Patent Grant
9994465
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards a device, and more particularly, towards a device for being received within a floor drain and containing a liquid-soluble treatment material.
Many public facilities have floor drains that suffer from odor and clogging related problems in which odors emanate from the collection of waste, grease, and other elements being trapped in the floor drain. This problem is especially prevalent in kitchens and public restrooms, both residential and commercial. As facilities are cleaned, dirt, grime, and bacteria collect in the floor drain trap, commonly referred to as a p-trap because of the shape of the piping connected therewith. The water in the p-trap quickly becomes dirty and may emanate a foul odor into the room and adjacent areas.
Currently, the prevailing solution to this problem is the use of sanitizing liquids, deodorants, or degreasers being poured down the drain. These liquids are typically poured down the floor drain on a regular basis. However, the solution is quickly washed down the drain and out ofthe p-trap with subsequent cleanings. Additionally, the sanitizing liquid does not provide continuous aroma to the room. The buildup of organic material and grease requires pumping of grease out of the trap or other holding container.
Other common solutions include the use of wall-mounted, time-release deodorizer sprayers. These devices systematically release aroma into the room to mask odors at predetermined time intervals. These systems also have the disadvantage of failing to continuously release aroma into the room. While these devices mask foul odors immediately following discharge, the active aromatic agents quickly disperse into the room, failing to effectively mask or eliminate the odors.
Yet other devices attempt to place deodorizing and sanitizing agents inside the drain. These devices typically address either sink drains or floor drains. Most of these devices require special drain modifications to hold the device, increasing expense to the owner and making them impractical for contractor installation. These devices may also have the tendency to aggravate drain problems by catching dirty water around the device.
These devices also suffer from the disadvantage that they do not address any insect or other pest-related issues.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a device that addresses the various disadvantages associated with previous devices.
According to one or more embodiments, a device configured for being received within a floor drain is provided. The device includes a basket assembly containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein. A drain cover defines an opening that receives the basket assembly. A basket assembly lid defines at least one aperture for allowing flow of liquid into the basket assembly. The basket assembly includes a flange for cooperatively engaging a recess defined in the drain cover to thereby engage the lid with the drain cover.
According to one or more embodiments, a device configured for being received within a floor drain cover is provided. The device includes a basket assembly containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein and a basket assembly lid defining at least one aperture for allowing flow of liquid into the basket assembly. The basket assembly includes a flange for cooperatively engaging a recess defined in the drain cover to thereby engage the lid with the drain cover.
According to one or more embodiments, a device configured for being received within a floor drain is provided. The device includes a basket assembly containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein and a basket assembly lid fixedly secured to the basket assembly and defining at least one aperture for allowing flow of liquid into the basket assembly. A floor drain cover defines an opening that receives the basket assembly. The basket lid is configured for selective engagement with the drain cover to thereby engage the basket assembly with the drain cover.
According to one or more embodiments, a device is provided. The device includes a basket assembly configured for containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein and a skirt for covering the perimeter of a floor drain and defining an opening therein for receivably engaging the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly further defines a shoulder configured for engaging with a cooperative groove formed in the skirt.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly further defines an arm configured for engaging with a cooperative groove formed in the skirt.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly further defines a support to which the liquid-soluble treatment material is carried by.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly defines a plurality of openings on a top portion thereof for allowing flow-through of liquid.
According to one or more embodiments, the skirt defines a plurality of openings for allowing flow-through of liquid.
According to one or more embodiments, the skirt defines a ledge upon which the basket assembly rests when selectively engaged therewith.
According to one or more embodiments, the device includes the liquid-soluble treatment material carried within the basket assembly. The liquid-soluble treatment material is configured as one of a pesticide, insecticide, fragrance, and a degreaser.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly defines at least two vessels. Each vessel is configured for containing one of the liquid-soluble treatment materials.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly defines a plurality of openings on a top portion thereof for allowing flow-through of liquid and the skirt defines a plurality o f openings for allowing flow-through of liquid. The basket assembly and the skirt cooperatively forming a floor drain cover.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly further defines a lid for allowing access to the liquid-soluble material.
According to one or more embodiments, the lid is hingedly connected to a base ofthe lid.
According to one or more embodiments, the liquid-soluble treatment material is carried by a support that is configured for engaging with the lid.
According to one or more embodiments, the device includes an electric fan at a bottom portion ofthe basket assembly for providing airflow through the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, a device is provided. The deice includes a skirt for covering the perimeter of a floor drain and defining a basket assembly configured for being received in the floor drain opening and a lid configured for selectively engaging a top portion of the basket assembly to thereby form an enclosure for containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein.
According to one or more embodiments, the lid defines a plurality o f openings on a top portion thereof for allowing flow-through of liquid.
According to one or more embodiments, the skirt defines a plurality of openings for allowing flow-through of liquid.
According to one or more embodiments, the lid and the skirt define a plurality of openings for allowing flow-through of liquid, the skirt and the lid cooperatively forming a drain cover.
According to one or more embodiments, a basket assembly configured for containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein is provided. The basket assembly includes a fastener configured for engaging the basket assembly with an opening defined in a skirt for covering the perimeter of a floor drain. The opening is generally concentric with the floor drain opening.
According to one or more embodiments, the liquid-soluble treatment material is one of a pesticide, insecticide, fragrance, and a degreaser
According to one or more embodiments, a tool for use with a basket assembly is provided. The basket assembly is ofthe type configured for being receivably engaged with an opening defined in a drain cover skirt for covering the perimeter of a floor drain. The tool is configured for engaging the basket assembly and removing the basket assembly from the drain cover skirt upon force input from a user.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly defines an arm configured for engaging with a cooperative groove formed in the skirt. The arm has a first position in which the arm is engaged with the groove of the skirt thereby securing the basket into the floor drain skirt and a second position in which the arm is bent away from the groove to allow removal of the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool includes shoulders configured for imparting movement to the arm into the second position to allow removal of the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool includes a hook member that is configured for being received in an opening ofthe basket assembly and engaging therewith for removing the basket assembly from the drain cover skirt upon force input from the user.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool includes one or more openings for receiving the user's fingers.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool further defines a planar nesting surface configured for engaging with a top portion of the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool further defines a planar nesting surface and the shoulders extend from the nesting surface.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool further defines a planar nesting surface and the hook member extends from the nesting surface.
According to one or more embodiments, a method for installation and removal of a basket assembly from a floor drain cover skirt is provided. The method includes using a tool defining one or more shoulders configured for disengaging the basket assembly, extending a portion of the tool into the basket assembly to disengage the basket assembly, and applying forces to the tool to impart movement of the basket assembly relative to the floor drain.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly is of the type configured for being receivably engaged with an opening defined in a drain cover skirt for covering the perimeter of the floor drain.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly defines an arm configured for engaging with a cooperative groove formed in the skirt. The arm has a first position in which the arm is engaged with the groove of the skirt thereby securing the basket into the floor drain skirt and a second position in which the arm is bent away from the groove to allow removal of the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool includes a hook member that is configured for being received in an opening ofthe basket assembly and engaging therewith for removing the basket assembly from the drain cover skirt upon force input from the user.
According to one or more embodiments, a kit is provided. The kit includes a basket assembly configured for containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein and being configured to be received in an opening defined in a skirt for covering the perimeter of a floor drain, and a tool for use with the basket assembly. The tool is configured for engaging the basket assembly and removing the basket assembly from the drain cover skirt upon input from the user.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly defines an arm configured for engaging with a cooperative groove formed in the skirt. The arm has a first position in which the arm is engaged with the groove of the skirt thereby securing the basket into the floor drain skirt and a second position in which the arm is bent away from the groove to allow removal of the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool includes shoulders configured for imparting movement to the arm into the second position to allow removal of the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool includes a hook member that is configured for being received in an opening ofthe basket assembly and engaging therewith for removing the basket assembly from the drain cover skirt.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool includes one or more openings for receiving a user's fingers.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool further defines a planar nesting surface configured for engaging with a top portion of the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool further defines a planar nesting surface and the shoulders extend from the nesting surface.
According to one or more embodiments, the tool further defines a planar nesting surface and the hook member extends from the nesting surface.
According to one or more embodiments, a cover for a drain assembly is provided. The cover includes a skirt material defining a plurality of openings therein for allowing flowthrough of liquid and one or more fasteners extending from the skirt material and configured for being received within an opening defined in the drain assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the one or more fasteners are each pegs extending from the first skirt material.
According to one or more embodiments, the one or more pegs include one or more detents for being received in cooperatively defined one or more openings of a floor drain skirt in the drain assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the cover is formed from an injection molding process.
According to one or more embodiments, the injection molding process includes injecting a treatment material into the cover.
According to one or more embodiments, the cover is provided with an aromatic material.
According to one or more embodiments, the fastener is configured for extending into a floor drain skirt that is engaged with the drain assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, a drain cover assembly for a floor drain assembly is provided. The drain cover assembly includes a drain cover skirt configured for being engaged with the floor drain, a skirt material defining a plurality of openings therein for allowing flowthrough of liquid, and one or more fasteners extending from the first skirt material and configured for being engagably received by one of the drain assembly and the drain cover skirt.
According to one or more embodiments, the one or more fasteners are each pegs extending from the first skirt material.
According to one or more embodiments, the one or more pegs include one or more detents for being received in cooperatively defined one or more openings of a skirt in the drain assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the skirt material is formed from an injection molding process.
According to one or more embodiments, the injection molding process includes injecting an aromatic material into the skirt material.
According to one or more embodiments, the injection molding process includes injecting a treatment material into the skirt material.
According to one or more embodiments, the skirt material is provided with an aromatic material.
According to one or more embodiments, the fastener is configured for extending into the floor drain skirt that is engaged with the drain assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, a cover for a floor drain is provided. The cover includes a first skirt material defining a cutout therein. The skirt material is configured for covering the perimeter of the floor drain. A second skirt material for being received in the cutout and is configured for covering the opening of the floor drain. The second skirt material further defines an opening therein for receivably engaging a basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the cover is formed from an injection molding process.
According to one or more embodiments, the injection molding process includes injecting an aromatic material into the cover.
According to one or more embodiments, the cover is provided with a treatment material.
According to one or more embodiments, the first skirt material defines a generally square shaped panel for engaging with the floor drain.
According to one or more embodiments, the first skirt material defines a plurality of openings therein for allowing flowthrough of liquids.
According to one or more embodiments, the second skirt material defines a plurality of openings therein for allowing flowthrough of liquids.
According to one or more embodiments, the second skirt material defines a groove that is configured for receiving a snap arm of the basket assembly.
According to one or more embodiments, the second skirt material defines a ledge upon which the basket assembly rests when selectively engaged therewith.
According to one or more embodiments, a kit for use with a floor drain assembly is provided. The kit includes a cover for a floor drain. The cover includes a first skirt material defining a cutout therein. The skirt material is configured for covering the perimeter of the floor drain. A second skirt material for being received in the cutout and being configured for covering the opening ofthe floor drain is provided. The second skirt material further defines an opening therein for receivably engaging a basket assembly. A basket assembly configured for containing a liquid-soluble treatment material therein and being configured to be received in the opening defined in the second skirt material is provided.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly further defines a shoulder configured for engaging with a cooperative groove formed in the skirt.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly further defines an arm configured for engaging with a cooperative groove formed in the skirt.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly further defines a support to which the liquid-soluble treatment material is carried by.
According to one or more embodiments, the basket assembly defines a plurality of openings on a top portion thereof for allowing flow-through of liquid.
According to one or more embodiments, the first skirt material defines a plurality of openings for allowing flow-through of liquid.
According to one or more embodiments, the second skirt material defines a ledge upon which the basket assembly rests when selectively engaged therewith.
According to one or more embodiments, the kit further includes liquid-soluble material carried within the basket assembly. The liquid-soluble material is configured as one of a pesticide, insecticide, fragrance, and a degreaser.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:
The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
A device for use with a drain is illustrated in
The device 10 includes a drain cover skirt 16. The drain cover skirt 16 may define an opening 20 that receives and carries the basket assembly 12. In this manner, the drain cover skirt 16 and basket assembly 12 may be integrally formed. The drain cover skirt 16 may further define a plurality of openings 18 that allow flow of liquid therethrough. A basket assembly lid 22 is provided for engaging with the opening 20. The basket assembly lid 22 defines at least one aperture 24 for allowing flow of liquid into the basket assembly 12. The basket assembly 12 may include a flange 26 for cooperatively engaging a recess 30 that is defined in the drain cover skirt 16 to thereby engage the lid 22 with the drain cover skirt 16.
The basket assembly lid 22 may be further configured for engagement with the drain cover skirt 16 by other appropriate manners. For example, a hook 32 carried by the drain cover skirt 16 may be further configured for engaging the flange 26 and extending into a recess 33 defined in the lid 22. The hook 32 may be configured for rotatable movement or pivotable movement about the drain cover skirt 16 such that the hook 32 can be selectively engaged therewith. The hook 32 may be rotated or pivoted out ofthe way by inserting an elongate object such as a screwdriver or blade into the gap defined between the hook 32 and basket lid 22 and pressing the hook 32 into an unobstructed position.
Installation of the device 10 is accomplished by fastening the drain cover skirt 16 to a supporting floor surface 2. The drain 1 should be aligned with the opening 20 ofthe drain cover skirt 16 such that the basket assembly 12 may be received within the drain 1. The drain cover skirt 16 may be fastened to the supporting floor surface 2 by the use of a threaded fastener, such as a screw, though in other embodiments, any appropriate fastener may be used. The treatment material 14 is then placed into the basket assembly 12. The treatment material 14 may occupy substantially all or only a portion of the basket assembly 12 when installed. The lid 22 is then engaged with the drain cover skirt 16. In the one or more embodiments illustrated in
A device according to one or more embodiments is illustrated in
The device 110 also includes a drain cover skirt 116. The drain cover skirt 116 may define an opening 120 that receives a basket assembly 112. The drain cover skirt 116 may further define a plurality of openings 118 that allow flow of liquid therethrough. The basket assembly 112 may contain treatment material 14 therein. Alternatively, any desired material may be placed in the basket assembly 112. The basket assembly 112 may include a plurality of openings 113, such as, for example, the slots shown throughout the drawings. The plurality of openings 113 allow liquid to, flow there-through and into the drain 1. A basket assembly lid 122 is provided for engaging with the opening 120 and is carried by the basket assembly 112. The basket assembly lid 122 may define at least one aperture 124 for allowing flow of liquid into the basket assembly 112. The basket assembly 112 may include a flange 126 for cooperatively engaging a recess 130 that is defined in the drain cover skirt 116 to thereby engage the lid 122 and the basket assembly 112 with the drain cover skirt 116.
The one or more embodiments illustrated in
The basket assembly 122 may be further configured for engagement with the drain cover skirt 116 by other appropriate manners. For example, a hook 132 carried by the drain cover skirt 116 may be further configured for engaging the flange 126 and extending into a recess 133 defined in the lid 122. The hook 132 may be configured for rotatable movement or pivotable movement about the drain cover skirt 116 such that the hook 132 can be selectively engaged. The hook 132 may be rotated or pivoted out of the way by inserting an elongate object such as a screwdriver or blade into the gap defined between the hook 132 and basket lid 122 and pressing the hook 132 into an unobstructed position.
Installation of the device 110 is accomplished by fastening the drain cover skirt 116 to a supporting floor surface 2 as illustrated in
The basket assemblies 12 and 112 are shown as having a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape, though in one or more embodiments, may have a specially configured shape. In this manner, only similarly shaped treatment material could be placed in the basket assemblies 12 and 112. For example, the basket assemblies 12 and 112 could have an “A” or “V” shape. In this example, the treatment material would need to have a corresponding “A” or “V” shape in order to be placed into the basket assemblies 12 and 112. This may be important to ensure that proper and authorized treatment materials are utilized with the devices disclosed herein.
One or more embodiments sharing many features and elements as the one or more embodiments illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In one or more embodiments, the one or more devices disclosed herein may provide for a lid or base portion ofthe basket assembly that may be selectively removable such that the treatment material may be replaced. Alternatively, the basket assembly may be integrally formed such that only by replacing the basket assembly that has new treatment material therein can the basket be “refilled.” In one or more embodiments, the basket assembly may also take on a two-part assembly such that the basket assembly may be selectively disassembled at about any of a medial portion thereof.
Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the one or more basket assemblies disclosed herein have been illustrated with a fastener extending therefrom. In one or more embodiments, the skirt cover may define a fastener for engaging with the one or more basket assemblies.
As illustrated in
One or more embodiments of a device for use with a floor drain are illustrated in
One or more alternate embodiments of a device for use with a floor drain are illustrated in
One or more devices are illustrated in
In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the insert cover 912 may be fabricated with an injection molding process that includes injecting fragrance, aromatic material, or other desired material into the molding material. In this manner, the insert cover 912 may have a pleasing fragrance and may be installed as shown in
In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, any ofthe devices herein may be fabricated with an injection molding process that includes injecting fragrance, aromatic material, or other desired material into the molding material. In this manner, the one or more devices herein may have a pleasing fragrance and may be installed to mask odors emanating from the drain assembly 1.
While the embodiments have been described in connection with the preferred embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/477,187 filed on Apr. 20, 2011, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/510,540 filed on Jul. 22, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/544,037 filed on Oct. 6, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. This application is being contemporaneously filed with U.S. Utility application Ser. Nos. 13/419,339, 13/419,342, and 13/419,402, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country |
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| 201362879 | Feb 2009 | CN |
| 201362879 | Dec 2009 | CN |
| 1113112 | Jul 2001 | EP |
| 20061032543 | Mar 2008 | NL |
| 2004079109 | Sep 2004 | WO |
| 2010138997 | May 2010 | WO |
| 2010138997 | Dec 2010 | WO |
| WO 2015170309 | Nov 2015 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| Office Action for Chinese Application No. 201290000429.5 dated Feb. 28, 2014. |
| Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/778,177 and notice of References cited dated Jun. 7, 2013. |
| Office Action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/778,177 and notice of References cited dated Mar. 12, 2014. |
| Website for Pure Drain Defender, 2012, Pure Drain Defender LLC, http://puredraindefender.com/, last accessed Aug. 27, 2012. |
| Notice of Allowance dated Aug. 31, 2012 for related application U.S. Appl. No. 29/42506, filed Jun. 19, 2012. |
| International Search Report dated Aug. 23, 2012 for related international application PCT/US2012/034478 filed Apr. 20, 2012. |
| International Search Report dated Aug. 23, 2012 for corresponding international application PCT/US2012/034464 filed Apr. 20, 2012. |
| EPO Search Report dated Oct. 27, 2014 for PCT/US2012034478. |
| Non-final Office Action dated Dec. 26, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/778,185. |
| Final Office Action dated Feb. 4, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/262,723. |
| Non-final Office Action dated Feb. 2, 2015 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/452,090. |
| Non-final Office Action dated Oct. 8, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 14/262,723. |
| Non-Final Office Action dated Sep. 27, 2012 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/419,402. |
| Final Office Action dated Feb. 1, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/419,402. |
| Non-final Office Action dated Jun. 7, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/778,177. |
| Final Office Action dated Mar. 12, 2014 for U.S. Appl. No. 13/778,177. |
| Final rejection dated Feb. 1, 2013 for related U.S. Appl. No. 13/419,402 (filed Mar. 13, 2012), references cited herein. |
| “Environmental Biotech Lock Down Floor Strainer” found at <http://www.environmentalbiotech.conn/floor_strainers. htm>; copyright 2011; Environmental Biotech; printed Apr. 17, 2012; 1 page. |
| “Environmental Biotech Drain Blast(TM)” found at <http://www.environmentalbiotech.com/drain_blast.htm>, copyright 2011; Environmental Biotech; printed Apr. 17, 2012; 1 page. |
| “Aire-Master Odor Control Service for Floors & Drains” found at <http://www.airemaster.com/odor-control/floors-drains>; copyright 2012; Aire-Master of America, Inc.; printed Apr. 17, 2012; 2 pages. |
| “Quirky Ripple Unstink Your Sink” found at <http://www.quirky.com/products/107-Ripple-Sink-Strainer>, copyright 2009-2012; Quirky Incorporated; printed Apr. 17, 2012; 3 pages. |
| Quirky/Influence/Ripple/Concept Phase/Idea 68564; found at <http://www.quirky.com/ideations/68564>; copyright 2009-2012; Quirky Incorporated; printed Apr. 17, 2012; 4 pages. |
| Quirky/Influence/Ripple/Concept Phase/Idea 68793 found at <http://www.quirky.com/ideations/68793>; copyright 2009-2012; Quirky Incorporated; printed Apr. 17, 2012; 5 pages. |
| Quirky/Influence/Ripple/Concept Phase/Idea 68456 found at <http://www.quirky.com/ideations/68456>; copyright 2009-2012; Quirky Incorporated; printed Apr. 17, 2012; 6 pages. |
| Quirky product vote/discussion page found at <http://www.quirky.com/ideations/56330>; copyright 2009-2012; Quirky Incorporated; printed Apr. 17, 2012; 34 pages. |
| U.S. Non-final Office Action dated Apr. 3, 2009; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 12/246,411, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,532. |
| Applicant's Response dated Jun. 2, 2009; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 12/246,411, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,618,532. |
| U.S. Non-final Office Action dated Apr. 6, 2007; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Response dated Sep. 6, 2007; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Non-Compliant Amendment dated Sep. 12, 2007; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Supplemental Response dated Sep. 24, 2007; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Non-Compliant Amendment dated Dec. 3, 2007; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Supplemental Response dated Dec. 6, 2007; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Non-Compliant Amendment dated Jan. 10, 2008; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Supplemental Response dated Jan. 21, 2008; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Restriction Requirement dated May 30, 2008; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Response to Restriction Requirement dated Jun. 27, 2008; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Non-Compliant Amendment dated Oct. 16, 2008; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Response dated Nov. 13, 2008; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Final Rejection dated Feb. 5, 2009; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Response and Request for Continued Examination dated Jul. 20, 2009; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Non-final Office Action dated Sep. 9, 2009; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Response dated Mar. 3, 2010; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's payment of independent claims in excess of 3 dated Mar. 8, 2010; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Non-Compliant Amendment dated Jun. 8, 2010; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Applicant's Response dated Jul. 15, 2010; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| U.S. Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 4, 2010; see file history of U.S. Appl. No. 11/382,541, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,887,697. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20120267296 A1 | Oct 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61477187 | Apr 2011 | US | |
| 61510540 | Jul 2011 | US | |
| 61544037 | Oct 2011 | US |
