The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 18, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 28, 1999
Applicant:
Inventors:
Robert M. Fitzgerald, Norcross, GA (US);
Eugene O. Gresens, Suches, GA (US);
Ward P. Broom, Snellville, GA (US);
Assignee:
Innovative Product Achievements, Inc., Duluth, GA (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
B30B 1/528 ; B30B 7/00 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
B30B 1/528 ; B30B 7/00 ;
Abstract
An apparatus and method for dispensing and retrieving garments in a controlled manner. The apparatus retrieves the garments in a secure enclosure while accounting for the garments returned, and compacts the returned garments, all with a single, stand-alone apparatus. A paddle mechanism sweeps the garments into a horizontally extended storage compartment and compacts them with an upward movement. The paddle is articulated at a one-way joint to allow it to pass obstructions on its return path.