Patents by Inventor D. Melvin

D. Melvin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150266396
    Abstract: A soldier platform system and method includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the soldier platform system includes a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat and straps. The soldier platform system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier platform system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The soldier platform system further includes a ratchet platform that has a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly. The soldier platform system also has a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor, and the retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. Additionally, the strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold. Moreover, the strap retractor is secured to the platform lower assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: BLACK MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Bobby D. Melvin, Rattaya C. Yalamanchili, James Buckner, James Hagan
  • Patent number: 8998286
    Abstract: A soldier restraint system and method secure a soldier in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the soldier restraint system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The soldier restraint system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier restraint system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies are securable to the vehicle. Attachment of at least one of the straps to the seat is releasable by a release assembly. The soldier restraint system also includes a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor. The retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. The strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Bobby D. Melvin, Rattaya C. Yalamanchili, James Buckner, James Hagan
  • Patent number: 8979059
    Abstract: A ratchet platform is vertically adjustable and supports a soldier standing thereupon. The ratchet platform has a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet has a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail. The ratchet platform also has a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The ratchet platform has a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub-assembly and an upper linkage. Actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform. The ratchet platform also has a base plate secured to the vehicle floor. The ratchet platform has a seat plate which provides support to the platform upper assembly, the platform lower assembly, and an energy attenuation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Bobby D. Melvin
  • Patent number: 8919882
    Abstract: A soldier platform system and method includes a soldier platform system in a vehicle. In an embodiment, the soldier platform system includes a seat assembly. The seat assembly includes a seat and straps. The soldier platform system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier platform system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The soldier platform system further includes a ratchet platform that has a platform upper assembly and a platform lower assembly. The soldier platform system also has a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor, and the retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. Additionally, the strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold. Moreover, the strap retractor is secured to the platform lower assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Bobby D. Melvin, Rattaya C. Yalamanchili, James Buckner, James Hagan
  • Publication number: 20140124640
    Abstract: A ratchet platform is vertically adjustable and supports a soldier standing thereupon. The ratchet platform has a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet has a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail. The ratchet platform also has a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The ratchet platform has a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub-assembly and an upper linkage. Actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform. The ratchet platform also has a base plate secured to the vehicle floor. The ratchet platform has a seat plate which provides support to the platform upper assembly, the platform lower assembly, and an energy attenuation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: BLACK MOUNTAIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Bobby D. Melvin
  • Patent number: 8657247
    Abstract: A height adjustable platform and method include a ratchet platform having a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail. The ratchet platform further includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. A ratchet end is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The ratchet platform also includes a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly. Actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage. In addition, actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform. The ratchet platform also includes a strap retractor and a strap. The strap retractor retracts the strap upon achieving a strap threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Black Mountain Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Bobby D. Melvin
  • Publication number: 20130270879
    Abstract: A soldier restraint system and method secure a soldier in a vehicle. In one embodiment, the soldier restraint system includes a seat assembly comprising a seat and straps. The soldier restraint system also includes a restraint harness belt. The restraint harness belt is secured to the seat assembly. In addition, the soldier restraint system includes mounting assemblies. The straps attach the seat to the mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies are securable to the vehicle. Attachment of at least one of the straps to the seat is releasable by a release assembly. The soldier restraint system also includes a strap retractor and a retractor strap. The retractor strap is extractable from the strap retractor. The retractor strap is retractable by the strap retractor. The strap retractor retracts the retractor strap upon achieving a strap threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Kyle L. Greenwood, Bobby D. Melvin, Rattaya C. Yalamanchili, James Buckner, James Hagan
  • Patent number: 8556845
    Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Playtex Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jessica E. Lemay, Dane R. Jackson, Michael L. Miller, Wayne D. Melvin
  • Patent number: 8539660
    Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel including a cardboard tube having a first end and a second end and at least one gripping structure defined from the cardboard tube proximate the second end is provided. The cardboard tube has a wall thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.020 inches, while the gripping structure has a height of up to about 0.035 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne D. Melvin, Michael L. Miller, Jamshid Rejai, Van T. Pham, Joseph S. Konrad, Wojtek S. Drewnowski
  • Publication number: 20110140308
    Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel including a cardboard tube having a first end and a second end and at least one gripping structure defined from the cardboard tube proximate the second end is provided. The cardboard tube has a wall thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.020 inches, while the gripping structure has a height of up to about 0.035 inches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: WAYNE D. MELVIN, Michael L. Miller, Jamshid Rejai, Van T. Pham, Joseph S. Konrad, Wojtek S. Drewnowski
  • Patent number: 7918004
    Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel including a cardboard tube having a first end and a second end and at least one gripping structure defined from the cardboard tube proximate the second end is provided. The cardboard tube has a wall thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.020 inches, while the gripping structure has a height of up to about 0.035 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne D. Melvin, Michael L. Miller, Jamshid Rejai, Van T. Pham, Joseph S. Konrad, Wojtek S. Drewnowski
  • Patent number: 7862533
    Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica E. LeMay, Dane R. Jackson, Michael L. Miller, Wayne D. Melvin
  • Patent number: 7798986
    Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel including a cardboard tube having a first end and a second end and at least one gripping structure defined from the cardboard tube proximate the second end is provided. The cardboard tube has a wall thickness of between about 0.015 and about 0.020 inches, while the gripping structure has a height of up to about 0.035 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne D. Melvin, Michael L. Miller, Jamshid Rejai, Van T. Pham, Joseph S. Konrad, Wojrek S. Drewnowski
  • Patent number: 7727210
    Abstract: A method of making a tampon applicator having four separable components includes forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end opposite the forward end, forming a fingergrip having a barrel end and a plunger end, where the fingergrip has an axially extending channel between the barrel end and the plunger end and the plunger end has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the barrel end, forming an insertion tip having a first end and a second end, forming a plunger having a forward end, connecting the barrel end of the fingergrip with the rearward end of the barrel, where the barrel end of the fingergrip and the rearward end of the barrel create a continuous surface flush with the barrel when connected, connecting the second end of the insertion tip to the forward end of the barrel, and inserting the forward end of the plunger into the channel of the fingergrip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica E. LeMay, Dane R. Jackson, Michael L. Miller, Wayne D. Melvin
  • Publication number: 20060134274
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to formulations of the premix utilized in the production of a pellet structured frozen dessert type product. The pelletized frozen dessert product is manufactured by introducing the liquid premix into a body of a cryogen such as liquid nitrogen such that the small volume of liquid premix is frozen rapidly. The invention elevates the melting temperature as well as the fusing temperature of the finished pellets such that the storage and serving temperatures of the pellets are similar to the bulk products. The invention utilizes the basic formulas and names and flavors associated with bulk type frozen desserts such as Ice Cream, Sorbet, Water ice, Ice Milk, Frozen Yogurt and similar type products. The pellet produced utilizing the pre-mix is structurally stable at normal retail and home freezer situations. The formulation and manufacture of the pelletized dessert product is substantially different from bulk frozen desserts: it is in itself a unique type product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: David Ladd, D. Melvin, J. Irvine
  • Patent number: 6923789
    Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components including a barrel, a plunger, a fingergrip, an insertion tip. The at least three separate components are formed independently from one another, prior to forming the applicator. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Methods for making a multiple component tampon applicator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica E. LeMay, Dane R. Jackson, Michael L. Miller, Wayne D. Melvin
  • Publication number: 20030163080
    Abstract: There is provided a multiple-component tampon applicator formed from at least three separate components. A fingergrip having a reduced cross-section as compared to that of the barrel may be formed such that it is a separate component or is integrally formed with a barrel component. The reduced cross-section fingergrip provides exceptional grippability to the user. The multiple components may be formed from materials including, for example, biopolymer including starches and proteins, cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper, or any combinations thereof. Prior to assembly of the applicator and prior to loading the barrel component with an absorbent pledget, petals may be formed on the insertion end of the barrel using existing processes and equipment. Alternatively, a separate insertion tip component having petals may be formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica E. Lemay, Dane R. Jackson, Michael L. Miller, Wayne D. Melvin
  • Patent number: 4973302
    Abstract: A two piece compactly packaged application for a tampon which includes a discrete first member and a discrete second member, the first and the second members being of comparable length. The first and the second members are initially packaged in a side by side manner. The applicator also includes a plurality of spaced apart tabs on either the first member or the second member for retaining one of the first and the second members in the other of the first and the second members when the members are assembled together in their operative position. The method assembly of the applicator includes grasping one of the first and the second members, manually aligning the first and the second members and axially moving the first and the second members together so that the first and the second members slide relative to each other and are maintained telescopically in operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Playtex Family Products Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Armour, Kevin M. Coverdale, Wayne D. Melvin, Michael L. Miller, Robert C. Norquest, Jamshid Rejai, Richard M. Wiernicki
  • Patent number: 4891042
    Abstract: A compact and short tampon applicator is formed of an outer barrel which surrounds a tampon-holding inner tubular plunger. The barrel has a pair of opposed tongues formed from portions of the wall of the outer barrel which are partially cut and deflected inwardly. The openings in the wall of the barrel provide effective means for holding the barrel during the insertion process. The tongues project into the interior of the plunger, through a pair of elongate slots in the wall of the plunger, so that the tongues are in position behind the tampon. The applicator is readied for being used by retraction of the plunger rearwardly to cause the tampon, which is restrained by the tongues, to be ejected from the plunger into the barrel. The tongues also serve to prevent the plunger from separating from the barrel. The front of the plunger collapses inwardly to form an effective tampon contacting surface for engaging the rear of the tampon in a manner which permits the plunger to push the tampon out of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Playtex Family Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne D. Melvin, Jamshid Rejai