Patents by Inventor Matthew Charles Smithers

Matthew Charles Smithers 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: 7958997
    Abstract: A reversible modular beverage can interlocking device which is adapted for forming a plurality of conventional beverage cans into a building block for use as a toy or in display applications or in building construction. The device generally comprises a plurality of thermoplastic reversible annular means for can retention, each sized and shaped for the releasable retention of either the top lipped portion of a beverage can, or the bottom non-lipped portion of a beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Smithers
  • Patent number: 7614495
    Abstract: A modular beverage can interlocking device that is adapted for forming a plurality of conventional beverage cans into a building block for use as a toy or in display applications. The device generally comprises a plurality of ring-shaped members, each having an upper orifice which is configured with an upper lip retention portion for releasably retaining the top portion of a conventional beverage can via a snap-fit. Conversely, the lower orifice of each of the ring-shaped members is optimally contoured to hold the lower portion of the conventional beverage can via at a snug friction-fit. The top portion of a plurality of beverage cans may be releasably retained in the upper lip retention portion via insertion through the lower orifice, thereby defining a distribution orientation that is optimally suited for distribution of beverage product in the normal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Smithers
  • Patent number: 7404486
    Abstract: A modular beverage can interlocking device which is adapted for forming a plurality of conventional beverage cans into a building block for use as a toy or in display applications. The device generally comprises a plurality of ring-shaped members, each having an upper and lower orifice which is optimally contoured to hold the lower and upper end of a conventional beverage can respectively via at least a snug friction-fit. Preferably, the lower orifice has an inwardly facing annular slot for releasable retention of the upper lip of a conventional can via a snap-fit, and most preferably, has multiple inwardly facing annular slots of varying diameter in order to provide a snap-fit for cans of varying outer dimensions. Optional designs are provided which enable the use of thermoplastic materials having a wide range of hardnesses as well as end-cap means which provide for rigid securement to any generally flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Smithers
  • Publication number: 20080093243
    Abstract: A reversible modular beverage can interlocking device which is adapted for forming a plurality of conventional beverage cans into a building block for use as a toy or in display applications or in building construction. The device generally comprises a plurality of thermoplastic reversible annular means for can retention, each sized and shaped for the releasable retention of either the top lipped portion of a beverage can, or the bottom non-lipped portion of a beverage can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Smithers
  • Patent number: D499546
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Smithers
  • Patent number: D653560
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Smithers