Patents Assigned to Prince
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Patent number: 5431473Abstract: A vehicle visor includes a vanity mirror mounted on the side facing the interior of the vehicle when the visor is in the lowered front windshield use position. A sliding panel selectively defines a cover for the mirror and visor extender. A guide member is mounted to the visor to one side of the mirror to be concealed by the cover which includes guide tracks which slidably couple the cover to the guide member.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1994Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: David L. Hiemstra
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Patent number: 5428513Abstract: A vanity (mirror assembly includes a flexible circuit which extends between a movable cover and a vanity mirror frame and provides circuit capabilities for mounting lamps on either the cover or vanity mirror frame. Other circuit elements such as control switches, dimming controls, and the like can be mounted on the opposite side of the vanity mirror package so that a relatively thin visor with spaced-apart circuit elements can be provided. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the circuit comprises a flexible insulative substrate which comprise first and second circuit panels integrally interconnected by a bridge. Conductive elements are screen printed on the first and second circuit panels and on the bridge which extends across the pivot connection of the cover to the mirror frame while coupling the first and second circuit panels.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1993Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: David L. Hiemstra, Paul T. Vander Kuyl
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Patent number: 5421632Abstract: A visor system includes nested coaxial pivot couplings for multiple visor panels which can be substantially flat, planer bodies which are positioned in closely adjacent relationship to one another by the mounting brackets and pivot about a common pivot axis when so nested. In one embodiment, the pivot coupling comprises a semi-cylindrical member with at least one nesting semi-cylindrical or cylindrical pivot rod attached to the visor panels and which coaxially align along a single, longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, a solid pivot rod is employed and is mounted to a visor panel to include an exposed section for snap-receiving a semi-cylindrical pivot socket of another visor panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Mark E. Adomeit, Edward T. Boerema
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Patent number: 5417418Abstract: A monoshaft tennis racquet has a frame head that circumscribes a stringing area, and a shaft connected to the opposite ends of the head. Either the head or the shaft, and preferably both, are formed of a composite material. The racquet preferably has a head having a length of at least 12 inches, a maximum width of at least 9 inches, and a strung surface area of at least 90 square inches. Preferably also, the free space vibrational frequency perpendicular to the stringing plane is matched to the in-plane vibration frequency so as to provide a unique and desirable feel in the racquet. Preferably, the vibration frequency perpendicular to the stringing plane is within 10% of the in-plane vibration frequency, and most preferably within 5%.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1992Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Assignee: Prince Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Andre Terzaghi, Stephen J. Davis
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Patent number: 5415554Abstract: A trim panel connecting link for one of the vehicle pillars, such as an A-pillar includes electrical conductors with a plug or socket at each opposite end thereof which connect with a mating socket or plug in the headliner and instrument panel for interconnecting the vehicle electrical system with the headliner electrical components. In a preferred embodiment an A-pillar display is mounted to the trim panel. In another embodiment the display is coupled to the conductors of the connecting link.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Gordon B. Kempkers, Dale J. Frye, Robert P. Ryan
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Patent number: 5413317Abstract: A damper for controlling the movement of a first member with respect to a second member including an arcuate surface on one of the members which engages the outer peripheral rim of an annular damping member rotatably mounted to the other member. The annular damping member preferably is made of a compressible material, and in one embodiment is made of an open-celled urethane foam. The annular damping member is mounted on an axle positioned to locate the annular damping member in compressible engagement with the arcuate surface such that the arcuate surface engages the outer peripheral rim of the annular damping member as the two members move with respect to one another to provide a controlled damping action for the first member peripheral rim engaging the arcuate surface with a predetermined force to provide a controlled resistance force to the movement of the door.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: Steven M. Spoerre
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Patent number: 5411233Abstract: A vehicle coat hook assembly in which the coat hook is spring-biased to normally locate the hook closely adjacent to the header of the vehicle but which is extendable against the bias of the spring to provide more area for hanging a greater number of clothes hangers. In a preferred embodiment, a linearly movable stem is connected to the coat hook. In another embodiment, the coat hook is pivotally mounted.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Robert W. Grimes, III, Douglas A. Fischer, Nels R. Smith, Larry E. Mathias
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Patent number: 5409285Abstract: A sliding visor has a relatively thin body which accommodates a pivot rod assembly with a substantially flat elongated torque control for controlling the pivotal movement of the visor around the axis of a visor pivot rod for selectively raising and lowering the visor during use. The visor body includes an opening for receiving the pivot rod and torque control anti a guide member for slidably engaging opposite sides of the torque control for allowing the visor body to slide relative to the pivot rod and torque control.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1994Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Snyder, Douglas J. Redder
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Patent number: 5408357Abstract: A high-contrast reflective display for use under high ambient light conditions for individuals wearing sunglasses and particularly polarized sunglasses includes a reflective target for a light emitting source of information to be displayed. The target is a relatively thin transparent polymeric film having a metalized rear reflective surface. The film, in a preferred embodiment, is a Mylar film having a thickness of from about 0.001-0.005 inches with a neutral density tint. The metal coating was aluminum vacuumed deposited on the film layer. The composite target can be adhered to a support using a suitable bonding adhesive applied to the metalized film.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1992Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: Jack A. Beukema
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Patent number: 5406270Abstract: An operator identification system utilizes "dead" switches, such as window actuating switches which have no control function until such time as a vehicle ignition is turned on, for identifying a particular vehicle operator. The inactive switch contact closure is detected by an electrical circuit which also tests to determine whether the ignition is off and if it is, the window switch closure provides an operator identification signal to a vehicle microprocessor for identifying a particular driver and preset option functions associated with that driver.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1994Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: Paul S. Van Lente
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Patent number: 5403058Abstract: A damper is snap-fitted in a mounting socket formed adjacent a door frame to engage the door for controlling the movement of the door between closed and open positions. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the socket includes a first pair of spaced legs engaging one side of the damper at opposite ends and a centrally located leg engaging the side of the damper opposite the one side. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the central leg preferably includes an inwardly projecting lip which extends over the top of the damper which rests on a floor extending from the side of the door frame for holding the rotary damper vertically in place.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: Douglas A. Fischer
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Patent number: 5400528Abstract: A cushion insole for a shoe comprises a cushion insole member and a separate arch support member which may be secured to the insole member or shoe foundation and which includes an arch support section bearing against the arch of the foot. The arch support member is available in various sizes to conform to the arch of the foot of the individual user, and may be secured to the insole member or shoe foundation at adjustable locations. An appropriate size arch support member and insole member are inserted into the shoe, with the arch support member positioned at the desired location relative to the arch of the foot, whereafter the shoe is worn in the normal manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Prince Sports Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael H. Skinner, Sean Mannix, James M. Cormier, Irwin J. Katzmann, II
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Patent number: 5400695Abstract: The wire lock is provided for holding a stop ring on the outer surface of a cylinder. The stop ring includes a counterbore at one end thereof. The counterbore is positioned above an annular groove in the outer circumference of the cylinder. The wire lock is inserted into the registered counterbore and annular groove so as to prevent the stop ring from moving axially on the outer surface of the cylinder. The wire lock is accessible and visible from one axial end of the stop ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Prince Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Jimmie K. Walker
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Patent number: 5395161Abstract: An armrest for a vehicle such as an automobile includes at least one concave core which is covered with an upholstery material. In one embodiment, the peripheral edge of a core is covered with a panel which secures the edge of the upholstery material to the core. In another embodiment, the core defines recesses on opposite sides and is covered by a multi-sectioned upholstered panel with sides which extend into the recesses. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of concave core sections are covered by an upholstery material and hinged together to define an armrest.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1992Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: David J. Spykerman, Gerald M. DeShaw, Michael J. Gregg, Randy E. Eldred
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Patent number: 5381586Abstract: A latch arrangement is provided including a first stationary/component member, and at least one second member movably mounted to the first member for movement between an open position and a closed position, the second member including a wall section defining a planar track and an island defining a depression. A first spring biases the second member toward the open position. A latch is rotatably mounted on a pivot pin to the first member for oscillating movement and includes a follower mateably slideably disposed in the track. The follower is adapted to engage the depression to hold the second member in a closed position. The track includes inclined surfaces to direct the follower into the depression as the second member is moved from the open position to the closed position, and also includes inclined surfaces to direct the follower out of the depression as the second member is pressed and then released for movement to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1993Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Michael D. Busscher, Rick A. Anderson
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Patent number: 5374097Abstract: A visor mounting system for mounting any one of a variety of different visor bodies of different shapes including a housing with a pivot rod assembly and a torque device which extends within the housing which further includes a blade-like frame which extends into the pocket of a visor body for coupling the mounting system to the visor body. Preferably, the frame is a mirror frame with a mirror and the housing including a cover for the mirror. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting assembly also includes a source of illumination for the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Philip C. George, David B. Busch
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Patent number: 5358307Abstract: A console includes a housing which attaches to the underlying frame of a seat and moves with the seat such that it positions the console in fixed relationship to the occupant of the seat as the seat may be moved to different positions for different passengers or drivers. In one embodiment, the housing is L-shaped to provide storage along one side of the seat as well as along the front. In one embodiment the side of the housing includes an adjustable strap for holding articles such as a briefcase, purse or satchel to the side of the console. At least one storage bin which may or may not be covered is positioned for access from above.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1992Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Russell P. Shafer, Scott S. Bainbridge, Dale J. Frye, David J. Spykerman, Nathan W. Young
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Patent number: 5339529Abstract: A magnetic sensor mounting assembly embodying the present invention includes a base plate having cradles for pivotally receiving and adjustably locking a sensor supporting platform thereto. The base plate can be attached to an existing rearview mirror mounting member. The assembly further includes a cover providing access for adjusting the platform to a horizontal position and for allowing the rearview mirror mounting stem to extend therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1992Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Prince CorporationInventor: Kenneth M. Lindberg
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Patent number: 5338081Abstract: A removable floor-mounted console includes a frame having a base with a seat mounting mechanism attached thereto for removably mounting the base and frame to the vehicle in an area where a seat has been removed. The console frame includes a storage area which, in one embodiment, includes a slide-out storage bin. The frame may also include, in an upper portion thereof, integrally formed container holders and storage trays. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the console includes an electronic entertainment device such as a small screen LCD television for use by the rear seat occupants of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Nathan W. Young, Russell P. Shafer, Jr.
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Patent number: D357363Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Prince CorporationInventors: Jay M. Frankhouse, Kenneth R. Hill