Patent Application
20110072566
All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
“Body armor” generally is understood to encompass an article of protective clothing that provides a measure of protection against projectiles fired from handguns, shotguns and rifles. Body armor is typically worn by members of police forces, the military personnel, and private security personnel. Body armor commonly is referred to as a bulletproof vest; however, this may be a misnomer, as the vests may provide little or no protection against rifle ammunition or even against handgun ammunition fired from a pistol-caliber carbine, depending upon the level of armor of the vest. As used herein, the term “vest” is intended to refer to such body armor. A generic example of such a vest is illustrated in
Vests commonly are made from Kevlar™ material. Vests further may be augmented with metal, such as steel or titanium; ceramic; or polyethylene plates that provide additional protection to vital areas above and beyond protection provided by Kevlar™ material. Known as “trauma plates,” this additional armor plating has proven effective against bullets fired from handguns and some rifles. Such vests have become standard in military use, as advances in ballistic technology have rendered vests made only from Kevlar™ materials generally ineffective. Titanium backing typically is used.
In principal, a vest does not protect the wearer by deflecting a bullet. Instead, the individual layers of material catch the bullet and spread its force over a larger portion of the body, deforming the round and stopping the bullet before it can penetrate into the body. While a vest can prevent a bullet from penetrating, the wearer could still receive blunt force trauma from the momentum of the bullet, with results ranging from bruises to serious internal injuries. Also, it offers little protection against bladed weapons, such as knives or arrows, because these weapons rely on penetration. Bullets, on the other hand, depend on sharp impact, which is what the vest is designed to counter. To protect against the latter form of attack, an outer surface of a vest may be coated with tiny crystals of a sandpaper-like material or placing a very thin plate of resin hardened glass-fiber sheet between the Kevlar™ layers.
When worn, it is important for a vest to be disposed in snug fit with the body of the wearer. The protection afforded by the vest may be degraded if the vest is worn in a loose fit permitting play between the vest and the body. On the other hand, a snug fit may be less comfortable than a loose fit, and a wearer may prefer the ability to alternate between a loose fit and a snug fit depending on the currently perceived threat level.
A vest conventionally is secured onto the body of wearer in a snug fit using straps having releasable fasteners. Such releasable fasteners include hook-and-loop engagement elements, such as Velcro™ fasteners, and/or quick-release buckles. Furthermore, the straps themselves may be resilient. Dragone et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,373,582; Davis et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,140; and Bachner, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,399 collectively disclose such representative straps and fasteners for vests, the entirety of each patent of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Unfortunately, it can be cumbersome to loosen a vest into a loose fit disposition, and/or to tighten a vest into a snug fit disposition, for several reasons. First, loosening or tightening the vest generally requires manipulation of two or more fasteners. For example, the loosening of each side portion of a vest generally requires the release of at least one fastener corresponding to each side portion. The further loosening of the shoulders of the vest similarly generally requires the release of at least one fastener corresponding to each shoulder, if the vest can be loosened in the shoulders at all. Second, access to the required fasteners may be inhibited, such as by clothing if the vest is worn under one or more garments. Access to the required fasteners also may require access to different areas of the vest, including a right hand side of the vest and a left hand side of the vest. Moreover, such access may require the use of each hand as opposed to use of either just the left or the right hand.
Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, it has been recognized that a need exists for improvements in vests relating to the selective tensioning of a vest and the selective loosening of a vest. One or more such needs are met by one or more vests in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
The present invention includes many aspects and features. In one aspect of the invention, an article of adjustably fitted protective apparel includes a vest and an adjustable tensioning system for selective tensioning of the vest.
In accordance with this aspect, the adjustable tensioning system includes a rotary tension adjuster that is disposed on the vest. The rotary tension adjuster includes a housing and a first spool disposed within the housing. A first tensioning line extends from the housing and is attached to the vest. A portion of the first tensioning line is configured to be wound upon the first spool during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in a first rotational direction thereof, and winding of the portion of the first tensioning line onto the first spool results in drawing of first portions of the vest together for providing a snug fit of the first portions of the vest when worn.
The attachment of the tensioning line to the vest may be direct or indirect. For instance, the first tensioning line may be attached indirectly to the vest by a quick-release buckle that is attached to the vest.
The vest may comprise a ballistic vest having one or more protective panels. The first tensioning line is flexible and capable of conveying tension. Furthermore, the first tensioning line may comprise a mono-filament material or a multi multi-filament material. The first tensioning line further may be a cable, and may be made from nylon.
In a feature, the first tensioning line extends from the rotary tension adjuster and also returns to the rotary tension adjuster.
In another feature, the adjustable tensioning system further includes a second spool disposed within the housing and a second tensioning line extending from the housing and attached directly or indirectly to the vest. A portion of the second tensioning line is configured to be wound upon the second spool during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in a second rotational direction thereof, and winding of the portion of the second tensioning line on the second spool results in the drawing together of second portions of the vest for providing a snug fit of the second portions of the vest when worn.
With further regard to this feature, a third tensioning line also may extend from the housing and be attached directly or indirectly to the vest, and a portion of the third tensioning line also may be configured to be wound upon the first spool during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in the first rotational direction thereof, whereby winding of the portion of the third tensioning line on the first spool results in the drawing together of third portions of the vest for providing a snug fit of the third portions of the vest when worn.
Moreover, a fourth tensioning line also may extend from the housing and be attached directly or indirectly to the vest, and a portion of the fourth tensioning line may be configured to be wound upon the second spool during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in the second rotational direction thereof, whereby winding of the portion of the fourth tensioning line on the first spool results in the drawing of fourth portions of the vest together for providing a snug fit of the fourth portions of the vest when worn.
Additionally, the first and third tensioning lines may form a continuous loop and the second and fourth tensioning lines may form a continuous loop. The first portions of the vest may comprise front and rear shoulder portions of the vest, the third portions of the vest may comprise front and rear shoulder portions of the vest, the second portions of the vest may comprise front and rear side portions of the vest, and the fourth portions of the vest may comprise front and rear side portions of the vest. The first and third tensioning lines may be attached to the shoulder portions of the vest, and the second and third tensioning lines may be attached to the side portions of the vest.
In another feature of this aspect, the first tensioning line is attached to a clip that is releasably fastened to an anchor location out of a plurality of anchor locations that are located on the vest. The plurality of anchor locations may be disposed along a portion of the vest at increasing distances from the rotary tension adjuster. These anchor locations further may be defined by a band that is attached to the vest, and the band may be formed from an elastic material and include elastic characteristics.
In still yet another feature of this aspect, the adjustable tensioning system further comprises a second rotary tension adjuster disposed on the vest from which a second tensioning line extends. The second tensioning line is attached directly or indirectly to the vest, and a portion of the second tensioning line is configured to be wound upon a first spool of the second rotary tension adjuster during manipulation of the second rotary tension adjuster in a first rotational direction thereof, whereby the winding of the portion of the second tensioning line on the second spool results in the drawing of second portions of the vest together for providing a snug fit of the second portions of the vest when worn.
In another feature of this aspect, further manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster permits separation of the first portions of the vest, thereby providing a loose fit of the first portions of the vest when worn.
In still yet another feature of this aspect, the rotary tension adjuster is generally centered on a front portion of the vest.
In another feature, the rotary tension adjuster is disposed within a pocket of the vest. The pocket includes an opening through with a dial of the rotary tension adjuster extends for manipulation thereof by a wearer of the vest.
In still yet another feature of this aspect, the adjustable tensioning system further includes a distribution channel system through which the tensioning line extends. A first distribution channel of the distribution channel system sheathes the first tensioning line.
With further regard to this feature, the first distribution channel may comprise an elongate section that sheathes the first tensioning line and an outrigger section that extends from the elongate section to provide stability and support to the elongate section during tensioning of the first tensioning line. The first distribution channel also may comprise a layer of material that is attached to a surface of the vest in overlapping relation to the first tensioning line and include a tubular member through which the first tensioning line extends, with the layer of material overlapping the tubular member in which the first tensioning line extends. The distribution channel system further may includes C-shaped sections proximate side portions of the vest and/or proximate shoulder portions of the vest.
In another feature of this aspect, the first tensioning line fully encircles a wearer of the vest by extending from the rotary tension adjuster, passing through a left upper torso distribution channel formed in a front portion of the vest, passing through a left line spreader, passing through a distribution channel formed in a back portion of the vest, passing through a right line spreader, passing through a right upper torso distribution channel formed in another front portion of the vest, and returning to the rotary tension adjuster.
In still yet another feature, a second tensioning line extends from the housing and is attached directly or indirectly to the vest. A portion of the second tensioning line is configured to be wound upon the first spool during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in the first rotational direction thereof, whereby winding of the portion of the second tensioning line on the first spool also results in the drawing of the first portions of the vest together for providing a snug fit of the first portions of the vest when worn.
With further regard to this feature, the first tensioning line also includes an upper side torso tensioning line that extends from the rotary tension adjuster toward a side portion of the vest, and wherein the second tensioning line comprises a lower side torso tensioning line that extends from the rotary tension adjuster toward the side portion below and in spaced relation to the upper side torso tensioning line.
Furthermore, both the upper side torso tensioning line and the lower side torso tensioning line may be attached to the side portion of the vest by a line spreader. The line spreader may be attached to a back portion of the vest by a quick-release buckle. The line spreader also may comprises a rigid, elongate member that maintains a fixed distance between opposed ends thereof, and the upper and lower side torso tensioning lines may be attached to the line spreader at respective opposed ends thereof, whereby bunching or gathering of the vest about the midriff is prevented during tensioning of the side portions.
The upper and lower side torso tensioning lines also may comprise separate lines that are attached at opposite respective ends thereof to the line spreader and to the rotary tensioner adjuster; and the upper and lower torso lines may pass through the line spreader and through distribution channels formed in the side portions of the vest to attach to a back portion of the vest. Alternatively, the upper and lower side torso tensioning lines are respective portions of a single line; the single line forming the upper and lower side torso tensioning lines may slide freely through a channel defined by the line spreader; and an end of the single line may be anchored to the rotary tension adjuster with the opposite end being spooled within the rotary tension adjuster or opposite ends of the single line both may be spooled within the rotary tension adjuster.
In still yet another feature, the rotary tension adjuster is selectively detachable and reattachable to a plurality of different locations on a front portion of the vest. In this regard, the adjustable tensioning system may include a base plate upon which the rotary tension adjuster is mounted, the base plate may include hook-and-loop fasteners, and the front portion of the vest may include hook-and-loop fasteners that couple with the hook-and-look fasteners of the base place for selective detachment and reattachment of the base plate to the front portion of the vest at different locations.
In another feature, the adjustable tensioning system includes a joiner connecting the first tensioning line to a plurality of tensioning belts, each tensioning belt being attached to the vest. The joiner may link the first tensioning line to three tensioning belts, and the first tensioning line may be attached to the joiner for rotational movement of the joiner relative to the first tensioning line at the location of the attachment.
In still another feature, the first tensioning line extends from the rotary tension adjuster to a side portion of the vest and is connected to an elastic cord that passes freely through loops respectively attached to the front and rear side portions of the vest, thereby defining serpentine configuration of the elastic cord. The loops may be disposed in fixed spaced relation by a rigid spreader bar for preventing bunching, gathering or migration of the rear side portions of the vest during tensioning of the first tensioning line.
In another aspect of the invention, an article of adjustably fitted protective apparel includes a vest and a rotary tension adjuster that draws within a housing of the rotary tension adjuster a tensioning line during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in a first rotational direction thereof. The apparel further includes means for tensioning a portion of the vest into a snug fit on a body of a wearer of the vest as a result of the drawing, into the housing of the rotary tension adjuster, of the tensioning line during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in the first rotational direction thereof.
In a feature of this aspect, the rotary tension adjuster further draws in to the housing thereof another tensioning line during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in a second rotational direction thereof; and the apparel further includes means for tensioning the vest into a snug fit on a body of a wearer of the vest as a result of the drawing, into the housing of the rotary tension adjuster, of the other tensioning line during manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster in the second rotational direction thereof.
In yet another aspect of the invention, a method for adjustably tensioning an article of protective apparel includes the step of manipulating a rotary tension adjuster in a first rotational direction thereof to draw together first sections of a vest.
In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes the step of manipulating the rotary tension adjuster in a second rotational direction thereof opposite to the first rotational direction thereof to draw together second sections of the vest. Each step of manipulating the rotary tension adjuster preferably comprises manually rotating a dial of the rotary tension adjuster.
In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further includes the various possible combinations of such aspects and features.
Further applicability of adjustable tensioning systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while setting forth one more preferred embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Further aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:
As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”
When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like components throughout the several views, protective apparel having adjustable tensioning systems in accordance preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
The adjustable tensioning system 30 comprises a rotary tension adjuster 32 and a plurality of tensioning lines 34, 36, while the channel distribution system 20 includes a plurality of distribution channels 22. As illustrated, the end portions of each tensioning line 34, 36 are spooled or otherwise gathered within the rotary tension adjuster 32. Each tensioning line 34, 36 extends in a continuous loop from the rotary tension adjuster 32 proximal the sternum area of the vest 10, passes through various distribution channels 22 formed or disposed in the front portion of the vest 10, finally returning again to the rotary tension adjuster 32. Manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster 32 in one sense effects the withdrawing of portions of the tensioning lines from the distribution channels 22 into the adjuster 32, thereby tightening of the vest 10. Manipulation of the rotary tension adjuster 32 in another sense effects the releasing of portions of the tensioning lines 34, 36 from the adjuster 32, thereby loosening the vest 10.
As shown in
Each distribution channel further may comprise an elongate section, which sheathes the a tensioning line, as well as an outrigger section 28, which extends from the elongate section to provide stability and support to the elongate section during tensioning of the lines.
Returning to
Optionally, yoke portions of the vest 10 that extend from the pectoral area, passing over the collar bone area, and toward the shoulder blade area are constructed of extensible fabric that is elasticized to stretch and retract to avoid bunching or gathering of the material as the fit of the vest 10 is adjusted and as the wearer of the vest 10 moves about. Similarly, side portions of the vest 10 that extend from the frontal torso to the rear torso passing over the ribs under the arms are optionally constructed of extensible fabric. Thus, while protective front and back portions of the vest 10 may each comprise woven carbon fiber ballistic shield material that is not generally extensible, an adjustable and comfortable fit is facilitated by the rotary tension adjuster 32, multiple tensioning lines 34, 36, and extensible yoke and side portions of the vest 10.
The distribution channels 22 formed in the front portion of the vest 10 are made more apparent in
The rotary tension adjuster 32 of a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises one of the coplanar cranks disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,357. Other rotary tension adjusters or cranks 132 also may be used, including those of the other incorporated references, such as the coaxial cranks disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/129,900.
Although a complete description of such a dual-spool rotary tension adjuster 32 is provided in the referenced patent applications and thus is not provided herein, the rotary tension adjuster 32 may be generally described as follows. Two spools within the rotary tension adjuster 32 are driven to coil and tension the respective lines 34, 36 by rotation of a disk-shaped handle or dial 33 that is manually turned. Manual turning of the dial 33 in a first rotational direction, for example clockwise, drives (by geared engagement) a first spool to thereby coil and tension one or more lines 34. Manual turning of the dial 33 in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, for example counter-clockwise, drives a second spool to thereby coil and tension one or more other lines 36. A pair of symmetric opposed end portions 35 of the rotary tension adjuster 32 are provided for releasing the spools to rotate freely. Each end portion 35 corresponds to and releases a particular one of the two spools of the rotary tension adjuster 32. The pressing by the user of one of the end portions 35 releases a respective spool to rotate freely, thereby releasing the tension in the respective line 34, 36 and allowing extension of the line 34, 36 from the rotary tension adjuster 32.
The distribution channels 122 formed in the front portion of the vest 110 are made more apparent in
Each tensioning line 134 is generally strong and capable of supporting tension, is flexible and is capable of being wound about a spool. Tensioning lines 134 each may comprise a mono-filament material or a multi-filament material and may be natural or synthetic fibers. Alternately the tensioning lines 134 may be formed of one or more metals and, for example, may comprise cables. Alternately the tensioning lines 134 may be formed from nylon.
Optionally, yoke portions of the vest 110 that extend from the pectoral area, passing over the collar bone area, and toward the shoulder blade area are constructed of extensible fabric that is elasticized to stretch and retract to avoid bunching or gathering of the material as the fit of the vest 110 is adjusted and as the wearer of the vest 110 moves about. Similarly, side portions of the vest 110 that extend from the frontal torso to the rear torso passing over the ribs under the arms are optionally constructed of extensible fabric. Thus, while protective front and back portions of the vest 10 may each comprise woven carbon fiber ballistic shield material that is not generally extensible, an adjustable and comfortable fit is facilitated by the rotary tension adjuster 132, multiple tensioning lines 134, and extensible yoke and side portions of the vest 110. A side portion of the vest 110 is shown in a loosened configuration in
In
In one variation of the vest 110 of
In another variation of the vest 110 of
In yet another variation (not shown) of the vest 110 of
In still another variation (not shown) of the vest 110 of
Although not shown, it will be understood that the vest 110 may be donned under a shirt. An advantage of the placement of the rotary tension adjuster 132, disposed along the axis defined by the vertical line of buttons of the shirt, is apparent as the adjuster 132 is easily exposed for manipulation by reaching between buttons or by releasing a minimum number of buttons of the shirt. Manipulation of the adjuster 132 is thereby possible without removing the shirt and without a need for un-tucking the shirt (when the bottom of the shirt is tucked into pants). Thus the vest 110 can be worn discreetly and readily adjusted conveniently.
As illustrated, the rotary tension adjuster 132 may be of the type described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/129,900. However, other rotary tension adjusters 32 or cranks may also be used, including those of the other incorporated references, such as the coplanar cranks disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,357.
The rotary tension adjuster 432 in
As stated with regard to one or more of the previous embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that the control for the rotary tension adjuster is easily accessed for manipulation such as, for example, by reaching between buttons of a shirt or by releasing a minimum number of buttons of the shirt for rotation of the control dial. Thus, a vest can be worn discreetly and readily adjusted conveniently while being worn. While the embodiments shown in the figures and described in detail herein relate particularly to upper torso protective ballistic vests, the invention is applicable to protective apparel in general. For example, the invention is applicable to personal floatation devices, life vests, life jackets, water ski vests, and wake board vests. Furthermore, the invention is applicable to body armor for military and police personnel, as well as to any protective apparel worn by citizens or protective gear worn by athletes. Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,357, filed Feb. 24, 2006, which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/______, and which is a continuation-in-part of each of (A) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/222,549, filed Sep. 9, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/123,942, filed May 6, 2005, which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0015988 A1, and which is a nonprovisional of 60/569,304, 60/608,397, and 60/656,335, and (B) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/123,900 filed May 6, 2005, which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0247813 A1, and which is a nonprovisional of 60/569,304, 60/608,397, and 60/656,335; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/123,942, filed May 6, 2005, which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0015988 A1, and which is a nonprovisional of 60/569,304, 60/608,397, and 60/656,335; and (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/123,900, filed May 6, 2005, which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0247813 A1, and which is a nonprovisional of 60/569,304, 60/608,397, and 60/656,335. This application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/656,335, filed Feb. 25, 2005. The entire disclosure of each of these patent applications and patent application publications is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60569304 | May 2004 | US | |
| 60608397 | Sep 2004 | US | |
| 60656335 | Feb 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11276357 | Feb 2006 | US |
| Child | 11276400 | US | |
| Parent | 11222549 | Sep 2005 | US |
| Child | 11276357 | US | |
| Parent | 11123942 | May 2005 | US |
| Child | 11222549 | US | |
| Parent | 11123900 | May 2005 | US |
| Child | 11222549 | US |
