Patents by Inventor Eric P. Thomas

Eric P. Thomas 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).

  • Patent number: 11958342
    Abstract: A system that secures an upper door of a UTV or other vehicle to the vehicle and enables the ready removal and storage of the upper door from the vehicle employs magnets. A first set of magnets is carried by the upper door. A second set of magnets, which is attracted to the first set of magnets, is carried directly or indirectly by the vehicle, such as by a filler panel secured to the vehicle. Methods of deploying and securing an upper door in place and at least partially removing the upper door are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: St. Anthony, LLC
    Inventors: Dan B. Thomas, Eric B. Nelson, Marc J. Stephenson, Cole P. Tomadakis
  • Patent number: 6481729
    Abstract: A foldable scooter, that can be folded from an assembled configuration to a compact configuration, has a head tube attached to a front end, the head tube being shaped to rotatably accept a steering column attached to a yoke, the yoke rotatably mounting a front wheel. At least one strut is pivotally attached to the yoke. A handlebar stem, having a handlebar at an upper end and a cap receiving portion at a lower end, is attached to a mounting bracket that is slidably mounted upon at least one strut, enabling the handlebar stem to slide between a lowered position in which the cap receiving portion operatively engages the steering cap, and a raised position in which the cap receiving portion is lifted clear of the steering cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: HL Corporation
    Inventors: William P. Herman, Eric P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6471374
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support assembly for a lighting fixture and two adjustment mechanisms that provide for a significant range of adjustment of the lamp within the lighting fixture. The support assembly includes a first and a second support member. The first support member may be an arcuate support brace or yoke, including at least one first leg extending therefrom. The second support member may be an annular base brace or yoke, including at least a second leg extending therefrom. The first adjustment mechanism provides for the repositioning of the lamp support about a horizontal axis and includes a travel arm and two biasing means. The second adjustment mechanism provides for the rotation of the base yoke 360° about a vertical axis that runs through the center of the annular portion of the yoke and then secured in position within the lighting fixture by a locking means, such as the adjustable locking clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Orlando S. Rodrigues, Daniel F. Francis
  • Patent number: 6447145
    Abstract: A luminiferous trim plate for a recessed lighting fixture includes a frustoconical cup, or similar shape, with an open bottom with a laterally extending primary flange. Sealing material is disposed on an upper surface of the primary flange. A lip extends upwardly around an outer periphery of the primary flange thereby preventing outward lateral movement of the sealing material when the plate is installed in the lighting fixture. The cup is formed of a non-conductive material so as to allow use in a moisture rich environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Daniel F. Francis
  • Patent number: 6402112
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support assembly for a lighting fixture that allows for the adjustment and positioning of a lamp about both a horizontal and a vertical axis using only one locking mechanism. The support assembly includes a first support member that is pivotably attached to a second support member. The support assembly also includes a cylindrical sleeve to which the second support member is adjustably engaged. Both support members include at least one leg extending therefrom. The locking mechanism includes a pivoting brake shoe that can engage the cylindrical sleeve so as to secure the lamp into position about a vertical axis. The locking mechanism also includes a thumbscrew that is housed within a slot defined within a leg of the first support member, and that engages both the brake shoe and a leg on the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Daniel F. Francis, Orlando S. Rodrigues
  • Publication number: 20010035621
    Abstract: A foldable scooter, that can be folded from an assembled configuration to a compact configuration, has a head tube attached to a front end, the head tube being shaped to rotatably accept a steering column attached to a yoke, the yoke rotatably mounting a front wheel. At least one strut is pivotally attached to the yoke. A handlebar stem, having a handlebar at an upper end and a cap receiving portion at a lower end, is attached to a mounting bracket that is slidably mounted upon at least one strut, enabling the handlebar stem to slide between a lowered position in which the cap receiving portion operatively engages the steering cap, and a raised position in which the cap receiving portion is lifted clear of the steering cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: William P. Herman, Eric P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6305829
    Abstract: A neck assembly for a recessed lighting fixture is provided that allows for the dissipation of heat from the fixture to the atmosphere and provides for the use of lamps of various sizes within the fixture. The neck assembly includes a generally annular neck portion that includes a body portion; and, a socket subassembly that includes a U-shaped socket support and lamp socket. The neck portion includes an axial hole or opening therein and may also include one or more nonaxial holes or openings therein. The nonaxial holes or openings may be circular, oblong or some other similar shape. The neck portion also contains two or more pairs of slots or openings. These slots are configured so as to removably receive the ends of the legs of the U-shaped socket support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Eric P. Thomas, Brian R. Roberge