Patents by Inventor Steve H. Tlapek

Steve H. Tlapek 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).

  • Hinged case providing sectional cover with anti-pinch interleaving through
    Patent number: 4913463
    Abstract: Interleaving troughs (28-30) are securely fixed to a front cover (12) and a back cover (14) of a hinged apparatus (10). The first and second troughs (28-30) are generally semicircular in shape and are dimensioned to slidably cooperate with each other. A gap (34) is formed between the second trough (30) and the back cover (14) to receive the first trough (28) when the apparatus (10) is in a fully opened position. When the apparatus (10) is closed, first and second troughs (28-30) form a generally cylindrical container (36) for holding a wire spiral (26) of a book (20). When the apparatus (10) is closed, a void (38) of less than 3/16 inch is formed between the first and second troughs (28-30). The void (38) meets the ASTM standards for toy safety with regard to a pinching hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Steve H. Tlapek, Patrick P. Hicks, Julio E. Valella