Patents Examined by Christopher E Veraa
  • Patent number: 7937867
    Abstract: A tab extending from a panel is inserted into a channel through an opening in a vertically aligned bracket supported by a pole. The bracket includes a pair of plates positioned in spaced overlying relation and connected by a brace to form the channel between the plates. The panel is first moved in a vertical direction until an upper tab is inserted through a slot formed by a stop positioned in the channel at a predetermined distance from the brace. The upper tab guides a notch in the panel to receive the stop until the stop contacts the bottom of the notch. Thereafter the panel is rotated in the channel until a lower tab is aligned with a second slot formed by a second stop at the opposite end of the channel. The panel is further moved until the second tab is positioned in the second slot to guide a second notch in the panel to receive the second stop and securely retain the panel in the bracket channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventors: William Mehl, Thomas L. Harbert
  • Patent number: 7926213
    Abstract: An electronic sign having slotted frame cabinets whereby each slotted frame cabinet can conveniently be attached to one or more vertically or horizontally positioned adjacent slotted frame cabinets by using connecting components which are generally located around the periphery of one or more slotted frame cabinets. Connecting components including splice bars, splice plates, and mounting clamps are aligned in, positioned along and secured to backing bars which are co-located in backing bar slots in one or more of the slotted frame cabinets. Lift eyes can be variably located in one or more lift eye slots. The use of externally located connecting components, which do not extend through the cabinetry, minimize the entry of environmental elements into the interior of the electronic sign. Multiple slotted frame cabinets can be connected without the removal of LED display panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kory D. Kludt, Russell J. Neyens, Jon M. Mammenga
  • Patent number: 7918046
    Abstract: A photo display device including a top portion, a bottom portion having an upper surface and a cuboid member extending upwardly from the upper surface, and a middle portion having a translucent material, an outer surface having an elliptical curvature, a cuboid inner chamber defined by an inner surface and adapted to receive the cuboid member therein, wherein the top portion, the middle portion, and the bottom portion are adapted to be assembled as the photo display device such that the top portion rests upon the middle portion and the middle portion rests upon the bottom portion, and wherein the photo display device is adapted to hold at least one substantially planar item between the cuboid member and the inner surface, and the middle portion is adapted to magnify the at least one substantially planar item when held between the cuboid member and the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Umbra LLC
    Inventor: Seymer Cruz
  • Patent number: 7895777
    Abstract: A display mounted on a shopping cart handle allows shoppers to find information, to obtain coupons, to refer to in-store audio or video programs, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cart-TV, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan Crum
  • Patent number: 7877913
    Abstract: A multi-faceted, rotatable promotional display device for being retained relative to a vehicle for enabling the perception of multiple promotional messages from a single vantage point. A display casing with multiple display surfaces is rotatably retained relative to a base structure. Promotional messages are displayed relative to the display surfaces, and a drive arrangement rotates the display casing relative. The display casing can have a square, triangular, or other cross section. The base structure can have a cup portion with a raised peripheral ridge, and a shell can envelope the display casing. The display surfaces can be electronic display screens or light transmissive panels. A light source can be disposed within the display casing. A drive motor can be powered by a battery, a photovoltaic array, or a wind turbine. A clutch or a force sensor can prevent the application of excessive rotational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: David L. King
  • Patent number: 7866072
    Abstract: A game animal tagging apparatus includes a substantially transparent flexible plastic strip having a front side, a back side, and predetermined dimensions, with a pocket member disposed on a portion of the front side. The plastic strip has at least one wing portion and an adhesive covers at least 20 percent of the front side of the plastic strip, and a removable protective member covers at least all of the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Silvio A. Diliscia, Ronald E. Mooney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7861444
    Abstract: A device which simulates natural flowering actions, including growth and efflorescence, is actuated by partial immersion of a stem into a liquid. An aperture through the stem base admits the liquid into the stem. A piston slidably disposed within the stem is driven downwardly by the bias force of a resilient spring while an agent which impedes the piston motion dissolves in the liquid. Growth is simulated by a sleeve outside the stem which descends in relation thereto to push the flower upwardly. A simulated corolla is attached to the stem and gradually rotates and opens during the ascent thereof. A cam controls the pivotal position of lifters which open and close the corolla. The petals of the corolla vibrate before opening and open with variations in starting time. As the corolla opens, a surprise gift, gradually ascending on a presentation platform, is revealed. The device may be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Marlow
  • Patent number: 7836622
    Abstract: A foldable tag including multiple fold segments and an expandable loop conjoined to one of the multiple fold segments is disclosed. In illustrated embodiments the foldable tag includes multiple fold segments to form a bi-fold tag or alternatively a tri-fold tag. As disclosed the expandable loop is formed along a portion of an elastomeric sheet that is conjoined with a portion of the foldable tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Bedford Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin C. King, Jeffrey D. Tschetter, Robert B. Ludlow, Colin M. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7827715
    Abstract: A multi-sided hand-held sign includes two substantially planar panels having a preselected shape interlocking substantially perpendicularly at a common central vertical axis and held in position partly by a handle for engaging with and holding the sign panels. Indicia typical of signs held by school crossing guards are disposed on all the planar surfaces of the planar sign panels, and a slotted top end cap is engageable with the top horizontal edges of the planar sign panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Thissen
  • Patent number: 7814691
    Abstract: Coatings with left-handed metamaterials (which are man-made materials comprising micro-structures having unusual electro-magnetic properties) are provided around an appliance, such as a hotplate or hob, incorporating induction heating coils that functions as an optical display. In one embodiment, operation of induction heating coils in the cook top alters the optical properties of the metamaterial. Thus, if the metamaterials were previously transparent, they can now become opaque. Doing so changes a display, which can be detected by an operator. This makes it possible to create an automatic operating display for an appliance, such as an induction based hob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Thimm
  • Patent number: 7810262
    Abstract: A lighted display for an address indication. The display includes a housing with a solar panel on top and a depending acrylic panel having numbers and letters etched thereon. The housing includes a rechargeable battery and appropriate electronics. A series of LEDs provided above the acrylic panel light the display. The panel includes grooves on the side of the top which interact with projections on the bottom of the housing which allow the panels to slide into place. A channel on the top of the panel receives the LEDs. The solar panel is preferably angled to receive more light and to shed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Eli Sadon
  • Patent number: 7805870
    Abstract: A system for displaying a banner (70) on a vehicle comprises mounting means (160) having channels (163), retaining means (112) for retaining the banner and associated with first and second locking members (124, 140) for engagement with the channels, the first locking member having a strut (134) locatable in a first channel, the second locking member having a second protruding strut (148) locatable in the same channel, and the first locking member further having a third protruding strut (135) spaced apart from the first strut and locatable within a second channel. When the locking members (124, 140) are aligned, the first strut (134) and second strut (148) are adjacent each other, the adjacent sides being parallel and the struts are located in the channels for secure attachment to the mounting means. The retaining means (112) may be connectable to the first locking member (124), e.g. by a pivot (115, 117), or it may form an integral member (53, 54, 35) therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Carmelion Limited
    Inventor: Ian Leonard Calderwood
  • Patent number: 7805869
    Abstract: A method for advertising in a restroom is shown and described. The method includes the use of a three-dimensional advertisement article which may attach to a wall above a urinal and at least partly cover the urinal. The advertisement article may resemble a container, perhaps a bottle or can, for a product, which may be beer or a soft drink, being advertised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Charles Pascarelli, David Furman
  • Patent number: 7802389
    Abstract: A label holder for displaying information labels at the front of merchandise display hooks, and method for making the label holder. The label holder is of inexpensive continuously extruded construction, which is inexpensively processed after extrusion to eliminate the typical shortcomings of conventional extruded label holders. The extruded body form is cut to usable length and subjected to a plurality of die cutting operations on the back or mounting portion of the label holder, to form positioning and retention features. The label holder is thus provided with many if not most of the beneficial features of specially molded label holders, without incurring the greater expense involved in the molding process. The label holder is designed to accommodate mounting on label holders of several wire sizes commonly found in use in merchandise displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Trion Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Nagel, Marc D. Huntington
  • Patent number: 7802385
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inlay card for decorating an enclosure, to packaging for a disk-shaped medium, to a method for manufacturing an inlay card for decorating an enclosure as well as to a method for packaging a disk-shaped medium. In particular, the present invention relates to inlay cards for decorating an enclosure, especially a jewel case, having a curved and/or multifaceted side wall. The invention can be summarized as an inlay card, or a manufacture thereof, having two or more tabs that are configured and adapted to be bent with respect to a major surface of said inlay card such that the tabs conform to the shape of a multifaceted or curved wall of a jewel case when the inlay card is placed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sony DADC Austria AG
    Inventors: Adolf Maringer, Karl Kronegger, Michael Grossinger
  • Patent number: 7793445
    Abstract: A body comprising a ring and a diametric bridging member is adapted to receive and retain dissimilar markers or indicia on the opposing sides of the body. The bridge member diametrically spans the void within the ring member. The bridge member preferably includes a hole to receive a permanent magnet. The ring member is adapted to receive first and second indicia, each of which is formed of iron or an iron alloy. The first and second indicia are held within the ring member by the magnet, and lie flush with the outer top and bottom surfaces of the ring member to present the appearance of a single article of manufacture. If desired, the first and second markers may be replaced with other markers, thereby altering the appearance of the coin flip token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Lonnie L. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7784203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hanger devices to secure a tablet to a post-like support member on an upright support surface. The hanger device includes an elongated header portion, a flap panel portion extending therefrom, and an attachment element to secure the tablet. The header portion includes an opening such as an elongate slot or a plurality of bores. The support member is selectively positionable along the length of the slot or in the bores such that the tablet is suspended under the force of gravity in a skewed orientation relative to the support surface. A pouch may be securable to the panel portion so as to be interposed between it and the tablet. The present invention also relates to a calendar assembly that incorporates the hanger device as well as a calendar having a header portion allowing it to be supported in a skewed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Curtis Colligan
  • Patent number: 7774966
    Abstract: A system for mounting signage onto the door area of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a mounting assembly, a display pan, and one or more inserts removably received within the display pan. The fastener assembly permits the selective reorientation of the display pan from a first position, in which the pan is oriented along the rear face of the cargo area, to a second position, in which the display pan is oriented away from the rear face of the cargo area. The inserts may include an indicia panel, a backing panel, an electroluminescent panel, and/or a support or cushioning panel. In operation, the system is mounted onto the rear facing surface of a cargo vehicle containing overhead or swing-open doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Night Moves, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen P. Rosa
  • Patent number: 7770313
    Abstract: A display for tradeshows and the like, the display having a framework configurable between erected and collapsed configurations, wherein when in the erected configuration, the framework includes a front, opposed ends, and vertical elongate members presented with the framework proximate the ends. A pair of resiliently flexible end panels can be removably wrapped around the ends of the framework in a flexed position. The panels having a vertical end panel magnetic strips operably magnetically engageable with one of the elongate members. Front display panels, also with magnetic strips, can be engaged with vertical elongate members. The end panels can be secured in place by being at least partially sandwiched between the magnetic strip of front panels and the vertical elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Fritsche
  • Patent number: 7752785
    Abstract: A license plate holder for a motor vehicle holds a vehicle license plate on the vehicle. The holder has a carrier plate to which the vehicle license plate can be fastened, and one or more devices for fastening the carrier plate to the vehicle in a license plate area provided for the vehicle license plate. Each fastening device has a base part fixedly arranged on the carrier plate and a securing part rotatably about a rotation axis arranged on the base part relatively thereto. Spaced away from the carrier plate, the securing part has at least one bracket radially projecting with respect to the rotation axis and can be swiveled about the rotation axis between a starting position and a securing position, whereby the at least one bracket 14 reaches behind a vehicle-fixed holding contour for fastening the carrier plate to the vehicle in the securing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Adrian Beer, Markus Keller, Heinz-Arno Kruschhausen