Patents Examined by Linda J. Sholl
  • Patent number: 5947351
    Abstract: An elongated post includes a sleeve and an extension, the extension slidably retained within the sleeve. A handle is disposed at a free end of the extension. The sleeve has a first end near the handle and a second end opposite the first end. A pair of cylinder rests is provided, one each of the rests positioned on each of two opposite sides of the sleeve at the second end of the sleeve. The cylinder rests are foldable against the sleeve. A pair of cylinder straps is disposed on each side of the sleeve. Each pair of cylinder straps is adapted for holding a cylinder to the post, such that a distal end of the cylinder rests against one of the cylinder rests. The cylinder straps are foldable against the sleeve. A pair of shoulder straps is attached to the post for wearing the post on a human back. A pair of wheels is disposed at the second end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Michael J. Garofalo, Gerri M. Citrigno
  • Patent number: 5947353
    Abstract: A turkey call holding leg harness is provided including a pair of straps each having a pair of ends including a first free end and a second end. The second finds have buckles mounted thereon for releasably coupling with the first free ends to define closed loops. Further provided is a pair of adjustable plates mounted between the straps for releasably containing a turkey call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Reid P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5947355
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier 10 forming a low, aerodynamic profile when secured to an outer body surface of the vehicle. The vehicle article carrier includes a pair of slats each having channel portions which are adapted to reside at least partially within channels formed in the outer body surface of the vehicle during manufacture of the vehicle. The low profile of the slats serves to reduce the degree to which a pair of bracket members and at least one cross bar secured to the bracket members projects above the outer body surface, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal and improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle article carrier. In preferred embodiments each slat includes a plurality of tie-down loops integrally formed therewith. The bracket members each incorporate a manually movable locking member adapted to lockably engage with the slat to hold the bracket member at a desired position along the slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Cucheran, Victor M. Bogdan
  • Patent number: 5944238
    Abstract: A beverage can holder for attachment to a person's belt, clothing pocket or the like has an open fronted holder body with a vertically extending back portion and a horizontal base portion on which a can may be rested. A pair of resilient arms extend from the back portion to clasp the can and have spaced apart front ends forming a gap into which a can may be forced by an at least partially sidewise movement of the can. A lid attached to the holder body by a flexible lid retainer has a circular lip proportioned to snap engage on the top of a beverage can and acts to seal opened cans. In the preferred form the lid has a plurality of lips with the lips being of progressively smaller diameter and being progressively closer to the underside of the lid thereby enabling engagement of the lid on cans of differing diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Harry Von Stark
  • Patent number: 5944240
    Abstract: A cup holder of the invention includes a slider slidably situated in a housing, an arm pivotally attached to a lower side of the slider so that when the slider is pulled from the housing into a using position, a front portion of the arm descends, a supporting member pivotally attached to the front portion of the arm, at least one holding arm rotatably attached to the slider, and a link mechanism. The holding arm has a holding portion laterally rotated to form an inserting portion between the holding portion and the slider when the slider is moved to the using position, and a first pressing portion for rotating the holding portion in a direction away from the slider when the first pressing portion is pressed. The link mechanism is rotatably attached to the arm and has a second pressing portion in a rear portion. The second pressing portion moves forward along a movement of the slider to press the first pressing portion to force the holding portion to rotate in the direction away from the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Hisayoshi Honma
  • Patent number: 5944241
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable storage enclosure which can be used as a seat. The device includes a storage enclosure defining a storage cavity, and an access opening thereto. A door is mounted on the storage enclosure. The door is movable from a position at which it covers the access opening to a position at which it permits access to the storage cavity. A belt is attached to the storage enclosure. The belt is adjustable from a first position at which the belt can be secured about a wearer's waist to a second position at which the belt can be secured around a generally vertical support, such as a tree or utility pole. The apparatus of the present invention is designed so that the wearer can remove the storage enclosure from the wearer's waist, attach the storage enclosure to the generally vertical support by the belt, and use the storage enclosure as a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventors: James E. Globig, Kenneth Neil Allen
  • Patent number: 5941436
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable tray assembly particularly designed for those who stock shelves or perform similar tasks. The device includes a circular, continuous padded waistband having an elongated, integral slot on its front portion. The waistband is supported around a person's abdomen using a pair of adjustable shoulder straps. A planar, substantially rectangular tray member is received within the slot for supporting items, such as a shipping carton, immediately adjacent a user's abdomen. The tray member preferably has at least one retaining wall vertically depending from a peripheral edge to prevent the carton from shifting. Alternatively, a box shaped container member may be attached to the waistband by inserting a pair of opposing, horizontally extending attachment arms into the slot. The tray and container member are supported in a horizontal position using a leg brace removably attached to their respective lower surfaces at one end and to the waistband at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventors: Darrell Washington, Estrellita Washington
  • Patent number: 5938092
    Abstract: A continuously curved drawbar adapted to be mounted in a receiver hitch for extending the bed of a transport vehicle and enhancing load carrying capacity. The drawbar is formed as a box beam with a straight section at one end for receipt in the receiver hitch and rising above the receiver hitch at the second end. An adapter is provided at the end second for mounting a load. The curved drawbar reduces the amount of high-load impact transferred to the receiver hitch and resists permanent deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Brian K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5934528
    Abstract: A waist bag usable as a baby holder includes a waist bag body capable of supporting the weight of a baby seated thereon and a waist belt secured to the waist bag body for fixing the waist bag body to a user's waist. A shoulder strap is capable of being suspended from the user's shoulder or neck when the user holds a baby seated on the waist bag body. Both ends of the shoulder strap are connected to the waist bag body. An auxiliary strap is bridged across the shoulder strap for holding an upper part of a baby. A distance between the auxiliary strap and the waist bag body can be adjusted at both ends of the auxiliary strap, independently. Therefore, a baby can always be held by the auxiliary strap despite the baby holding position, the physique of the user or the physique of the baby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Lucky Industry Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Higuchi
  • Patent number: 5931361
    Abstract: The bicycle rack/bag assembly comprises a rack which depends from a seat post over a rear wheel of a bicycle. A plurality of accessories, such as a pack or bag, a drawer, and a mud flap may be engaged to the rack, each individually, or in any desired combination. The rack includes a quick connect/release assembly for easily engaging the rack to a seat post of substantially any diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Charles Martin Schwimmer
  • Patent number: 5927580
    Abstract: A quick release connector system is provided for interconnecting a frequently used portable accessory item with a support body. The system utilizes a clasp having a back wall spaced apart from a stationary wall. The stationary wall includes an enlarged opening from which extends a slot. A deflectable wall overlies the enlarged opening. A connector part forms the quick release connection with the clasp. It is attached to the portable accessory item via a post with an enlarged head. The post has a diameter less than the width of the slot and the head has a diameter greater than the width of the slot, but less than the enlarged opening. When the deflectable wall is flexed away from the enlarged opening, the head of the connector part will pass through the opening and slide behind the slot as the post is moved into the slot. The enlarged head behind the slot will prevent axial disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Terence P. Ward-Llewellyn
  • Patent number: 5927574
    Abstract: A harness for use by a hunter in retaining a weapon. The harness includes a belt positionable about a waist of the hunter and a shoulder strap including first and second rings for placement above a shoulder and extending on either side of a torso of the hunter. A pouch is connected between the belt and shoulder strap, the pouch includes a base and a skirt extending therefrom to form a weapon receiving pocket. An auxiliary strap including first and second releasable clips is connected to the shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Darrell H Ruesink
  • Patent number: 5927577
    Abstract: An improved extender device for adjusting the length of a watch or bracelet band is provided. The extender element of the invention comprises a body having a width no greater than the distance measured between the sidewalls of the main watch link and shell, a coupling member formed at one end of the body and having a width substantially equal to the width of the shell, and at least one guide element formed at the other end of the body for accommodating a spring-loaded pushpin. The pin is received between the corresponding sidewall openings of the shell as the shell overlies and otherwise receives the body of the extender element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: E. Gluck Corporation
    Inventor: Rafael Braun
  • Patent number: 5924611
    Abstract: A trunk net for a vehicle has a first net area for holding luggage on a floor, and a second net area for holding the luggage between the net and an upright panel, and anchor members for holding the trunk net in a luggage compartment are distributed in the compartment so as to set the trunk net in various manners. At least one of the anchor members has a net holder for holding the net and a base which supports the net holder on a vehicle body panel and which further serves as a fastener for fastening an interior trim member to the vehicle body panel. This trunk net structure makes it possible to set the net in various manners, and facilitates the fixing of the interior trim members to the vehicle body panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 5924613
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for holding firearm cartridges, such as shotgun shells, and other related accessories. The system may be utilized on wearing apparel such as hunting vests and belts, on structures such as duck boats and blinds, or on vehicles. The system has a rack portion that may be permanently secured to such apparel, structures, or vehicles. Attachable to the rack portion are rigid receivers with cylindrical bores sized to a particular size of cartridge. Each cylindrical bore has a tab extending inwardly into the cylindrical bore that provides an interference fit with the cartridges to secure the cartridges in place. The receiver and the rack portion have cooperating sliding engagement members to removably secure the receivers to the rack portion. The sliding engagement members on the rack portion are arranged on a plurality of sequential segments with breaks between each sequential segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventors: J. Evan Johnson, Kurt Bauman, David L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5913464
    Abstract: A belt arrangement for carrying a hand-held working tool has a back plate for positioning on the back of the operator using the working tool. The back plate has an upper end and a lower end. Shoulder straps are connected to the upper end of the back plate. The shoulder straps have forward ends. A lateral strap is connected to the back plate and loops forwardly. The lateral strap has a forward end. A support plate for supporting the working tool is positioned opposite the lateral strap. The support plate has a support strap having a first end connected to the lateral strap. A hip belt is connected to the lower end of the back plate and has a first portion looping forwardly from the back plate and connected to the first end of the support strap. The forward end of the lateral strap, the forward ends of the shoulder straps, and a free end of the first portion of the hip belt are positioned separate from one another. A connecting strap for each one of the forward ends of the shoulder straps is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventor: Jurgen Haberlein
  • Patent number: 5906302
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism is provided for mounting a second SCUBA tank (e.g. a pony tank) to a first SCUBA tank (e.g. a main SCUBA tank). The mounting mechanism includes a bracket having a first curved outer surface for engaging the first SCUBA tank, having a second curved outer surface for engaging a second SCUBA tank, and having a connecting portion connecting the first curved outer surface to the second curved outer surface, a passage being formed in the connecting portion. A first clamp extends through the passage in the connecting portion and secures the second SCUBA tank to the second curved outer surface. A second clamp, for example the existing BCD strap of a main SCUBA tank, extends through the passage in the connecting portion and secures the second SCUBA tank to the first curved outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J. Spergel
  • Patent number: 5904281
    Abstract: A vehicle rack system (10) removably connectable to a vehicle (22) has horizontal top members forming a circumference therebetween having sufficient size to accommodate a cooler (20) therein. The vehicle rack system (10) further has horizontal bottom members forming a circumference therebetween having sufficient size to accommodate the cooler (20) therein. The vehicle rack system (10) further has a vertical rod holders having a vertical rod holder slotted ends positioned at an upper distal end is securely fastened to a the horizontal top members and to the horizontal bottom members. The vehicle rack system (10) further comprises a vertical front rod holder receivers securely fastened to a front end of the horizontal top members and to a front end of the horizontal bottom members. The vehicle rack system (10) further comprises a left vehicle connector (18L) is securely fastened to a left end of the front horizontal bottom member (12FBT) and the rear horizontal bottom member (12RBT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Jim Mooers
  • Patent number: 5894975
    Abstract: A system of selectable carriers for receiving an interchangeable liner enclosing a plurality of articles for facilitating exchange of articles from one selected carrier to another. The system provides a plurality of carriers which each have at least an opening with a first connecting member having a first character and attached near the opening thereof. The carriers selectively engage a liner that has a closed bottom and an open end with a second connecting member having a second character attached to a perimeter edge thereof, for selective mating engagement of the liner with the first connecting member in the carrier, for joining the liner to the carrier. The liner receives a plurality of articles to be carried within the carrier, and transfer of which occurs substantially simultaneously by transferring the liner and the articles therein from one carrier to another selected one of the carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventors: Nancy Holden, Pamela Hartman, Jeanne Alfaro
  • Patent number: 5893501
    Abstract: The bicycle seat pack comprises a clam shell structure wherein a top portion includes a releasably locking bicycle seat engaging assembly including a release lever. A zipper extending almost completely around a periphery of the pack allows for a drop down bottom portion to drop away from the top portion, allowing for easy access to the interior space, with enhanced accessibility allowing for compartmentalization of the inner space, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Charles Martin Schwimmer