Patents by Inventor Charles J. Hoffman

Charles J. Hoffman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7665390
    Abstract: A striking tool is disclosed that comprises a generally U-shaped or V-shaped handle constructed of a substantially resilient material and having a head fixed at one end thereof. A second end of the handle has a hand grip or gripping region adapted to be grasped by a human hand. The second end of the U-shaped or V-shaped handle includes a flange, or stop member, to inhibit the handle from slipping out of the grasping hand. The hand grip may include a lip at a lower end thereof, such that a pinky finger of the hand may be comfortably placed on either side of the lip while the hand grasps the hand grip. The resilient material construction of the handle permits a first end of the handle to flex slightly towards and away from the second end of the handle. Accordingly, during use, the striking tool provides a damped recoil and improved striking action, imparting less shock to the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and other parts of the body, as compared to a conventional striking tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Charles J. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20080302214
    Abstract: A striking tool is disclosed that comprises a generally U-shaped or V-shaped handle constructed of a substantially resilient material and having a head fixed at one end thereof. A second end of the handle has a hand grip or gripping region adapted to be grasped by a human hand. The second end of the U-shaped or V-shaped handle includes a flange, or stop member, to inhibit the handle from slipping out of the grasping hand. The hand grip may include a lip at a lower end thereof, such that a pinky finger of the hand may be comfortably placed on either side of the lip while the hand grasps the hand grip. The resilient material construction of the handle permits a first end of the handle to flex slightly towards and away from the second end of the handle. Accordingly, during use, the striking tool provides a damped recoil and improved striking action, imparting less shock to the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and other parts of the body, as compared to a conventional striking tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Charles J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5226717
    Abstract: A shelf front retainer end cap has a spring clip to permit easy assembly and removal of a retainer assembly. The end cap fits into a rectangular aperture in a refrigerator door panel. A front flange abuts the front surface of the panel around the aperture. The spring is a slightly inclined ramp with a hook at the end and has a fixed end attached near the front of the cap. It extends through the aperture and the hook engages the rear surface of the panel. The retainer assembly is removed by depressing the clip and pulling the cap from the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5160191
    Abstract: A horizontally adjustable retainer for a refrigerator door shelf is provided. The retainer is a unitary injection molded piece having an elongated vertical front wall and two vertical sidewalls which extend from the ends of the front wall in the same direction and substantially at right angles from the front wall. The top edge of each sidewall is provided with a resilient depressible projecting release integral to the retainer and having a plurality of spaced recesses for engaging the top edge of a pair of rectangular apertures provided in a refrigerator door liner for receiving and supporting the retainer. A plurality of spaced notches vertically aligned with the recesses are provided at the bottom edge of each sidewall for engaging the bottom edges of the apertures in the door liner. A notch and its associated recess at each sidewall cooperate to rigidly affix the retainer to the refrigerator door liner at one of various positions associated with each notch-recess pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Holland, Charles J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5138743
    Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet has a door closing device integral with a door top hinge member to fit within the door. The mechanism includes a bearing member secured to the door and a cam member nonrotatably secured to the hinged pin below the bearing member and having a cam follower engaging a cam surface on the lower face of the bearing member. A spring is secured around the lower end of the hinge pin to force the cam member upward against the bearing member and its cam surface, with the cam surface and a cam follower on the cam member being configured to provide a closing bias when the door is near the closed position and detent positions when the door is opened a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. Hoffman