, Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 5911345
    Abstract: The fill-thru lid of the present invention threadedly engages the opening of a thermally insulated beverage server, such as a coffee pot. The opening provides a mouth for filling or emptying a liquid storage area in the beverage server. The upper surface of the lid provides a funnel opening for adding fluids to the storage area of the beverage server. The funnel opening accesses an interior chamber with a floating ball that rises to permit flow into the storage area for the fluid entering the funnel opening. When pouring from the storage area of the beverage server, the floating ball rises to block access to the passage to the funnel opening, forcing the fluid through an alternate passage leading to the integral spout opening. Further, a vent is provided that also accesses the inner chamber of the lid, resulting in the venting of air through the spout opening when fluids are being added to the storage area through the funnel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Billy J. Castleberry
  • Patent number: 5910162
    Abstract: A product merchandising display device having variable/selectable product capacity adaptable for use in merchandising both chilled and non-chilled products, the present device including a tub member or receptacle having an internal cavity adapted for receiving and holding a quantity of product, and ice if so desired, and a product support floor member positionable at any one of a plurality of different elevated locations within the tub cavity for varying the product holding capacity thereof. A wide variety of constructions for supporting the product support floor member at the various plurality of different elevations within the tub cavity are disclosed herein, the preferred constructions including at least one shoulder portion located adjacent the tub sidewall at each of the respective elevated locations, the shoulder portions being engageable with at least one peripheral edge portion associated with the product support floor member for supporting the floor member at each of the elevated locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Harbour, Christopher C. Bidwell
  • Patent number: 5910312
    Abstract: The acne treatment composition of the present invention includes an effective amount of acne treatment medication selected from the group consisting of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and effective amount of a vasoconstrictor and an inert carrier. The acne treatment medication is therapeutic to acne conditions by acting as an antibacterial agent. The vasoconstrictor removes the redness normally associated with acne conditions as well as additional redness which may be caused by the benzoyl peroxide itself. The carrier is simply an inert flowing carrier to permit application of the active ingredients to the skin. In preferred embodiments about 1 to 15% of the acne treatment medication based on the total weight of the composition is included. The preferred acne treatment medication is benzoyl peroxide and the preferred vasoconstrictor is tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride or a combination of tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride and zinc sulfate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen G. Fried
  • Patent number: D449436
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Mr. Idea, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy N. Baurley, Gary Libman
  • Patent number: D412078
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Bidwell
  • Patent number: D413217
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Bidwell, Jonathan L. Headrick, James P. Brauner
  • Patent number: D413745
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Bidwell, Jonathan L. Headrick, James P. Brauner
  • Patent number: D421350
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Bidwell, Andrew J Covault
  • Patent number: D428757
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg A. Loffler, George E. McNamara
  • Patent number: D431467
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Good Idea!, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Ricard, David Kroll, Robert Engman, Peter A. Laird, Michael Dooney
  • Patent number: RE36905
    Abstract: A figure-enhancing garment, which outlines and defines a wearer's body contours in a comfortable manner, includes a pair of pants having first and second pant leg portions, a front panel portion, and a waistband with a tunnel formed therein. The first and second pant leg portions are attached to the front panel portion via first and second interconnected tunnel seams that extend divergently from the crotch area and interconnect with the waistband tunnel. A third tunnel steam interconnects with the first and second tunnel seams and the waistband tunnel while extending upwardly from the crotch portion to the waistband. An adjustable pulley system extends through the waistband tunnel and the first, second and third tunnel seams to adjust the fit of the figure enhancing garment. Alternatively, the first and second seams are simple seams without tunnels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Noble Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Rhonda W. Noble, Edward J. Noble, Jr.