With Container Patents (Class 362/154)
  • Patent number: 8246190
    Abstract: A beverage serving tray for holding, supporting, carrying and serving beverages including a receptacle plate for holding beverage containers and a bottom plate for supporting the bottom of the beverage containers, a plurality of removable vertical supports located along a perimeter for rigidly supporting and connecting the receptacle plate and the bottom plate at a distance and a cylindrical handle projecting from a side of the bottom plate for carrying the beverage tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Boiteau, Rocio Curran
  • Publication number: 20120206905
    Abstract: A booklight for a protective cover for an eReader, wherein the protective cover includes a pocket for supporting the booklight, the booklight including a base, a light housing assembly having a light source, a manipulatable neck coupled between the base and the light housing assembly, and a base tab rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the base tab includes a first end rotatably coupled to the base tab, and a second end extending from the first end, wherein the second end is a free end, and wherein at least a portion of the free end is configured to engage the pocket of the protective cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: M-EDGE ACCESSORIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick MISH, Jim WARD, Adam ASHLEY
  • Publication number: 20120206907
    Abstract: A tool box, especially a hand tool box, includes a basic box element, that has at least one storage space, which is provided at least for accommodating at least one tool and/or at least one accumulator unit. It is provided that the tool box have at least one light source unit that is at least partially integrated into the basic box element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Thorsten Seidel
  • Patent number: 8240872
    Abstract: An interior lighting system for a security safe is taught which incorporates a power supply that is located within the safe and converts alternating current power to low voltage direct current. An electrical switch is in communication with the power supply and mechanically interfaces with the safe door boltworks which energize the lighting system when the safe door is unlocked and opened. A number of LED lights are disposed within the door edge and connected to the switch. When the door is hinged open the LED lights are energized through the switch and illuminate the interior of the safe until the door is closed and bolted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cannon Safe Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Horn
  • Patent number: 8235567
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided that includes an interior trim component having a light transmissive element. The interior trim component is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light source optically coupled to the light transmissive element at least while the interior trim component is located in the first position. The light source is configured to illuminate a region of a vehicle interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. Hipshier, Nels Smith, Jeffrey T. Stout, Scott A. Hansen, Ronald A. Bozio
  • Patent number: 8220945
    Abstract: An electronic book includes a shell and an illumination device. The shell defines a receiving groove. The illumination device includes a support arm fastened to the shell and an illumination member fixed on the support arm. The illumination device is received in the receiving groove when not in use. The electronic book can be read when the ambient light is too low or in darkness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bao-Jun Huang, Jing Wen
  • Publication number: 20120170256
    Abstract: The present invention relaters to a cryostat (1) having a cryostat chamber (2) containing a microtome (3) for cutting frozen specimens, and further containing an illumination device (4) for illuminating the cryostat chamber (2); the illumination device (4) providing safelight illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventor: Claudia Dorenkamp
  • Patent number: 8206003
    Abstract: An illuminated holder for storing one roll of toilet paper in a protected and conveniently accessible position atop a toilet tank, although positioning in other conveniently accessible locations in a bathroom is also contemplated. The holder has a grooved base, a cylindrical main body, an upwardly-tapering cap, and a light emitting diode (LED) that provides a source of illumination through a translucent light shield positioned between the main body and the cap. A photovoltaic cell and rechargeable battery preferably power the LED light, and a sensor automatically activates the LED light in dimly lit surroundings. One roll of toilet paper is placed on the base at a time, and then covered until needed by the assembled main body, shield, and cap. Optionally, the base may have high-friction feet configured for gripping the top of a toilet tank cover and maintaining the holder in its desired position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Richard W. LaBarge
  • Patent number: 8186853
    Abstract: A single- or multiple-use cleansing or personal care article comprising (i) a flexible, three-dimensional, water-absorbent substrate material comprising a cavity for accepting an electronic device within a waterproof housing, wherein the water-absorbent substrate is comprised of a web of substantially water-insoluble fibers and (ii) an electronic device within a waterproof housing comprised of one or more of a light-emitting device, a sound-emitting device, or an electromechanical vibrating device or a waterproof metered dispenser and either or both of (iii) a pourable soap impregnated into the water-absorbent material in an amount sufficient to produce foam in water having a di- or trivalent cationic salts present at a concentration of at least about 120 mg/L and/or (iv) a solid anhydrous composition having a melting point of from about 450 C to about 550 C said anhydrous composition comprising a haircare or skincare active ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Spongeables, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Popovsky
  • Publication number: 20120120638
    Abstract: The invention provides conspicuity devices and methods. A first embodiment includes a tool band and an elongate lighting device adapted and configured to admit light having an advantageous spectral energy distribution. The device can have many additional and/or alternative passive and/or active conspicuity features, such as lasers, lamps, photoluminescent and retroreflective materials, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8177387
    Abstract: An illumination device is installed in a box body of a toolbox of a construction machine, and is protected by a protective cover. Water that flows into the box body through a weep hole formed in a lid is received by the protective cover and is guided to a water drain hole formed in a bottom plate of the box body. Then, the water is drained to the outside of the box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Konelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Noda, Hiroshi Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 8180103
    Abstract: In an image determining apparatus, a subject-shape presuming unit extracts a shape of a specified subject to be determined based on subject-area position information and structure/surface-height map information, a subject-feature-point extracting unit extracts a feature point based on the shape of the subject to be determined. Further, an otherobject-influence determining unit generates number information based on camera data, the feature point, and the height of a group of surrounding objects, an other-object-influence index calculator calculates an other-object-influence index based on the number information, and a display processor displays video picture data based on the other-object-influence index on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Asako Kitaura, Seiya Shimizu, Motoo Masui
  • Publication number: 20120106139
    Abstract: An electro-optically switchable system that includes an optically active element and a momentary switch, a container that includes such an electro-optically switchable system and use of such an electro-optically switchable system for providing containers that allow increased light to pass through into the interior thereof only for the duration of a control intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Bastian Ewald, Dirk Gerhard, Hartmut Hibst
  • Patent number: 8162520
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for illuminating a console assembly of a vehicle includes a cup holder assembly in the console assembly having a cup-receiving volume. A storage bin in the console assembly has a storage volume. A light source assembly is mounted within the console assembly. The light source assembly illuminates the cup-receiving volume directly and illuminates the storage bin indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
    Inventor: Benjamin Warren Penner
  • Patent number: 8157404
    Abstract: A visible light transporter (1) having a carrier (25) for holding a plurality of lighting devices (L1 through L4). The lighting devices frequently employed as road flares emit a light usually concentrated into a horizontal light beam (HB) and pulsing. Carrier (25) has body 9 constructed of a light transmitting resin which permits light from the held lighting devices to be transmitted with attenuation through body 9 of the carrier. Carrier (25) also includes openings (01 through 04) which permit lighting devices (L1 through L4) to be removeably installed in pockets (S1 through S4) provided for holding the lighting devices. Openings also permit some light to pass unattenuated exterior to carrier (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin F McDermott
  • Patent number: 8152326
    Abstract: A container constructed from a blank of foldable sheet material is provided. The container includes a shell having at least one side wall, a bottom wall, and at least one opening defined through the at least one side wall. The at least one side wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The container also includes a liner having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The liner includes at least one light source coupled to the exterior surface of the liner. The liner is coupled to the shell. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the liner is adjacent to the interior surface of the shell, and the at least one light source is aligned with the at least one opening for emitting light therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. House, Stephen M. Pinney
  • Patent number: 8146216
    Abstract: An urn for storage of ashes having a container and a lighting assembly. The container defines an internal chamber adapted for storage of ashes. The lighting assembly is fixed to the container and includes a hollow sleeve extending from the container, a light bulb socket mounted on an end of the sleeve, and electrical wiring having a first end connected to the light bulb socket and routed along a path within the sleeve, into the chamber and out of the chamber. A manual switch is included for controlling electricity flow to the light bulb socket. A second end of the electrical wiring terminates at an electrical plug adapted for connection to an electricity source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Creager
  • Publication number: 20120075842
    Abstract: A cup holder is provided. The cup holder includes a body having bottom wall and a sidewall extending from the bottom wall. A cavity is defined by an interior surface of the bottom wall and an interior surface of the sidewall. A power source is joined to an exterior surface of the bottom wall of the body. The exterior surface of the bottom wall of the body is opposite the interior surface of the bottom wall of the body. A LED is electrically coupled to the power source. A reflective surface is configured to direct light from the LED along the bottom wall of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CANADA, ULC
    Inventor: KAZUHIRO GOTO
  • Patent number: 8142038
    Abstract: A refrigerator has a door, a lampshade and a lamp set, internal and external clamping walls and a seal retainer formed on the frame of the door. The lampshade and the lamp are set on the inner side of the frame of the door. The lamp is installed on the inner side of the doorframe, so that on the one hand the inner space of the refrigerator is not occupied by the illuminating device, and on the other hand, damage to the lamp caused by placing or taking goods relative to the refrigerator is prevented. Also, the lamp is installed on the door, and the light generated by the lamp irradiates inwardly to enhance the illuminating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Haier Group Corporation, Quingdao Haier Special Freezer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Biao Li, Jingchun Wang, Kailong Ren, Fumin Wu, Wen Zhang
  • Patent number: 8142044
    Abstract: A glove box with a sealed containment area delimited at least partially by a wall having a an inner partition facing the sealed containment area, an outer partition spaced from the inner partition and located outside of the containment area, and a lighting means with a light source housed between the inner partition and the outer partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Areva NC
    Inventors: Serge Lecoutre, Christophe Coudiere
  • Patent number: 8136957
    Abstract: A holding apparatus for television remotes, pens/pencils, paper and other personal items intended for bedside use by hospital patients, is herein disclosed, comprising a plurality of pockets or pouches to hold said personal items. According to a preferred embodiment, a center pocket would hold larger items and a pair of outer pockets would hold narrow objects. The apparatus is secured by a pair of straps that originate from the top rear portion of the outer pouches and secures about the railing of the hospital bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Sylvet Balcarran
  • Publication number: 20120026725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for providing a light source for activating a luminescent object. In general, the system comprises a housing formed of at least two portions that are either separable or form a unitary housing depending on the embodiment. A first portion of the housing forms a light containment cavity, having at least one opening configured for receiving the luminescent object. A second portion of the housing is configured to contain a light source for providing light for activating the luminescent object. One or more light switches are located on the outside of the housing for activating the light source. In some embodiments, the opening is configured such that it can be covered by a user's hand to prevent light from escaping from the light containment cavity when the light source is activated. In some embodiments, one light switch is positioned relative to the opening so that the user can cover the opening and manipulate the light switch with one hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Keith Norman Johnson
  • Patent number: 8104914
    Abstract: A light device and packaging assembly having packaging containing a product. The product may be a solar powered light device. The packaging includes a switch that is operable to activate the product while the product is still within the packaging so that a user may observe operation of the product without removing the product from the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Simon N. Richmond
  • Publication number: 20120002404
    Abstract: An illuminated candy or other merchandise bucket or carrier is provided for use by children on Halloween, or other holidays. The structure of the bucket is a double-layered or walled carrier, with LED light, or other illuminated source, established between the layered inner and outer walls for the formed carrier. The carrier may look like a lantern from the outside, with a bucket structure upon its inside, so as to add to the convenience of its conveyance. When it is used at night, it provides a clear path illuminated for the child so as to avoid any accident or injury. Furthermore, the parent or others, such as a driver, will be able to see the lighted carrier, so as to avoid any accident.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Chun C. Ma, Pu Ma
  • Patent number: 8089221
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device (1) with a number of light emitters, for example LEDs (L1, L2, L3, L4) of individual emission spectra. Sensor units (D1, D2, D3, D4) can produce a vector of measurement signals (S1, S2, S3, S4) that represent the light output of a single active light emitter. Based on a linear relation obtained during a calibration procedure, a characteristic value of the light output of that light emitter (L1, L2, L3, L4) is then calculated from the measurement vector, wherein said characteristic value is based on the coefficients of a decomposition of the individual emission spectrum into basis functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Christoph Martiny
  • Publication number: 20110305008
    Abstract: A system provides illumination in conjunction with a carrying container. The system includes an interior illumination source; a power source; and an actuation device, operatively connected between the interior illumination source and the power source. An actuator operatively engages the actuation device such that the interior illumination source is activated to provide illumination in response to the actuator being operatively engage with the actuation device and independent of an access state of the carrying container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Aja A. Berger
  • Patent number: 8075160
    Abstract: A product display system is disclosed. The product display system provides various means for illuminating products displayed. External and internal illumination means are disclosed, as well as internal and external power sources. In some embodiments, the displayed product switches from an external power source to an internal power source when the product is removed, allowing the product to remain illuminated for a considerable length of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: JRZ Associates, LLC
    Inventor: James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20110280038
    Abstract: Illumination systems and methods that utilize the higher or outer portions of the optical solid-angle space to increase the illumination intensity are disclosed. The illumination systems and methods include introducing illumination light through at least one side surface of a transparent slide that operably supports a sample on its top surface. The light fills at least a portion of the optical solid-angle space between 1 and n, and extends out to n. Light from the filled portion of the optical solid-angle space illuminates the sample through the top surface of the transparent slide. The disclosed illumination systems and methods are suitable for use in applications, such as dark-field imaging, fluorescence imaging, Raman spectroscopy, DNA analysis and like applications requiring high-intensity illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Hwan J. Jeong
  • Publication number: 20110235354
    Abstract: An illuminated cup holder assembly for a vehicle includes at least one side wall and a base wall together defining a cup holder recess. The base wall has a light transmissive portion. An illumination source is secured to an underside of the base wall for illuminating the cup holder recess through the light transmissive portion of the base wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Joshua T. Glazier
  • Patent number: 8021007
    Abstract: A concealed emergency lighting system that includes a lamp assembly box and a power source box and a method for installing the emergency lighting system is disclosed. The lamp assembly box has a face plate and a front door pivotably moveable between an open and a closed position and a lamp assembly. The power source box includes a battery and other electrical components that are connected to the lamp assembly. The emergency lighting system can also include a mounting bracket with screws, a flexible support and a flexible armored cable. The method of installing the concealed emergency lighting system includes the steps of: forming an opening in a wall; attaching the mounting bracket to a stud through the opening; connecting the power source; inserting the power source box and the lamp assembly box through the opening; and securing the lamp assembly box to the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Radu Cornel Rapeanu, Donald Ermekeil, Chantal Dorval
  • Patent number: 8002430
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a portable article illumination system with an enclosure disposed between openings in the interior and external surfaces of a portable article. A removable illumination device may be disposed within the enclosure such as a selectably engageable portable lighting device. The interior and exterior openings may each be substantially covered by transparent and opaque members respectively. The transparent members cover the interior and exterior openings and are disposed proximal to the enclosure with respect to the opaque members. The transparent members may further provide optical pathways between the enclosure and the interior and/or exterior region. The opaque members substantially cover the transparent members thereby optically obstructing the optical pathways which extend from the enclosure through the corresponding transparent member to the interior or exterior region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Tactical Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Greg Kennedy, Douglas Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8002429
    Abstract: A lantern candle comprises a candle and a cup for receiving it, wherein the cup comprises a casing made of absorbent material such as paper or cardboard or a multi-layer laminate based thereon, which is soaked with a wax so that the casing is substantially immediately translucent upon lighting the candle. A method for making a lantern candle comprises the steps of forming a casing by preparing an absorbent material such as paper or cardboard or a multi-layer laminate based thereon, forming a cup for receiving a candle by joining a bottom to the casing, introducing a candle wax and a wick into the prepared cup, and soaking the absorbent material or the paper or cardboard with wax, so as to render it substantially immediately translucent upon lighting the candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: SER S.p.A
    Inventors: Piergiorgio Ambroggio, Giuseppe Ambroggio
  • Patent number: 7988317
    Abstract: Provided is a storage case which can be opened and closed by a main body and a cover, including: an electric power switch having function of an electric contact switch added to a locking unit between the body and the cover; a lamp which emits light and flickers by electric power supplied according to an on- or off-state of the electric power switch; a half mirror which operates as a mirror or a glass plate through change of light transmissivity; a general mirror located at the back of the storage case for reflectivity of light; and a light transfer medium positioned within a gap space between the half mirror and the general mirror, and controls a refractive index of light, to reveal a feeling of solidity. Through self-lighting in the storage case, values of jewels, cosmetics etc., contained in the storage case as well as the storage case can be heightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Chang Hwan Kang
  • Publication number: 20110164410
    Abstract: A dedicated electronic book (“eBook”) reader device and a reading light are described. The reading light may be embedded in a cover for the eBook reader device. The cover may draw power from the eBook reader device and provide that power to the reading light. The reading light may be attached to the cover by a flexible connector that, when withdrawn from the cover, automatically positions the reading light to illuminate an electronic display of the eBook reader device. In one implementation, the flexible connector is made of shape-memory alloy. The reading light may be oriented within the cover such that the reading light extends from a corner of the cover at an approximately 45 degree angle from a spine of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hebenstreit, Amrinder Pal Singh Siani, Wilfrido Loor Canizares
  • Patent number: 7967464
    Abstract: The Invention is an apparatus for displaying a medallion in an item of memorabilia. The item of memorabilia defines a cavity. A holder is configured to be contained within the cavity and defines a medallion-receiving opening selectably receiving the medallion. The holder contains an LED lamp oriented generally parallel to the display surface of the medallion. The LED lamp causes the relief of the medallion to cast a shadow on the display surface of the medallion. The lustrous metal of the medallion reflects light from the relief to an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Phillip Ratmansky, Joel David Ratmansky
  • Publication number: 20110138905
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus is disclosed. The lighting apparatus is capable of achieving improved aesthetics by irradiating mood lighting into a storage container and also, of functioning to display a variety of status information about the storage container to the outside and to sterilize the interior of the storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Ji Young KIM, Eun Seok Choi, Ji Hye Hwang, Mi Sun Hwang, Hae Rim Park, Min Su Park
  • Patent number: 7961305
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an internal reflection light funnel, including an internal reflection cone having a first diameter at an entrance end and a second diameter at an exit end, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter; and a light source embedded within the cone. The funnel has a half angle of less than about 25 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Zhi Xu, Robert D. Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 7961304
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a light illumination funnel. The funnel includes a first opening positioned to receive an incoming light source, a second opening positioned opposite the first opening and with a diameter smaller than the first opening and inner reflective walls, in contact with the first opening and second opening. The funnel has a half angle of less than 25 degrees. Embodiments also relate to a light collection funnel and an apparatus utilizing both a light illumination funnel and light collection funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventor: Zhi Xu
  • Publication number: 20110090677
    Abstract: The present invention includes a collapsible lighting device comprising: (a) a container having a base portion and optional lid portion, that is adapted to be reversibly moved from a closed position to an open position; (b) at least one light source disposed in the container; and (c) a collapsible envelope of a diffuser material disposed in the container, and adapted to be reversibly moved from a contained position defining a contained volume within the container when the container is in the closed position, to a deployed position when the container is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: FRONTIER LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Fett, Robert J. Hayes, Matt Bowers, Don Staufenberg, Jamison J. Float, James Lua
  • Patent number: 7914165
    Abstract: A configurable beverage container comprises a container body defining a central axis and bounded by non-opaque sides, an openable top, and a bottom defining a cavity in which a liquid can be retained. The container body includes a connector, such as a set of female thread portions, located on a lower end of the container body adjacent the container body bottom. The configurable container further includes an accessory having an accessory connector (e.g. male thread) located on a top end thereof and another (e.g. female thread) on a bottom thereof, with the top end configured to be coupled to the container body connector along a long axis of the container body. Examples of accessories include a first-aid kit, a GPS, a power source, and a flashlight. The flashlight accessory may further include an inward-shining light adapted to shine into the beverage container cavity and turn it into a lantern. Multiple accessories may be coupled in serial fashion in any configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Life+Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Bertken
  • Publication number: 20100296273
    Abstract: A container includes a container body and an image presentation arrangement. The container body includes a solid base and a surrounding wall, wherein the solid base has a refraction face at a bottom face of the solid base and a viewing face at an outer surrounding face of the solid base to define a refraction angle between the refraction face and the viewing face. The image presentation arrangement includes one or more characters integrally formed at the refraction face of the solid base, wherein the virtual images of the characters are projected on the viewing surface by means of refraction for enhancing a decorative aesthetic appearance of the container body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiung Lien
  • Patent number: 7832890
    Abstract: A facial tissue container having an internal light source includes a window opening and frame for receiving and retaining the light source, a sealed sanitary barrier or cover over the window opening, and a powered LED unit, including a printed circuit board operably connected to multiple LEDs, a switch mechanism for operating the LEDs, and a power supply, a retaining mechanism for reversibly attaching the powered LEDs to the window frame. The light source also preferably also includes a dimmer switch mechanism for controlling LED brightness, and a switch mechanism for filtering the LEDs to emit colored light, and for changing colors based on predetermined patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Billin Jesse
  • Patent number: 7810964
    Abstract: A light fixture comprises a housing configured to store a plurality of light bulbs therein, wherein at least one of the light bulbs is located in a non-illumination position within the housing. The light fixture may also comprise an openable door such that at least one light bulb is coupled to the door. The light fixture may also comprise an actuatable mechanism that releases the light fixture from a fixed position when actuated to enable variable positioning of the light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Max Alan Probasco
  • Patent number: 7806551
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a bowl having an opening. The opening includes a plurality of movable members movable between a first position and a second position. The first position is a closed position in which the movable members are connected and support items in the bowl. The second position is an open position and allows a hand to enter the opening. The apparatus includes a circuit that includes a switch operably connected to said moveable members such that a light turns on upon said moveable members being in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Jackson River Phipps
  • Patent number: 7806552
    Abstract: A lighted cooler includes a thermally-insulated cooler body having a cooler body interior, at least one lid carried by the cooler body and closeable over the cooler body interior, a front body panel carried by the cooler body, a transparent light panel carried by the cooler body in spaced-apart relationship with respect to the front body panel, a plurality of lights carried by the front body panel adjacent to the transparent light panel, a power source electrically connected to the plurality of lights and a light control button electrically connected between the power source and the plurality of lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Terry L. St. Julien
  • Patent number: 7806548
    Abstract: A multifunctional and portable magnetic light assembly includes a magnetic base section with a unitary and single body provided with a planar bottom surface and a power cable provided with an adaptor removably mated directly thereto. The assembly further includes a power-operated light-emitting source electrically mated to the power cable and directly coupled to the base section in such a manner that the light-emitting source is selectively adjustable along an arcuate path oriented above the base section. The light emitting source further includes an anchor shaft and an illuminable light source. The assembly further includes a mechanism for removably securing a plurality of existing hand tools to the base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Sergio Ayala
  • Patent number: 7798335
    Abstract: An apparatus for organizing articles of clothing is disclosed, including a housing having first and second drums rotatably mounted thereto. A drive system is used for rotating a belt around the first and second drums. The belt includes a plurality of hooks for hanging articles thereon. In one embodiment, the apparatus mounts on a closet rod and further includes a posterior end with an adjustable telescoping sleeve to stabilize the mounted apparatus against a wall. The apparatus can include a removable battery pack mounted to the underside of the apparatus. The removable battery pack can have a light bulb mounted on it to illuminate the selection of articles on the hooks. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a rod-mounting apparatus that has a length that prevents or minimizes entanglement of articles hanging on the apparatus with other articles hanging near the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson
  • Publication number: 20100213392
    Abstract: An illumination chamber for illuminating an object with substantially uniform illumination and providing an image of the object, the illumination chamber includes a generally 6-faced polyhedron opaque housing, which encloses a light mixing chamber. The housing includes an object transparent glass sheet, an image transparent glass sheet and at least one light source disposed inside the housing. The object transparent glass sheet is disposed at a first of the two larger faces of the 6-faced polyhedron and image transparent glass sheet is disposed at the second large face of the 6-faced polyhedron, opposing the object glass sheet. The object to be images, typically a document, is disposed immediately adjacent to the external surface of the object transparent glass sheet. The image of the objects exits the housing through the image transparent glass sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Iuval Hatzav, Ilan Ben-Shahar, Giyora Sharaby, Daniel Hatzav
  • Patent number: 7775675
    Abstract: A container having a compartment for retaining personal objects such as eyeglasses comprises a transducer which activates the container in response to a specified user action in proximity to the container. In some embodiments, the transducer is a motion detector and is activated in response to user motion. In other embodiments, the transducer comprises a speech recognition module and is activated in response to the user's voicing a specified utterance. Some embodiments become illuminated upon activation. Some embodiments produce a sound upon activation, enabling the user to locate the container. Some embodiments have a normally closed lid which opens upon activation. Some lidded embodiments are normally locked and become unlocked upon activation. Some embodiments of the container further normally provide low level lighting, thereby enabling the container to serve as a night light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Wayne Hamm
  • Patent number: 7766525
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a front door having an upper edge, a front cover disposed in front of the front door; and an optical status display device mounted on the household appliance. The one optical status display device is hidden in a built-in state of the household appliance or is hidden when the front door is closed. The optical status display device is located at a spacing from the upper edge of the front door. The household appliance also includes a light guide for transmitting a signal light emitted by the optical status display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Rosenbauer, Bernd Schessl