Patents Issued in January 15, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040006854
    Abstract: A binding device comprising an elongated elastic member that contains at least one region of loop material generally adjacent to at least one region of hook material. The regions of different material allow binding when the loop material of the binding member comes in contact with the hook material. The elastic member is flexible and may bend back on itself to engage the hook and loop material. For example, an elastic self-attaching cord may include a surface that contains regions of loop material generally adjacent to hook material at evenly spaced intervals or placed at random intervals. Another examples are a tube or strip binding member. The elastic tube or strip binding device also contains loop material generally adjacent to hook material positioned on the surface of the tube or strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: James S. Simon
  • Publication number: 20040006855
    Abstract: A clip for retaining an accessory on an edge of an automobile member has a block element for location adjacent the edge of one side of the automobile member. The clip has a plug for engaging a hole in the accessory and extending into an aperture in the block element, and a jaw for engaging the block element and a second opposed side of the automobile member. The clip is secured to the automobile member's edge by inserting a fastener through the jaw and into the block element and tightening the fastener. The fastener also engages and fixes the plug within the block member, thereby securing the accessory to the block portion and thus to the automobile member's edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Stanley Grant Kinzel
  • Publication number: 20040006856
    Abstract: A shoelace retainer including a strip of loop-type fastening material that has been folded back upon itself near its midpoint and seamed in place so as to form a small tab. The tab is perforated so as to provide the strip of loop-type fastening material with an attachment ring. Adjacent the ring at one end of the strip of loop-type fastening material is attached a patch of hook-type fastening material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Moreno
  • Publication number: 20040006857
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a micro-fibrous non-woven fabric of the suede leather type includes spinning a two-component fiber of the “islands in the sea” type having an island component and a sea component and then preparing a felt from the two-component fiber. The felt is treated with thermal stabilization and impregnated with polyurethane from an aqueous polyurethane emulsion. The polyurethane is fixed to the felt and the sea component is removed. The felt is then impregnated with polyurethane for a second time with an aqueous emulsion or a high durability solution in organic solvent. The polyurethane is then fixed to the felt for a second time to obtain a non-woven fabric and a finishing treatment is applied to the non-woven fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Gianni Romani
  • Publication number: 20040006858
    Abstract: An assembly device (1) for drive shafts (40) having a constant-velocity joint (43) has a cross-member (19) which can be fixedly mounted on the drive shaft (40) and a support plate (5), which can be connected to the cross-member (19) via support struts (2). A tension device (32, 32/1, 36) axially supported on the outside of the support plate (5) is provided, which can be brought into engagement with a thread (55) of a drive journal (53) of the constant-velocity joint (43). For the simplest possible operation and a simple adaptation to different constant-velocity joints, it is firstly provided that the support struts (2) can be inserted into through-bores (21), running parallel to the drive shaft (40), of the cross-member (19) mounted on the drive shaft (40) and are housed axially adjustably in the through-bores (21) in relation to the cross-member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Publication number: 20040006859
    Abstract: The modular turret cage is used with a capping machine adapted to apply closures to containers, such as beverage, food, or water containers. The capping machine includes a stationary cap. The modular turret cage has a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the turret cage is rotatably received in the stationary cap. The turret cage includes a top mounting plate at the top end of the turret cage and a base mounting plate at the bottom end of the turret cage. A plurality of panel sections extends between and connects the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate. The panel sections are fixedly connected to the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate and are separately removable from the top mounting plate and the base mounting plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Donald A. Riggs, Angela M. Comstock, Randy Uebler, Darwin Ellis
  • Publication number: 20040006860
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening a first relatively soft structural component such as a wood panel to a second relatively hard structural component such as a steel angle iron using fasteners each having a forward self-drilling portion, a rearward, self-tapping portion, and an outwardly projecting head. The fasteners are driven by a pneumatic rotary impact driver and the method comprises rotatively driving each fastener so as to cause its self-drilling portion to drill a first hole through the wood panel and thereafter rotatively. driving and impacting that fastener so as to cause its self-drilling portion to drill a second hole in the angle iron and its self-tapping portion to form a screw connection with the angle iron around the second hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Harry M. Haytayan
  • Publication number: 20040006861
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fastening a first relatively soft structural component such as a wood panel to a second relatively hard structural component such as a steel angle iron using fasteners each having a forward self-drilling portion, a rearward, self-tapping portion, and an outwardly projecting head. The fasteners are driven by a pneumatic rotary impact driver and the method comprises rotatively driving each fastener so as to cause its self-drilling portion to drill a first hole through the wood panel and thereafter rotatively driving and impacting that fastener so as to cause its self-drilling portion to drill a second hole in the angle iron and its self-tapping portion to form a screw connection with the angle iron around the second hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Harry M. Haytayan
  • Publication number: 20040006862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing steel slabs, whereby the strand leaves an ingot mold with melt enclosed by a strand shell and, in a strand guide located downstream, the opening width of guide rolls mounted in segments with upper and lower frames can be set in a continuous manner with successive steps by adjusting elements that join said guide rolls. An oscillation around a center line of the opening width serves to modify the opening width in order to render the dynamic influences on the guide rolls negligibly small. The amplitude of the opening width oscillation is set to a quantity, which does not provoke any plastic deformation of the strand shell. The actual opening width of the guide rolls is detected and the actuating force of the adjusting elements as well as the amplitude of the actuating force are determined at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Horst Von Wyl, Ingo Schubert, Jung Wolfram
  • Publication number: 20040006863
    Abstract: An inner cutter for a dry shaver is fabricated from a metal plate to have a plurality of blades each provided with cutting edges. The metal plate includes a plurality of parallel straight slits to leave an array of straight beams each defined between the adjacent ones of the slits. The beams are forged and ground at a segment of each beam to give the cutting edges thereto. After making the cutting edges, the metal plate is bent into a generally U-shaped configuration so as to correspondingly curve the beams and shape the beams into the blades having the arcuate contour and the cutting edges. The metal plate is provided with a joint for connection with a driving source of moving the inner cutter relative to an outer cutter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ryuji Otani, Toshio Ikuta, Takashi Kozai, Hiroyuki Okada, Shinji Fujimoto, Shigetoshi Sakon
  • Publication number: 20040006864
    Abstract: A method of assembling a part to a workpiece with a combination tool supported on a robot, where a mounting surface of the part is assembled on a target surface of the workpiece including the following steps. (a) Indexing to the assembly position. (b) Picking a part with the part gripper on the part delivery arm from a part supply station. (c) Indexing part delivery and workpiece preparation arms to the preparation position. (d) Simultaneously: engaging the part mounting surface with the part surface preparation module; and engaging the workpiece target surface preparation module with the target surface. (e) Indexing to the assembly position. (f) Using the previously set tool operating axis and calculated tool offsets, engaging the prepared part mounting surface with the prepared workpiece target surface. (g) Releasing the part gripper and withdrawing the tool from the part/workpiece assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Marius Batrin
  • Publication number: 20040006865
    Abstract: A method of connecting phases of a segmented stator electric machine includes providing a stator core. An end cap assembly is attached to the stator core. Winding wire is wound around the end cap assembly and the stator core to form a stator segment assembly. A plurality of the stator segment assemblies are assembled into a stator including first, second and third phases. A phase wire stitching machine is used to connect opposite ends of the winding wire of each of the stator segment assemblies to form the first, second and third phases of the stator. The phase wires can be attached to the stator segment assemblies using terminals, IDCs, hook terminals, and/or directly to the winding wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Richard E. Hartsfield, Gary E. Horst, Dennis M. Hurst, Kent A. Sheeran
  • Publication number: 20040006866
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a winding includes steps of twisting U-shaped conductor segments, inserting straight portions of the twisted conductor segments in slots of a stator core, bending ends of the straight portions in a circumferential direction of the stator core and joining the ends. The method further includes a step of pressing turn portions of the U-shaped conductor segments by a turn portion twisting apparatus such that widths of the turn portions reduce in radial directions. The pressing step is performed simultaneously with the twisting step. Alternatively, the pressing step is performed after the twisting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kato, Yasunori Kitakado, Motohiro Murahashi
  • Publication number: 20040006867
    Abstract: An electrical device (1) in which an element (7) composed of a conductive polymer composition is positioned in contact with the first surface of a metal electrode (3), the first surface having a center line average roughness Ra and a reflection density RD, the product Ra times RD being at least 0.06 &mgr;m, with an adhesion promoting layer positioned between the first surface of the metal electrode and the polymer element. The conductive polymer composition preferably exhibits PTC behavior. In other aspects, electrical devices using more than one adhesion promoting layer (11), and electrical devices using an adhesion promoting layer in combination with a crosslinking agent (9) are provided. Other embodiments include electrical devices with metal electrodes made by pulse plating processes, and metal electrodes made by electrodeposition under diffusion-limited conditions. The electrical devices may be circuit protection devices and have improved electrical and physical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Paul N. Becker, James A. Rinde, Barry C. Mathews, Orion Jankowski, Cecilia A. Walsh, Ryan W. Dupon
  • Publication number: 20040006868
    Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus for assembling truss structures, by assembly on two or more consecutive, spaced apart, coplanar work table surfaces and with a gantry type press assembly of a plurality of wooden truss members and truss connector plates with toothed projections, the truss members coupled by embedding the connector plate projections into said truss members. The truss assembly apparatus has a gantry type press assembly with first and second ends adapted to be mounted on first and second ends of each of said work table surfaces, for movement over the work table surfaces and the space between adjacent work table surfaces. The gantry assembly has a continuous belt on the first and second ends for driving of the gantry assembly, by engagement of the continuous driving belt with the first and second table ends. The gantry assembly is configured to be supported by the continuous belt, during movement of the gantry over a work table surface when crossing the space between work table surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Ghislain Simard
  • Publication number: 20040006869
    Abstract: The invention is to form plated films on a conductive foil a thigh precision, and simplify a procedure of forming the plated film. A resin film composed of a thermosetting resin is formed on the surface of the conductive foil. The resin film of parts which become bonding pads and die pads is eliminated by a laser etching. A clamper presses of the periphery of the block so as to form hermetically sealed spaces on the block. The interior of the clamper is filled with a plating liquid by means of an injection means and an evacuation means, and subsequently, and Ag plated film is formed by an electroplating method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Yusuke Igarashi, Noriaki Sakamoto, Takeshi Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040006870
    Abstract: A method of machining a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores in an object, each of the bores extending generally tangentially and inwardly and being positioned in the object so as to generally asymmetrically intersect two adjacent bores, comprises the steps of: providing an object; determining a plurality of bore positions generally around a circumference of the object; machining a first bore and performing at least one subsequent machining operation on the first bore to substantially complete the first bore; machining a second bore immediately adjacent to the completed first bore, wherein the second bore is machined so as to intersect the completed first bore, and performing at least one subsequent machining operation on the second bore to substantially complete the second bore; sequentially machining a remaining plurality of bores except a final bore, wherein each said bore is machined so as to intersect an immediately adjacent completed bore; and machining the final bore immediately intermediate the
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ioan Sasu, Bertrand Gendreau, Robert Francois Lanoue
  • Publication number: 20040006871
    Abstract: A method is provided for machining the stainless steel automotive exhaust components that allows such components to be machined in high volumes and at a reasonable cost. An exemplary embodiment of the method includes the steps of: (a) supporting the manifold on a work structure; (b) clamping the manifold to the work structure; and (c) machining the supported and clamped manifold; (d) where the clamping step includes the step of clamping each of the plurality of inlet coupling flanges of the manifold separately; and (e) the machining step includes the step of machining the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges. In a more detailed embodiment, the supporting and clamping steps orient the planes of the interface surfaces of the inlet coupling flanges of the manifold perpendicular to a spindle access of the milling machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Sturtevant, Timothy W. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20040006872
    Abstract: An outer cutter of a reciprocating type electric shaver in which an inner cutter makes sliding contact with an inside surface of a curved portion of the outer cutter, the curved portion being formed by bending a thin metal plate, which has numerous hair entry apertures, into a curved shape; and the curved portion being provided at both ends thereof with blocking portions that cover both ends of a space defined by the curved portion so as to prevent cut hair from being discharged to outside of the outer cutter, the blocking portions being formed integral with the curved portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: IZUMI PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventor: Hiromi Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20040006873
    Abstract: A pivotable blade hair clipper and suction collection system having a hair clipper with a handle drive end portion integrally formed to receive a blade assembly pivotable about a stationary axis into at least two cutting positions. The form of the blade assembly functions to enhance an aerodynamic relationship with a suction air channel that extends internally from one end of the clipper handle to the other and allows for the evacuation of clipped hair debris. The clipper unit is integrally designed to allow for the passage of suctioned air and clipped hair debris from the cutting portion of the blade assembly, then through the clipper unit, and then through a highly flexible suction hose into a personal size vacuum hair collection canister for clean and hygienic collection of clipped hair debris. The two cutting positions combine with the form of the blade assembly to create optimum angles for cutting either hair from the head or hair from other body parts such as the chest and back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: John Cutting
  • Publication number: 20040006874
    Abstract: An eating utensil includes a food storage section and a food holding section. The holding section also includes a selectively engage-able valve that dispenses food contained in the food storage section. The two sections are separable from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Great Lakes Engineering & Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Kamm, Scott R. Thomason, Nicholas J. Mastandrea
  • Publication number: 20040006875
    Abstract: A scraper blade for fitting into a gripper such as a mounting, holding, or clamping device of a scraper. The inventive scraper blade is particularly useful with a floor scraper. The inventive scraper blade has a beveled edge portion, a flat portion, a skirt portion extending outward from the flat portion, and a shank portion fitting into a gripper of a scraper apparatus. The skirt portion has a generally vertical rear side which preferably rests against the nose of the gripper. A flat shank portion extends rearward from the rear side of the skirt portion and serves as the gripping surface of the blade for the gripper of the scraper apparatus. Dislodged material travels over the beveled edge portion, then over the flat portion, and then directed upward over the skirt portion and then over the nose of the gripper avoiding jamming at the gripper nose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick W. Paggeot
  • Publication number: 20040006876
    Abstract: Double hooked device with the hooks being transversely positioned on the end of a shaft having a handle at its opposite end. The hooks may snag, lift, move and/or flip food or other articles by the hooks being rotated generally about the shaft's axis until one of the double hooks penetrates into the article to be lifted. A shield at the base of the handle is a guard to cover the tips of the hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan L. Backus
  • Publication number: 20040006877
    Abstract: A can opener includes a first lever, and a second lever pivotally connected to the first lever. The levers are in laid down position when a cutting wheel of the call opener is cutting a can. The first lever is equipped with a first wheel having domed protrusions spaced around the center. The second lever is equipped with a second wheel having main round recesses spaced around the center. Smaller round recesses and curved trenches are formed between the main recesses; the curved trenches are similar to annular trenches provided on trust block seating of thrust ball bearings. The first, and the second wheels are disposed face to face so as to help prevent change of position of the pivotal axis of the levers in the course of one of the levers moving relative to the other, helping the can opener operated with precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Kun-Jen Chang
  • Publication number: 20040006878
    Abstract: A wearable garment pattern template configured to be worn by a person includes a plurality of detachably coupled sections each having a plurality of flexible segments which are coupled at pivot points. The adjustable segments include at least two strips which are longitudinally slidable relative to each other such that the segments are adjustable in length and can also be fixed in length. The segments define a framework of either triangles with sides of a particular length (as adjusted on the wearer), or quadrilaterals having sides of a set length (as adjusted on the wearer) and at least one fixed angle between two of the sides. In either instance, after adjustment, each triangle or quadrilateral can be only in one configuration, and is not subject to distortion due to rotation about pivot points. The garment pattern template can be used as a template to cut fabric for a garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Carol S. Grove
  • Publication number: 20040006879
    Abstract: A bow sight is comprised of at least two support structures, each support structure supporting a vertically oriented sight pin. Each support structure is adjustably attached to a mounting member that allows individual vertical adjustment of each support structure. The sight pins may be vertically aligned in an overlying manner to visually provide a single sight pin with multiple sight tips or horizontally aligned but vertically spaced to provide individually vertically adjustable sight tips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Abbas Ben Afshari
  • Publication number: 20040006880
    Abstract: A combination carpenter square and bevel/sliding bevel having three triangle-shaped adjoining legs, with an articulating joint between the hypotenuse leg and each adjoining leg. The other two non-hypotenuse legs are capable of forming a substantially 90 degree angle between the two non-hypotenuse legs to function as a carpenter's square. At least one of the articulating joints at the hypotenuse leg is capable of tightening and loosening. The hypotenuse leg also consists of a slot positioned longitudinally of the hypotenuse leg. The tightening and loosening articulated joint joins the hypotenuse leg with an adjacent non-hypotenuse leg through the slot, which allows the adjacent non-hypotenuse leg movement about the joint relative to the hypotenuse leg to function as a bevel. The articulated joints allow the combination square and bevel/sliding bevel to be folded into a compact shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Christian C. Evans
  • Publication number: 20040006881
    Abstract: An angle measuring tool having pivotally connected members and an angle measurement index with and off center portion positioned so that upon the rotation of one member with respect to the other the angle between the two members can be accurately determined with no possibility of slippage of the angle measurement index due to the off center portion mating with one of the members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Marc Lev Shapiro
  • Publication number: 20040006882
    Abstract: A portable coordinate measurement machine comprises an articulated arm having jointed arm segments. The arm includes a base having an integrated magnet mount therein for attaching the arm to a magnetic surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Simon Raab, Seyed Ali Sajedi, Kenneth J. Haslorchar, Marc Barber
  • Publication number: 20040006883
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting the position of a load port utilized in a semiconductor wafer processing system. Generally, a door opener can be configured for opening a door through which a semiconductor wafer may enter for subsequent positioning and processing thereof by a semiconductor wafer processing system. A load port is associated with the door opener. A calibration mechanism can then be utilized for calibrating the load port for leveling and height positioning, such that a plurality of directional axis associated with the load port do not interfere with one another, thereby conserving calibration time while permitting a single individual to perform calibration operations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yaw-Wen Wu, Tung-Gan Cheng, Tung-Liang Wua, Cheng-Chao Lin, Hsueh-Cheng Lin, Chia-Fu Tsai, Chih-Jung Yeh, Hung-Tse Huang, Ray-Wen Tsai
  • Publication number: 20040006884
    Abstract: An offset tape measuring tool marked with standard English measurements includes integrated indicia for quick determination of distance between bends for a given offset depth and offset angle when installing conduit. Additional indicia may be included for the measurement of the shrinkage of the conduit with respect to the specified offset depths and angles. The integrated invention may be part of a standard tape measure strip to provide a convenient multi-purpose tool. The tool eliminates any external calculations or table reference typically necessary when bending conduit to clear an obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Allen Ekdahl
  • Publication number: 20040006885
    Abstract: A hand held drying device has a body with a front air outlet. A heater, motor and fan are contained in the body. A shroud covers at least a portion of the body, with at least one passage defined between the shroud and the body for communicating air to the fan from at least one air inlet. The shroud reduces the level of noise generated when operating the drying device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Wahl Clipper Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolo Altamore, James E. McCambridge
  • Publication number: 20040006886
    Abstract: A dryer having a filter sensing system that warns a user that a filter requires servicing. The dryer includes a drum that retains laundry. Hot air is drawn through the drum (for drying) and out an exhaust casing having a filter for removing lint and other particles. The temperature difference of the air in front of the filter (on the drum side) and behind the filter is determined using temperature sensors. When that temperature difference exceeds a predetermine threshold a control unit causes a notice unit to produce a warning signal that informs a user that filter service is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Soon-Jo Lee, Hae Deog Jeong
  • Publication number: 20040006887
    Abstract: The present invention provides:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Maurice Ladre, Serge Le Cocq, Gerard Limeuil
  • Publication number: 20040006888
    Abstract: A shoe with permeable/breathable upper that covers, at least partially, an impermeable breathable sole, comprising a sole layer made of rubber connected internally to a wraparound upper made of synthetic or natural leather, the sole layer having nubs that pass through holes of the upper to constitute a tread, at least some of the nubs having at least one through hole, a breathable or perforated protective layer, a membrane permeable to vapor and impermeable to water and a breathable or perforated insole or anatomical inner sole being arranged in succession from below, at least at the holes of the nubs, above the sole layer, the protective layer and the membrane having edges substantially adjacent and joined hermetically to the sole layer and to the inner sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Polegato Moretti
  • Publication number: 20040006889
    Abstract: A shoe includes a hollow base fixed in a through-hole formed in the shoe. The hollow base provides a fluid passage for ventilation or drainage. A lid is attached removably to the hollow base to block the fluid passage. In an embodiment, a solid stud is mounted on the shoe adjacent to the hollow base to retain the lid when the lid is removed from the hollow base. The lid may be elongated and has two closure parts attachable removably and respectively to the hollow base and the stud in a bridging manner. Preferably, the lid is capable of being press-fitted to the hollow base and/or the solid stud. The lid not only functions to close the hollow base but also serves to hold a logo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Eddie Chen
  • Publication number: 20040006890
    Abstract: An outsole for a shoe has a backing layer constituted of a shape-retaining, moldable material and a multitude of fibers flocked thereon to provide the outsole with increased slip resistance and quieter usage. The fibers are resistant to removal during wear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Jon Otis, Michael Safdeye, Michael Stein
  • Publication number: 20040006891
    Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, dual action energy storage and rebound is provided by using a plurality of actuators that move both upwardly and downwardly into corresponding chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Brian A. Russell
  • Publication number: 20040006892
    Abstract: A shoe body (L) for a left foot comprises an outsole body (1). Double-side-slip-preventing projections (3a) and (3b) and another projection (5) are formed on a bottom surface of the outsole body (1). The outsole body (1), the double-side-slip-preventing projections (3a) and (3b) and another projection (5) are formed integrally by a composition containing rubber or synthetic resin as a principal component. Each of the double-side-slip-preventing projections (3a) and (3b) includes a bottom surface to be a grounding surface, a tiptoe side slip prevention wall, and a heel side slip prevention wall. The tiptoe side slip prevention wall is formed substantially along a line to be convex in a tiptoe direction. The heel side slip prevention wall is formed substantially along a line to be convex in a heel direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Kobayashi, Seigou Sakagami
  • Publication number: 20040006893
    Abstract: A shoe pad to be worn by rooftop workers, such as roofing material installers, for added safety. A pad, made from a unitary cut or mold of sponge-like and firm material, such as composite or foam rubber, is designed to nearly mirror the shape of a worker's shoe or boot, such that a conventional shoe or boot may be inserted within the same. The pad is placed under a worker's shoe or boot, and secured with a plurality of adjustable straps. The pad may be safely secured to a worker's shoe or boot by tightening the adjustable straps, preparing the device for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Steven N. Case, Sandra L. Case
  • Publication number: 20040006894
    Abstract: An improved snow plow for use with light and medium duty trucks is disclosed which has a hitch mounting mechanism and method that enables the snow plow to be easily and quickly mounted to and detached from a truck without requiring tools. The snow plow hitch mounting mechanism has four points of attachment between a snow plow-mounted hitching apparatus and a hitch frame mounted at the front of a truck, two points of attachment being at each side. The lower points of attachment are made by initially engaging the snow plow-mounted hitching apparatus with the hitch frame, with the upper points of attachment being engaged by using a releasable retaining mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Lynn W. Schultz, Timothy G. Koch, Terry C. Wendorff
  • Publication number: 20040006895
    Abstract: An improved snow plow for use with light and medium duty trucks is disclosed which has a back blade wearstrip that is made of a wearable, man-made material which is mounted to the rear side of the snow plow blade at the bottom thereof to provide optimal plowing action in a backward direction, and which wearstrip is easily replaceable. The back blade wearstrip is mounted on a bottom plow frame member such that the back blade wearstrip extends downwardly and rearwardly from the bottom plow frame member at an angle to work well when the plow is dragged backward. The back blade wearstrip may be made of a polymeric material, and its design and mounting ensures that it may be replaced quickly and easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Lynn W. Schultz, Timothy G. Koch, Terry C. Wendorff
  • Publication number: 20040006896
    Abstract: An improved snow plow for use with light and medium duty trucks is disclosed which has blade trip springs which are mounted using brackets located to direct the force of the springs in directions which are orthogonal to the axis upon which the plow blade pivots, thereby increasing the predictability of the tripping forces exerted by the trip springs as well as eliminating lateral trip spring forces which could warp the plow blade. The forces exerted by the trip springs are exerted proximate planes which are orthogonal to the pivot points at which the snow plow blade is mounted to the snow plow blade support structure. Either a single trip spring on either side of the snow plow blade or two trip springs on each side of the snow plow blade may be used, and the size of the trip springs is minimized by ensuring that all of the forces which they exert are directed properly in the requisite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Lynn W. Schultz, Timothy G. Koch, Terry C. Wendorff
  • Publication number: 20040006897
    Abstract: The invention comprises a snow plow system capable of attachment to a vehicle. The snow plow system comprises a front snow plow assembly and a rear snow plow assembly. The front snow plow assembly includes a blade, a frame assembly and an attachment system. The attachment system is capable of attaching the blade to the frame assembly. The rear snow plow assembly includes a frame and a blade attached. The frame of the front snow plow assembly and the frame of the rear snow plow assembly comprise an aluminum material having a temper of at least T4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Edward Mullett
  • Publication number: 20040006898
    Abstract: An improved snow plow for use with light and medium duty trucks is disclosed which has a frame which uses an in-line design to eliminate the presence of rotational or torsional force in the frame members of the snow plow, which design provides an improved degree of ground clearance as well. The snow plow frame design supports the swing frame from both the top and the bottom thereof, while also providing an increased level of rigidity and structural integrity. The snow plow frame and the swing frame are thus both located in the same horizontal axis, so that the predominant line of force through each is from the front of the snow plow to the back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Timothy G. Koch, Lynn W. Schultz, Terry C. Wendorff
  • Publication number: 20040006899
    Abstract: A work machine having a frame structure and a digging assembly is disclosed. The work machine includes at least one pivot support supported on the frame structure and a first frame pivotally connected to the at least one pivot support for pivotal movement about a first axis. A second frame is disposed adjacent to the first frame. The second frame includes a top portion and a bottom portion connected by a closed side. The second frame is pivotally connected to the first frame for pivotal movement about a second axis oriented substantially perpendicular to the first axis. A swing frame is connected to the top and bottom portions of the second frame, and is configured to support the digging assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Roger D. Koch
  • Publication number: 20040006900
    Abstract: An ornament display device configured to be mounted on a button or similar shaped member found on the top of conventional hats or the like. The display device of the present invention includes a base configured to be releasably mounted over the button, a flexible stem mounted on the top of the base and extending upwardly, and an ornament or signage member mounted on the upper end of the stem. The device of the present invention permits the ornament or signage member to be removably mounted on a convention athletic hat or cap in a highly visible manner attracting attention to the displayed ornament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael G. Beller
  • Publication number: 20040006901
    Abstract: A bidirectional album for the storage of photographs and the like in which typically rectangular photographs may b retained in either a latitudinal or longitudinal vertical orientation. Each page of an album leaf is partially covered by a transparent sheet attached along several of its edges to a leaf page. Additional lines of attachment between the transparent sheet and leaf page are disposed and oriented so as to permit horizontal storage of photos and the like between the attachment lines. Photos and the like can also be stored in a vertical orientation under the sheet adjacent the storage lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Jason I. Ruebens
  • Publication number: 20040006902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement enabling edge-to-edge joining, by means of a magnetic attractive force, of a first edge portion 811a) of a first panel (11) in a display system to a second edge portion (12b) of a second panel (12), a first magnetised strip (11e) being applied to said first edge portion (11a) and a second magnetised strip (12b) being applied to said second edge portion (12b). The magnetised strips (11e, 12d) are assigned such magnetisation directions (s-n; n-s) that, in a position where the edge portions are in proximity and/or co-operating with each other, they assume a position attracted to each other. Said strips (11e, 12d) consist of a material different from the material of the panel (11, 12). The modulus of elasticity and the thickness (2600 MPa; 0.2 mm) of said panel (11) and the modulus of elasticity and the thickness (100 MPa; 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Christer Zarelius
  • Publication number: 20040006903
    Abstract: A decorative display system having a foam mat with a magnetic backing is provided. The display system includes a resilient foam material that is bonded to a rubberized magnetic sheet. The display system is flexible and readily accepts adhesives and paints used to create personalized designs by a home user. A method of manufacturing a foam mat with a magnetic backing is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Haytas