Mobile storage unit

Abstract
A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel. Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable luggage and more particularly to a mobile storage unit with an integrated seat.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks are commonplace in use, for example, as a carrier to conveniently transport a student's books and belongings to school. The usual advantage is in supporting a substantial or inconvenient load on a user's torso, specifically the user's back, rather than the user's arms which would tire more quickly. It also frees up the user's arms for other use. FIG. 1 shows a typical backpack configuration. FIG. 1 shows a student 110 carrying a backpack 120.


The use of backpacks is steadily increasing amongst grade school students since many schools are being built without lockers in order to stop vandalism and prevent students from hiding drugs or weapons. Since there are no lockers, students are forced to carry all of their belongings in a single backpack. Couple this with the fact that textbooks are getting bigger—some tip the scales at six pounds—and in increase in after school activities and the result is an increased amount of weight that students are carrying on their backs.


This extra burden that students are faced with can result in poor posture and back pain. Studies show that the average daily load carried by students is 20.5 lbs., with the maximum load reaching as much as 50 lbs. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, some 6,000 kids age 17 and under suffered backpack-related sprains and strains costing an average of $11,000 per injury.


Accordingly, what is needed is a device that addresses the above-outlined problems associated with the use of backpacks. The present invention addresses such a need.


SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel.


Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS


FIG. 1 shows a typical backpack configuration.



FIG. 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention.



FIG. 3 shows the mobile storage unit wherein the handle is in a fully extended position.



FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention.



FIG. 5 is a view of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention being utilized in conjunction with a fabric material.



FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention.



FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a mobile storage unit. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.


The present invention is presented in the context of a preferred embodiment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a mobile storage unit for use by students and the like for transporting textbooks, school materials, etc. Accordingly, through the use of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.


Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention is presented in the context of being utilized by students for the transportation of textbooks, school supplies, etc., one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present invention could be used to transport a variety of articles (laptop computers, business materials, files, clothes, groceries, etc.) while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.


For a better understanding of the present invention, please refer now to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an illustration of the preferred embodiment of the mobile storage unit 200 in accordance with the present invention. The mobile storage unit 200 comprises first, second, third and fourth structural frames 202, 232,7222, 234, a seat portion 208, and a handle assembly 214. The mobile storage unit 200 also includes a right upper panel 206, a left upper panel 220, a right lower panel 204, a left lower panel 228, a back panel 224, a front panel 238, and a bottom panel 236. The mobile storage unit 200 further comprises two wheels 226, 227.


The various components of the mobile storage unit 200 are interconnected via structural brackets 205. Accordingly the first structural frame 202 is coupled to the seat portion 204 via structural brackets 205. The first structural frame 202 is also coupled to the right upper panel 206, the right lower panel 204 and the front panel 236 via structural brackets 205. The handle assembly 214 is coupled to the seat portion 208. The second structural frame 232 is coupled to the right upper panel 206, the right lower panel 204 and the bottom panel 236 via structural brackets 205.


The third structural frame 222 is coupled to the left upper panel 220, the lower left panel 228 and the bottom panel 236. The fourth structural frame 234 is coupled to the seat portion 208, the right upper panel 220, the left lower panel 228, and the front panel 238 via structural brackets 205. The wheels 226, 227 are coupled to the right and left lower panels 204, 228 respectively via structural brackets 205.


The area below the seat portion 208 and above the bottom panel 238 defines a storage area 203. It is within this storage area 203 that a user can place articles such as textbooks, school materials, laptop computers, clothes, etc. It should be naturally understood that the storage area 203 should provide enough space to accommodate these materials, however the size of the storage area will depend on the dimensions and configurations of the various components (structural frames, panels, etc.) of the mobile storage unit 200.


The structural frames 202, 232222, 234 are preferably comprised of rigid structural tubing. The tubing could be comprised of aluminum, high strength plastic or any of a variety of structural rigid materials.


The structural brackets 205 are preferably comprised of polished aluminum or high strength plastic, however it should be appreciated that any of a variety of materials could be utilized. The structural brackets 205 are preferably attached to the various components of the mobile storage unit 200 via mechanical bolts or fasteners thereby providing rigidity to the mobile storage unit. It should be readily apparent though that the structural brackets could also be attached to the various components via a strong adhesive (high strength glue, epoxy, etc.) or a variety of other fastening means.


The seat portion 208 is coupled to the first and fourth structural frames 202, 234 via the structural brackets 205 and is designed to provide a “seat” for a user of the mobile storage unit 200. The seat portion 208 is designed to accommodate up to 600 lbs. and is preferably comprised of a high strength rigid material such as a polycarbonate material, reinforced nylon, etc. Accordingly, a user sits on the seat portion 208 when the mobile storage unit is in an upright position (as shown in FIG. 2).


In addition to providing a seat for the user, the seat portion 208 also includes an integrated handle whereby the integrated handle can be utilized to pick up the mobile storage unit 200 with relative ease. Preferably, the integrated handle comprises two apertures 210, 212 in the seat portion 208 wherein the two apertures 210, 212 have a section of rigid material 211 disposed therebetween. Accordingly, the section of rigid material disposed 211 between the two apertures 210, 212 can be grasped by a user in order to pick up the mobile storage unit 200.


The seat portion 208 also preferably includes a curved portion 240. The curved portion 240 is designed to provide lateral resistance to the rigid material that comprises the seat portion 208, thereby preventing the seat portion 208 from bending under the weight of user in situations where the mobile storage unit 200 is being utilized as a seat for the user.


The handle assembly 214 is coupled to the seat portion 208 and is preferably comprised of a high strength plastic material. The handle assembly 214 comprises a handle tray 218 and an extendable/retractable handle 216 coupled to the handle tray 218. The handle tray 218 is preferably coupled to the seat portion 208 via a strong adhesive compound or other suitable means. The handle 216, when in an extended position, is designed to be grasped by the user thereby allowing the user to pull and transport the mobile storage unit 200. For a better understanding, please see FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the mobile storage unit 200 wherein the handle 216′ is in a fully extended position.


Please refer back to FIG. 2. The handle 216 includes a button 217. The button 217, when depressed, triggers a locking mechanism wherein the locking mechanism locks/unlocks the handle 216 when the handle 216 is in various extended positions. For example, if the user doesn't want to fully extend the handle 216, the user can extend the handle 216 to a desired extension and depress the button 217, thereby “locking” the handle 216 at the desired extension. A subsequent depression of the button 217 “unlocks” the handle 216 thereby allowing the user to extend/retract the handle 216 accordingly.


Although the preferred embodiment of the mobile storage unit is described as incorporating the above-described handle assembly, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that a variety of handle assemblies could by employed while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.


The upper and lower panels 204, 206, 220, 228, along with the front and back panels 224, 238 are preferably comprised of the same material as the seat portion 208 and are designed to add rigidity to the mobile storage unit 200. The panels preferably include holes 230 disposed therein. These holes 230 serve two purposes. First, they are incorporated to reduce the weight of the panels and thereby reduce the overall weight of the mobile storage unit 200. Additionally, the holes 230 in the upper panels 206, 220 and lower panels 204, 228 can be used to hold key rings and the like or to incorporate bungee cord or other articles.


The mobility of the mobile storage unit 200 is provided via the wheels 226, 227. Preferably a first wheel 227 is coupled to the lower right panel 204 and the second structural frame 232 via a structural bracket 205 and a second wheel 226 is coupled to the lower left panel 228 and the third structural frame 222 via a structural bracket 205. The wheels 226, 227 are preferably at least 100 mm in diameter and can include LED lights to increase the visibility of mobile storage unit 200 when the mobile storage unit 200 is used at night or in similar dark surroundings.


Although the preferred embodiment of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention employs only two wheels, an alternate embodiment of the present invention could employ a third and fourth wheel. For a better understanding, please refer now to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a third wheel 427, located above the first wheel 227, coupled to the lower right panel 204 and the second structural frame 232 via a structural bracket 205 and a fourth wheel 426, located above the second wheel 226, coupled to the lower left panel 228 and the third structural frame 222 via a structural bracket 205.


The third and fourth wheels 426, 427 add convenience to the mobile storage unit 200 in that they enable the mobile storage unit to traverse curbs and stairs with less difficulty. For example, if the user is attempting to traverse a curb with the two-wheeled configuration, the second and third structural frames 222, 232 engage the curb surface first. Accordingly, in order to engage the first and second wheels 226, 227 with the curb surface, the user has to drag the mobile storage unit up the curb surface against the friction of the second and third structural frames 222, 232.


However, with the incorporation of the third and fourth wheels 426, 427, the third and fourth wheels 426, 427 will engage the curb surface first when the user attempts to traverse the curb. This allows the user to pull the mobile storage unit up the curb surface and subsequently engage the first and second wheels 226, 227 without the friction of the second and third structural frames 222, 232. This significantly decreases the burden that the user faces when traversing curbs and stairs with the mobile storage unit.


It is further contemplated that the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention could be used in conjunction with case or bag comprised of a reinforced fabric material such as canvas. For a more detailed understanding, please refer now to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a perspective of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention being utilized in conjunction with the bag.


As can be seen in FIG. 5, the mobile storage unit includes a bag 510 wherein the bag is displaced within the storage area of the mobile storage unit. The bag 510 is preferably coupled to any or all of the structural frames 202, 222, 234. Preferably, the bag 510 is coupled to the respective structural frames utilizing a Velcro-type fastener or other suitable fastening means.


The bag 510 preferably includes two lockable zippers 511, 512 wherein the bag 510 can be opened and closed thereby providing access to the storage space within the mobile storage unit. The bag 510 also includes a zipper 513 for providing access to the storage space within the mobile storage unit. Also shown is a side net pocket 514 that could be utilized to store pens, pencils, calculators, etc.


Although the above-described embodiment of the mobile storage unit is described as incorporating a reinforced fabric material such as canvas, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that any of a variety of fabric materials could by employed in conjunction with the mobile storage unit while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.


A further objective of the present invention is to provide braking means for the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, the braking means comprise respective extensions of the lower left and right panels. For a better understanding, please refer now to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention. Shown in FIG. 6 are the respective extensions 610, 620 of the lower left and right panels 204, 228.


As can be seen, the respective extensions 610, 620 of the lower left and right panels extend beyond the first and second respective wheels 226, 227. Accordingly, when the mobile storage unit is being tilted to an upright position, the extensions 610, 620 engage the ground surface once the mobile storage unit reaches a tilt angle of between approximately 10°-20°. Once the extensions 610, 620 engage the ground surface, they provide friction against the ground surface thereby enabling a user to bring the mobile storage unit to an upright position in a more controlled fashion. Preferably, rubber attachments 611, 621 are also included to decrease the wear on the respective extensions 610, 620.


Additionally, the extensions 610, 620 provide added stability when the mobile storage unit in is an upright position. For example, if the mobile storage unit is in an upright position and is being utilized as a seat, the extensions 610, 620 are in contact with the ground surface and not the respective first and second wheels 226, 227. This prevents the wheels 226, 227 from engaging with the ground surface thereby causing the mobile storage unit to slip and roll out from under the person sitting on it.


Although the preferred embodiment of the mobile storage unit has been described as being utilized in conjunction with the above-described braking means, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that a variety of braking means could be utilized in conjunction with the mobile storage unit while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a spring loaded braking system that is activated based on weight displacement (e.g. a person sitting on the seat) could be employed.


An additional feature that may be incorporated with the mobile storage unit are grinding rails. For a better understanding please refer to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 7, two grinding rails 710, 720 are coupled to the back of the mobile storage unit. Preferably, the grinding rails 710, 720 are comprised of a hard plastic or metal material and provide protection for the second and third structural frames 222, 232 when the mobile storage unit is being utilized to traverse unusually high curbs and/or stairs.


A mobile storage unit has been disclosed. Through the use of the mobile storage unit in accordance with the present invention the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.


Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims
  • 1. A mobile storage unit comprising: a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion including a bottom panel, side portions coupled together by the bottom panel, a front portion, a back portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a rigid top plate member supported by the side portions thereby forming a seat panel suitable for supporting a person in a sitting position while the mobile storage unit is in an upright position;b) a storage enclosure coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member, wherein the storage enclosure envelopes the storage area defined by the frame and is opaque such that view of the storage area is obscured by the storage enclosure;c) a handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the mobile storage unit; andd) a first plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure for rolling the mobile storage unit allowing tilting of the mobile storage unit backwards and allowing pulling of the mobile storage unit with the handle.
  • 2. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, wherein the frame structure comprises pieces of tubing secured together through structural brackets.
  • 3. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, wherein the bottom panel couples the pieces of tubing together.
  • 4. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, wherein the frame structure comprises support extensions protruding from the bottom portion to stabilize and support the mobile storage unit in the upright position.
  • 5. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, further comprising a second plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure and positioned above the first plurality of wheels.
  • 6. The mobile storage unit of clam 1, wherein the storage enclosure comprises a flexible storage bag comprising compartments that are accessible through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the rigid frame structure.
  • 7. The mobile storage unit of claim 6, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.
  • 8. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, wherein the handle is extendable upwards from the back portion of the frame structure.
  • 9. A mobile storage system comprising: a) a frame structure for supporting a seat and for framing a storage area, the frame structure comprising side members and a rigid top plate member coupled to the side members thereby forming the seat, wherein the frame structure further comprises one or more bottom panels that couple the side members together;b) a storage enclosure coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member, wherein the storage enclosure envelopes the storage area defined by the frame and is opaque such that view of the storage area is obscured by the storage enclosure;c) a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure, to allow the system to be tilted and rolled on the wheels; andd) a base portion coupled to the frame structure for stabilizing the mobile storage system in an upright position.
  • 10. The mobile storage system of claim 9, wherein the storage enclosure comprises a flexible storage bag configured to couple to the frame structure.
  • 11. The mobile storage system of claim 10, wherein side portions and a front portion of the frame structure are substantially open, such that pockets on the flexible storage bag are accessible through spaces of the side portions and the front portion of the frame structure.
  • 12. The mobile storage system of claim 10, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.
  • 13. The mobile storage system of claim 9, further comprising a handle coupled to the frame structure, wherein the handle extends upward from the frame structure.
  • 14. The mobile storage system of claim 13, wherein a back portion of the rigid frame structure further comprises a panel with apertures for lifting the system.
  • 15. The mobile storage system of claim 9, wherein the base portion comprises a panel that couples the side members together.
  • 16. A portable storage unit comprising: a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion including a bottom panel, side portions coupled together by the bottom panel, a front portion, a back portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a rigid top plate member supported by the side portions thereby forming a seat panel suitable for supporting a person in a sitting position while the mobile storage unit is in an upright position;b) a storage bag coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member, wherein the storage bag envelopes the storage area defined by the frame and is opaque such that view of the storage area is obscured by the storage bag and further wherein access to an interior of the storage bag is gained through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the frame structure;c) a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure for rolling the portable storage unit; andd) a handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the portable storage unit with the portable storage unit in the tilted position.
  • 17. The portable storage unit of claim 16, wherein the frame structure comprises pieces of tubing secured together through structural brackets.
  • 18. The portable storage unit of claim 16, wherein the bottom panel couples the pieces of tubing together.
  • 19. The portable storage unit of claim 16, wherein the frame structure comprises support extensions protruding from the bottom portion to stabilize and support the mobile storage unit in the upright position.
  • 20. The portable storage unit of clam 16, wherein the storage bag comprises compartments that are accessible through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the rigid frame structure.
  • 21. The portable storage unit of claim 16, wherein the storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.
  • 22. The portable storage unit of claim 16, further comprising one or more extensions positioned on the bottom of the frame structure such that none of the wheels support the mobile storage unit when the mobile storage unit is in the upright position.
  • 23. The portable storage unit of claim 16, further comprising one or more grinding rails coupled vertically to the backside of the frame structure and positioned such that the grinding rails support the mobile storage system when the mobile storage system is in a laid-back position.
  • 24. A mobile storage unit comprising: a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion including a bottom panel, side portions coupled together by the bottom panel, a front portion, a back portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a rigid top plate member supported by the side portions thereby forming a seat panel suitable for supporting a person in a sitting position while the mobile storage unit is in an upright position;b) a storage bag coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member, wherein the storage bag envelopes the storage area defined by the frame and is opaque such that view of the storage area is obscured by the storage bag and further wherein access to an interior of the storage bag is gained through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the frame structure;c) a handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the mobile storage unit; andd) a first plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure for rolling the mobile storage unit allowing tilting of the mobile storage unit backwards and allowing pulling of the mobile storage unit with the handle.
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation Application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/698,325, filed Jan. 25, 2007, and entitled “MOBILE STORAGE UNIT” which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/223,409, filed Sep. 9, 2005, and entitled “MOBILE STORAGE UNIT” which is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/123,753, filed Apr. 17, 2002, and entitled “MOBILE STORAGE UNIT.” The contents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/698,325, filed Jan. 25, 2007, and entitled “MOBILE STORAGE UNIT”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/223,409, filed Sep. 9, 2005, and entitled “MOBILE STORAGE UNIT” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/123,753, filed Apr. 17, 2002, and entitled “MOBILE STORAGE UNIT,” are both hereby incorporated by reference.

US Referenced Citations (131)
Number Name Date Kind
1155475 Fay Oct 1915 A
D131210 Moreing Jan 1942 S
2277302 Chennette Mar 1942 A
2374278 Fuerstenberg Apr 1945 A
2439992 Simonian Apr 1948 A
D152576 Wallace Feb 1949 S
2472491 Quinton Jun 1949 A
2710084 Braverman Jun 1955 A
2758847 Shone Aug 1956 A
2759738 Reiter Aug 1956 A
2778654 Gottlieb Jan 1957 A
D180868 Diehl Aug 1957 S
2835503 Humphries et al. May 1958 A
2842373 Duerr Jul 1958 A
2874813 Bunte Feb 1959 A
2905480 Giovannelli Sep 1959 A
2957700 Beaurline Oct 1960 A
3420540 Bird Jan 1969 A
3460850 Franklin Aug 1969 A
D222933 Brown Feb 1972 S
3669463 Boudreau Jun 1972 A
3677571 Maturo et al. Jul 1972 A
3684307 Bourgraf et al. Aug 1972 A
3759538 Fabiano Sep 1973 A
3782752 Gobetz Jan 1974 A
3829113 Epelbaum Aug 1974 A
3944372 Verona Mar 1976 A
3997213 Smith et al. Dec 1976 A
4017092 Boomer Apr 1977 A
D252264 Paterson Jul 1979 S
4165088 Nelson Aug 1979 A
4247130 Paterson Jan 1981 A
4290625 Barriere Sep 1981 A
4350366 Helms Sep 1982 A
4355818 Watts Oct 1982 A
4460188 Maloof Jul 1984 A
4575109 Bowdery Mar 1986 A
4795186 Tyus Jan 1989 A
4813520 Lin Mar 1989 A
4846486 Hobson Jul 1989 A
4886286 Whorton, III Dec 1989 A
5115895 Myers May 1992 A
5118130 Kaltz Jun 1992 A
5120072 Laramie Jun 1992 A
5197754 Ward Mar 1993 A
D334640 Forish Apr 1993 S
5203815 Miller Apr 1993 A
5244225 Frycek Sep 1993 A
D341238 Sloan, III Nov 1993 S
5265892 Said Nov 1993 A
5294137 Barber et al. Mar 1994 A
5295565 Latshaw Mar 1994 A
5318315 White et al. Jun 1994 A
5364112 Jackson Nov 1994 A
5364120 Shimansky Nov 1994 A
5374073 Hung-Hsin Dec 1994 A
D358695 Hudson et al. May 1995 S
5439241 Nelson Aug 1995 A
5445398 Pierce Aug 1995 A
5462299 Maddux Oct 1995 A
D374773 Domotor Oct 1996 S
5630488 Chen May 1997 A
5660296 Greenwich Aug 1997 A
5762170 Shyr et al. Jun 1998 A
5833250 Schier et al. Nov 1998 A
5836601 Nelson Nov 1998 A
5863055 Kasravi et al. Jan 1999 A
5887878 Tisbo et al. Mar 1999 A
D410784 Sandford et al. Jun 1999 S
5967544 Kanta Oct 1999 A
5988657 Henkel Nov 1999 A
6000509 Chisholm Dec 1999 A
6024194 Chung-Hsien Feb 2000 A
6059079 Krulik May 2000 A
6086073 Tisbo et al. Jul 2000 A
6196560 Ohlsson Mar 2001 B1
6220610 Cox Apr 2001 B1
6328329 Smith Dec 2001 B1
6345830 Chavez Feb 2002 B1
6357567 Tsai Mar 2002 B1
6362736 Gehlot Mar 2002 B1
D456973 Kimpel May 2002 S
6382736 Chang May 2002 B1
6386557 Weldon May 2002 B1
6454065 Chen Sep 2002 B1
6471237 Bedsole Oct 2002 B1
6510380 Curalolo et al. Jan 2003 B1
6520514 Clegg Feb 2003 B2
6543800 Doran Apr 2003 B1
6550860 Lombardi Apr 2003 B2
6598898 Chu Jul 2003 B2
6666465 Chan Dec 2003 B2
6724306 Parsley, Jr. et al. Apr 2004 B1
D489507 Hahn May 2004 S
6729630 Szmidt et al. May 2004 B2
6769701 Clausen Aug 2004 B1
6783135 Nord Aug 2004 B1
6805225 Freedman Oct 2004 B2
6814361 Tsu Nov 2004 B2
6880851 Summers et al. Apr 2005 B1
6929275 Schlangen Aug 2005 B1
6955365 Giampavolo et al. Oct 2005 B2
6964420 Ghanizadeh et al. Nov 2005 B1
7015814 Ireland et al. Mar 2006 B2
7040635 Remole May 2006 B1
7066311 O'Shea Jun 2006 B2
7151454 Washington Dec 2006 B2
7165661 Miyoshi Jan 2007 B2
7168713 Udall et al. Jan 2007 B2
7196621 Kochis Mar 2007 B2
7207577 Udall et al. Apr 2007 B2
7219902 Herold May 2007 B1
D554860 Udall Nov 2007 S
D554861 Udall Nov 2007 S
7523949 Galfin Apr 2009 B1
7798499 Gregory Sep 2010 B2
8172241 Salvucci, Jr. May 2012 B2
8191908 Udall et al. Jun 2012 B2
8317205 Udall et al. Nov 2012 B2
20020105156 Glidden Aug 2002 A1
20020195782 Cates et al. Dec 2002 A1
20030015858 Chu Jan 2003 A1
20030034636 Ng Feb 2003 A1
20030197340 Udall et al. Oct 2003 A1
20040032102 Safari et al. Feb 2004 A1
20050051981 Wallace et al. Mar 2005 A1
20050098403 McIntyre May 2005 A1
20050121275 Platte, III Jun 2005 A1
20060087432 Corbett, Jr. Apr 2006 A1
20070120336 Udall et al. May 2007 A1
20070235964 Gregory Oct 2007 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (13)
Number Date Country
2484901 Dec 2003 CA
42 21 215 Jun 1992 DE
648482 Feb 1994 JP
1196920 Jul 1999 JP
2002177035 Jun 2002 JP
2004223093 Aug 2004 JP
3106076 Oct 2004 JP
3106863 Nov 2004 JP
2004344355 Dec 2004 JP
9846469 Oct 1998 WO
0194180 Dec 2001 WO
2004100699 Nov 2004 WO
2007149579 Dec 2007 WO
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20130049314 A1 Feb 2013 US
Divisions (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 10123753 Apr 2002 US
Child 11223409 US
Continuations (2)
Number Date Country
Parent 11698325 Jan 2007 US
Child 13659670 US
Parent 11223409 Sep 2005 US
Child 11698325 US