Patents by Inventor Richard Varner

Richard Varner 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: 10182671
    Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg close to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: NOA BRANDS AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Kirk Firestone, Scott L. Amman, Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Patent number: 9538867
    Abstract: A composite body is provided that includes a rigid polyurethane foam shell and an elastomeric polyurethane layer disposed over the rigid polyurethane foam shell. The rigid polyurethane foam shell defines a cavity within the composite body. The rigid polyurethane foam shell has a closed cell content of at least 70% and comprises the reaction product of a first isocyanate component and a first isocyanate-reactive component in the presence of a blowing agent. The elastomeric polyurethane layer is disposed over the polyurethane foam shell. The elastomeric polyurethane layer comprises the reaction product of a second isocyanate component and a second isocyanate-reactive component. A method of forming the composite body includes the step of molding the rigid polyurethane foam shell, demolding the rigid polyurethane foam shell from the mold, and applying an elastomeric polyurethane composition upon the rigid polyurethane foam shell after demolding to form the elastomeric polyurethane layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: David D. Peters, Michael Praw, Richard Varner
  • Publication number: 20160302594
    Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg close to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: NOA Brands America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Firestone, Scott L. Amman, Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Patent number: 9398820
    Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg closer to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: NOA Brands America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Firestone, Scott L. Amman, Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130336707
    Abstract: Joints are provided for connecting first and second manikin parts. The joints can be partially opened like a clamshell by pivoting the parts on a point on the joint interface. They include first and second joint assemblies attached to the first and second manikin parts respectively. The joint assemblies comprise a stretch element such as a spring or an elastomeric cord, and are capable of detachably engaging with each other. The joints can rotate in a primary rotational direction, for example to move a detachable manikin leg closer to the other manikin leg so that the manikin can quickly and easily be dressed in a pair of slacks. Rotation in a secondary direction is also provided to enable the manikins to be easily assembled by customers so that the manikin parts can be shipped separately. Components and methods of making and using the joints are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Kirk Firestone, Scott L. Amman, Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130309429
    Abstract: Systems and cold rotational molding methods are provided for making hollow, foam-backed polymeric molded articles. The molded articles can be manikins or manikin parts, or other articles, such as frames (e.g. for mirrors and pictures), urns, fixtures, furniture, display props, and garden furniture, made of a thermosetting elastomeric material. The articles are more structurally rigid than previous molded articles utilizing the same amount of polymer material, lighter in weight than previous molded articles having the same structural rigidity, and more resistant to deformation under temperatures up to 180 to 185.degree. F. The process of making a molded manikin part, from the first injection of polymer into the mold until demolding of the finished part, can be completed in as short a time as 18 minutes without the necessity for cradling of the demolded part, even when the part requires one or more flat surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Visual Mechandising, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Patent number: 8496860
    Abstract: Systems and cold rotational molding methods are provided for making hollow, foam-backed polymeric molded articles. The molded articles can be manikins or manikin parts, or other articles, such as frames (e.g. for mirrors and pictures), urns, fixtures, furniture, display props, and garden furniture, made of a thermosetting elastomeric material. The articles are more structurally rigid than previous molded articles utilizing the same amount of polymer material, lighter in weight than previous molded articles having the same structural rigidity, and more resistant to deformation under temperatures up to 180 to 185° F. The process of making a molded manikin part, from the first injection of polymer into the mold until demolding of the finished part, can be completed in as short a time as 18 minutes without the necessity for cradling of the demolded part, even when the part requires one or more flat surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110024031
    Abstract: Systems and cold rotational molding methods are provided for making hollow, foam-backed polymeric molded articles. The molded articles can be manikins or manikin parts, or other articles, such as frames (e.g. for mirrors and pictures), urns, fixtures, furniture, display props, and garden furniture, made of a thermosetting elastomeric material. The articles are more structurally rigid than previous molded articles utilizing the same amount of polymer material, lighter in weight than previous molded articles having the same structural rigidity, and more resistant to deformation under temperatures up to 180 to 185° F. The process of making a molded manikin part, from the first injection of polymer into the mold until demolding of the finished part, can be completed in as short a time as 18 minutes without the necessity for cradling of the demolded part, even when the part requires one or more flat surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, Derek Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080114748
    Abstract: A computer server hosting a website wherein the computer server executes program instructions, the programming instructions comprising: authenticating a valid customer; entering survey data and comments about a service provider by the valid customer from a computer system coupled to the server; adding survey score and comments to a database of the service provider; post survey score and comments on the website; filtering survey data and comments for triggers indicating potential liability for the service provider; and notifying the service provider of the potential liability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Varner
  • Publication number: 20080089739
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James Barber, James Talaric
  • Patent number: 7325996
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James D. Barber, James Talaric
  • Publication number: 20070086848
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James Barber, James Talaric
  • Patent number: 7144179
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James D. Barber, James Talaric
  • Publication number: 20040200864
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James D. Barber, James Talaric
  • Publication number: 20040105718
    Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a joining or locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a tab or disk that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly. The invention provides a friction assembly fixture recessed in the end of a first limb member to be joined. A tab formed as part of, or attached to, a second limb member is inserted into the first limb member to contact the friction assembly fixture. The first and second limb members are held in pivotal contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: James Talaric, James Barber, Richard Varner
  • Patent number: 6705794
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner, James D. Barber, James Talaric
  • Patent number: 6659315
    Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: James Talaric, James Barber, Richard Varner
  • Publication number: 20030059249
    Abstract: Joints for joining together limb members of mannequins and forms, and methods of assembly of joints and mannequins are provided. The joints and mannequins of this invention provide natural anatomical shape and ease of assembly. This is accomplished using one or more assembly fixtures, located within or on a limb member to be joined, that contain elements of a locking mechanism to hold the limbs together and other elements for creating tension or friction between joined limb members. The assembly fixtures also comprise a disc (or tab) that provides a natural appearance to the joint and allows for ease of assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: James Talaric, James Barber, Richard Varner
  • Publication number: 20020064416
    Abstract: Forms for display of clothing and the like with magnetically attachable parts are provided. The magnetic joints comprise a magnetic assembly with a depth-of-pull sufficient to cause the attachable part to begin to pull toward the form at a distance preferably greater than one-half inch, preferably about one inch. Preferably the magnetic assembly has a depth-of-pull of at least about 120 gauss at a distance of one inch. A metallic plate is arranged in mating configuration with the magnetic assembly. Mating pins may be provided, as well as indexing pins. If the manikin is knocked over, or if the attached part is pulled or bumped, it will come loose rather than breaking off; and the mating parts are self-seeking in use, so that they will come together in proper orientation even when being mated beneath clothes. A bump to the manikin sufficient to overcome the on-contact strength of the magnetic attachment may not result in detachment of the limb because of the depth-of-pull strength of the magnetic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Varner , James D. Barber , James Talaric
  • Patent number: 6345794
    Abstract: A pole holder is provided which has an outer annular ring, an inner C-shaped partial ring having a circular cross-section with an opening therein, and a screw for exerting pressure on the outer surface of the C-shaped partial ring whereby the size of the opening is reduced with a corresponding reduction in the circumference of the partial ring, causing the partial ring to non-slidably grip the pole. The pole holder permits simple adjustment of the height of an object attached to a pole and can be easily adapted for use with poles of different diameters by changing the partial ring which grips the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Fusion Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Varner