Consumers at all levels need or desire holsters for their handguns. Generally such holsters need to provide adequate retention and where they are to be worn exterior to the body are generally formed of rigid polymers and are form fit to specific handguns. Although what is “adequate” retention varies with the user, in most exteriorly worn rigid polymer holsters, the adequate retention is provided by finger actuated retention mechanisms. Passive retention holsters, particularly those formed or rigid polymers, typically utilize adjustable retention mechanisms with threaded fasteners for adjusting the handgun retention. Such mechanisms typically consist of the fastener pulling opposing sides of the holster together at the holster trigger guard. Such a holster configuration will require many holsters to accommodate the many differently sized and configured available handguns.
Military personnel and law enforcement have needs for holsters with at least two levels, sometimes three levels, of handgun retention, including at least one active level of retention with an active finger operated mechanical release mechanism. Such users further require a high degree of reliability and an extended useful life under daily use conditions. Such complexity increases costs of such holsters. Most polymer rigid holsters that form fit handguns need to be designed for particular models of handguns, resulting in a different holster for each different handgun design and a vast number of different models and SKU's for a particular style holster. The holster manufacturer will generally need to have a separate mold for each holster body, again increasing the costs of such holsters. Moreover, due to the finger actuated retention mechanisms, the holster bodies are not interchangeable for left handed and right handed users, further increasing the number of molds. Holster retailers need a substantial amount of space to both display and stock the vast array of holsters. This essentially precludes retailers that have limited space from adding holsters to their store inventory, such as big box discount retailers with smaller sporting goods departments. These retailers demand quick product turnover to justify the space taken up by the product. Also, it is difficult and time consuming for the consumer to locate and find the right holster for their particular handgun or handguns when facing multiple products at the retail store.
A very large percentage of handguns being sold have accessory rails that will support accessories such as laser sights and illuminators. Illuminators may be either flash lights or infrared light generators. Providing holsters for the handguns that have such an attached accessory on the rail has been challenging for the holster industry and solutions would be well received.
A combination exteriorly worn holster and an illuminator or laser sight accessory is packaged together for retail sale, the combination providing a simple exteriorly worn holster solution for handguns with attached accessory wearable either on the right or left side and with a reliable passive retention and with a universal fit for a very large segment of the semi-automatic handguns having accessory rails that are being commercially sold. In embodiments, the accessory instantly snaps onto the handgun's rail without tightening threaded fasteners such that the holster is readily received by the handgun and the accessory provides the entirety of the engagement between handgun/accessory combination and the holster. Moreover, the holster's passive retention comprises a polymer spring unitary with the holster body, wherein the spring engages and grips the accessory retaining the handgun.
The inventor has recognized that although certain retailers that do not focus on shooting sports would like to stock holsters for handguns, however the vast array of different holsters for different handguns, precludes any limited sized display. These retailers need a holster product that needs minimal shelf or display area, and that has characteristics presenting a potential for a high volume inventory turnover. Embodiments herein allow for a single SKU, or very minimal number of SKUs, for such holsters requiring minimal space at the retail level, both for display and stocking, allowing retailers that do not have expansive space for holsters to now display and stock a single holster product, or very few holster products, that will accommodate a high percentage of their handgun owning customers. Retail products in accord with embodiments herein have the added bonus of a displaying and included a desirable accessory with a holster to boost sales, the holster/accessory combination having the desirable feature that the accessory may be retained on the handgun during holstered, in fact, the accessory providing the engagement with the holster and the accessory facilitating the universality nature of the holster. Thus, not only providing for the retailer a great space saving benefit, but also providing an expectation of high volume sales.
Accessories for handguns, such as target illuminators and laser sighting devices have become popular for all levels of consumers of handguns. Handguns often have standardized rails for supporting such accessories. The vast majority of holsters are not configured to accommodate the handgun with accessory and the accessory needs to be removed before holstering. Such accessories, as well as different handguns with rails, have a large number of different form factors. Providing form fit holsters that accommodate different rail mounted accessories, specifically laser sights and illuminators, is problematic due to the vast number of combinations of handgun and accessory configurations.
Currently, form fitting holsters for handguns with rail mounted illuminators and laser sights have limited available for only popular handguns and a limited number of specific accessories. It remains challenging for the consumer to quickly locate and find the right holster and suitable rail mounted accessory for their particular handgun or handguns at a retail store, and particularly for a lower price point.
A partial solution to the issues of providing holsters accommodating multiple forms of handguns and multiple forms of rail mounted illuminators or laser sights is provided by U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,032. That patent discloses an intermediate engagement member that mounts to the handgun rail and also the accessory, the holster keys on the intermediate engagement member for operating an active retention member and for precise positioning during handgun holstering and while the handgun is in the holster. This patent also discloses that the holster body being form fit to the handgun which will require a number of different holster bodies for different handguns. Additionally the patent discloses that the holster body is form fit to a specifically configured illuminator. Attachment of the intermediate member with screws to the handgun and the attachment of the intermediate member to the accessory with screws provides multiple steps and complexity for the attachment and use of this system. Additionally, the complexity added by the release mechanism and the need for different molds for left and right handed users would keep holsters of the disclosed design at least moderately expensive and require several or more SKUs.
Another partial solution is U.S. Pat. No. 9,777,986, owned by the owner of this application. This patent utilizes a thumb actuated active retention mechanism on the holster that acts on an attached accessory clamped to the handgun rail, the accessory being clamped to the handgun rail with screws. The holster conformingly receiving the accessory. This patent allows the use of different handguns with the accessory as a gap is provided between the handgun and holster body but, the holster still requires different holster bodies for right and left handed users. Thus, due to the needed extra molds, at least for left and right handed users, and the complexity of retention mechanisms, manufacturing cost and the retail price point are still moderately expensive. Such pricing may be too high for some consumers and higher than non-sporting goods, non-firearm dealers would prefer to have in their retail stores.
The inventors have recognized that existing holsters that key on components attached to handgun rails have a loose fit with the component as the component and attached holster are received, and the component and attached handgun being secured in the holster by a mechanism with a blocking portion that interferes with a withdrawal motion. The blocking portion needing to be actively moved by the user actuating a manual release mechanism. Thus, insertion of the accessory and handgun into the holster is loose, not fully constrained, can be audible, and the seating of the component has a noticeable and audible click. Providing a smoother and more constrained and quieter component with accessory insertion into the holster would be well received and appreciated by users.
The applicant has recognized that a particular segment of consumers buying holsters do not want to spend time matching their handgun to rail mounted accessories, and searching for a suitable holster. They do not need or want to pay for holsters with complex retention devices. They want simplicity and easy of attachment of accessories and ease of use. They want simple choices that can be quickly made. They want great value and low cost.
Moreover, the inventor has surmised that handgun owners that have not purchased accessories due to the difficulty of holstering handguns with such accessories. The embodiments herein allow such handgun owners to instantly solve this problem with the purchase of a packaged universal holster and illuminator, benefitting both the customer and retailer.
The inventor has recognized that a product that allows a retailer to offer a holster that accommodates a laser sight and/or a illuminator with multiple handguns and packaging therewith the illuminator or laser sight accessory, at a low price point, requiring absolute minimal shelf or rack space, would be well received by the retail industry, particularly discount retail stores, as well as consumers. Previously the retailer with minimal shelf space, minimal stocking space, and/or high volume sales per display square footage, is essentially precluded from selling holsters.
The inventor has recognized that a single holster product that accommodates a flashlight or laser sight and that is usable by both left and right handed users would be well received by retail stores and consumers. A product that allows a simple attachment of an illuminator to a handgun and an assured fit of the handgun and accessory to a holster would be well received by such retailers and consumers. Such a product that has a low manufacturing cost and minimal components would be well received by the holster industry, and such a product with a low price point would also be well received by the retail industry and consumers. A product that has adequate retention for most users of a handgun with a rail mounted illuminator or laser sight with simplicity and a low cost would be well received by consumers and the retail industry. Embodiments herein provide all of these features and advantages.
Generally, a packaged product that is visually appealing, plainly displays a universal holster usable with a vast number of different handguns, that is usable for left and right handed users, that has graphics setting forth such a capability on the packaging, and that has included a universal quick attaching illuminator or laser sight, visible to the customer as packaged, would be well received by the retail industry and consumers.
In embodiments, a retail holster product comprises a packaged holster and rail mountable accessory comprising an illuminator, the holster product comprises a holster body with only passive retention means, the holster body having attachment openings on each of two opposing sides allowing mounting of a belt loop either side making the holster suitable for left or right handed users. In embodiments, the only assembly is attachment of the illuminator to the handgun rail without using threaded fasteners, insertion of a battery into the illuminator, and attachment of the belt loop directly to one or the other side of the holster body. The attachment using one or more threaded fasteners that secure the belt loop directly to the holster body. The insertion and withdrawal of the handgun and illuminator made without a discrete actuation step of a retention mechanism.
In embodiments, the holster body is injection molded of glass filled polyamide material, the accessory, the illuminator or laser sight, formed of a metal, the portion of the holster body that receives the holster body having an interference fit with the accessory. The glass filled polyamide holster body providing a smooth, soft feel, quiet, and snug engagement with the accessory attached to the handgun. Additionally, in embodiments, the seating of the accessory and attached handgun is quiet and soft in feel. In embodiments, the interference fit is created at least primarily by a unitary spring portion of the holster body defined by slits in the holster body, the spring portion moving outwardly as the holster body receives the accessory and attached handgun.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is that the insertion of the accessory and attached handgun into the holster is smooth, fully constrained in lateral directions, is quiet, and the seating of the component is a motion stop without noise. Providing a smoother and more constrained and quieter component with accessory insertion into the holster would be well received and appreciated by users.
In embodiments, a retail holster product comprises a combination handgun holster and illuminator packaged together for retail sale. In embodiments, the combination includes a holster for receiving a handgun, an illuminator detachably fixable to a mounting rail of the handgun, and packaging suitable for display and sale in a department store environment. In embodiments, the holster comprises a holster body and a belt loop, the holster body and belt loop being disposed in the interior of the package. In embodiments, the holster body has a rearward portion having a shape that is symmetrical about a central plane so that the belt loop is attachable to either a left side or a right side of the holster body and so that the holster is wearable either on the right or left side of a user. In embodiments, the holster body defines a cavity extending forwardly along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis A. In embodiments, the holster body has a first body portion defining a first cavity portion and a second body portion defining a second cavity portion. In embodiments, the first cavity portion is dimensioned and configured so that, while the handgun is holstered, the first body portion encloses the handgun while leaving a predetermined clearance around the handgun. In embodiments, the predetermined clearance is selected to allow a single holster system to be utilized with a multiplicity of semi-automatic handguns with mounting rails. In embodiments, the second cavity portion has a shape conforming to the shape of the illuminator whereby the second cavity portion receives the illuminator and engagement with the second body portion precludes movement of the illuminator except for movement in the insertion and withdrawal direction along a forward rearward axis of the handgun. In embodiments, the second body portion has a pair of parallel slits defining a leaf spring or a cantilevered spring. In embodiments, the leaf spring or cantilevered spring has a protruding portion extending into the second cavity portion for resiliently engaging the illuminator when the handgun and illuminator are holstered. In embodiments, the packaging is configured such that the holster body and illuminator are visible through the packaging or is graphically portrayed on the packaging.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is a handgun holstering system including an accessory and a holster made almost entirely of polymeric material, except for fasteners. This arrangement provides ease of assembly and cost efficiencies by minimizing the number of parts and minimizing the number of assembly steps.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is an exteriorly worn holster with only passive retention, the passive retention provided by a retention member configured as a polymer spring defined by two parallel slots in the holster body. The spring can be configured as a leaf spring with each of two ends unitary with the holster body or a cantilever spring with one end unitary with the holster body and the opposite end free standing. The slots and spring generally extending parallel to an insertion withdrawal axis. The leaf spring positioned to engage the illuminator or laser sight that is attached to the handgun. In embodiments the leaf spring is on one of two lateral sides of the holster body. In embodiments there may be two mirror image springs for engaging each side of the accessory.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is a handgun holstering system including a holster body integrally formed from a single piece of thermoplastic material. This arrangement allows the holster body to be fabricated using an automated and efficient thermoplastic injection molding process.
A feature and benefit of embodiments includes providing a universal holster system that allows a single holster to be utilized with various makes and models of handgun. In these embodiments, a weapon mounted accessory, such as flashlight, may be used as the sole or primary interface with the holster. The holster partially encloses the handgun while leaving a clearance around the handgun. In embodiments, the clearance around the handgun allows a single holster system to be utilized with various makes and models of handguns.
A feature and benefit of embodiments is a holstering system with no active retention system. In embodiments, the holster system operates more smoothly and more quietly with less wear and tear on the handgun and the holster thereby potentially extending the useful life of the holster.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is a handgun holstering system with a holster body having a unitary retention portion configures as a leaf spring portion for passively retaining a handgun. In embodiments, the leaf spring portion is molded as part of the holster body. In embodiments, the holster body and the leaf spring portion are formed of a single piece of thermoplastic material.
A feature and benefit of embodiments involves reducing or eliminating wear and tear on handgun surface finishes due to the fact that the holster cavity leaves clearance around the handgun, the retention engagement of the holster being with the accessory not the handgun. A feature and benefit of embodiments is a passive retention mechanism that resists withdrawal of the handgun and the accessory attached to the handgun, and that is automatically reset after withdrawal of the handgun. In embodiments, the passive retention mechanism applies forces to the accessory.
A feature and benefit of embodiments is a passive retention mechanism comprising a spring portion and an inwardly protruding portion. In embodiments, the inward protruding portion includes a sloped surface configured to cause outward deflection of the spring portion upon insertion of the handgun/accessory combination into the holster.
A feature and benefit of embodiments is that the holster body defines a cavity that is capable of accepting handguns having different widths, lengths and shapes with an rail mounted attached accessory. A feature and benefit of embodiments is that the holster body is shaped and dimensioned such that the holster body is readily manufactured using a thermal injection molding process.
In embodiments, a retail holster product comprises a combination handgun holster and illuminator packaged together for retail sale. In embodiments, the combination includes a holster for receiving a handgun, an illuminator detachably fixable to a mounting rail of the handgun, and packaging suitable for display and sale in a department store environment. In embodiments, the packaging has an interior for receiving the holster body, a belt loop, and an illuminator. In embodiments, the packaging includes a transparent portion for displaying at least the holster body and the illuminator. In embodiments, the holster comprises a holster body defining a cavity extending forwardly along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis. In embodiments, the holster body comprises a plurality of side wall portions unitarily formed of a polymeric material. In embodiments, the plurality of side wall portions including a pair of side wall portions joined at a top and bottom of the side wall portions. In embodiments, each side wall portion supports one of a pair of inwardly projecting ribs configured for capturing and engaging the illuminator when the handgun with illuminator is inserted into the holster. In embodiments, the holster and illuminator engagement constrain all freedom of motion of the illuminator except freedom of motion in the insertion and withdrawal direction along a forward rearward axis of the handgun. In embodiments, the illuminator has an illuminating portion and a rail attachment portion. In embodiments, the rail attachment portion defines a first lateral channel on a first side of the illuminator and a second lateral channel on an opposite side of the illuminator for engaging the inwardly projecting ribs of the holster. In embodiments, the ribs are adapted and dimensioned to capture and engage the illuminator when the handgun with illuminator is inserted into the holster.
A combination handgun holster and illuminator packaged together for retail sale is disclosed, in embodiments the combination comprises a holster for receiving a handgun, an illuminator detachably fixable to the handgun, packaging suitable for display and sale in a department store environment. In embodiments, the holster comprises a holster body and a belt loop, the holster body and belt loop being disposed in the interior of a packaging. In embodiments, the holster body has left and right symmetrical rearward portions so that the belt loop is attachable to either the left side or the right side of the holster body and so that the holster is wearable either on the right or left side of a user. The holster body may define a cavity extending forwardly along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis. In embodiments, the holster body has a first body portion defining a first cavity portion and a second body portion defining a second cavity portion, the first cavity portion being dimensioned and configured so that, while the handgun is holstered, the first body portion encloses the handgun while leaving a clearance around the handgun, the first body portion sized to provide a clearance for a multiplicity of semi-automatic handguns with mounting rails received therein. The second cavity portion has a shape conforming to the shape of the illuminator whereby the second cavity portion receives the illuminator as the handgun is holstered and the holster being fixed to the illuminator the second body portion precludes movement of the illuminator except for movement in the insertion and withdrawal direction along a forward rearward axis of the handgun. In embodiments, the second body portion has a pair of parallel slits defining a cantilever beam spring or leaf spring. In embodiments, the beam or leaf spring has a protruding portion extending into the second cavity portion for resiliently engaging the illuminator when the handgun and illuminator are holstered. In embodiments, the packaging comprises a six sided package having an interior with a volume of about 90 cu. in. to about 104 cu. in, the package having a front panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a rearward panel, and a pair of lateral panels. In embodiments, the package has graphics on at least on an exposed front panel and the pair of lateral panels, the forward panel defining an opening. In embodiments, the package defines an opening and has a transparent sheet material spanning the opening. In embodiments, the holster body and illuminator are visible through the transparent sheet material.
A combination handgun holster and illuminator packaged together for retail sale is disclosed. In embodiments, the combination comprises a holster for receiving a handgun, an illuminator detachably fixable to the handgun, and packaging suitable for display and sale in a department store environment. In embodiments, the packaging has an interior for receiving the holster body, the illuminator, and a belt loop. In embodiments, the packaging has a transparent portion for displaying at least the holster body and the illuminator. In embodiments, the holster is disposed in the interior of the packaging. In embodiments, the holster comprises a holster body defining a cavity extending forwardly along a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis. In embodiments, the holster body comprises a plurality of wall portions unitarily formed of a polymeric material. In embodiments, the plurality of wall portions including a pair of side wall portions joined at a top and bottom of the side wall portions. In embodiments, each side wall portion supports one of a pair of inwardly projecting ribs configured for capturing and engaging the illuminator when the handgun with illuminator is inserted into the holster. In embodiments, the illuminator has an illumination portion and a rail attachment portion. In embodiments, the rail attachment portion of the illuminator defines a first lateral channel on a first side of the illuminator and a second lateral channel on an opposite side of the illuminator for engaging a pair of inwardly projecting ribs of the holster, the ribs capturing and engaging the illuminator when the handgun with illuminator is inserted into the holster. In embodiments, the holster and illuminator engagement constrains all freedom of motion of the illuminator, and thus the handgun, except freedom of motion in the insertion and withdrawal direction along a forward rearward axis of the handgun.
A holster system for receiving and releasably retaining differently configured handguns is disclosed. In embodiments, each of the differently configured handgun has a mounting rail positioned below a barrel thereof and a predetermined accessory attached to the rail. In embodiments, the accessory is an illuminator with a rail clamp portion with a spring loaded clamp member for quickly securing the accessory to the handgun rail. A holster body of the holster system may comprise a pair of opposing side wall portions defining an interior with an open rearward end, the holster body having a handgun receiving and withdrawal axis extending forwardly and rearwardly. In embodiments, the holster body further has a pair of opposing ribs extending linearly forwardly and backwardly and projecting inwardly from each of the opposing side wall portions. In embodiments, the ribs are spaced from an upwardly facing bottom surface of the holster body a distance for capturing the accessory. In embodiments, the pair of opposing side walls and the ribs define a lower accessory receiving pocket or cavity in the interior.
An advantage of embodiments allow consumers to purchase a holster and handgun accessory without spending time matching their handgun to rail mounted accessories, and searching for a suitable holster, such purchase may be quickly made. Embodiments allow customers to purchase a holster for a handgun and accessory without paying for complex retention devices. Embodiments herein provide simplicity of choice and easy of attachment of accessories and ease of use after the purchase. Embodiments herein can provide to the customer great value and low cost.
A feature and advantage of embodiments is optimal simplicity is provided in selection of a holster product, optimal simplicity in the selection of an illuminator product, optimal simplicity in the assembly of the holster, ultimate simplicity in the attachment of the illuminator to the user's handgun, and optimal simplicity in the use of the holster with the user's handgun and attached illuminator.
The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure.
The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.
While embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Continuing to refer to
Referring to
The accessory with the clamp portion as described above may be attached by manually pushing the lever inwardly toward the body portion and engaging the rail attachment portion elongate recesses with the two parallel outwardly extending projections 215. The lever may be released as the accessory is slid along the accessory rail until the tab 204 extends into the transverse groove 211, the action being a snap-on action. In embodiments the rail attachment portion may be slid on the accessory rail without retracting the lever and to 204. Other conventional rail attachment mechanisms may also be suitable in embodiments, for example where the opposing parallel rails with the elongate recesses are tightened toward one another with threaded fasteners.
The accessory, in addition to being an illuminator or flashlight, could be a battery powered laser projecting sight 216, see
In embodiments, the accessory body portion 192 defines a first lateral channel 222 on a first side of the accessory 104 and a second lateral channel 223 on an opposite side of the illuminator 104 for engaging the inwardly projecting ribs 188 of the holster 100. In embodiments, the ribs 188 as part of holster second body portion are adapted and dimensioned to capture and engage the illuminator 104 when the handgun 102 with illuminator 104 is inserted into the holster 100. When an accessory with attached handgun is inserted, the accessory is conformingly and snugly received in the cavity defined by the second body portion. In embodiments, the cavity expands such as by the outward deflection of the spring member
Referring to
Referring to
The following United States patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,918,784, 6,112,962, 6,267,279, 6,547,111, 6,641,009, 7,937,880, 7,434,712, 7,461,765, 7,556,181, 7,694,860, 7,841,497, 7,954,971, 8,132,355, 8,177,108, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,235,263, 8,474,670, 8,517,235, 8,690,032, 8,720,755, 8,985,412, 9,057,579, 9,057,580, 9,134,093, 9,759,515, and 9,777,986. Published U.S. Patent Application US2017/0205172 is hereby incorporated by reference herein. All U.S. patents issuing from and claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/261,079 are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The above references to U.S. patents in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized with embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).
The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes.
Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1046912 | Wanee | Dec 1912 | A |
1113530 | Audley | Oct 1914 | A |
1148935 | Snavely | Aug 1915 | A |
1421578 | Schussler | Jul 1922 | A |
1635984 | Corriston | Jul 1927 | A |
1641439 | Jovino | Sep 1927 | A |
1750139 | Swift | Mar 1930 | A |
1851352 | Denkert | Mar 1932 | A |
1951865 | Franz | Mar 1934 | A |
2051844 | Green | Aug 1936 | A |
2088811 | Ray | Aug 1937 | A |
2109734 | Preneta | Mar 1938 | A |
2349376 | Ray | May 1944 | A |
2443397 | Myres | Jun 1948 | A |
2551913 | Toby | May 1951 | A |
2577869 | Adams | Dec 1951 | A |
2590187 | Langos | Mar 1952 | A |
2893615 | Couper | Jul 1959 | A |
3289903 | Taormina | Dec 1966 | A |
3419728 | Wilson | Dec 1968 | A |
3420420 | Clark | Jan 1969 | A |
3550821 | Daigle | Dec 1970 | A |
3550822 | Lloyd | Dec 1970 | A |
3669325 | Furman | Jun 1972 | A |
3718240 | Rose | Feb 1973 | A |
3777952 | Theodore | Dec 1973 | A |
3804306 | Azurin | Apr 1974 | A |
3828990 | Baldocchi | Aug 1974 | A |
3866811 | Hamby | Feb 1975 | A |
3904091 | Jones | Sep 1975 | A |
3910469 | Baldocchi | Oct 1975 | A |
RE30139 | Jones | Nov 1979 | E |
4277007 | Bianchi et al. | Jul 1981 | A |
4846384 | Perry | Jul 1989 | A |
5018654 | Rogers et al. | May 1991 | A |
5048735 | McCormick | Sep 1991 | A |
5082318 | Held et al. | Jan 1992 | A |
5094376 | Baruch | Mar 1992 | A |
5100036 | Rogers et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
5127566 | Beletsky | Jul 1992 | A |
5129562 | Bianchi | Jul 1992 | A |
5172575 | Fisher | Dec 1992 | A |
5199620 | Beletsky | Apr 1993 | A |
5215238 | Baruch | Jun 1993 | A |
5275317 | Rogers et al. | Jan 1994 | A |
5282559 | Aerle et al. | Feb 1994 | A |
5284281 | Nichols | Feb 1994 | A |
5322200 | Blanchard | Jun 1994 | A |
5358160 | Bianchi | Oct 1994 | A |
5372288 | Rogers et al. | Dec 1994 | A |
5395021 | Brown | Mar 1995 | A |
5419474 | Marx et al. | May 1995 | A |
5421497 | Gilmore | Jun 1995 | A |
5449103 | Tilley | Sep 1995 | A |
5458266 | Pichot | Oct 1995 | A |
5467909 | Resca et al. | Nov 1995 | A |
5501380 | Wu | Mar 1996 | A |
5501381 | Rogers et al. | Mar 1996 | A |
5509591 | Carver | Apr 1996 | A |
5513785 | Campagna, Jr. | May 1996 | A |
5518155 | Gallagher | May 1996 | A |
5551611 | Gilmore | Sep 1996 | A |
5570830 | Nichols | Nov 1996 | A |
5573157 | Mauriello et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
5598958 | Ryan, III et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
5611164 | Rassias | Mar 1997 | A |
5622295 | Hellweg et al. | Apr 1997 | A |
5749507 | Wood | May 1998 | A |
5758448 | Thummel | Jun 1998 | A |
5768816 | Rassias | Jun 1998 | A |
5779114 | Owens | Jul 1998 | A |
5806739 | Wood | Sep 1998 | A |
5810221 | Beletsky et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
5810222 | Shoemaker | Sep 1998 | A |
5855305 | Nichols | Jan 1999 | A |
5916087 | Owens | Jun 1999 | A |
5918784 | Serpa | Jul 1999 | A |
5927578 | Kay | Jul 1999 | A |
5931358 | Rogers | Aug 1999 | A |
5944239 | Rogers et al. | Aug 1999 | A |
5961013 | Collins | Oct 1999 | A |
6085951 | Beletsky et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6112962 | Matthews | Sep 2000 | A |
6149042 | Rassias | Nov 2000 | A |
6189751 | Tserng | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6230946 | Vor Keller et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6267279 | Matthews | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6276581 | Glock | Aug 2001 | B1 |
6320975 | Vieweg | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6349496 | Neely | Feb 2002 | B1 |
6389726 | Bentley | May 2002 | B1 |
6398089 | Har-Shen | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6415541 | Rassias | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6467660 | Rogers et al. | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6523374 | Owens | Feb 2003 | B1 |
6533149 | Vor Keller et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
6547111 | French | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6585209 | Mattingly | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6588635 | Vor Keller et al. | Jul 2003 | B2 |
6604657 | Yirmiyahu et al. | Aug 2003 | B2 |
6616020 | Spielberger | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6634527 | Lui | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6641009 | French et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6732891 | Locklear, III | May 2004 | B2 |
6752300 | Har-Shen | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6755331 | Rassias | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6769581 | Rogers et al. | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6769582 | Beletsky et al. | Aug 2004 | B1 |
6799392 | Milec et al. | Oct 2004 | B2 |
D501991 | Cook et al. | Feb 2005 | S |
6854626 | Liao | Feb 2005 | B2 |
6886725 | Lowe et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
6918519 | Vor Keller et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
6948644 | Beletsky | Sep 2005 | B1 |
D512561 | Cook et al. | Dec 2005 | S |
7117625 | Pikielny | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7140523 | Lowe et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
7200965 | Vor Keller et al. | Apr 2007 | B2 |
7258259 | Owens | Aug 2007 | B1 |
7434712 | Cook | Oct 2008 | B2 |
7461765 | French et al. | Dec 2008 | B2 |
7530456 | Tsai | May 2009 | B1 |
7543404 | Kovalchuk et al. | Jun 2009 | B2 |
7556181 | Spielberger | Jul 2009 | B2 |
7562797 | Senn et al. | Jul 2009 | B2 |
7584875 | Lowe et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7591402 | Rassias | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7644845 | Lowe | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7694860 | Clifton, Jr. | Apr 2010 | B2 |
7703231 | Wei | Apr 2010 | B2 |
7735255 | Kincaid | Jun 2010 | B1 |
7762018 | Fitzpatrick et al. | Jul 2010 | B1 |
7819294 | Lowe et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7841497 | Gregory | Nov 2010 | B1 |
7850053 | Rassias | Dec 2010 | B2 |
7922050 | Benes | Apr 2011 | B2 |
7934333 | Tuz | May 2011 | B1 |
7937880 | Fidlow | May 2011 | B1 |
7950553 | Rassias | May 2011 | B2 |
7954971 | Kincaid | Jun 2011 | B1 |
8052018 | Gallagher | Nov 2011 | B2 |
8096453 | Lowe et al. | Jan 2012 | B2 |
8132355 | Kincaid et al. | Mar 2012 | B1 |
8141758 | Spielberger | Mar 2012 | B2 |
8177108 | Kincaid et al. | May 2012 | B1 |
8215525 | Rassias | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8235263 | Yeates et al. | Aug 2012 | B1 |
8251266 | Gregory et al. | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8281512 | Lara | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8302827 | Cole | Nov 2012 | B1 |
8371487 | Plappert | Feb 2013 | B1 |
8474670 | Gregory | Jul 2013 | B1 |
RE44428 | Spielberger | Aug 2013 | E |
8517235 | Kincaid et al. | Aug 2013 | B1 |
8544706 | Crye | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8602275 | Kiger et al. | Dec 2013 | B1 |
8602276 | Tyybakinoja | Dec 2013 | B2 |
8631981 | Zusman | Jan 2014 | B2 |
8646665 | Abushaev | Feb 2014 | B2 |
8690032 | Baumann | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8714423 | Kincaid et al. | May 2014 | B1 |
8720753 | Benes | May 2014 | B2 |
8720754 | Kirsch | May 2014 | B2 |
8720755 | Gregory et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8783532 | Gregory et al. | Jul 2014 | B2 |
8807404 | Howell et al. | Aug 2014 | B1 |
8851344 | Baumann et al. | Oct 2014 | B2 |
8870042 | Clifton | Oct 2014 | B2 |
8910839 | Clifton | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8925773 | Clifton | Jan 2015 | B2 |
D723796 | Resca | Mar 2015 | S |
8985412 | Rorick et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
9016533 | Visalli et al. | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9022262 | Pellegrini | May 2015 | B2 |
9057579 | Rorick et al. | Jun 2015 | B2 |
9057580 | Rorick | Jun 2015 | B2 |
9086254 | Plappert | Jul 2015 | B1 |
9109855 | Kincel | Aug 2015 | B1 |
9134093 | Yeates | Sep 2015 | B2 |
D740021 | Faifer | Oct 2015 | S |
9175925 | Pellegrini | Nov 2015 | B2 |
9228802 | Ribas | Jan 2016 | B2 |
9459064 | Xu | Oct 2016 | B1 |
9541349 | Benton | Jan 2017 | B2 |
9759515 | Yeates | Sep 2017 | B2 |
9777986 | Lance | Oct 2017 | B1 |
9797680 | Hyde | Oct 2017 | B2 |
10024615 | Oh et al. | Jul 2018 | B1 |
20040050887 | Spielberger | Mar 2004 | A1 |
20040195282 | Beletsky et al. | Oct 2004 | A1 |
20050205621 | Shults | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050205624 | French et al. | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050279789 | Lowe | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20060011187 | Gardner, Jr. | Jan 2006 | A1 |
20060156525 | Jenkins et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20060157520 | Clifton, Jr. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20060175366 | Dekaise | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060226185 | Har-Shen | Oct 2006 | A1 |
20070181619 | Seyfert | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20080110947 | Pikielny | May 2008 | A1 |
20080121670 | Buress | May 2008 | A1 |
20080148619 | Rogers | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080179359 | Aberle et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20080179360 | Lowe | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20090321480 | Kincaid et al. | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20100276464 | Hirt et al. | Nov 2010 | A1 |
20110011904 | Schultz et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
20110101063 | Zusman | May 2011 | A1 |
20110163138 | Tybakinoja | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20110174849 | Clifton, Jr. | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20110174850 | Clifton, Jr. | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20130240582 | Tyybakinoja et al. | Sep 2013 | A1 |
20140048572 | Yeates | Feb 2014 | A1 |
20140109345 | Melville | Apr 2014 | A1 |
20150168099 | Hyde | Jun 2015 | A1 |
20150285587 | Abushaev | Oct 2015 | A1 |
20160069639 | Yeates | Mar 2016 | A1 |
20160123700 | Manglos | May 2016 | A1 |
20170003101 | Madrid et al. | Jan 2017 | A1 |
20170023324 | Xu | Jan 2017 | A1 |
20170205189 | Rogers | Jul 2017 | A1 |
20180058812 | Gilbert | Mar 2018 | A1 |
20180224230 | Myers | Aug 2018 | A1 |
20180274281 | Bernkrant | Sep 2018 | A1 |
20180321014 | Rassias | Nov 2018 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
1975542 | Oct 2008 | EP |
2893404 | May 2007 | FR |
WO2010064268 | Jun 2010 | WO |
WO2013071402 | May 2013 | WO |
WO2014028876 | Feb 2014 | WO |
986778 | Feb 1999 | ZA |
Entry |
---|
European Patent Office, Search Opinion of Application No. 10828676.6, dated Feb. 16, 2015 3 pages. |
European Patent Office, Supplementary Search Report of Application No. 10828676.6, dated Feb. 16, 2015 2 pages. |
Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority for International Application No. PCT/US2010/002935 dated Jan. 7, 2011. |
PCT International Preliminary Report on Patentability for International Application No. PCT/US2010/002935 dated May 15, 2012 5 pages. |
PCT International Search Report for International Application No. PCT/US2010/002935 dated Jan. 7, 2011, 2 pages. |