Spray Control v. Roberson - Complaint

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    IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURTFOR THE DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA

    Spray Control Systems, Inc.,

    Plaintiff,

    v.

    Donald Roberson,

    Defendant.

    Case No. _______________ 

    Declaratory Judgment Complaint

    Spray Control Systems, Inc. (“SCS”) asserts the following claims against

    Donald Roberson:

     Jury Demand

    Plaintiff demands a jury trial on all issues so triable.

    Introduction

    1. This is an action for declaratory judgment under 28 U.S.C. § 2201 et

    seq. and Fed. R. Civ. P. 57.

    2. Plaintiff seeks declaratory judgment that United States Patent

    Numbers: D625,103 (the “‘103 Patent”) is not infringed by Plaintiff and that the

    ‘103 Patent is invalid.

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    The Parties

    3. SCS is a corporation organized pursuant to Minnesota law having

    place of business at a business address at 500 Minimizer Way, Blooming Prairie,

    MN 55917. SCS sells “Minimizer” branded products.

    4. Upon information and belief, Donald Roberson, is an individual

    living at 7511 Magnolia Beach Rd., Dunham Springs, LA 70726.

     Jurisdiction and Venue

    5. These claims arise under the Patent Act, 35 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. and the

    Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201  et seq. This Court has subject matter

     jurisdiction over these claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338 and 2201.

    6. Mr. Roberson caused the Cease and Desist Letter (defined below) to

    be sent to SCS.

    7. Venue is proper pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391 and 1400.

    Background

    8. SCS is a Minnesota based company that sells a variety of products,

    including products for over-the-road trucks. Among the products that are sold

    by SCS is the “Single Tire Work Bench,” shown below:

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    9. On or around February 8, 2016, SCS received a letter dated February

    2, 2016 from R. David Brown (“Cease and Desist Letter”), an attorney

    representing Mr. Roberson. A true and accurate copy of the Cease and Desist

    Letter is attached as Exhibit 1 (without attachments).

    10. Among other things, the Cease and Desist Letter asserts that SCS’s

    single tire work bench infringes the ‘103 Patent.

    11. SCS denies the allegations made by Mr. Roberson in the Cease and

    Desist Letter.

    12. The Cease and Desist Letter is evidence that there is a substantial

    controversy between the parties of sufficient immediacy and reality to warrant

    the issuance of a declaratory judgment.

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    Count I: Non-Infringement of the ‘103 Patent

    13. Plaintiffs re-allege each and every allegation set forth in paragraphs

    1 through 12.

    14. A true and accurate copy of the ‘103 Patent is attached hereto as

    Exhibit 2.

    15. On information and belief, Mr. Roberson is the owner of the ‘103

    Patent.

    16. The ‘103 Patent claims the design as shown in the solid lines of the

    figure below:

    17. Mr. Roberson asserts that SCS’s “Single Tire Work Bench,” shown

    below, infringes the ‘103 Patent.

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    18. Plaintiff does not infringe the ‘819 Patent.

    19. In order to infringe a design patent, the court looks to the “ordinary

    observer” test.  See Egyptian Goddess, Inc. v. Swisa, 543 F.3d 665 (Fed. Cir. 2008).

    The Federal Circuit has indicated that “proof of similarity under the ordinary

    observer test is not enough to establish design patent infringement”  Id. at 670

    (citing cases). “In some instances, the claimed design and the accused design

    will be sufficiently distinct that it will be clear without more that the patentee has

    not met its burden of proving the two designs would appear ‘substantially the

    same’ to the ordinary observer. . . “  Id. at 679.

    20. Without exhausting all the differences between the patented design

    and the accused design, one can see that the patented design has several

    elements that are not present on the allegedly infringing design. For example the

    patented design has a base that is angular in nature. There are not similar angles

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    in the SCS product. As another example, the patented design appears to have a

    planer surface in the tool holding area, whereas the SCS design does not. Finally,

    the patented design has a tool tray that extends out over the base, whereas the

    SCS tray is entirely above the base.

    21. Given the obvious differences between the patented design and the

    accused infringing design, Plaintiff is entitled to a ruling that this case is an

    exceptional case pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285, and may recover its costs and fees.

    Count II: Invalidity the ‘103 Patent

    22. Plaintiffs re-allege each and every allegation set forth in paragraphs

    1 through 21.

    23. The ‘103 Patent is invalid or unenforceable because, among other

    things, the claimed design is anticipated or obvious in light of the prior art.  See

    35 U.S.C. §§ 102, 103.

    24. For example, United States Patent 4,341,304 (the “’304 Patent”),

    which is attached hereto as Exhibit 3, depicts a tool tray of the following design:

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    25. The ‘304 Patent issued on July 27, 1982 and pre-dates the ‘103 Patent

    by nearly 30 years.

    26. For argument’s sake, if the SCS “Single Tire Work Bench” is found to

    infringe the ‘103 Patent (which could only happen if the ‘103 Patent were

    improperly construed), then the ‘103 Patent claims will be so broad as to

    encompass the prior art, such as the ‘304 Patent. Under such a construction, the

    ‘103 Patent would be invalid n view of the prior art.

    27. The ‘103 Patent also claims functional aspects, which invalidates the

    design patent.

    PRAYER FOR RELIEF

    WHEREFORE, SCS prays for relief as follows:

    1. That the Court adjudicate and declare that the ‘103 Patent is invalid;

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    2. That the Court adjudicate and declare that Plaintiff does not infringe

    the ‘103 Patent;

    3. That this is an exceptional case, and award Plaintiff its costs and

    fees;

    4. Plaintiff be granted such other further relief as the Court may deem

     just and proper.

    Respectfully submitted,

    Dated: February 10, 2016   GRAY, PLANT, MOOTY,MOOTY & BENNETT, P.A.

    By: /s/Loren L. HansenLoren L. Hansen (MN No. 387812)

    Richard C. Landon (MN No. 392306)500 IDS Center80 South Eighth StreetMinneapolis, Minnesota 55402-3796Telephone: (612) 632-3000Fax: (612) [email protected]@gpmlaw.com

    ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF.

    GP:4302726v1

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    EXHIBIT 1

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    R . D A V I D BROWN, ESQ. 2900 WESTFORKD R. SUITE 4 0 1

    BATONROUGE LA

    70827

    OFFICE:225.810.3322

    FAX:

    225.709.9435

    Email: [email protected]

    LAW

    OFFICE

    OF

    R.

    DAVID BROWN

    February 2, 2016

    CEASE AND DESIST DEMAND

    Pursuant to Title

    35

    of the United States Code

    James Richards

    Minimizer

    500 Minimizer Way SE

    Blooming Prairie, MN 55917

    Dear

    Mr.

    Richards:

    This law

    firm

    represents Donald Roberson. If you are represented by legal counsel, please direct

    this letter to your attorney immediately and have your attorney notify us

    of

    such representation.

    We are writing to notify you that your unlawful copying

    of

    the Tire Table® (US Patent No. USD

    625,103 S) infringes upon our client's exclusive patent. Accordingly, you are hereby directed to

    CEASE AND DESIST ALL PATENT INFRINGEMENT.

    Donald Roberson is the owner

    of

    a patent in various aspects

    of

    the Tire Table®. Under United

    States patent law, Mr.Roberson's patent protection has been in effect since the date that the Tire

    Table® was created and later patented on October 1 2 2010. All patentable aspects

    of

    the Tire

    Table® are protected under United States patent law.

    It has come to our attention that since, on or around June 1 2015, you have been copying the

    Tire Table® and selling it for commercial gain. We have copies of your unlawful product to

    preserve as evidence. Your actions constitute patent infringement in violation

    of

    United States

    patent laws. Under 35 U.S.C. 271 et seq., and established law, the consequences

    of

    patent

    infringement include damages or royalties and attorney's fees, etc.

    If

    you continue to engage in

    the aforestated patent infringement after receiving this letter, your actions will be used as

    evidence

    of ''willful

    infringement.

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    We demand that you immediately (A) cease and desist your unlawful production and sale of the

    Minimizer Single Tire Work Bench and/or copying of the Tire Table® and (B) provide us with

    prompt written assurance within seven (7) days that you will cease and desist from further

    infringement

    of Mr.

    Roberson's patented works. (SEE ATTACHED)

    If you do not comply with this cease and desist demand within this time period, Mr. Roberson is

    entitled to use your failure to comply as evidence

    of willful

    infringement and seek monetary

    damages and equitable relief for your patent infringement. Inthe event you fail to meet this

    demand, please be advised that Donald Roberson has asked us to communicate to you that it will

    contemplate pursuing all available legal remedies, including, but not limited to seeking monetary

    damages, injunctive relief and an order that you pay court costs and attorney's fees. Your

    liability and exposure under such legal action could be considerable.

    Before taking these steps, however, my client wished to give you one opportunity to discontinue

    your illegal conduct by complying with this demand within seven (7) days. Accordingly, please

    contact me and return a signed copy of the attached

    Patent Infringement Agreement

    within seven

    (7) days to:

    R. David Brown

    2900 Westfork Drive, Suite 40

    I

    Baton Rouge, LA 70827

    Fax: 225.709.9435

    Email: [email protected]

    If you or your attorney(s) have any questions, please contact me directly.

    Sincerely,

    R. David Brown

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    EXHIBIT 2

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    (12) United States Design Patent

    Roberson

    U S O O D 6 2 5 1

    03

    S

    (10)

    Patent

    No.:

    (45)

    Date of

    Patent:

    US D625,103 S

    Oct. 12,2010

    (54)

    TIRE SUPPORTED TABLE

    7,207,438 B2· 4/2007 Lieffring

    et

    aI 206/378

    (76) Inventor:

    Donald Roberson,

    7511 Magnolia

    Beach Rd., Dunham Springs, LA (US)

    70726

    (**) Term:

    14

    Years

    (21) Appl, No.: 29/280 234

    (22) Filed:

    May

    22,

    2007

    (51)

    LOC 9) CI. 03-01

    (52)

    U.S. CI. D3/304

    (58)

    Field of Classification Search D3/304,

    D3/307,309-310 312-313; 206/349,373,

    206/557;

    D8171

    See application file for complete search history.

    (56)

    References Cited

    U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

    3,269,555 A

    8/1966

    Henderson ............... 211/86.0 I

    4,309,009 A

    1/1982

    Mitchell

    .....................

    248/149

    4,341,304 A •

    7/1982

    Diller

    .........................

    206/349

    5,706,991

    A

    1/1998 Stewart

    D424,806 S

    5/2000 Dixon,

    Sr.

    6,109,435 A 8/2000

    Failor

    D481,282

    S

    10/2003

    Kitchen

    ........................

    D817l

    cited by examiner

    Primary

    Examiner T.Chase Nelson

    Assistant Examiner-Kathleen M Sims

    74) Attorney,Agent, or

    Firm BrianD. Bellamy

    (57)

    CLAIM

    The ornamental design for a tire supported table, as shown.

    DESCRIPTION

    FIG. 1 is a front perspective view

    of

    a tire supported table

    showing my new design;

    FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof;

    FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof;

    FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof;

    FIG. 5 is a side elevational view thereof;

    FIG. 6 is a front elevational view thereof; and,

    FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view thereof.

    The broken line showing details of the base in FIG. 4 is

    included for the purpose of showing environmental portions

    of the tire supported table and forms no part of the claimed

    design. The broken lines in FIG. 3 indicate the boundaries of

    the claimed design, and the broken lines and areas within

    these lines form no part

    of

    the claimed design.

    Claim, 4 Drawing Sheets

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    u s

    Patent

    Oct. 12,2010

    Sheet

    1

    of

    4

    US D625,103

    S

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    u s

    Patent

    Oct. 12, 2010

    Sheet

    2

    of

    4

    US D625,103

    S

    :fig 2

    ~ ~

    --~-

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    u s

    Patent

    Oct. 12,2010

    Sheet

    3

    of 4

    US D625,103 S

    l

    I

    I

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    U.S.

    Patent

    Oct. 12, 2010

    Sheet 4 of 4

    US D625,103 S

    : F i a 6

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    EXHIBIT

    3

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    United States

    Patent

    [19]

    Diller

    [11]

    [45]

    4,341,304

    Jul 27, 1982

    [54]

    TOOL TRAY

    [76] Inventor: Harold L. Diller 3980 Highland Dr.,

    Mogadore, Ohio 44260

    [21] Appl. No.: 196,006

    [22] Filed: Oct. 10, 1980

    [51]

    Int. Cl.3

    B65D 43/00; B65D 61/00

    [52] U.S. Cl 206/349; 108/44;

    206/557; 224/42.42; 296/37.1

    [58] Field of Search

    ~ 206/557, 349;

    224/42.42 R ; 296/37.1; 108/44

    [56]

    References Cited

    U.S.

    PATENT DOCUMENTS

    2 670 260 2/1954 Watt 108/44 UX

    2,897,974 8/1959 Cook 224/42.42 R

    2 962 333 11/1960 Policastro 108/44

    2,988,206 6/1961 Olson 224/42.42 R

    3,048,457 8/1962 Haase 108/44

    3,394,849 7/1968 Streeter 224/42.42 R

    4,136,904 ,1/1979 Lauderdale 296/37.1

    4 169 532 10/1979

    Scapellate

    2061557

    Primary Examiner-William

    T.

    Dixson, Jr.

    Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Oldham, Oldham, Hudak &

    Weber Co.

    [57]

    A B S T R A C f

    A tray for use by diesel truck mechanics, designed and

    adapted for receipt and maintenance upon a tractor tire.

    Fundamentally, the invention includes a base compris

    ing a rectangular box which is open at the bottom.

    Opposite ends of the base are each characterized by an

    opening of decreasing width from the bottom of the

    base upwardly, thus being adapted for receipt by vari

    ous size tires with the crown of the tire being received

    through the open bottom of the base. Mounted atop the

    base is a tray which may be pivotally secured thereto.

    9 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures

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    u.s.

    Patent

    Jul. 27, 1982

    Sheet of 2

    4,341,304

    FIG.-I

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    u.s.

    Patent

    Jul 27, 1982

    Sheet 2 of 2 4,341,304

    40~

    FIG.-2

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    1

    4 341 304

    2

    TOOL TRAY

    FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of

    the tool tray assembly of the invention; and

    FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment

    of the tool tray assembly of the invention.

    ACKGROUND ART

    The invention herein resides in the art of tool trays 5 BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE

    and the like and, more particularly, to such a tray for INVENTION

    use in the trucking industry. Presently, cab-over-engine Referring now to the drawing of FIG. 1 it can be

    tractors have replaced the more conventional ones since seen that a tool tray made in accordance with the inven-

    the former accommodates

    a

    larger trailer while staying

    10

    tion is designated generally by the numeral

    10.

    It willbe

    within federal guidelines for overall length. As the understood as this description proceeds that the compo-

    name implies, the engine and other mechanical systems nents of the tool tray 1 0 may be of high impact plastic,

    of the cab-over-engine tractor is maintained beneath the sheet metal, or the like. The material for construction of

    cab itself in a rather compact and densely populated the elements of the unit 1 0 need only be dictated by the

    area. When a mechanic makes access to the eD;gine the 1 5 considerations of wear and durability. In any event, the

    cab is lifted forward and there

    is

    generally little area tool tray 10 includes a base 1 2 which

    is

    generally of a

    upon which the mechanic might place tools, parts, or rectangular box construction. The base

    12

    includes

    repair equipment. Indeed, the engine itself is well en- front and back plates 1 4 preferably of equal size and

    cumbered with related apparatus such that no flat areas side plates

    16

    again of equal size. A top 18 intercon-

    are available for receipt of such elements. Should ele- 2 nects the plates 14 16 at the top thereof, while the bot-

    ments be placed upon the engine block, they are often toms of the plates 14,16 lie within a plane defining an

    lost, overlooked, or forgotten during the mechanic's open bottom for the rectangular base

    12.

    work efforts. Each of the front and back plates 14 are characterized

    It has become common for cab-over-engine mechan- by an opening 20 therein. The openings 20 are of de-

    ics to utilize one of the front or steering tires of the

    2 5

    creasing width from the bottom of the plate

    1 4

    to the

    tractor as a tray of sorts to receive tools, parts, and the top of the opening, such top of the opening falling be-

    like during servicing operations. These elements are neath the top

    1 8

    of the base 12. Preferably, the width of

    placed at the top or crown of the tire, but with the tire the opening 20 decreases in increments or steps as

    being typically of a circular nature; there is only a small shown, and the bottom of the opening 20 communicates

    area than can receive such elements without having the 3 with and comprises a portion of the open bottom of the

    same roll or fall therefrom. Similarly, the crown of the base 12.

    tire

    is

    too unstable to receive a tool tray and, in ma~y The incremental changes in width of the opening 20

    situations,

    if

    the tool tray is merely set on the floor, Its or the steps thereof, are defined by support edges

    accessibility to the mechanic is severely limited. 22 24 26 as shown in the drawing. Vertical edges

    22a 2-

    5 4o 26a

    orthogonally join the respective support edges

    22 24 26. As will be discussed hereinafter, the separation

    In light of the foregoing, it

    is

    an object ofan aspect of between the vertical edges 22a would accommodate

    the instant invention to provide a tool tray which may one width of tire, while the separation between the

    be received by a tractor tire and supported on either vertical edges 240 would accommodate a narrower

    side of the crown thereof.

    40

    width of tire, while the separation between the vertical

    Yet another object of an aspect of the invention

    is

    to edges

    200

    would accommodate yet a final width of tire.

    provide a tool tray which may be received on

    a

    flat As further shown in the drawing, the tool tray assem-

    surface such as a floor or workbench, as well as being bly

    1 0

    includes a tray 28 shown as a unitary open tray

    received upon a tire. having

    a

    lip or raised side about a bottom

    30. It

    will be

    A further object of an aspect of the invention

    is

    to 4 5 understood that the tray

    28

    could be compartmentalized

    provide a tool tray which is rotatably and selectively by dividers extending between the lips if desired. A

    positionable. spindle

    32

    passes through registered openings

    in

    the

    An additional object of an aspect of the invention

    is

    to bottom

    30

    and top

    18

    with appropriate heads on each

    provide a tool tray which

    is

    adapted to be received by side of the spindle to allow the tray

    28

    to rotate upon

    tires of various

    sizes.

    50 the top

    18.

    As illustrated, the spindle 32 may include a

    Yet another object of an aspect of the invention

    is

    to knob or handle at the top thereof to facilitate handling.

    provide a tool tray which

    is

    reliable and durable in Such rotation allows for optimum positioning of tools,

    operation while being constructed utilizing state-of-the- test equipment, parts, and the like, which might be re-

    art techniques and components. ceived by the tool tray assembly 10.

    The foregoing and other objects of the invention 5 5 It should now be appreciated that the tool tray of the

    which will become apparent as the detailed description invention may, with the plates 14,16 having the bottoms

    proceeds are achieved by a tool tray assembly, compris- thereof in coplanar relationship, be received and main-

    ing: a base having a top interconnecting front and back tained upon a floor, workbench, or the like. In such

    plates at opposite ends thereof, said front and back case, the tray 28 rotatable upon the top 1 8 of the base

    plates having aligned openings therein, said base being 60

    12

    allows optimum accessibility by the user to the tools,

    open at the bottom thereof; and a tray maintained upon parts, equipment, and the like maintained thereby. Ad-

    said top. ditionally, the openings 20 in the plates 1 4 are adapted

    for being received upon a tractor tire with the crown of

    the tire being received through the open bottom of the

    base 12 with appropriate support edges 22 24 26 being

    received on the tire edges on a cord passing hrough the

    tire circumference. For example,

    a

    tire having an

    11 00

    tread width might receive the support edges

    22

    with the

    DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

    For

    a

    complete

    understanding'

    of the objects, tech- 6 5

    niques and structure of the invention, reference should

    be had to the following detailed description and accom

    panying drawing wherein:

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    3

    4,341,304

    vertical edges 220 of each of the plates 1 4 passing along

    the vertical side edges of the tread. Similarly, for. a

    tractor tire having a width of 10.00 the tray might be

    received on the support edges 24 with the vertical edges

    24a coming down along the sides of the tire tread. Fi- S

    nally, a tire having a tread width of 9.00 might receive

    the assembly

    1 0

    on the support edge 26 with the vertical

    edges

    200

    coming down alongside the tire tread.

    It

    will be understood that the tray assembly 1 0

    is

    preferably positioned with the high point of the crown

    10

    of the tire at the center of the assembly with the appro

    priate support edges of the plates

    1 4

    being equally

    spaced on opposite sides of such crown. It will further

    be understood that the support edges 22,24,26 provide 15

    for vertical support, while the vertical edges

    220,2-

    4a 26a provide for lateral or horizontal support against

    the tire edge. Finally, with the plates

    1 4

    being made of

    plastic or sheet metal having

    a

    thickness on the order of

    approximately 0.010 inch, the support edges 22,24,26

    20

    will readily be received in very secure engagement by

    the treads on the tires.

    Utilizing the structure of the invention, tools, test

    equipment, parts, and the like may be kept readily at

    hand at one centralized location while a mechanic per-

    2 5

    forms operations on the cab-over-engine truck. The

    opening 20 in the plates

    1 4

    may be characterized by any

    number of steps or increments of width change, depen

    dent upon the standard tire widths in the industry.

    With reference now to FIG.

    2

    a second tool tray 30

    embodiment of the invention

    is

    designated by the nu

    meral

    40.

    Again, a base 1 2 is provided having an open

    bottom and registered openings in the front and back

    plates 14. These openings

    42

    are of an arcuate nature,

    being widest at the open bottom of the base

    1 2

    as

    35

    shown. The edges of the openings 42 are characterized

    by teeth or serrations

    44

    for making biting securing

    engagement with the truck tire, the arcuate openings 42

    being of such contour as to accommodate the various 40

    sizes of tires as earlier discussed. Of course, the arcuate

    nature of the openings 42 are capable of being received

    by any size of tire not exceeding the width of the bot

    toms of such openings, the edges of the openings 42

    making securing engagement with the edges of the tire.

    4S

    As further shown in FIG.

    2

    the tray 46 may substan

    tially overhang the base

    1 2

    to receive a large quantity of

    tools, parts, and the like. The tray 46 is again rotatable

    about a spindle 48 and is further characterized by a hole

    50 therein for receiving a hook for storage of the assem-

    50

    bly 40 on a wall, post, or other vertical surface.

    4

    Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention

    have been satisfied with the structures presented herein

    above. While in accordance with the patent statutes

    only the best modes and preferred embodiments of the

    invention has been presented and described in detail, it

    is to be understood that the invention is not limited

    thereto or thereby. Consequently, for an appreciation of

    the true scope and breadth of the invention, reference

    should be had to the following claims.

    What is claimed is:

    1. A tool tray assembly, comprising:

    a base having top interconnecting front and back

    plates at opposite ends thereof, said front and back

    plates having aligned openings therein and said

    base being open at the bottom thereof;

    a tray maintained upon said top; and

    wherein said aligned openings decrease in width

    in

    crementally in steps from the bottoms of said open

    ings to the tops thereof.

    2. The tool tray assembly according to claim 2

    wherein said aligned openings in said front and back

    plates extend upwardly from bottom edges of said front

    and back plates, said bottom edges defining the bottom

    of said base.

    3.

    The tool tray assembly according to claim

    2

    wherein said aligned openings are arcuate.

    4. The tool tray assembly according to claim 1 which

    further includes a pair of side plates interconnecting

    said front and back plates at opposite edges thereof, and

    further being connected to said top.

    5.

    The tool tray assembly according to claim

    1

    wherein said tray is pivotally mounted to said top.

    6 . The tool tray assembly according to claim

    5

    wherein said tray has a raised lip about the periphery

    thereof.

    7.

    Apparatus for receiving tools and the like, compris

    ing:

    a base comprising a rectangular box of rigid sheet

    material and being open at the bottom thereof;

    a tray pivotally maintained on top of said base; and

    wherein a pair of opposed ends of said rectangular

    box have openings therein, said openings extending

    from said bottom of said box upwardly toward said

    top of said box, and being of decreasing width from

    said bottom toward said top, said openings having

    serrated edges.

    8. The apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein the

    width of said openings decreases incrementally.

    9. The apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein said

    openings are arcuate.

    55

    6

    65

    CASE 0:16-cv-00326-JRT-TNL Document 1-1 Filed 02/10/16 Page 15 of 15

  • 8/20/2019 Spray Control v. Roberson - Complaint

    24/24

    JS 44 (Rev. 12/12) CIVIL COVER SHEETe c v cover s eet an t e n ormat on conta  ne ere n ne t er rep ace nor supp ement t e ng an serv ce o p ea   ngs or ot er papers as requ re y aw, except as

     provided by local rules of court. This form, appr oved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is r equired for the use of the Clerk of Court for the purpose of ini tiating the civil docket sheet.   (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)

    I.   (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS pray ontro ystems, nc. ona o erson

    (b)   County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff    Steele County of Residence of First Listed Defendant

    (EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY) NOTE: IN LAND CON DEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OF

    THE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

    (c)   Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number)   Attorneys  (If Known)Loren L. Hansen / Richard C. LandonGray Plant Mooty Mooty & Bennett, P.A.500 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth StreetMinneapolis, MN 55402(612) 632-3000

    II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only)   III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff  (For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)

    1 U .S. Gove rnme nt 3 Fed era l Ques tion   PTF DEF PTF DEFPlaintiff    (U.S. Government Not a Party)   Citizen of This State 1 1 Incorporated or  Principal Place 4 4

    o us ness n s tate

    2 U.S. Government 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State 2 2 Incorporated and  Principal Place 5 5Defendant   (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III)   of Business In Another State

    Citizen or Subject of a 3 3 Foreign Nation 6 6

    Foreign Country

    IV. NATURE OF SUIT   (Place an “X” in One Box Only)CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES

    110 Insurance   PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY   6 25 Dru g R elated Seizu re 4 22 App eal 2 8 USC 1 58 3 75 False C laims Act

    120 Marine 310 Airplane 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 423 Withdrawal 400 State Reapportionment

    130 Miller Act 315 Airplane Product Product Liability 690 Other 28 USC 157 410 Antitrust

    140 Negotiable Instrument Liability 367 Health Care/ 430 Banks and Banking

    1 50 R ecov er y o f Overp ay ment 3 20 Assault, Lib el & Pharmaceutical   PROPERTYRIGHTS   450 Commerce

    & Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury 820 Copyrights 460 Deportation

    151 Medicare Act 330 Federal Employers’ Product Liability 830 Patent 470 Racketeer Influenced and

    152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability 368 Asbestos Personal 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizations

    Student Loans 340 Marine Injury Product 480 Consumer Credit

    ( Exclude s Ve te ran s) 345 Mar ine P roduct Liab ilit y   LABOR SOCIAL SECURITY   490 Cable/Sat TV

    153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability   PERSONAL PROPERTY   7 10 Fair Lab or Stan dard s 8 61 HIA ( 13 95 ff ) 8 50 Secur ities/Co mm od ities/of Veteran’s Benefits 350 Motor Vehicle 370 Other Fraud Act 862 Black Lung (923) Exchange

    1 60 Sto ck ho ld er s’ Suits 3 55 Motor Veh icle 3 71 Tru th in Len ding 7 20 Lab or /Man ag ement 8 63 DIWC /DIW W ( 40 5( g) ) 8 90 Oth er Statu to ry Actio ns

    190 Other Contract Product Liability 380 Other Personal Relations 864 SSID Title XVI 891 Agricultural Acts

    1 95 C on tr ac t P rodu ct Li ab ili ty 360 Ot he r P er so nal P rope rt y Da ma ge 74 0 R ai lwa y La bor Ac t 86 5 R SI ( 40 5( g) ) 8 93 En vir on men ta l M at te rs

    196 Franchise Injury 385 Property Damage 751 Family and Medical 895 Freedom of Information362 Personal Injury - Product Liability Leave Act Act

    Medical Malprac ice 790 Other Labor Litigation 896 Arbitration

    R EAL P ROP ER TY CI VI L RI GHTS P RI SO NE R PE TITI ONS   791 Employee Retirement   FEDERAL TAX SUITS   899 Administrative Procedure

    210 Land Condemnation 440 Other Civil Rights   Habeas Corpus:   I ncom e Secur ity Act 8 70 Tax es ( U.S. Plain tiff Act/R ev iew o r App eal o f  

    220 Foreclosure 441 Voting 463 Alien Detainee or Defendant) Agency Decision

    230 Rent Lease & Ejectment 442 Employment 510 Motions to Vacate 871 IRS—Third Party 950 Constitutionality of  

    240 Torts to Land 443 Housing/ Sentence 26 USC 7609 State Statutes

    2 45 T or t P rodu ct Li abi li ty A cc omm oda tion s 5 30 Ge ne ra l

    290 All Other Real Property   445 Amer. w/Disabilities   535 Death Penalty   IMMIGRATION

    Employment   Other:   atura zat on pp cat on-446 Amer. w/Disabilities   540 Mandamus & Other 465 Other Immigration

    Other 550 Civil Rights Actions

    448 Edu cat io n 5 55 P ri son C ond it ion

    560 Civil Detainee -

    Conditions of 

    Confinement

    V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)Transferred fromAnother District(specify)

    1 OriginalProceeding

    2 Removed fromState Court

    3 Remanded fromAppellate Court

    4 Reinstated or Reopened

    5 6 MultidistrictLitigation

    VI. CAUSE OF

    ACTION

    Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing   (Do not cite j uri sdictional statutes unless diversity  ):28 U.S.C. Section 2201, et seq.; 35 U.S.C. Section 1, et seq.

    Brief description of cause:

    Declaratory Judgment of non-infringement and invalidity of U.S. Patent No. D625,103

    VII. REQUESTED IN

    COMPLAINT:CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTIONUNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P.

    DEMAND $   CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint:

    JURY DEMAND:   Yes No

    VIII. RELATED CASE(S)

    IF ANY   (See instructions): JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER  

    DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD

    02/10/2016 s/ Loren L. Hansen

    FOROFFICE USE ONLY

    RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE

    CASE 0:16-cv-00326-JRT-TNL Document 1-2 Filed 02/10/16 Page 1 of 1