The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for generating conversation, provoking thought, entertainment and education, and more particularly a method and apparatus for coupling a construction with an article having an alternative utility, the construction including one or more phrases and a delivery system for evoking an opinion type response to the one or more phrases.
During any occasion or event where a group of people who may or may not know each other are brought together, often conversation between them, and particularly the start up of conversation, may be difficult. Also, there are many occasions where an individual is alone and may desire some diversion.
Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a method and apparatus that overcame these difficulties in the prior art.
Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a method and apparatus for providing question statements, phrases or the like that are open ended, and that evoke an opinion are provided in a manner so as to be attached to a utilitarian object. In accordance with the method or apparatus of the invention, a utilitarian object such as a paper plate, cup or the like, is provided that includes such statements thereon, allows for an attachment to be attached to a permanent-type object, or allows for an article of manufacture that may be attached to any object providing the functionality noted above. Also, conversation and thought provoking ideas may be provided via: tableware, electronics, various audio and visual media, microchips, paper pads and other functional objects. These objects are used to solicit opinions, not to demand answers. In any of these forms of the invention, the user of such a utilitarian object is provided with one or more statements as noted above assisting in generation of conversation, yet need not actively obtain an additional object for this purpose.
Further, tableware, such as glasses, dishes, napkin rings, napkins, placemats, eating utensils, table decorations, party favors, place cards, name cards and the like, are commonly used as service pieces for entertaining guests, such as at dinner parties and other social gatherings and may include these statements. A table setting at a dinner party may traditionally include multiple tableware pieces sufficient to facilitate service of multiple courses of a meal, such as an appetizer, a salad, soup, an entree, and a desert. However, such tableware may also be used in less formal situations for entertaining either large or small groups of people. Either way, a large number of objects are available for attachment of conversation-generating statements.
The invention exploits the breakdown of meaningful communication among families, peer groups and other social constituencies. Conversation within these groups is often unfocused, unstimulating and ultimately unsatisfying. Therefore, in accordance with the invention a method and apparatus are provided to provide the necessary prompting/stimulation/provocation to engender fun, lively exchanges and thought among people in various age groups, people who may or may not have common interests, or the like.
While entertaining, it is common for hosts to attempt to facilitate conversation among their guests. However, this frequently develops into semi-private conversations among small subgroups of individuals. These conversations often become superficial in nature. It is sometimes preferable to attempt to engage guests in a group discussion to facilitate conversation among new acquaintances and/or promote the developments of new relationships. By way of non-limiting example, it is preferable to facilitate group discussion among guests during social gathering such as picnics, dinner parties, brunches, retreats, cruises, or the like.
In accordance with the broad teachings of this invention, an apparatus and method capable of facilitating conversation or discussion between two or more persons and a method of using the same is provided. The method includes: providing an open-ended question placed on a surface of a conversationware piece; providing a revealing member operably coupled to the conversationware piece, the revealing member being positioned generally over the open-ended question and selectively actuatable to reveal the open-ended question; actuating the revealing member to reveal the open-ended question; reading aloud the open-ended question printed on the conversationware piece; answering aloud the open-ended question; and engaging at least one other of the conversation partners in open discussion.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved method and apparatus to overcome the prior art. Other objects and advantages of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification and drawings.
The invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and the apparatus embodying the features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangement of parts that are adapted to effect such steps, all as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings in which:
Referring first to
In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, a statement or other thought-provoking, opinion-evoking statement is placed on the top of each of the tabs. Additionally, the top of the tab may be color-coded for one or more topics and a statement or other thought-provoking, opinion-evoking statement corresponding to the topic of a particular color may be provided on the underneath.
Thus, if a user is at a dinner party, cocktail party or the like and is utilizing a plate constructed in accordance with this embodiment of the invention, it is easy for the user to meet and discuss new topics with people they have not previously met. It would be possible for the user to select a question or comment or other statement from the plate, and ask a nearby standing person his or her opinion on the topic. Because the questions are preferably open ended, the answers thereto generating an opinion, conversations are intended to be more in depth than a simple yes-no answer or conversations about other trivial topics. A follow-up question may also be provided on the underside of the tab.
Further in accordance with the invention, in each package including a plurality of plates, all of the plates may be identical so that users can each read a similar question. Alternatively, all of the plates in a package may be different so that each user will have different questions, therefore increasing the number of questions, comments or statements available to the group.
While questions may be provided on random subjects, specific theme-type plates may also be provided in accordance with the invention. For example, during a Superbowl party, questions related to the superbowl might be provided. Similarly, to a pre- or post-concert or theater gathering, questions regarding the play, plays in general, concerts, music or the like may also be provided. Furthermore, rather than simply allowing for predetermined subjects, in accordance with the invention, a personalized version of such a plate may be provided. Thus, for example, for a birthday party, anniversary or bridal shower, a user may submit various questions and answers, and the questions and answers may be printed on the top and bottom, respectively, of tabs 125 as noted above. In this manner, these plates could be used to disseminate information about an honored guest or the like.
It is contemplated by the invention to allow a user to log onto a website, enter any number of questions, or question and answer pairs, and have this information printed on plates such as those shown in
Furthermore, while this and the following embodiments describe a plate as the utilitarian object, all of the embodiments of the invention may be applied to any number of other utilitarian objects. For example, these open-ended questions could be printed directly on stacked foods, inserted in preprinted separator wraps between various types of food. These open-ended questions could be printed on tabs or the like, could be provided on stick-on tabs for fruit and produce, and could be printed on deli waxed paper or plastic bags. In addition, a tray liner or place mat shaped object may be employed, such as those often used in fast food restaurants with tabs similarly placed about the outer edge thereof. Also, other types of food containers, such a clamshells or other food encompassing containers may be used, so long as tabs may be fixed along an edge or surface thereof, and open-ended questions, or questions and answers be fixed thereto. Furthermore, such open-end questions for generating conversation could be included on various other food-packaging products to allow for the preparer of such a food to reference this question. This might include on butter tops, milk and orange juice containers, fruit storage containers, frozen milk containers, refrigerated foods, tortillas, tacos, wraps or the like, beverage containers, paper goods, straws, salad dressing bottles, condiment containers or packages, canned goods, soup or pasta containers, snack containers, crackers, cookies, drink or juice boxes, sugar, salt, pepper or sweetener packs, cereal boxes, cocoa, coffee or tea packets, ice cream and yogurt containers, individual dessert containers and the like. Furthermore, these questions could be provided in an interchangeable manner on more permanent fixes for preparing foods such as barbecue grills, microwave ovens or the like. In other areas other than the food distribution, examples may be to provide such questions on a floppy disc, on a rolodex-style card, on a computer screen saver, in a chat room, or for a user to sign up on a mailing list to receive an email including questions each day, or questions specific to the interest and/or profession of a future dinner guest. It may also be provided on a particular LED/LCD readout on an appliance or other appliance, clock radio, or other electronic device, or may be provided specifically as a digital conversation starter, whereby a user through a particular prompt receives an open-ended question. A common factor for all of these alternative embodiments are that an open-ended, thought provoking, opinion-generating question be imparted on a utilitarian object which the user will possess, and therefore the open-ended question is presented to the user without generating an additional burden thereto. In a further alternative embodiment, rather than questions, a story could be told, a different portion thereof, under each tab. Art work or another mechanism would direct the user to the next tab.
Referring next to
Also shown in
It is preferable to provide these tabs 225 made out of a food grade dissolvable material so that the plates may be placed directly in a dishwasher, or hand washed without having to remove the tabs before washing. If the tabs are removed before washing, production using the glue of a food grade dissolvable material will ensure that the glue or other adhesive utilized in with the tabs will cleanly be removed from the plates.
In each of the embodiments depicted in
Furthermore while for example at
Referring next to
The text portions included in this plate may comprise questions and answers, and preferably comprise open-ended comments or questions asking for an opinion such as those described with respect to
Referring next to
Referring next to
Referring next to
In either configuration of stoppers 725, upper circular ring 730 is attached to lower circular ring 735 via sliding attachment arms or other sliding attaching mechanism 745 aligned for relative circular movement between upper circular ring 730 and lower circular ring 735. Lower circular ring 735 does not move relative to stoppers 725. Thus, upper circular ring 730 encloses lower circular ring 735. Circular rings 730 and 735 are concentric and similarly spaced to each other. Lower circular ring 735 further comprises various text segments 737 positioned thereon as shown in
Upon the rotation of upper circular ring 730 relative to lower circular ring 735 defined opening 742 is moved to a position to allow the display of a previously covered text portion 737 along lower circular ring 735. As is also shown, upon the allowance of viewing of one text portion 737, all other text portions 737 are hidden from view under upper circular ring 730 because defined space 742 does not allow the viewing thereof. As is clear from
The text portions included in this plate may comprise questions and answers, and preferably comprise open-ended comments, questions asking for an opinion such as those described with respect to
In a further embodiment shown in
Upper circular ring 930 hides rim 920. Circular ring 930 is concentric to rim 920. Rim 920 further comprises various text segments 937 positioned thereon, similar to the positioning of text portions 737 positioned on lower circular ring 735 shown in
The text portions included in this plate may comprise questions and answers, and preferably comprise open-ended comments, questions asking for an opinion such as those described with respect to
In a further embodiment shown in
Lower circular ring 985 hides rim 960. Upper circular ring 970 is concentric to lower circular ring 985. Lower circular ring 985 further comprises various text segments 987 positioned thereon, similar to the positioning of text portions 737 positioned on lower circular ring 735 shown in
The text portions included in this plate may comprise questions and answers, and preferably comprise open-ended comments, questions asking for an opinion such as those described with respect to
In a further embodiment shown in
Lower circular ring 985 hides rim 960. Upper circular ring 970 is concentric to lower circular ring 985. Lower circular ring 985 further comprises various text segments 987 positioned thereon, similar to the positioning of text portions 737 positioned on lower circular ring 735 shown in
Other attachment schemes, such as a tongue and groove engagement, may be employed that allow for the relative movement between an upper and lower ring.
The text portions included in this plate may comprise questions and answers, and preferably comprise open-ended comments, questions asking for an opinion such as those described with respect to
Referring next to
Thus, each question and answer pair is provided on a portion of plate 1000 depicted in
The text portions included in this plate may comprise questions and answers, and preferably comprise open-ended comments, questions asking for an opinion such as those described with respect to
In all of the prior embodiments, text including a question and answer pair have been depicted a residing on opposite sides of a single tab, where appropriate. However, it is within the scope of the invention that a question is presented on one tab and an answer on another tab on the same plate, or even on a tab on another plate. Color-coding or the like might be provided to allow two users to match a question with an answer. In this manner, interaction between various users is increased because another person must be consulted in order to obtain an answer to any particular presented question.
All of the prior embodiments have included plates as the basic utilitarian structure. However, the use of plates as the utilitarian structure is not necessary. Specifically, in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the invention, as is shown in
Referring next to
While single plate operation has been described, a multiple plate operation may also be employed, as will now be described making reference to
While the embodiments of
Referring next to
While one window 1442 is depicted as being defined in sleeve 1425, any number of windows may be defined. These may allow for the viewing of more than one question at a time, or may allow for the viewing of a question and answer pair, where appropriate. Furthermore, while a cup is disclosed, sleeve 1425 may enclose a can, bottle, glass, or other substantially cylindrical article having text material printed on the outside thereof lining up with window 1442. A rotatable connection mechanism is therefore provided for maintaining a rotatable connection between the sleeve and the substantially cylindrical article. Furthermore, the microchips noted above may be embedded in the sleeve and function in a manner similar to that noted above. Additionally, rather than placing the questions on the cup, can, bottle, glass or the like, a second inner cylindrical sleeve may be provided that fits inside sleeve 1425, and into which cup 1400 would fit. Sleeve 1425 would move relative to this inner sleeve, and selectively reveal questions or the like printed thereon.
Referring next to
The present invention may be used during any meal, such as breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, supper, a picnic, or at any time a conversation or a discussion between two or more persons is encouraged. Moreover, the present invention may find utility in various applications such as residential, commercial, corporate, cruise, and the like.
For purposes of the remainder of this description, the terms “conversationware” and “conversationware piece” shall each include any plate, saucer, charger, bowl, cup, glass, goblet, napkin holder, napkin, placemat, table utensil, table decoration, place card, name card, party favor, fast-food container, clamshell, tray liner, cup sleeve, insulating sleeve, and/or any other piece or item used for a meals, appetizers, or social gathering, such as breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, supper, a picnic, a cocktail party, and the like. The terms “conversationware” and “conversationware piece” may be used interchangeably. This conversationware shall be made of conventional materials, such as china, earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, plastic, glass, silver, gold, steel, paper, expanded rigid polystyrene plastic such as STYROFOAM™, EARTHSHELL™, BIOMAX™, or any other material or composition commonly used in manufacturing formal, everyday, or disposable conversationware products.
Referring to
Each conversationware piece 12 may include an open-ended question or command 18 printed on a surface thereof or otherwise affixed thereto. In the interest of brevity, open-ended question or command 18 will be referred to as open-ended question 18 unless otherwise noted. However, it should be appreciated that a command that instructs a guest to describe an experience, situation, opinion, or the like is within the scope of this invention.
Preferably, open-ended question 18 is printed on unexposed surface 16 of conversationware piece 12 to prevent a user from reading the question or command prior to a discussion or conversation. Alternatively, open-ended question 18 may be concealed by other means, which will be described in detail below. However, open-ended question 18 may also be printed on exposed surface 14 of conversationware piece 12 to be preferably covered by food or other conversationware.
It is anticipated that open-ended question 18 is printed on or affixed to conversationware piece 12 in a known manner, such as by forming the lettering under a coating applied to the conversationware piece either during or after the manufacturing process. This printing method would allow for a smooth, unobstructed, durable finish on the surface thereof. Such printing of open-ended question 18 in this manner also prevents the lettering from contaminating any food items placed on or in conversationware piece 12. However, it should be appreciated that any printing or affixing method known to one skilled in the art may be used.
Referring now to
Specifically, as seen in
Alternatively, as seen in
Referring now to
As best seen in
Open-ended question or command 18 is generally defined as a question or command that allows for a spontaneous, unstructured response that typically has no right or wrong answer. Open-ended questions or commands commonly allow a respondent to elaborate on their own personal thoughts, opinions, feelings, or experience relating to a specific topic. Preferably, open-ended question or command 18 is chosen from topics relating to politics, history, movies, theatre, sports, children, marriage, dating, religion, famous people, television, education, alma maters, space, general matters, personal experiences, festive occasions, and the like. It should be noted that open-ended question 18 may be any question that allows for a spontaneous, unstructured response, irrespective of the particular category it may relate to. By way of non-limiting example, the following open-ended questions represent a varied cross-section of possible alternatives that are believed to elicit a spontaneous, unstructured response:
Preferably, each guest receives at least one conversationware piece 12. This conversationware piece 12 includes a unique open-ended question 18 that is directed to an area or subject within a category. It is also anticipated that one conversationware piece 12 may include a first part of open-ended question 18, while the remainder of such open-ended question 18 is completed on one or more other conversationware pieces 12. In this way, it is possible to lead up to the final question over various courses in the meal or dining experience. Moreover, it is possible to create sets of conversationware pieces 12 that must all be used to “piece” open-ended question 18 together. It is therefore possible for the question not to be read immediately ion its entirety until the second (or additional) conversation pieces have been presented to the guests. Open-ended questions 18 may includes a color-coding system to facilitate the rapid identification of a particular category, subject, or to identify a maturity level to which the question is directed.
The use of conversation-generating apparatus 10 will now be described in further detail. As set forth above, the present invention may be used for a variety of entertaining situations, social gatherings, or personal, intimate occasions. It should be understood that in order to achieve the benefits of the present invention, it is only necessary to have a single conversationware piece 12 having a single open-ended question 18 disposed thereon. However, in the interest of brevity, the use of conversation-generating apparatus 10 will be described with reference to a dinner party environment or other formal occasion. Place settings for formal dinner parties typically include the largest number of individual conversationware pieces, such as plates, saucers, chargers, bowls, cups, glasses, goblets, napkin holders, napkins, placemats, name cards, place cards, table utensils, table decorations, party favors, and the like and, thus, provide the opportunity for the most complete description of the preferred embodiment. However, this detailed description shall not be interpreted to limit this application in that this invention may be used with a single conversationware piece with a single open-ended question or command printed thereon.
To use conversation-generating apparatus 10, each guest or conversation partner randomly receives conversationware 12. Preferably, each piece of conversationware 12 may include open-ended question or command 18 printed on unexposed surface 16 or behind revealing member 54 (hereinafter collectively including 54, 64, 74, 84). The printing of open-ended question or command 18 on unexposed surface 16 or behind revealing member 54 prevents each guest from knowing his/her questions. This prevents each guest from knowing and preparing a response to the open-ended question beforehand. Consequently, the intent of eliciting spontaneous, unstructured answers and opinions is maintained. However, it is anticipated that in the alternative, open-ended question or command 18 may be printed on exposed surface 14 of conversationware 12. When these questions or commands are printed on exposed surface 14, they may be obscured from view by food or beverage or may be revealed to the guest upon sitting at the table. The specific time at which the open-ended questions or commands are revealed to the guest may be determined by the host and may be tailored, to suit the desired atmosphere of the social gathering.
At a time to be determined by the host, each guest is asked to uncover, if necessary, the open-ended question or command that is placed on a specific piece of conversationware and read it aloud to the remaining guests. This may preferably be done, for example, prior to the serving of the next course. The guest then answers the open-ended question or command aloud, thereby sharing with the remaining guests their own thoughts, opinions, feelings, and/or experiences relating to the topic. The remaining guests are then engaged in a group discussion relating to the open-ended question or command and/or the answer(s) provided by their fellow guest(s). Once the group discussion is substantially exhausted or at a time determined by the host, another guest is asked to read aloud and answer aloud the open-ended question or command printed on one of their specific pieces of conversationware and the process is repeated for each guest.
Alternatively, one guest may read the open-ended question or command, while another guest responds to the question or command, it is important to note that there may be variations to this method that are within the scope of this application which still provide for eliciting a spontaneous, unstructured response to facilitate conversation among guests.
By providing each guest with multiple conversationware pieces having a different open-ended question or command printed thereon, each guest may have multiple turns of reading aloud and answering aloud their specific questions or command. it is also anticipated that the present invention may be used by two or more dining or social partners. For example, the present invention may be particularly useful in quickly getting to know the personal opinions and/or experiences of someone that one is dating or seeking to employ.
By way of an additional non-limiting example, conversation-generating apparatus 10 may also be used between only two persons. These two persons may in fact be very familiar with each other. However, conversation-generating apparatus 10 is useful to further the development of an interpersonal relationship therebetween. For example, the piece of conversationware 12 of conversation-generating, apparatus 10 may be simply a tray-liner at a fast food restaurant. This tray-liner includes thereon a selectively revealable open-ended question 18. A first conversation partner, for instance a teenager, may reveal the open-ended question 18, possibly pertaining to sports, drugs, or the like. The teenager then reads the open-ended question 18 and provides a spontaneous, unstructured response thereto. The parent is then able to respond to the answer to further help foster a communicative relationship and understanding between the parent and teenager. Although this may be a simplified example, it should be appreciated that such use of conversation-generating apparatus 10 provides numerous unique uses and benefits.
It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, because certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
50437 | Atterbury | Oct 1865 | A |
150184 | Osmun | Apr 1874 | A |
222594 | Marra | Dec 1879 | A |
783170 | Beach | Feb 1905 | A |
1034313 | Shafer et al. | Jul 1912 | A |
1196803 | Mulholland | Sep 1916 | A |
1301596 | Patton | Apr 1919 | A |
1342223 | Nakamura | Jun 1920 | A |
1536716 | Kade | May 1925 | A |
1829861 | Holt | Nov 1931 | A |
2010534 | Collins | Aug 1935 | A |
2171350 | Anderson | Aug 1939 | A |
2224683 | Ide et al. | Dec 1940 | A |
2485922 | Rubin | Oct 1949 | A |
2682408 | Warns et al. | Jun 1954 | A |
2781650 | Lee | Feb 1957 | A |
2945314 | Baldwin | Jul 1960 | A |
2984035 | Nalle, Jr. | May 1961 | A |
3040472 | Miller | Jun 1962 | A |
3147856 | Lightner et al. | Sep 1964 | A |
3183614 | Loderhose | May 1965 | A |
3214592 | Wilmotte et al. | Oct 1965 | A |
3311281 | Eisman | Mar 1967 | A |
D217632 | Bouchet | May 1970 | S |
3514887 | Jacob | Jun 1970 | A |
3515262 | Ornstein et al. | Jun 1970 | A |
3574957 | Bello-Bridick | Apr 1971 | A |
3580484 | Schneider | May 1971 | A |
3762714 | Wilson | Oct 1973 | A |
3813801 | Schaaf | Jun 1974 | A |
3818623 | Wilton et al. | Jun 1974 | A |
3843131 | Stubbmann | Oct 1974 | A |
3886020 | Shank, Jr. | May 1975 | A |
3958744 | Herglotz | May 1976 | A |
3995862 | Bertin | Dec 1976 | A |
4014547 | Gomez et al. | Mar 1977 | A |
4053054 | Lucas | Oct 1977 | A |
4275518 | Martin | Jun 1981 | A |
4306367 | Otto | Dec 1981 | A |
4308679 | Ray et al. | Jan 1982 | A |
4324823 | Ray, III | Apr 1982 | A |
4432153 | Bachman et al. | Feb 1984 | A |
4466515 | D'Aurora et al. | Aug 1984 | A |
4534391 | Ventimiglia et al. | Aug 1985 | A |
4588539 | Rossi et al. | May 1986 | A |
4609140 | Van Handel et al. | Sep 1986 | A |
4678188 | Johnson | Jul 1987 | A |
4721499 | Marx et al. | Jan 1988 | A |
4721500 | Van Handel et al. | Jan 1988 | A |
4832676 | Johns et al. | May 1989 | A |
4834240 | Dagostine | May 1989 | A |
4872555 | Shadrach, III et al. | Oct 1989 | A |
5072877 | Van Fulpen | Dec 1991 | A |
5074462 | Countee, Jr. | Dec 1991 | A |
5088640 | Littlejohn | Feb 1992 | A |
5112064 | Weedman | May 1992 | A |
5123190 | Erberber | Jun 1992 | A |
5163608 | Block | Nov 1992 | A |
5191979 | Nemeroff | Mar 1993 | A |
5205473 | Coffin, Sr. | Apr 1993 | A |
5207746 | Jones | May 1993 | A |
5222622 | Laske, Jr. | Jun 1993 | A |
5230939 | Baum | Jul 1993 | A |
RE34366 | Instance | Sep 1993 | E |
5275277 | Gallegos | Jan 1994 | A |
5326020 | Cheshire et al. | Jul 1994 | A |
5339548 | Russell | Aug 1994 | A |
5356070 | Rigby | Oct 1994 | A |
5375846 | Smith | Dec 1994 | A |
5496575 | Newarski | Mar 1996 | A |
5520278 | Hughes | May 1996 | A |
5560653 | Beppu | Oct 1996 | A |
5593062 | Martin | Jan 1997 | A |
5640790 | Johns | Jun 1997 | A |
5653443 | Ervin | Aug 1997 | A |
5727679 | Newarski | Mar 1998 | A |
5729922 | Peterson et al. | Mar 1998 | A |
5749292 | DeBastiani et al. | May 1998 | A |
5769715 | Brown | Jun 1998 | A |
5820127 | Rodriguez | Oct 1998 | A |
5829626 | Brennan | Nov 1998 | A |
5871116 | Picchietti | Feb 1999 | A |
5884421 | Key | Mar 1999 | A |
5894948 | Yeh | Apr 1999 | A |
5938066 | DeMars | Aug 1999 | A |
5938112 | Sandstrom | Aug 1999 | A |
5992892 | Schaefer et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6041948 | Filipak et al. | Mar 2000 | A |
6053352 | Cai | Apr 2000 | A |
6086697 | Key | Jul 2000 | A |
6099875 | Krause et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6116503 | Varano | Sep 2000 | A |
6138905 | Hachenski | Oct 2000 | A |
6155422 | Kaminski | Dec 2000 | A |
6209748 | Dunbar | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6336584 | Roch et al. | Jan 2002 | B1 |
6431364 | Saladyga | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6464222 | Parker | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6540229 | Smith et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6581933 | Zivan | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6681983 | Bill-Moore | Jan 2004 | B1 |
20020167989 | Russo | Nov 2002 | A1 |
20020182972 | McClung et al. | Dec 2002 | A1 |
20030080016 | Lipper | May 2003 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20030036039 A1 | Feb 2003 | US |