The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to relieve menstrual pain. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus to relieve menstrual cramping through applying pressure to the exterior of the female body proximate to the hips.
Menstrual cramping (dysmenorrheal) is a medical condition characterized by severe uterine pain during menstruation. The condition is the result of contractions of the uterus as it expels unneeded contents and also the passage of clotted blood through the cervix. The underlying pain results when the uterine muscles contract too hard or fast resulting in severe discomfort around the abdomen, back and often the legs.
The condition most commonly affects women between the ages of 20 through 24. While most women only experience minor pain during menstruation, menstrual cramps are often so severe as to limit normal activities or may require medication. Menstrual cramping may precede menstruation by several days or may accompany it. More typically, such cramping occurs on the first or second day of the menstrual cycle.
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 52 percent of women in the United States between the ages of 15 to 51 suffer from some level of menstrual cramps. Of these, 10 percent have such a severe condition as to require a doctor visit. Statistics from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology reveal that menstrual cramping represents the number one cause of missed school and work days among women. In fact, menstrual cramping accounts for an astonishing 140 million hours of lost school and work every year.
Despite these alarming statistics, very little has been done to advance the art of treating menstrual cramping. Traditional methods of chemical treatment include taking an over-the-counter pain killer which includes ibuprofen as the active ingredient. Non-traditional methods include a regiment of taking calcium, Vitamin D and magnesium supplements. Non-medicinal ways of treatment typically include use of heat around the abdomen, such as a heating pad or taking a warm sitz-bath.
Each aforementioned treatment option has its limitations, and none actually work to treat the underlying medical cause of these cramps. Studies show how increased ingestion of ibuprofen may result in multiple adverse drug reactions (ADRs), as well as associated gastrointestinal (GI) effects and renal problems. Many women cannot always take chemical medications due to these problems as well as other undesirable side affects. Dietary supplements like calcium, Vitamin D and magnesium may help reduce pain but do not eliminate or treat the condition. Use of heat around the abdomen only offers at most temporary relief and does nothing more than mask the pain.
With the growing acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAD), there is a need in the art for an effective yet non-chemical treatment of menstrual cramps. This is especially true with the large number of individuals whose personal and spiritual beliefs preclude use of chemical medicines like ibuprofen.
This invention solves the current limitations in the art of alleviating menstrual cramps through an alternative and non-chemical form of treatment. As menstrual cramping occurs when the uterine muscles contract too hard or fast resulting in the various tissue connected to (or located near) the uterus to be stretched, the present invention treats the condition through counteracting this excessive stretching. Specifically, to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramping, the invention employs compression at or proximate to each greater trochanter—the large, irregular eminence located at the top of the femur bone—at both lateral sides of the female hips. Through compressing the area adjacent to each greater trochanter, the ligaments and tendons proximate to the uterus relax, helping alleviate the pain associated with menstrual cramps.
In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus may include one or more symmetrical tapered pads having an inner side and an outer side. Each outer side of each pad is semi-rigid while each inner side is flexible and compressible. The outer side of each pad is connected to one or more straps, each strap having a first end and a corresponding second end. A fastener is attached to the first end of each strap and a corresponding second fastener is attached to the second end of each strap. Both fasteners may be a buckle system, a latch system, Velcro or any other related locking system known in the art. In addition, a constricting device is located on or proximate to one pad sufficient to create a compression force through each strap when the first fastener and corresponding second fastener are connected to one another. Such constricting device may be a ratchet, pulley system, drum assembly or similar device known in the art.
In a second embodiment of the apparatus, the symmetrically tapered pads may be attached to one or more straps through a swivel bracket to vertically rotate the pad to conform with the user's hips.
In a third embodiment of the apparatus, an inner bladder system may supplant the flexible and compressible inner side of the pads. The inner bladder may be filled with a gas or liquid sufficient to conform to the user's hips.
In a fourth embodiment, the apparatus may have one or more symmetrically tapered pads, each having an outer side and an inner side. The outer side of each pad is affixed to the inner side of a C-shaped belt. In addition, the C-shaped belt may include a constricting device, which may include, but is not necessarily limited to, a spring-member (and/or screw based system attached to each pad) sufficient to compress each symmetrically tapered pad onto the greater trochanters of the user.
In a fifth embodiment, the apparatus may include a variable compression drive capable of accurately compressing both the left pad and right pad onto the greater trochanters of the user. Such variable compression drive may include an outer drum shell which attaches to the strap, as well as an inner rotator having an inner diameter that is treaded. Here, the inner rotator is shaped to fit within the outer drum shell. A motor powers the inner rotator. The compression drive further includes a threaded shaft having a first end and a second end, where the threaded shaft has a sufficient dimension so as to engage the inner diameter of the inner rotator. A tab positioned on the strap helps engage the second end of the threaded shaft.
Furthermore, the apparatus may include a controller assembly to help automate the apparatus and ensure proper use. The controller assembly may include a central controller attached to the strap in communication with the variable compression drive. Such central controller may have an essentially rectangular housing which includes a front display and a plurality of buttons. Positioned within the rectangular housing is a processor and memory device powered by a self contained power source (which can be a battery). The memory device may store computer programs in the form of machine readable code.
Moreover, the central controller may include an uplink (a USB or antenna) sufficient to connect the memory device to report performance data to an outside computing device (such as a smart cellular telephone, a PDA, a table computer, laptop or similar computer). Accordingly, the central controller may communicate with a pressure sensor attached to the variable compression drive to post the compression force on the front display. In addition, a computer program may send an alert to the variable compression drive to reduce the compression force should the pressure sensor determine that such compression is above a threshold value.
Optionally, one or more pads of the apparatus may include a customizable therapy assembly, in order to provide hot or cold therapy in addition to compression. Such assembly may include a female holder and a removable male heat pad (which can be any form of therapy, not just limited to heat), where the female holder is essentially elliptical and includes an outer ring and a cavity sufficient to receive the male heat pad. The male heat pad may have a sufficient size and dimension to be locked within the cavity of the female holder. As such, the male heat pad may have an exterior sleeve filled with a gel or liquid capable of conducting heat. Such therapy pad can vary in density to regulate the level of pressure to conform to varying user preferences. Moreover, such therapy pad can vary in both geometry and malleability to allow application for a variety of body types. Such malleability may be induced by heat, chemical reaction or similar method.
The preferred embodiment of the method may include the steps of placing one or more pads proximate to the greater trochanters of a user; affixing each pad to one or more straps where each strap has a first end and a second end at the opposite portion of each strap; connecting the first and second end of each strap through a fastener, and creating pressure sufficient to compress each pad onto the user. Under this preferred method, 10 to 15 pounds of pressure is administered for between 5 to 10 minutes after the user reports the menstrual pain has subsided.
The method may also include the additional steps of shaping each pad to conform with the shape of the user's hip(s), as well as vertically rotating each pad through a swivel bracket into a position which further conforms with the shape of each hip. The systems and methods described herein are meant to not only treat menstrual cramping but also to provide relief from more minor episodes of menstrual pain and discomfort.
Upon treatment by the apparatus, the method may further contemplate post-treatment through use of a compression undergarment that includes one or more compression belts. The compression undergarment may take the form of a skirt, shorts or spanx and may include a first annular sleeve and second annular sleeve positioned at the sides of the undergarment (proximate the user's hips). Both annular sleeves may include a top opening and cavity which form a pocket. A first pad can be inserted into the first annular sleeve while a second pad may be inserted into the second annular sleeve. One or more compression belts can then be placed over the compression undergarment to secure and maintain both the first pad and second pad within both annular sleeves. Such compression belts may have varying elasticity to conform to the level of menstrual cramping of the user.
Accordingly, post treatment via the compression undergarment may include placing the first pad into the first annular sleeve, then placing the second pad into the second annular sleeve. Next, both pads should be aligned within each sleeve so they will be located proximate the user's greater trochanters. Next, one or more compression belts are positioned on top of the compression undergarment to cover both annular sleeves to maintain both the first pad and second pad as well as provide compression. The post-treatment method next contemplates placing the compression undergarment and corresponding compression belt onto the user for a period of time not to exceed eight hours. As a second embodiment of the compression undergarment, such device can simply be the undergarment (in the form of spanx, shorts or similar clothing article) that includes a compression belt positioned proximate the user's hips to allow for some level of compression. As yet another embodiment, the undergarment (without any form of cavity/pocket for insertion of pads) may simply include a series of grids proximate the hips. The user can dawn such undergarment so as to properly locate the user's greater trochanters (via positioning aids in the form of grids), so as to properly place both the left pad and right pad of the apparatus.
For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which:
a) and 13(b) show a perspective view of two embodiments of a constricting device.
a) and 14(b) show two different embodiments of the two-part construction for each pad.
a) illustrates a tension control device positioned next to a pressure sensor;
b) illustrates the central controller which includes a memory device, processor and power source;
c) illustrates use of an antenna to uplink information to tablet computers or smart cellular telephones;
a) is a front view of a post-treatment compression undergarment which includes a first pad and a corresponding second pad positioned into the undergarment; and
b) is a front view of a post-treatment compression undergarment which includes additional compression bands.
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, 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 be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to non-chemically relieve menstrual cramping through use of compression at or proximate to the greater trochanters. Throughout the embodiments described below, an apparatus to treat menstrual cramping is denoted by the numeric label 100 as shown in
The typical cause of menstrual cramping is excessive stretching of the muscles and tendons surrounding the uterus when expelling unwanted materials on the inner uterine wall during menstruation. When these muscles contract too fast or hard, it results in stretching of tissue resulting in the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramping.
A more detailed view of the individual components of one embodiment of apparatus 100 is offered by
Each pad 180 and 200 is preferably made of two-part construction which includes a semi-rigid or hard outer side 680 and a more flexible and compressible inner side 620 (described in
In the embodiment shown in
A more detailed perspective of the left pad 180 and fastener 140 is provided in
A more detailed view of the inner side 660 of the right pad 200 is offered by
In addition to the malleable properties of each pad's two-part construction, one embodiment of the apparatus 100 includes use of vertical rotatable members to connect the strap(s) 120 to each pad 180 and 200, to greater conform to the individual shape of each user's (U) hips.
Detailed description of
a) and 13(b) are perspective views of two different embodiments of the constricting device 1100 affixed to the right pad 200.
The constricting device 1100 illustrated in
Another embodiment of the constricting device 1100 is the pulley system shown in
a) and 14(b) illustrate two different embodiments of the two-part construction of the pad 200.
b) illustrates another two-part construction for the right pad member 360. Here, the flexible compressible inner side 660 of the pad 200 is a liquid or gas filed inner bladder 661. The amount of liquid or gas which is placed in the inner bladder 661 can be adjusted to the user's (U) individual preferences. The inner bladder 661 is positioned or affixed on the semi-rigid outer side 900 of the pad 200. An outer housing 161 of sufficient size and dimension can be placed around both the bladder 661 and semi-rigid outer side 900, which can be closed via a zipper system 162. The housing 161 also contains a left and right opening 163 of sufficient size and dimension to allow the strap 120 to pass through and/or be affixed to the semi-rigid outer side 900.
The apparatus 100 can include (but does not necessarily require) a compression device 1100, such as a spring, at or proximate to the center of the belt 1200 to create an internal compression force. At the inner side 1204 of the belt 1200, a left pad 180 and right pad 200 are attached. Here, the compression device 1100 can also be a screw based system 1205 to twist both pads 180 and 200 in place and to create a sufficient compression force onto the user's hips proximate to each greater trochanter. Under such a system, each pad 180 and 200 can be vertically rotated via the screw based system 1205 to conform to the individual user's hips and preference. Other systems, known to those ordinary skilled in the art, can be used to attach the pads 180 and 200 to the belt 1200 and to be compressed onto the user's (U) hips.
As illustrated in
First turning to
The variable compression drive 1310 first includes a rotator drum 1311. The rotator drum 1311 has an outer drum shell 1312, an inner rotator 1313 and a motor 1314. The outer drum 1312 is affixed directly to a first portion of the strap 120. The inner rotator 1313 is threaded and engages a threaded shaft 1315. Put another way, the interior diameter of the inner rotator 1313 is essentially the same as the outer diameter of the threaded shaft 1315. The motor 1314 helps spin the inner rotator 1313 (which is essentially tubular and mirrors the shape of the outer drum shell 1312) which in turn draws the threaded shaft 1315 within the rotator drum 1311 (or alternatively draws out the threaded shaft 1315 to release tension).
The threaded shaft 1315 includes a first end 1316 and corresponding second end 1317. While the inner rotator 1313 connects to the first end 1316 of the threaded shaft 1315, the second end 1317 is affixed to a second portion of the strap 120 through a circular tab 1318. A pressure sensor 1319 is positioned proximate the circular tab 1318 to measure the amount of compression within the strap 120. Optionally, such pressure sensor 1319 may also determine the pressure/force of the strap 120 onto the female user's (U) hips as it can be part of a feedback loop.
This variable compression drive 1310 provides a high degree of precision when adjusting the apparatus 100 onto the user (U). Moreover, it allows customized adjustable compression, as well as usage cycles. For example, the variable compression drive 1310 can allow two minutes of 10 pounds tension, next increasing to 13 pounds of pressure for a five minute period, next dropping to 12 pounds for eight minutes thereafter unloading the compression of the apparatus 100. Moreover, such variable compression drive 1310 can allow vibration to provide therapeutic benefit. While this embodiment includes a rotary motor, such drive could be replaced by a ball screw actuator, worm gear, rack and pinion drive, piezo drive, or any number of rotary or linear actuated devices known to in the art.
Next turning to
As previously discussed, the memory device 1324 (which can be a flash or hard drive) is capable of storing multiple computer programs 1326. Such programs 1326 can include a countdown timer, a cycle timer (a timer which runs through a sequence of varying compression cycles), monthly timer (timed to denote the user's (U) menstrual cycle and ovulation period) and user password/unlock feature. In addition, the memory device 1324 can include a variety of routines (periods of predetermined constriction and corresponding release of the apparatus 100).
The front display 1321 can have touch screen 1328 capabilities to reduce the need for the operable buttons 1329. Regardless, the front display 1322, touch screen 1328 and operable buttons 1329 allow a user (U) to obtain information about the performance to the apparatus 100 and current settings of the apparatus 100. Moreover, these three devices 1322, 1328 and 1329 allow the user (U) to regulate the compression of the variable compression drive 1310 (shown in
As further shown in
Alternatively, an antennae 1332 can be employed as the uplink 1330. Such antennae 1332 can communicate with an external computer, laptop, tablet computer 1334, PDA or smart cellular telephone 1333 (illustrated in
Also further contemplated by the apparatus 100 shown in
c) illustrates the ability of the central computer 1320 to communicate with outside computing devices to maximize the health benefits of the apparatus 100. In one example, the antenna 1332 communicates performance data to a smart cellular telephone 1333 (such as a Blackberry™ or iPhone™). In turn the smart cellular telephone 1333 can interpolate data (through an iPhone application or similar program) received from the memory device 1324. This can generate a series of alarms, such as overuse of the apparatus 100, or too high of compression settings (as reported by the pressure sensor 1319 illustrated in
Review of performance data for longer periods of time can reveal additional medical issues. For example, an outside tablet computer 1334 communicating via antenna 1332 with the memory device 1324 could look at months of performance information to determine an issue with irregular menstrual cycles. Alternative, such longer periods of information could suggest improper timed use of the apparatus 100 in reference to projected menstrual cycles (i.e., the user (U) is employing the apparatus 100 at the wrong time during each menstrual cycle).
Such performance information stored on the memory device 1324 could then be relayed to the user's (U) healthcare provider, so that her doctor could be put on notice. By providing this performance data (and related alerts) to the healthcare provider, the doctor can give a prognosis or require a visit to address any potential health issues. In addition, such performance data could be reviewed by the healthcare provider's digital medical records to determine any possible health risks—which could then in turn be communicated to front display 1322, tablet computer 1334 and/or smart cellular telephone 1333.
The controller assembly 1300 further contemplates use of an automated pneumatic pad 1350 shown in
Positioned proximate the exterior sheath 1351 is a piston 1352. The piston 1352 includes an outer casing which houses the piston head. The piston 1352 is in fluid communication with a conduit 1353 which in turn connects to the inner bladder 1351. Thus, as the piston head moves within the outer casing, a volume of gas and/or liquid is either displaced into (or alternatively out of) the conduit 1353. Such displacement either inflates (or alternatively deflates) the inner bladder 1351. This creates a customized fit of each pad 180/200 onto the user's (U) hips.
The piston 1352 can be either operate manually through a hand pump 1355 (which can communicate with the inner bladder 1351 via a second conduit 1353 to displace gas and/or liquid). Preferably, the piston 1352 communicates directly with the central controller 1320 (shown in
The male heat pad 1420 is likewise elliptical and has a sufficient size and dimension to be received and then locked within the cavity 1412.
The male heat pad 1420 includes an outer sleeve 1421 as well as an inner customizable conductive core 1422. The outer sleeve 1421 could be made of a breathable fabric or have a disposable pad cover, while the conductive core 1422 could be made of a gel or is a liquid contained within bladder. The male heat paid 1420 could be placed in an oven, microwave or similar heating area to be preheated before positioning within the cavity 1412. Accordingly, it is important for the female holder 1410 to allow this heat to pass through to the user (U). The male heat pad 1420 could also be made of a variable density material or a specific geometry to provide a customized shape to conform to the user's (U) unique body type and hips. Such varying density of the male heat pad 1420 can be configured in order to provide additional specific treatment proximate the greater trochanters.
The invention further contemplates an embodiment for use during travel.
Regardless of structure, the crease 1530 allows the foldable pad 1500 to fold to decrease its size and bulk by 50 percent. Having both the left pad 180 and right pad 200 employing such a foldable pad 1500, the apparatus 100 can be stored in a smaller volume for transport and use while traveling. Additionally, the materials used in this embodiment could be chosen so as to not draw additional attention while traveling from other travelers or travel security officers (and devices used by travel authorities at the airports, etc).
In addition to the apparatus 100, the invention also relates to a specific method of relieving the pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramping. As previously discussed, the method is designed to reduce the stretching of ligaments and tendons surrounding the uterus during menstruation.
The general method of treatment requires use of an apparatus 100 as described above, or any similar mechanism which allows performance of the steps of: first, dimensioning one or more pads 180 and/or 200 proximate to the greater trochanters of the female user (U) and forming each pad to conform to their hips; second, affixing the pad 180 or pads 180/200 to one or more straps 120 having a first end 280 and a corresponding second end 260 at the opposite portion of the strap(s) 120; third, connecting the first end 280 and second end 260 of each strap 120; and fourth, creating a compression sufficient to compress each pad 180 or pads 180/200 onto the user (U). Between 10 to 15 pounds of pressure should be administered during each treatment, which each session lasting between 5 to 10 minutes after the user (U) reports the menstrual pain or discomfort has subsided. However, individual treatment regiments may vary as to both length and pressure.
Apart from the general method described above, the method of treatment may also include the step of filling an inner bladder 661 with sufficient liquid or gas as to conform with the unique shape of the user's (U) hips, if an internal bladder 661 as described in
The method could further include the step of shaping each malleable pad 180 or pads 180/200 to conform with the shape of the user's hips. Moreover, the method could additionally include the step of rotating each pad to a position which further conforms with the shape of the user's (U) hips through use of the rotating member described in
Optionally, the invention further contemplates several pre and post treatment steps for both before and after the user has employed the apparatus 100. One post-treatment includes use of a compression undergarment 1500 shown and illustrated in both
First turning to
Positioned proximate the first side 1506 of the top portion 1505 is a first annular sleeve 1510. The first annular sleeve 1510 includes a top opening 1511 and a cavity 1512 which forms a first pocket 1513. Such first annular sleeve 1510 should be positioned along the compression undergarment 1500 so as to be located proximate to one of the user's (U) greater trochanters.
A first pad 1515 is capable of being positioned at the top opening 1511 and then inserted into the cavity 1512. The first annular sleeve 1510 is of a sufficient size and dimension so as to hold and maintain the shape of the first pad 1515. Preferably, the first pad 1515 is sufficiently curved and contoured so as to mirror to shape of the user's (U) hips. Moreover, the first pocket 1513 of the first annular sleeve 1510 is capable of holding and maintaining the curved first pad 1515 while post-treatment is administered.
Correspondingly, a second annular sleeve 1520 is positioned proximate the second side 1507 of the top portion 1505. Mirroring the structure and arrangement of the first annular sleeve 1510, the second annular sleeve 1520 likewise includes a top opening 1511 and a cavity 1512 which forms a second pocket 1523. In addition, this second annular sleeve 1520 should be positioned along the compression undergarment 1500 so as to be located proximate the user's (U) greater trochanters.
A second pad 1525 is capable of being positioned at the top opening 1511 and then inserted into the cavity 1512. The second annular sleeve 1520 is of a sufficient size and dimension so as to hold and maintain the shape of the second pad 1525. Preferably, the second pad 1525 is sufficiently curved and contoured so as to mirror to shape of the user's (U) hips. Moreover, the pocket 1516 of the second annular sleeve 1520 is capable of holding and maintaining the curved second pad 1525 while post-treatment is administered.
Next turning to
The invention also contemplates including a plurality of compression bands 1530 for use with the compression undergarment 1500, where each compression band 1530 has a different level of elasticity and compression strength. For example, a user (U) may desire to have lower compression strength and choose a more elastic compression band 1530. Alternatively, a user (U) having a larger degree of menstrual cramping may desire to have a less elastic compression band 1530 to force each of the pads 1515 and 1525 onto the hips of the user (U) proximate the greater trochanters. The invention also contemplates placement of two or more compression bands 1530 on the top portion 1505 of the compression undergarment 1500 to provide relief.
As an alternative, the undergarment 1500 can simply be a device used to locate the greater trochanters of the user (U). As is additionally shown in
In employing such undergarment 1500 (having positioning aides 1510 and 1520), the previous method with first include the pre-administration step of dawning the undergarment 1500 prior to attaching the apparatus 100 (as provided above). This should preferably done through assistance of a medical professional. Once a proper fitting of the apparatus 100 takes place, the undergarment 1500 can be marked along the grid lines of each positioning aide 1510 and 1520 to denote the current location of the left pad 180 and right pad 200. Subsequently, the demarked undergarment 1500 can be used as a pre-treatment step (prior to the method outlined above). Such pre-treatment step would include placing the undergarment on the user (U) and locating the demarked lines. As a second pre-treatment step would include aligning the left pad 180 and right pad 200 of the apparatus 100 to each of the demarked lines within each positioning aide 1510 and 1520. After both pre-treatment steps are performed, the primary treatment method can be performed.
Based upon the structure described above, the post-treatment method first includes the step of placing the first pad 1515 into the top opening 1511 of the first annular sleeve 1510. Next, the second pad 1525 is placed into the second annular sleeve 1520 through the corresponding top opening 1511. As a third step, both pads 1515 and 1525 are positioned within each cavity 1512 of the first pocket 1513 and corresponding second pocket 1523. Such positioning ensures later alignment of each pad 1515 and 1525 proximate to the greater trochanters of the user (U).
With both pads 1515 and 1525 now in place, one or more elastic compression belts 1530 are positioned around the top portion 1505 of the compression undergarment. Such placement can include a single compression belt 1530 or a plurality of compression belts 1530 dependent upon the level of menstrual cramping and individual preferences of the user (U). Care should be given to align the top edge 1531 of the compression bands 1530 to cover both the first annular sleeve 1510 and corresponding second annular sleeve 1520.
Upon this assembly, both the compression undergarment 1500 and compression bands 1530 are placed on the user (U). Some minor adjustments may be necessary for specific placement of both pads 1515 and 1525 to be located proximate the greater trochanters. While the compression undergarment 1500 can be worn for longer periods of time (in comparison to the apparatus 100 shown and illustrated in the Figures above), the compression undergarment 1500 should not be work for more than approximately eight hours at a time.
It is important to note that the compression undergarment 1500 identified in
This is a continuation-in-part of pending application Ser. No. 12/404,655 entitled “Method and Apparatus to Relieve Menstrual Pain” filed on Mar. 16, 2009, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/753,562 filed on May 24, 2007 (now abandoned), both of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
35038 | Pierce | Apr 1862 | A |
1600178 | Hussey | Sep 1926 | A |
1660451 | Linney | Feb 1928 | A |
D99529 | Spanel | May 1936 | S |
2018981 | Tietjen | Oct 1938 | A |
D134791 | Selver | Jan 1943 | S |
2453370 | Hittenberger | Nov 1948 | A |
2493406 | Hicks, III | Jan 1950 | A |
2497443 | Eatman | Feb 1950 | A |
2552475 | Austlid | May 1951 | A |
2590212 | Samuels | Mar 1952 | A |
2652051 | Hoover | Sep 1953 | A |
2654366 | Miller | Oct 1953 | A |
2813526 | Beebe | Nov 1957 | A |
2828737 | Hale | Apr 1958 | A |
3071133 | Eisen | Jan 1963 | A |
3351053 | Stuttle | Nov 1967 | A |
3393674 | Nelkin | Jul 1968 | A |
3396264 | Murphy et al. | Aug 1968 | A |
3500014 | Longo | Mar 1970 | A |
3501616 | Arron | Mar 1970 | A |
3518995 | Claff | Jul 1970 | A |
3548817 | Mittasch | Dec 1970 | A |
3577986 | Regent et al. | May 1971 | A |
3680563 | Forrest | Aug 1972 | A |
3797501 | DiTullio | Mar 1974 | A |
4122552 | Tedford | Oct 1978 | A |
D258770 | Stern | Apr 1981 | S |
4577622 | Jennings | Mar 1986 | A |
4580555 | Coppess | Apr 1986 | A |
4622957 | Curlee | Nov 1986 | A |
4671264 | Frangi | Jun 1987 | A |
4675918 | O'Brien | Jun 1987 | A |
4681113 | Coplans | Jul 1987 | A |
4715364 | Noguchi | Dec 1987 | A |
4912813 | Muller et al. | Apr 1990 | A |
4937887 | Schreiner | Jul 1990 | A |
4957105 | Kurth | Sep 1990 | A |
4993409 | Grim | Feb 1991 | A |
5129647 | Castellanos | Jul 1992 | A |
5363863 | Lelli et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5383893 | Daneshvar | Jan 1995 | A |
5383920 | Sikes | Jan 1995 | A |
5388274 | Glover et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
5407422 | Matthijs et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
5437618 | Sikes | Aug 1995 | A |
5476492 | Unrug | Dec 1995 | A |
5486680 | Lieberman | Jan 1996 | A |
5528775 | Marenda | Jun 1996 | A |
5551093 | Stricker | Sep 1996 | A |
5588186 | Ko | Dec 1996 | A |
5628721 | Arnold et al. | May 1997 | A |
D380051 | Davis et al. | Jun 1997 | S |
5647824 | Levenson | Jul 1997 | A |
5690122 | Weber-Unger | Nov 1997 | A |
5701608 | Kohn | Dec 1997 | A |
5728055 | Sebastian | Mar 1998 | A |
5782781 | Nagaoka | Jul 1998 | A |
5799650 | Harris | Sep 1998 | A |
5817145 | Augustine et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
5830168 | Finnell et al. | Nov 1998 | A |
5893368 | Sugerman | Apr 1999 | A |
5913410 | Tsuchiya | Jun 1999 | A |
5947914 | Augustine | Sep 1999 | A |
5954680 | Augustine | Sep 1999 | A |
5964721 | Augustine | Oct 1999 | A |
5964723 | Augustine | Oct 1999 | A |
5986163 | Augustine | Nov 1999 | A |
6010527 | Augustine et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
6013097 | Augustine et al. | Jan 2000 | A |
6045518 | Augustine | Apr 2000 | A |
6065166 | Sharrock et al. | May 2000 | A |
6066109 | Buser et al. | May 2000 | A |
6071254 | Augustine | Jun 2000 | A |
6093160 | Augustine et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6099490 | Turtzo | Aug 2000 | A |
6110197 | Augustine et al. | Aug 2000 | A |
6213966 | Augustine | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6217535 | Augustine | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6235049 | Nazerian | May 2001 | B1 |
6241693 | Lambden | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6241697 | Augustine | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6248084 | Augustine et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6264622 | Augustine | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6267740 | Augustine et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6293917 | Augustine et al. | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6328627 | Smith | Dec 2001 | B1 |
6406448 | Augustine | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6407307 | Augustine | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6419651 | Augustine | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6423018 | Augustine | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6460195 | Wang | Oct 2002 | B2 |
6465708 | Augustine | Oct 2002 | B1 |
6468295 | Augustine et al. | Oct 2002 | B2 |
6580012 | Augustine et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
6592428 | Smith | Jul 2003 | B2 |
6605051 | Augustine | Aug 2003 | B2 |
6613034 | Nozaki et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6634533 | Thompson et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6820574 | Sharpe | Nov 2004 | B2 |
6840915 | Augustine | Jan 2005 | B2 |
6921374 | Augustine | Jul 2005 | B2 |
6987209 | Augustine et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
7008389 | Krieg et al. | Mar 2006 | B2 |
7066181 | West | Jun 2006 | B2 |
7122046 | Augustine et al. | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7230819 | Muchow et al. | Jun 2007 | B2 |
20080068782 | Muchow et al. | Mar 2008 | A1 |
20080289623 | Lee | Nov 2008 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
2007075304 | Mar 2007 | JP |
20090049805 | May 2009 | KR |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20110015708 A1 | Jan 2011 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 12404655 | Mar 2009 | US |
Child | 12824789 | US | |
Parent | 11753562 | May 2007 | US |
Child | 12404655 | US |