Combined With Nonreel Device Patents (Class 242/400)
  • Patent number: 11209334
    Abstract: A pipe inspection system including a camera head, a push-cable, and a controller platform for use in inspecting pipes or other cavities is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: SEESCAN, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Olsson, Alexander L. Warren, David A. Cox, Wesley Ice, Jesse O. Casares, Stephanie M. Bench, Michael E. Turgeon, Michael J. Martin, Paul G. Stuart
  • Patent number: 10557871
    Abstract: A reel device is a casing device for rollingly storing wire. The casing has a turnplate and is coupled with a measuring model. The measuring model has a function of testing the external circuit or power source plug and providing warning or presenting information regarding the external circuit or power source plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: PEACEFUL THRIVING ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shih-Hsiang Chien
  • Patent number: 10508011
    Abstract: An apparatus for unloading and installing palletized filter tubes which includes a rack having an attachment for a roller cage assembly. The cage includes at least one roller and is positioned horizontally and outward from the rack. The filter tube is positioned through the cage and over at least one roller and fastened at the free end to the ground or other filter tubing. The apparatus is attached to a skid steer, truck bed or other movable machinery and as the machinery moves forward the palletized filter tube is pulled through the cage assembly. Retention bars may be provided to retain the palletized filter tube in place as the vehicle moves. In one iteration, the retention bars are hydraulically operated and can be opened for loading of palletized filter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: TCT INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Travis Gathman
  • Publication number: 20150097066
    Abstract: Cord reels are disclosed, which are adapted to keep electrical cords organized within a reasonable area. According to one example, a cord reel can include a fixed housing with electrical prongs protruding from one end, and a rotational housing coupled to the fixed housing. The rotational housing may be adapted to hold an electrical cord. At least one electrical receptacle adapted to receive an appliance plug, such as a standard plug or a residual current device (RCD) plug, may be mounted to the rotational housing such that the appliance plug and an immediately adjacent appliance cord will rotate at least substantially within a limited cylindrical plane. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Brandon Knudsen
  • Patent number: 8873250
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable earpiece or audio headset cable assembly for mobile electronic devices having an audio output port having a mount attached to a portion of the mobile communication or sound device, such as the battery access door or panel. An earpiece cable reel housing is removably connected to the mount, and the mount includes a flange having an outwardly extending rim. The reel housing includes a slot that receives and engages the rim of the flange to removably attach the reel housing to the mount. In another embodiment, the mount is integrally formed with the battery access door or panel. In a further embodiment, the reel housing is integrally formed with a protective casing that is attached to the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Kroupa
  • Publication number: 20140224917
    Abstract: A hose deployment and retrieval system is described that includes a modular reel assembly. The modular reel assembly includes a reel having a hub around which a hose may be wound and a wheel assembly on either side of the hub and spaced to accept the hose there between. The reel assembly also includes an axle in the center of the hub around which the hub can spin and a base holding the axle. A deployment fork assembly includes a reel assembly mount for engaging with the modular reel assembly and a drive mechanism to spin the reel when the deployment fork assembly is engaged with the modular reel assembly, wherein the deployment fork assembly is adapted to mount to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: T&CO Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy B. Turner, Michael W. Woods, Robert Bone, David Sanders
  • Publication number: 20140027557
    Abstract: A relative rotation restriction unit includes a rotation restriction body for restricting a stator and a rotator, which are in engagement with each other coaxially so as to be rotatable with respect to each other, from rotating with respect to each other at a restriction position, and an urging unit for elastically supporting the rotation restriction body toward the restriction position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicants: FURUKAWA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC., FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kosuke Yamawaki
  • Publication number: 20130099045
    Abstract: A sensor module for mounting on a rear fork of a bicycle includes a housing, a spool piece, a spool cap, and a sensing element. A switch member is arranged on one end of the housing, while a mounting seat is recessed on another end thereof. The spool piece is received by the mounting seat. The spool cap is arranged on the edge portion of the mounting seat. The sensing element is connected to the spool piece by a cable. The cable can be rewound into the spool piece. The distance between the sensing element and the housing is adjustable by extending or retracting the cable. The adjustability allows the sensor module to be adoptable by bicycles with different wheel sizes and rear fork structures. Accordingly, various cycling parameters can be measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: ZENTAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TONG-PIE CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120314351
    Abstract: An extendable and retractable earpiece or audio headset cable assembly for mobile electronic devices having an audio output port having a mount attached to a portion of the mobile communication or sound device, such as the battery access door or panel. An earpiece cable reel housing is removably connected to the mount, and the mount includes a flange having an outwardly extending rim. The reel housing includes a slot that receives and engages the rim of the flange to removably attach the reel housing to the mount. In another embodiment, the mount is integrally formed with the battery access door or panel. In a further embodiment, the reel housing is integrally formed with a protective casing that is attached to the mobile electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Kroupa
  • Publication number: 20110266383
    Abstract: A 360-degree freedom electric cord device system contains and manages automatic extension and retraction of an electric cord/cable supplying power to a push/pull-type electric machine, either self-propelled or not, for intended displacement or steering on a surface by a user. The 360-degree freedom electric cord device system, partly mounted on the electric machine, allows the power cord to clear obstacles on the surface and includes a self-retracting spool to automatically extend and rewind the power cord and continuously keeps physical tension therein, in a straight line and a natural position, during the displacement in any direction of the electric machine. With a ratchet mechanism, the device can also suitably be used independently of the machine as an electric retractable extension cord reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Abraham Cohen, Aharon Kot
  • Publication number: 20110108654
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a cable reel includes a lower support frame for rotatably supporting a drum and an upper support member attached to the lower support frame. The upper support member is disposed above the drum and defines a planar top surface when the upper support member is in the working position. The upper support member may be configured to form a folding seat for a user, a drawer for storage and/or a platform for placing a device thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Larry Babb, John R. Dunkin
  • Patent number: 7931389
    Abstract: In a number of embodiments, a cord reel can include: (a) an electrical cable; (b) a casing with a first exterior surface; (c) one or more electrical receptacles at the first exterior surface and electrically coupled to the electrical cable; and (d) a frame. The frame can include: (a) at least one wheel; and (b) a body coupled to the at least one wheel and the casing. In these embodiments, the casing is configured such that at least a portion of the electrical cable can be wound around a first portion of the casing. The electrical cable is configured to provide electrical power to the one or more electrical receptacles. The body can include: (a) a shaft portion with an end; and (b) a handle coupled to the end of the shaft portion. A length of the shaft portion can be adjusted between two or more lengths. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Suckle, John Allbright
  • Publication number: 20110079676
    Abstract: A retractable cord reel is disclosed. The retractable cord reel may have a spool having a conductor carried thereon. The cord reel may also have a conductor lead coupled to a ratchet. The spool and the ratchet may be configured to make an electrical connection with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Richard Skowronski, Paul C. Burke
  • Publication number: 20100090509
    Abstract: A web extension and retraction device on a child seat. A pair of retractors are mounted to the device and have webs extendable therefrom with connectors releasable with vehicle anchors both when the child seat faces forward and rearward in the vehicle. In one embodiment the retractors slide in cavities provided on opposite sides of the child seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Eugene R. Balensiefer, II, Jason Boyer
  • Publication number: 20100038477
    Abstract: A system and methods for airborne launch and recovery of aircraft. In one embodiment the system comprises a flexible tether configured to be towed behind an airborne mother ship. A drag device is secured to a distal end of the flexible tether to generate drag and maintain tension in the flexible tether. A reel associated with the mother ship anchors a proximal portion of the flexible tether and selectively lets out and takes up the flexible tether to adjust a length of the flexible tether. A capture mechanism associated with the aircraft engages the flexible tether to enable the aircraft to translate along the flexible tether. In embodiments of the present methods, a flexible tether is deployed from an airborne mother ship. An aircraft translates forward and rearward along the flexible tether. Prior to launch, the weight of the aircraft is transferred from the flexible tether to the wings. During recovery, the weight of the aircraft is transferred from the wings to the flexible tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Aaron J. Kutzmann, Kevin R. Lutke
  • Publication number: 20090287211
    Abstract: A cauterizing system having a cauterizer tool for performing cauterization procedures, a cauterizer cord for carrying power to the cauterizer tool, a plug and a power cord for carrying power from the plug to the cauterizer cord, and a housing in which is mounted a mechanism for retracting and extending the cauterizer cord and the power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Ryan Fila, John Scott Berglin
  • Publication number: 20090078812
    Abstract: A power cord cooling apparatus disposed in a cord reel chamber formed inside a main body of the vacuum cleaner to cool a power cord wound around a cord reel, wherein the power cord cooling apparatus allows outside air to enter the cord reel chamber, to contact the power cord wound around the cord reel, and to be discharged outside the cord reel chamber via a center space in the cord reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Young-jun Cho, Tak-soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20080315026
    Abstract: The Multi-task Fly Line Machine uses spools to hold or store fly line in different phases of the operations to transfer fly line for storage or to another fly reel, clean and/or lubricate the fly line as well as a movable guide which performs the cleaning and lubricating of the fly line. There is also a removable platform to facilitate the addition of new fly line or other materials into the system. The machine functions either by use of a hand crank or use of an external power device such as a hand drill to operate the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: John Carl Sleeper
  • Publication number: 20080265082
    Abstract: The retractable ID badge holder kit provides removable and replaceable indicia on a retractable reel housing to celebrate a promotional event, special occasion or holiday. The kit contains a retractable reel supporting an ID badge holder at the end of the retractable cord or tether, a ferromagnetic plate to be glued to one side of the reel housing, an assortment of promotional pictures symbolic of special events, special occasions and holidays, and a rubberized sheet magnet attached or attachable to the rear surface of the pictures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Angiuli
  • Publication number: 20080251625
    Abstract: A control mechanism for a retractable reeled tape comprising tape wound on a rotatably mounted spindle so as to be retractably deployable therefrom to selected lengths, said control mechanism comprising: a pawl and tooth arrangement bearing on the spindle such as, when engaged, to permit rotation of the spindle in a direction whereby tape is wound onto the spindle, but to obstruct rotation of the spindle in a direction whereby tape is unwound therefrom; and a clutch mechanism operable to disengage the pawl such that, with the pawl so disengaged, the spindle is free to rotate in either direction. A barrier tape dispenser incorporating such a control mechanism, a tape barrier system comprising multiple such dispensers, and a temporary barrier incorporating such dispensers on suitable uprights, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: HOME COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
    Inventor: Alan Bentley
  • Publication number: 20080156922
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for secure display of a portable electronic device wherein the device has an attached electrically conductive cable that is integral to the device and essential to the operation thereof, the device cable having a first end connected to the device and a second end, and an intermediate section, the apparatus comprising: device support means normally supporting the device and means for extending and retracting the device cable. The means for extending and retracting the cable includes pulley means having a first set of pulleys having a fixed position and a second set of linearly movable spring loaded pulleys. As the device is moved from the device support the second set of pulleys is urged towards the first set of pulleys thereby extending the device cable against the resistance of the spring loading, thereby creating retractive force for retraction of the cable. When the device is released the cable is retracted to the device support until halted by a cable stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Alan Rabinowitz, Richard Ryczek
  • Patent number: 7293734
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing pliable, elongated articles such as electrical cords or cables. The apparatus features a reel, an axle and a bucket, with the axle being co-axial with the reel and with the bucket. The reel is mounted on the axle in the bucket with minimal wobble, which makes for essentially no contact to the interior wall(s) of the bucket. The mounting also utilizes a low friction bearing, such as a line or near-line contact. The result is very little friction, which is especially significant when pulling the cord out of the bucket, as it helps prevent tipping or sliding of the apparatus when the apparatus has to provide its own stability. The apparatus may also feature one or more anti-tipping or anti-skidding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert C Kantner
  • Patent number: 7228651
    Abstract: An identification card holder, on the front side of which a replaceable identification card can be placed. A spring-loaded yo-yo is fastened and positioned on the reverse side of the holder, such that the yo-yo remains partially or completely invisible as the card, along with its holder, is viewed from the front side. As the yo-yo is integrated with the holder, the result will be a small-sized, readily portable, and easy-to-handle assembly, which can be distanced from a bearer to the proximity of a code reader for an electric lock without releasing the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Megalock Oy
    Inventor: Simo Saari
  • Patent number: 7185842
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing rolled sheet material, the apparatus including a housing that defines an interior adapted to rotatably support rolled sheet material and having a dispensing opening sized to allow sheet material to be dispensed therefrom. The apparatus further includes a floating nip within the housing such as, for example, may be formed by first and second rollers. The floating nip minimizes variation in the force required to remove sheet material from the dispenser that may result from a user changing the angle at which sheet material is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 7185839
    Abstract: A razor wire dispensing and retrieving apparatus for installing razor wire along a perimeter to create a protective border and collecting the wire when the border is no longer desired. The razor wire dispensing and receiving apparatus essentially comprises a frame with a wire hanger and a wire spreader. The wire hanger and spreader function to permit efficient dispensing, retrieving, and transport of razor wire. Moreover, the frame attaches to a variety of vehicles, including military vehicles. As the vehicle travels along a perimeter, the apparatus dispenses wire from the hanger while the spreader keeps the wire aligned. The apparatus also includes a means of pivoting the frame on a horizontal axis. Pivoting the frame down from the dispensing position permits the apparatus to be used as a wire-retrieving device. In this position, the wire is loaded back onto the hanger as the spreader keeps the wire aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel H. Albritton
  • Patent number: 7044413
    Abstract: A frequency converter device is integrated inside a cable roller, in such a manner that at least one socket is supplied at special frequency. The socket does not rotate when the cable is wound or unwound on the drum. Furthermore, optimal cooling is created and the frequency converter device is made of at least one frequency converter enabling a special frequency to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 6905088
    Abstract: The invention provides a cable-winder device comprising first and second hinged-together portions, the second portion having a housing for a cable winder. In an in-use position, the device is self-supporting can be used as a stool, for example. A liftable hatch can be provided to give access to one or more stowage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: SDG Industries Limited
    Inventor: Frankie Alson
  • Publication number: 20040234070
    Abstract: A NID includes a base having a network area and a customer area adjacent thereto. The NID may also include a cable reel carried by the base. An access cover may be provided for the cable reel and the base that may include a network cover door for the network area, and a customer cover door for the customer area. The access cover may have a shape defined by at least a portion of an ellipsoid. The shape of the access cover may be defined by half an ellipsoid with major and minor axes adjacent the base, and the base may have an elliptical shape. The cable reel may be rotatable with the base or rotatable independent thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: CommScope Properties, LLC (a Nevada Limited Liability Company)
    Inventors: Christopher P. Gemme, Mark E. Alrutz, Mark O. Vogel, Martin B. Lee
  • Publication number: 20030209625
    Abstract: The invention provides a cable-winder device comprising first and second hinged-together portions, the second portion having a housing for a cable winder. In an in-use position, the device is self-supporting can be used as a stool, for example. A liftable hatch can be provided to give access to one or more stowage compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Frankie Alson
  • Patent number: 6520444
    Abstract: Toolbox having closable cover with first cable reel and second cable reel being rotatably mounted in an interior of the toolbox, and first electrical cable, including a first connection end with an electrical plug, wound on said first reel and second electrical cable, including a second connection end with an electrical coupling, wound on said second reel. The first electrical cable and the second electrical cable are electrically coupled to each other. First cable wind-up arrangement is associated with the first cable reel, and second cable wind-up arrangement is associated with said second cable reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Lothar Müller
  • Patent number: 6400133
    Abstract: A test lead retraction system for retracting test lead cables on a spool. The test lead retraction system includes a base having an upper surface, a pillar is fixedly mounted to the upper surface, and a first bore extending through the pillar. An axle having a first end and a second end is fixedly mounted in the first bore. A first spool and a second spool are rotatably mounted on the axle between the pillar and the first end and the second end, respectively, of the axle. First and second biasing mechanisms rotationally bias the first spool and the second spool against rotation with respect to the axle in a first rotational direction. A first connecting cable and a second connecting cable are each wrapped about the respective first and second spools. A first linking cable links the first electrical contact and a meter. A second linking cable links the second electrical contact and the meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Larry W. Vest, Rodney Sanders
  • Patent number: 6382643
    Abstract: A portable cross-framed dolly (10) that is designed to accept and transport various, loose items or to have attached a container (104), such as a laundry basket, into which items can be placed. The dolly (10) consists of a first frame (12) having a downward projecting first frame slot (28) and a second frame (40) having an upward projecting second frame slot (54). When the two slots (28,54), interface the upper surfaces (18,46) and lower surfaces (20,48) of the two frames (12,40) are on the same plane to thus, form a stable platform (62). To the lower surfaces (20,48), and near the first and second ends of each of the two frames (12,40), is attached a caster which allows the dolly (10) to easily roll when being pulled. The pulling is provided by a flexible pull trap (66) which is removably attached to either the first end (14) or the second end (16) of the first frame (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Franklin W. Baker
  • Patent number: 6324285
    Abstract: A cradle 13 for a handset for a telephone or other electronic apparatus is dimensioned to fit within a chair arm, for example an aircraft seat arm. The cradle includes an integral cord spool 16 having a rewind bias spring 34, and a catch (not shown) for maintaining the handset in the cradle. The cord is locked in an extended condition by a braking cam 53, releasable for rewinding the cord by a pushbutton 36. Latching means 54 are provided for maintaining the pushbutton depressed until the cord is rewound. Other brake and latching means, including a ratchet and pawl arrangement, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Aerotech IFE Limited
    Inventors: Alan Clifford Dowsett, Neil James, Robert Bassil
  • Patent number: 6223871
    Abstract: A cable drum has a rotating winder fitted in a mounting and a frequency converter fitted on the winder. At least one socket outlet of the winder is electrically coupled to the frequency converter and is supplied with an electrical spatial frequency. The integration of the cable drum and frequency converter makes it easier to transport the equipment by reducing weight and the number of pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Wacker-Werke GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 6224011
    Abstract: A fishing line spool holder for facilitating the transfer of fishing line from a supply spool to a fishing reel. The spool holder is adapted to mount to the outside of a tackle box or other suitable surface. It includes a mounting bracket and a substantially L-shaped respooling arm pivotally attached to the mounting bracket. The pivoting action allows the respooling arm to be placed in a retracted position flush with the surface to which it is mounted when not in use. A frictionally engaging notch mechanism locks the arm into respooling position prior to use. The device further includes at least one tension-cap to prevent uncontrolled rotation and unfurling of the supply spool fishing line during respooling, and at least one ball-bearing washer to assure that the mounting plate apparatus does not interfere with the respooling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: John H. Gavaza, III
  • Patent number: 6145780
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing electrical or nonelectrical cables, such as television coaxial cables, and a spool to be used together therewith. The apparatus includes a container having a cover for introducing and extracting a spool holding a cable coil and wheels for supporting, centering, and freely rotating the spool inside the container. The spool includes male and female mutually mating flanges. Each of the flanges include an inwardly projecting central part having a frusto conical shape for blocking the innermost turns of the cable coil. At least one of the flanges includes a circular race in which an elastic ring is inserted for assuring cable dragging during rewinding or unwinding of the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Italiana Conduttori S.R.L.
    Inventor: Bruno Fontana
  • Patent number: 6123282
    Abstract: The trolling system for obtaining player endorsements on a baseball includes a drop cord, a reel which contains and holds the wound-up drop cord and a retractable ball basket. The retractable ball basket is attached at a terminal of the drop cord opposite the reel. The ball basket has a plurality of spaced apart and inwardly biased ribs. These ribs establish a ball container in a central region of the ball basket. Since the ribs are spaced apart and peripherally biased together at one end, the baseball player can rotate the baseball, identify an available endorsement area, and sign or endorse the baseball. Subsequent thereto, the fan can retract the ball basket by winding the drop cord on the reel thereby retrieving the ball from the lower elevation near the baseball player to the fan's elevated elevation in the stadium stands. The trolling system can be adapted for basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, hockey pucks and golf balls simply by changing the shape of the retractable ball basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Marc Richman
  • Patent number: 6092757
    Abstract: A disposable towel dispenser for mounting to the exterior of a tractor or other vehicle having hydraulic couplers mounted to its exterior. The dispenser is a vertical housing of generally cylindrical shape which has a top cap which is easily removed for insertion of a roll of disposable towels within the housing. The roll of disposable towels rests on an internal platform which has a central opening from which disposable towels may be drawn downward from the center of the roll. The housing is equipped with a protruding bracket on one side which can be slid into a receiving bracket mounted on the tractor provided for mounting of a standard slow moving vehicle sign. The housing may have a receiving bracket mounted to its exterior on the opposite side from the protruding bracket for mounting of a slow moving vehicle sign to the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: John Leytem
  • Patent number: 5915641
    Abstract: A device for storing and managing an elongate flexible member having a first end and a second end includes a container, a spool, a foot plate, a retainer, and a knob. The container includes a base, a sidewall, and a first access hole. The spool is disposed within the container and includes a bottom, a top having a second access hole, and a column between the top and the bottom. The column defines a surface for wrapping the length of flexible member around so that the second end of the flexible member passes through the second access and so that the first end of the flexible member passes through the first access hole of the container. The foot plate is secured to the base of the container and includes mounting holes which extend through the foot plate. The retainer is coupled to the container and holds the spool within the container. The knob is coupled to the top of the spool and permits rotation of the spool within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Reel-A-Pail, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Barberg
  • Patent number: 5577772
    Abstract: A tank truck including a horizontal support platform secured on the tank for supporting a suction hose, a boom secured to the support platform and supporting a free end of the suction hose, and a lead-in rotatably supported on the support platform and connecting the suction hose thereto, with the support platform being able to rotate about the rotational axis of the lead-in independently of the rotation of the lead-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Kaiser Akteingesellschaft
    Inventor: Dietmar Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5555589
    Abstract: A golf club and golf shoe cleaning device with an extendable tether (12) that is attachable to a golf bag or other convenient surface. The device includes a container (10) with two opposed ends. A back end (17) which has a surface suitable for printing and a front end (14) which serves as a cap or lid for the container (10). The front end (14) includes brush bristles (11) extending away from the exterior of the front end (14). The device further includes within the container (10) a coiled spring (22) powered revolvable hub (21) to which one end of a flexible tether (12) is attached. The flexible tether (12) is wound around the revolvable hub (21) and then exits the container (10) through an aperture (13) and is available to be attached to a golf bag or other convenient surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel L. Moultrie
  • Patent number: 5449308
    Abstract: A pair of buoy winding apparatus includes a housing having a pair of opposite end portions and a central cavity defined therein between the opposite end portions and being open at a side thereof for receiving a marker buoy therein, a support shaft mounted to one opposite end portion of the housing and having an end protruding into one end of the central cavity, the end of the support shaft being adapted to rotatably engage one end of the marker buoy so as to rotatably support the one end of the marker buoy, and a drive motor mounted to the other of the opposite end portions of the housing and having an output drive shaft extending therefrom with an end protruding into an opposite end of the central cavity, the end of the output drive shaft being adapted to non-rotatably engage an opposite end of the marker buoy so as to rotatably drive the marker buoy, in response to actuation of operation of the drive motor, about a rotational axis defined by and between the support and drive shafts and extending between the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Gregory A. Thompson