Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Walraven

Thomas M. Walraven 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: 7163431
    Abstract: A toy percussion instrument that is characterized by a novel method of attaching a tether to a striker and/or main instrument body. The new location of attachment enables compliance with stringent safety standards without detracting from the playability of the toy instrument. In particular, two tethered strikers can be provided while still satisfying cord maximum perimeter standards and at the same time allowing an appropriate length of cord to play the instrument without difficulty. The provision of two tethered strikers enables a more realistic instrument while satisfying a parent's preference to have the tethers. In particular, The striker attachment location is spaced inwardly from the ends of the striker, thereby to allow a shorter tether to be used while still allowing the instrument to be played without difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Walraven
  • Patent number: 7032980
    Abstract: A wheel for a child's toy formed from a first and second section. The first section is made from a material having a Shore A durometer of 100 or less. The second section is disposed within the first section. The second section is made from a rigid material and provides structural support for the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventors: David J. Herbert, Thomas M. Walraven
  • Publication number: 20040002283
    Abstract: A wheel for a child's toy formed from a first and second section. The first section is made from a material having a Shore A durometer of 100 or less. The second section is disposed within the first section. The second section is made from a rigid material and provides structural support for the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Herbert, Thomas M. Walraven
  • Patent number: 6280654
    Abstract: A luminescent compound comprising an admixture of rosin and a luminescent glow pigment and methods for its use are disclosed. The luminescent glow pigment conveys a“glow in the dark” quality to the compound providing a rosin that retains its physical properties and gains the ability to be seen in little or no light. The“glow in the dark” rosin may be used for both aesthetic and practical purposes where conventional rosins are employed, and in other ways where the properties of a rosin that may be seen in the dark are desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventors: Steven M. Digman, Thomas M. Walraven