For An Appliance (household Or Office) Patents (Class 150/165)
  • Patent number: 6817470
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable, collapsible sleeve holder for germ-free and bacteria-free handling and operation of remote controls and similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20040211500
    Abstract: A privacy shade provides the quick concealment of information displayed on a display screen, such as a display screen of a computer monitor, a television set or a DVD system. The privacy shade is a piece of flexible material attached to a top portion of the screen. The shade covers up and conceals any information on the screen when the shade is pulled over the screen. The shade may be folded over the computer monitor, television set, or DVD system in an “up” position to make the screen visible to the user. The shade may be of any shape and size to cover the viewing area of the screen, and may be constructed from any appropriate flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Christina Moschella
  • Patent number: 6808066
    Abstract: A pouch for heated appliances protects external articles from damage from heat emitted from the appliance immediately after use. The present pouch is formed of inner and outer fabric sheets, with the inner sheet comprising a heat resistant synthetic material and the outer sheet comprising a durable material for wear resistance. A series of manufacturing steps results in all seams being disposed within the insulating volume between the two plies of material, with the two sheets being joined only along the open top or upper edge of the pouch in order to minimize heat transfer along any common seams. The permanently open top is secured by an adjustably positionable strap which secures between the handle and clip lever of the curling iron, with the open top providing ventilation for the heated appliance. External ties are provided for securing the appliance cord externally to the appliance, to avoid heat damage thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce L. Bean
  • Patent number: 6772883
    Abstract: A collapsible electronic equipment enclosure surrounds portable or tabletop electronic equipment, such as laptop computers, with opaque protective sheeting supported by flexible struts. An opening is provided that may include a transparent window and provision for hand entry to permit use of the contained equipment while it is protected from environmental hazards. Provision is made for equipment display visibility in bright sunshine and lighting. Restricting visibility of the equipment display enhances privacy. The enclosure collapses to store in a narrow space, is lightweight, and can be used to transport the contained equipment either by a carry handle or as a backpack. The enclosure can be anchored to a tabletop for motion protection. It can also be locked closed and the contained equipment fastened by a security cable and lock to provide theft and tamper protection for the contained equipment and the enclosure when unattended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Kirk Lindamood
  • Patent number: 6772881
    Abstract: A remote control cover has a body, a plurality of window openings incorporated within the body, a closure flap at an open end of the body, and a closure flap with hook and loop fastening material for securing the flap in a closed position. The body has a pair of lateral seams that are reinforced with a pair of crimps. The remote control cover is generally flat when empty, but is flexible in order to conform to the shape of a remote control unit that is inserted in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Scott C. Le, Quynh-Nhu Thi Tran
  • Patent number: 6725893
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a hospital crash cart constructed of a clear, flexible material to permit medical personnel to view the equipment and supplies included on the crash cart without removing the cover. The cover is structured to minimize contamination of the equipment and supplies by reducing exposure to dirt, dust, bacteria, or other airborne or contact contaminants. The cover includes a plurality of apertures which are normally disposed in a closed orientation by fasteners, such as, for example, hook and loop type fasteners. At least one release aperture is provided so that the cover may be quickly and easily removed from the crash cart. In one embodiment the cover assembly includes additional apertures to permit access to an electronic display monitor, electrical connections, and crash cart handles. The cover also includes at least one adjustable portion, and a pouch attached to an exterior surface of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Tomiko Erickson
  • Patent number: 6654235
    Abstract: A portable workstation computer is disclosed. The computer includes a display assembly adapted to be mounted between a frontal concave member and a rearward concave member. A keyboard, mouse, and accessories may be stored in the frontal concave member. Processing, memory, and storage components are housed in the rearward concave member. The display assembly may be interposed between the frontal concave member and the rearward concave member in a briefcase configuration, forming a casing for the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Imsand
  • Patent number: 6543864
    Abstract: A plastic dust cover for upright freestanding metal shelving units. The dust cover comprises integral top panel, side panels and rear panel together with vertically zippered front panels which are preferably transparent. A Velcro closure system is provided for securing the top of the front panel. Magnets are sewn into the bottom edges of the front panels to cause them to adhere to the bottom front of the shelving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: William Cline
  • Publication number: 20030062278
    Abstract: A pouch for heated appliances protects external articles from damage from heat emitted from the appliance immediately after use. The present pouch is formed of inner and outer fabric sheets, with the inner sheet comprising a heat resistant synthetic material and the outer sheet comprising a durable material for wear resistance. A series of manufacturing steps results in all seams being disposed within the insulating volume between the two plies of material, with the two sheets being joined only along the open top or upper edge of the pouch in order to minimize heat transfer along any common seams. The permanently open top is secured by an adjustably positionable strap which secures between the handle and clip lever of the curling iron, with the open top providing ventilation for the heated appliance. External ties are provided for securing the appliance cord externally to the appliance, to avoid heat damage thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce L. Bean
  • Patent number: 6536489
    Abstract: A slip-on, insulating and decorative cover is provided with an overall covering complete with decorative outer aesthetics having one of a variety of designs. The decorative novelty cover is specifically adapted for use with the popular, commercially available GEORGE FOREMAN™ grilling machines. The decorative novelty cover is intended to make a fashion statement along with the additional benefit of keeping the appliance clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventors: Ophelia Rowan, Ronald R. Rowan, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6506471
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of covering a hot outdoor grills. It comprises a cotton flannel material on which an aluminized vinyl is coated on the surface. This material is resistant to excessive heat and can also repel water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Jerald Doppelt
  • Patent number: 6499519
    Abstract: An iron cover for ski wax irons a heat resistant liner having a padded bottom segment shaped to cover and protect the sole of an iron and a plurality of side flaps with ends. The side flaps extend sufficiently around the sides of an iron placed within the liner, and are secured around the iron with an elastic cord associated with the side flaps. The side flaps are structured and separated to define a plurality of heat release vents to allow heat to escape from a hot iron placed in the cover for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Originality, LLC
    Inventor: Eli Brown
  • Patent number: 6491280
    Abstract: A flexible guard panel which may be releasably fastened to or about the front panel of a PC computer tower to protect the buttons on drive openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Gary Lee Fishman
  • Patent number: 6457334
    Abstract: A covering device for washers and dryers including a washer cover dimensioned for covering the conventional clothes washer. The washer cover has a first removable access panel aligned with the door of the conventional washer whereby removal of the first removable access panel will allow the door to be fully opened and closed. The washer cover has a second removable access panel aligned with the control panel of the conventional washer whereby removal of the second removable access panel will allow access to the control panel for use. A dryer cover is dimensioned for covering the conventional clothes dryer. The dryer cover has a first removable access panel aligned with the door of the conventional dryer whereby removal of the first removable access panel will allow the door to be fully opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventors: Ann Harker, Cameron Harker
  • Publication number: 20020084011
    Abstract: A removable ceiling fan blade cover comprises a cover member for covering a ceiling fan blade and a closure member. The cover member is sized to cover the ceiling fan blade and has an open end and a closed end. The ceiling fan blade is inserted into the open end until the cover member substantially covers the ceiling fan blade. Thereafter, the closure member, proximal to the open end, is closed to prevent the ceiling fan blade cover from disengaging from the ceiling fan blade during rotation of the blade. For cleaning or redecorating, the ceiling fan blade cover is removed from the ceiling fan blade by opening the closure member withdrawing the ceiling fan blade cover in the direction of the closed end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Elizabeth Rochon
  • Publication number: 20020046790
    Abstract: A protective case for an observation telescope is of inflatable design and fits closely against the outside wall (3) of the observation telescope in the inflated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: Swarovski Optik K.G.
    Inventor: Werner Holbl
  • Patent number: 6349824
    Abstract: A watertight equipment cover for protecting equipment comprising first and second housing portions with sealing mechanisms attached thereto. The sealing mechanisms of the first and second housing portions are sealably engageable with each other to provide a watertight seal therebetween. Further, the first and second housings are designed to conform substantially to the contours of the protected equipment. The watertight equipment cover may also include a rotatable mechanism or blister for engaging and rotating a rotatable structure on the protected equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Research Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 6328083
    Abstract: A grill cover assembly having a generally rectangular main body, a tapered left side portion, attached to the left edge of the main body, a tapered right side portion, attached to a right edge of the main body, and a generally square pocket piece attached to the left side portion. The grill cover provides lightweight and portable protection for a barbecue-type grill. The grill cover assembly can fold into its own built-in pocket for easy and convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Esterson, Kristie M. Killen, Donald R. Lamond, Dylan Akinrele, Anna Stern
  • Patent number: 6285299
    Abstract: A soft cover adapter for customizing and/or simplifying the use of a computer keyboard comprises an easily attachable soft cover made of cloth, vinyl, leather, or the like, configured in size and shape to cover a computer keyboard. The cover may be attached to the keyboard by means of elastic banding. A multiplicity of plastic discs are removably attached (for example, by hook and loop attachments) to the inside surface of the cover. Each of the plastic discs is removably positioned above a pre-selected group of keys on the computer keyboard. On the outer surface of the cover, an icon, such as a photo, drawing, letter, word, or other symbol is positioned above each disc so that when the icon is depressed, it will, in turn, depress the corresponding plastic disc, which, in turn, will depress one or more of the pre-selected group of keys beneath it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Pati King-DeBaun
  • Patent number: 6149001
    Abstract: A cover for a portable computer is a thin flexible material adapted to fit closely over the computer like a glove. The cover has cut-outs for the keyboard, screen, controls, ports, etc. of the computer so that the cover does not interfere with convenient use of the computer. The cover is compact and adds little additional volume or weight to the computer, while protecting the computer housing or case, providing an attractive appearance and also providing convenient accessories, such as pockets for a power supply cord, floppy disks, CD ROM disks, pencils, etc. The computer may be carried or used with the cover installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: A. F. Akins, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony F. Akins
  • Patent number: 6099934
    Abstract: A cover for a computer mouse utilizing a sheath having a first portion extending over the side portion of the mouse. A flap connects to the sheath and includes a notch which aligns with portions of the switch actuators on the mouse to permit access to the same. A fastener is also employed to anchor the sheath and connected flap to the cord of the mouse. The flap provides a surface for presentation of indicia or for attachment of three-dimensional objects. Such three-dimensional objects may be attached directly to the upper surface of the computer mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry M. Held
  • Patent number: 6082535
    Abstract: A protective covering for a communications device includes a resilient water-impermeable bag which is of one piece. The bag has a single opening through which the communications device can be inserted in the bag, and a layer of adhesive runs around the opening on the inside of the bag. The adhesive layer is covered by a nonadhesive strip which can be peeled off to expose the adhesive layer. When the bag is closed following removal of the nonadhesive strip, the adhesive layer forms a water-impermeable seal for the opening of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Burke H. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6003328
    Abstract: A surgical drape for use in a thermal treatment system congealing a sterile medium within a basin and automatically dislodging the congealed sterile medium adhered to the drape adjacent basin walls is accomplished by a drape having a drape portion covering the system housing with part of the drape portion disposed in the basin. The drape may further include a pre-formed container portion fitted to match the contour of, and being disposed within, the basin. The container portion may accommodate various shaped basins and include individual fluted sections, drape deformities, or an inflatable bladder surrounded by the fluted sections for facilitating dislodgement of the congealed medium. Further, the drape or pre-formed container portion may include a substantially annular bladder, or a bladder having a plurality of individually inflatable sections for manipulation of the drape relative to the basin to dislodge the congealed sterile medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: O.R. Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Mark Licata
  • Patent number: 5922437
    Abstract: An adjustable fitted cover for household items comprising a sheet of pliable material further comprising a bag-like structure with an opening. The opening has a continuous edge which is folded and stitched to form a channel along the edge of the opening. A closure, such as a drawstring or elastic ribbon, is enclosed within the channel for securably adjusting said cover on the household item. The material used may be of various colors, patterns, and textures so as to complement any decor. Additionally, the cover may be dimensioned and configured to accommodate various sizes and types of household items, including but not limited to frames, vases and doors. The cover may also employ a hook and loop fastener system to allow the use of interchangeable displays. Furthermore, assorted sizes and shapes of covers may be grouped together for use as a coordinating kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Monta S. Bryant
    Inventor: Monta Sue Bryant
  • Patent number: 5904196
    Abstract: The head portion of the cover is formed of a fabric wall which fully encloses the soft fill material. The wall defines an internal cylindrical recess with a closed top end and an open bottom. First and second arm-like appendages extend outwardly from opposite sides of the head portion. A substantially tubular fabric body portion attaches to the head portion and has openings adapted to receive the appendages. The visible part of the head portion is provided with animal or character facial elements. The body portion is appropriately decorated to coordinate with the head portion. The cover is received over the vacuum cleaner with the upstanding handle member of the vacuum cleaner extending into the recess in the head portion and the body surrounding the vacuum cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Liberty Star, Inc.
    Inventor: Kendra L. Wickers
  • Patent number: 5868189
    Abstract: A removable cover protects an electric fan when it is stored or not in operative use. The removable fan cover is fabricated of flexible machine-washable material which protects the fan blade structure from dust, dirt and moisture accumulation during its storage or non-use. One or more closure fasteners, such as snaps or two-way zippers, are utilized to secure the rear section of the cover whereby the cover is maintained in a firm and snug relationship around the fan blade structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Robin A. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 5831811
    Abstract: A portable cover for covering at least a frontal portion of an electronic appliance. The cover is integrally formed of tinted, transparent plastic and is generally rectangular in shape. The cover has an open back portion for receiving a frontal portion of an electronic appliance, such as a VCR or stereo. A small lip extends upwardly from the bottom of the cover, at its rearward edge, to serve as a barrier against removal of the cover from the frontal portion of the electronic appliance. A plurality of pads are located on inner faces of the cover to prevent scratching of the appliance during placement and removal of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Sandra Ann Van Horn
  • Patent number: 5816305
    Abstract: A method of protecting an object during application of a fluid onto a surface. The method includes the following steps, (1) providing a cover having a first layer and a second layer attached together, the first layer including a non-woven fabric material and the second layer including a plastic material, and (2) positioning the cover relative to the object so that the fluid is prevented from contacting the object during application of the fluid onto the surface. A drop cloth having a first layer which includes a non-woven fabric material, and a second layer which includes a plastic material, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: D.C. Macy Corporation
    Inventor: David C. May
  • Patent number: 5759644
    Abstract: A decorative cover for computer monitors having a covering material assembly (10), made of a flexible covering material (12) configured to conform to the general size and shape of the forward portion of a computer monitor (20). The cover has an opening through which the computer monitor screen may be directly viewed while the cover is in place on the monitor. The cover opening is maintained by a preformed support member (14), made of a semi-rigid material, which is attached to the covering material. The cover is held in place on the monitor by securing means comprised of elastic banding (16) and/or hook and loop fastening strips (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: David B. Stanley
  • Patent number: 5737880
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a rigid, one-piece, lightweight, plastic and/or resin cover housing structure designed to accommodate and protect an outdoor barbecue grill positioned within. The shape of the grill covering allows for the shape of an outdoor grill and further allows for convenient use and storage. Furthermore, the grill covering provides additional food service and/or preparation space, and an apparatus whereby cooking utensils can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Cedric M. Hayes, Ronald Haag, Darren P. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 5718104
    Abstract: A carrying case for a hand-held transceiver having an antenna either removed or extending from a top wall thereof is provided having a pocket formed of generally flexible panels for receiving the transceiver within the pocket. A pair of independently closable flaps extend from a rear panel of the pocket in side-by-side relationship and the flaps are operable to selectively and independently fold over respective portions of the top wall of the transceiver and attach to a front panel of the pocket with the transceiver stored therein. With an antenna extending from the top wall of the transceiver, one of the flaps is folded adjacent the rear panel of the pocket to accommodate receiving the transceiver within the pocket. The other flap is operable to fold over a portion of the top wall of the transceiver adjacent the antenna to secure the transceiver within the pocket with the antenna extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sportman's Market, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart B. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5600090
    Abstract: A computer dust filter cover comprises an open cell synthetic foam sheet formed into a bonnet-like arrangement by an elastic strap. The cover is readily attached and removed from the computer housing front or side panels to cover the disc slots while the computer is in use and without interfering with the use of the computer. The cover can remain in place when the computer is not in use to protect the interior of the housing and parts therein from contamination by particulates at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Jonathan Morris
  • Patent number: 5530986
    Abstract: This present invention provides for a buffer cover that will fit and conform to any conventional buffer either floor or hand-held size. The buffer cover includes a shell. Located inside the shell is an absorbent layer. The buffer cover will protect floors and other surfaces from chemical drips when relocating the buffer from one work location to the next work location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Ronald L. Rackley, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5501329
    Abstract: A cover for enclosing the communicating portions of a telephone handset. The inventive device includes a cover assembly positionable into an abutting relationship with the mouthpiece or earpiece of a handset. An engaging assembly extends from the cover assembly for circumferentially extending about the mouthpiece or earpiece and engaging a groove extending about the handset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel J. Provence
  • Patent number: 5474185
    Abstract: The invention concerns a packaging for an object (4), where the packaging protectively encloses the object (4) on one surface and the adjacent other surfaces. The packaging displays the form of a flexible protective covering (1) open on one end, which can be slipped over object (4). In its edge and corner portions, protective covering (1) is to be provided with shock-absorbing fittings (3) of a predetermined thickness, so that these installations serve an alignment or adjustment function during application of the protective covering (1) to the object (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Deuter Sport und Leder GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Franke
  • Patent number: 5383091
    Abstract: A hand-held electronic telecommunications device is provided with a grip and protective casing made of elastomeric material for covering the back face and side walls of the device. The casing is provided with finger recesses on its exterior surface to permit the operator to reliably hold and even operate the device with one hand. The casing is constructed so as to be readily applied and even removed, as desired, by the operator himself. The manner by which the casing is supported on the device enables the casing material to avoid having to cover over any area of the front, operational face of the device, where such features as the ear piece, mouthpiece and push buttons are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rusty B. Snell
  • Patent number: 5355292
    Abstract: An assembly for attachment to a conventional operating room light fixture includes a handle and a disposable cover. The handle has an upper portion adapted to be attached to the light fixture. The handle further includes an annular rigid disk at a central portion thereof and an annular ring provided below the annular rigid handle flange and defining a groove therebetween. A grip portion is provided at a lower portion of the handle. The assembly also includes a sterile, disposable cover, including a hollow grip cover having a closed end and a flexible flange formed integrally with the grip cover at an open end thereof and adapted to be fitted over the grip portion of the handle and advanced thereon. The disposable cover further includes a circular rigid cover flange attached to the flexible flange and curved away from the rigid disk when the grip cover is fitted over the grip portion of the handle, with the rigid disk restraining further advancement of the rigid cover flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: American Medical Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Mike M. Hoftman, Eli Marmur
  • Patent number: 5341860
    Abstract: The inwardly-extending, peripheral frame of an air conditioner, exposed after the removal of the filter-enclosing cover thereof, grippingly receives U-shaped clamps thereon. The clamps have extending ledges to which are fixed upstanding studs. A cover, having a center recess, has outwardly extending flanges in which are formed slots. The studs are aligned with the slots and the cover is set thereover and wing nuts are tightened onto the studs to clamp the cover in place. The cover recess has a pad of resiliently compressible material fixed therein to prevent air drafts from passing through the air conditioner into the room into which the frame extends, and to dampen outside traffic noise, and other unwanted sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Robert I. Klein
  • Patent number: 5325970
    Abstract: A computer carrying case having internally contained non-reflective folding panels which combine with base and cover portions of the case to form a shield enclosure for a portable computer housed within the case. The shield enclosure excludes most extraneous light and glare and reduces unwanted observation of a viewing screen incorporated in a cover of the computer cover when contained within the shield enclosure. Recessing the viewing screen within the shield enclosure permits the screen to be viewed by the operator while allowing the operator access to the computer data entry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: Thomas A. Dillon, Richard E. Hemperly
  • Patent number: 5307849
    Abstract: A cover for the outdoor unit of a split-system air conditioner is disclosed having a flexible shroud and a resilient protective panel disposed in the top of the shroud to protect the top of the unit against damage from falling objects. The protective panel may be formed with a downwardly opening recess covered by a rigid insert panel to provide added protection for the air conditioner motor mount, vanes or grille, or to provide clearance for upwardly projecting parts. A rigid cap panel coextensive with the resilient panel may also be used. The protective panel is retained within the top of the shroud by a retainer skirt having an elastic free edge extending below the perimeter of the protective panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Dennis R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5265720
    Abstract: The protective anti-shock jacket for instruments for personal and professional use, in particular for portable remote control units, is of the structurally monolithic type made in elastomer material, and exhibits in its inferior wall one or more windows or slits destined to reduce tension on the other walls, which tension is relative to the elastic reaction of the material of the elastically deformed jacket, with the insertion of the instrument into the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Meliconi S.P.A., A Corp. of Italy
    Inventor: Loris Meliconi
  • Patent number: 5193925
    Abstract: A foam keyboard and wrist-support and keyboard dust-cover apparatus which comprises a foldable, flat-sheet, generally rectangular, flexible foam sheet material comprised of a plurality of separate foam sections singly die cut from a foam sheet material, to form a plurality of foam sections having short, uncut foam hinges connecting each of the foam sections and adapted to be moved between a wrist-support position in front of a keyboard, with a plurality of the foam sections stackably folded on top of each other, to form a wrist-support pad, and with at least one foam section beneath the front portion of the keyboard, to retain the wrist-support keyboard pad in position, and a keyboard dust-cover protecting position, wherein the stacked, folded, foam support pad is then extended, to form a protective dust cover over the face of the keyboard, and a method of preparing a foam keyboard wrist-support and keyboard dust-cover apparatus which comprises die cutting, in a single die-cutting operation, a generally recta
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Packaging Industries Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Foulke
  • Patent number: 5190089
    Abstract: A collapsible bag assembly is described which provides a barrier for protecting an appliance item against flood water damage. The bag assembly includes a) a water impermeable flexible tube of plastic sheeting which is open at the top and closed at the bottom and b) a platform base attached to the bottom of the tube. The bag assembly is used by positioning the appliance item on the platform base. During passive periods, the bag assembly is in its collapsed position whereby the tube of plastic sheeting is folded and stored along the edge of the platform base in proximity to the lower part of the appliance item. When it is necessary to protect the appliance item against water contact, the bag assembly is deployed to its extended position by lifting the tube of plastic sheeting from its stored position and extending it toward the top of the appliance item where it is secured until such protection is no longer required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Gary R. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5097678
    Abstract: For protection of the condenser unit of a split system residential air conditioner of the top-discharge type, a ventilating cover has an impervious top panel and substantially impervious skirt, while the lower edge of the skirt may substantially coincide extending downward therefrom with the downward extent of the motor and fan inside the condenser unit, since the lower part of the unit remains uncovered and corrosion-avoiding ventilation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Steven L. Aubuchon
  • Patent number: 5048710
    Abstract: The wet cover for wallpaper dispensers is a snug fitting cover that includes a moisture source that prevents drying of wallpaper paste when a wallpaper dispenser is covered with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Ava Diston
  • Patent number: 5025921
    Abstract: A protective cover (20) for a communication device (10) comprises a protective layer having a shape closely resembling the shape of said communication device (10) to closely contour to said communication device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard V. Gasparaitis, Jose Ruiz, Donald F. Gatto
  • Patent number: 4975688
    Abstract: A system for disabling and protecting a particulate detector (10) as necessitated by many building, construction, and maintenance projects is disclosed. The particulate detector (10) is typically mounted on a ceiling or vertical wall surface (12), and a jacket (22) is secured to a body portion (16) of the particulate detector (10). The jacket (22) includes a non-opaque plastic container (24) with an opening (34) on one end and being substantially sealed elsewhere. A flag (26) attaches to the container (24) and hangs downward when the jacket (22) is installed on the particulate detector (10). Moreover, an opening control device (28) couples to the container (24) near the opening (34) thereof to control the size of the opening (34) so that the particulate detector (10) may be substantially inserted into the jacket (22) and so that the jacket (22) may be secured to the particulate detector (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Ronald A. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 4953567
    Abstract: A prophylactic device used in connection with a telephone which provides a telephone user with protection from indirect contact with previous users including a sleeve for covering the telephone receiver while in use and a detachable hand covering portion for avoiding direct hand contact with a telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Dale Ward
  • Patent number: 4954384
    Abstract: A cover for racks holding food items made of canvas cloth in the form of an open bottom hood. The cover is divided at one or more locations to form two mating edge portions which can be separated to permit access to the interior of the cover. The cover includes non-metallic fastening means for joining the separable edge portions to form a closed hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Carol Hartwell
  • Patent number: 4932524
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for computers which cover comprises a fabric member configured to conform to the general shape of the computer and which is sufficiently porous to permit effective heat dissipation and which is water resistant and static charge resistant. The fabric member contains at least one flap located in such a manner as to permit access to a disk drive access slot in the computer and which is capable of being closed after disk insertion and removal. The cover may also contain at least one opening which is located so as to permit access to external ports in the computer and to permit the cooling fan in the computer to vent without substantial interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Inventor: Richard H. Hodson