By Resilient Clip Patents (Class 248/231.81)
  • Patent number: 7185665
    Abstract: An umbrella for use in a golf bag for protecting items stored in the golf bag, the umbrella comprising: a telescopic shaft including an upper sliding tube, and a lower support tube for slidingly receiving a portion of the upper sliding tube, the lower support tube having a ring fixed therearound; an inverted U-shaped clip fixed to the ring, the clip being capable of fastening to a golf bag; wherein a canopy comprises a first canopy having a substantially flat frame of concave disk-shaped portion and a second canopy having a substantially vertical frame of a truncated, hollow cone-shaped section so that the items within the golf bag are covered by the canopy when the shaft is retracted and the clip is secured to the golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Chuan You
  • Patent number: 7175145
    Abstract: An apparatus for the display of seasonal ornaments, figurines and decorative items on both generally flat horizontal surfaces and highly irregular generally horizontal projections is provided. An ornament, figurine, or decorative item may be attached to an upper surface of a platform of the present invention. The platform is provided with at least one attachment device for attaching said platform to an irregular generally horizontal surface for the display of the item affixed to its upper surface. Such item may be similarly displayed on a generally flat horizontal surface without the removal of such item from such platform by the use of a base member of the present invention's assembly. Such base member may include a corresponding receptor hole for the attachment device in the upper surface of such base member. The base member may be generally about the same size as the platform to which the item is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Fred B. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7129421
    Abstract: An Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) gasket formed of a hollow, conductive material which is mechanically fastened to a metal support layer. The assembly can be installed using standard high speed SMT pick and place equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Reis, William F. Candy
  • Patent number: 7117927
    Abstract: A mounting system for a heat exchanger assembly consisting of a plastic bracket secured to the heat exchanger after brazing and requires no additional fasteners. The bracket includes a pair of arms that extend over a reinforcement member and engage a core. The first arm presents a resilient finger extending in a cantilever fashion to a protrusion presenting a ramp. The ramp allows the finger to flex outward as the bracket is assembled over the reinforcement member until the ramp snaps over and engages an edge on the reinforcement member. A notch and hole on the reinforcement member align with a male post and a second section of the bracket to limit movement of the bracket relative to the heat exchanger assembly. The arms have aligned openings, to create an airway through the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Edward Kent, David A. Southwick
  • Patent number: 6971201
    Abstract: A label holder includes a front panel, a back panel connected to the front panel with a common bottom edge, the front panel and the back panel forming a cavity. The back panel is constructed to have a resilient rearward curvature that flexes to flatten against the shelf. The label holder further includes a retainer structure extending rearwardly from the back panel. The retainer structure includes a spring clip configured to resiliently clamp the label holder to the shelf. When mounted to the shelf, the shelf in combination with the retainer structure causes the flexure of the resilient rearward curvature to provide secure attachment of the label holder to the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Brinkman, Craig Zadak, Kirk Lewis
  • Patent number: 6948692
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting clip that facilitates easy installation and removal of protective shields for PTVs and other video display units. The clip preferably comprises a base attached to the protective shield and a thin walled body extending from the base. An forward lobe of the body includes a generally semi-circular nose and a locking member protruding from the body adjacent the base of the nose. A rear lobe of the body is preferably non-contiguous at a base end on the same side of the body from which the locking member protrudes to form a spring-like lever arm. The base end of the lever arm is preferably bent inwardly to form a push or handle member. In operation, the clip snaps into predetermined grooves positioned about the periphery of the display unit screen. Once inserted into the groove, the locking member abuts a stepped surface formed in the wall of the groove to removably lock the clip in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Daniel Leachman
  • Patent number: 6863331
    Abstract: A retainer clip assembly for securing a variety of components interiorly in an automobile. The assembly includes a movable lever which secures the retainer clip assembly to a vehicle ceiling panel. The lever includes a release member that is accessible from the exterior of the retainer clip, so that the lever may be disengaged from the ceiling panel, whereby the component may be removed. A transportation clip is disclosed for use with the retainer clip assembly. The transportation clip connects the retainer clip to a headliner module during transportation to the final point of assembly. At the final point of assembly, the retainer clip can be pushed into its installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Crotty Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Beaver, Willard E. Crotty, III
  • Patent number: 6860459
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a component using a mounting accessory is disclosed herein. The mounting accessory and the component are designed and configured to provide a variety of different mounting methods, as required by the environment. The component and the mounting accessory are designed to provide a variety of mated relationships therebetween. The component makes contact with the mounting accessory in at least two locations or contact points to provide a secure attachment that is easily changeable to provide a desired orientation. Connecting the component to the mounting accessory is carried out with at least two mated attachment points, a portion of the component is received into an orifice of the mounting accessory and a portion of the mounting accessory is received into an orifice of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: GN Netcom, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Lyman, Benjamin Beck, Douglas A. Marsden
  • Patent number: 6827379
    Abstract: Apparatus for deploying decorative wiring upon elevated locations. The apparatus, packaged in kit form, utilizes a pole for installing wiring from a stable ground position. An installation nut screws unto the pole for manipulating accessory tools that deploy the clips and wiring. The nut comprises captivating slots to which a clip controller and wire tool are alternately coupled. A prong projecting from the controller forcibly engages the wiring clips. After clip installation, wires are installed with the wire tool's arms. The controller and wire tool both comprise flexible legs fitted within the nut slots that are snap-fitted by detents. Each clip comprises a baseplate, and an outwardly angled cradle for holding wiring. The gutter clip has a projecting latch terminating in a gutter-engaging barb. The adhesively-backed clip is press fitted to the target. A control region formed between the cradle and the baseplate of each clip receives the controller prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Micro Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hill, Wesley Due, Dennis Shrable, James Dilday, William Redifer, David S. Burleigh, Raymond Diehl, Hank Tiley, Harry R. Froit
  • Patent number: 6799744
    Abstract: A clip structure for supporting ornamental items on a pew support includes a mounting portion for gripping a portion of a pew support. The mounting portion has a pair of opposite inner and outer faces, a pair of side edges, and a pair of end edges. The mounting portion includes an elongate longitudinal extent having opposite end regions, a pair of transverse extents each extending from one of the end regions of the longitudinal extent in a generally transverse orientation to the longitudinal extent, a pair of return extents each extending from one of the transverse extents, with each of the return extents extending towards each other. The mounting portion includes a pair of free end extents each extending from one of the return extents. Optionally, the clip includes a securing portion mounting on the mounting portion for removably securing an ornamental item on the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Dakota Plastics Company
    Inventor: Stevan A. Koistinen
  • Publication number: 20040178308
    Abstract: A holder for an electronic price label (EPL) includes a channel member defined by a base wall and first and second spaced-apart side walls that project outwardly from opposite ends of the base wall. The base wall and the side walls define a somewhat C-shaped recess in the channel member. An associated EPL is adapted for receipt in the recess. A clip is connected to the channel member and is adapted for releasable connection to a wide variety of different retail shelf fixtures. In one embodiment, the clip is connected to a back wall that is interconnected with the channel member in different ways to define a variety of cross-sectional shapes. In another embodiment, the clip cooperates with a top wall to define a slot therebetween that receives and retains a front edge of an associated retail shelf. In still another embodiment, the clip includes top and bottom sections that cooperate with a back wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Bacnik
  • Patent number: 6779765
    Abstract: A mounting device configured for attaching electronic devices, such as radar detectors, to sun visor or to a windshield. The mounting device includes a clip portion for securement to the sun visor and attachment points for a pair of suction cups for securement to the windshield. The mounting device further includes a pair of relatively pivotal bracket members configured for adjusting the angular orientation of the mounting device and the inclination angle of the electronic device. The bracket members have a latched condition in which rotation is prevented and an unlatched condition permitting relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Beltronics USA Inc.
    Inventors: Yusan Zheng, Glenn Douglas Martinson
  • Publication number: 20040159756
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus and method for a user to carry item-carrying devices such as bags and briefcases without the use of their hands. In one embodiment, the invention provides a clip apparatus configured to hold the handles of one or more carrying devices. In another embodiment, the invention provides a locking clip apparatus that supports and locks a carrying device being held to the shopper's belt or clothing to prevent unauthorized removal therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Mark S. Albertson
  • Publication number: 20040129846
    Abstract: A device is provided for mounting decorative lights has a ribbon-shaped body having a front face, a rear face, and two ends. One end has a spiral curvature of sufficient size, shape and resilience to enable the spiral end to be opened and placed upon a rail or post having at least one substantially flat side. The spiral has at least one flat segment that is positioned on the spiral to press against the substantially flat side of the rail or post preventing the device from being dislodged by common winter winds. A hook at the second end defines one or more openings of sufficient size to receive a decorative light socket, a rope light or an electrical cord. Straight surfaces can be provided on each of the hook end and the spiral that are opposite one another so that a decorative light socket can be held between the straight surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: William E. Adams, Robert Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20040099777
    Abstract: A clip fixing structure in which there is no possibility for producing a frictional scratch at an outer surface of a cylinder when it is fixed, its fixing is conveniently carried out, its productivity is improved and at the same time a loss of material is restricted, and it can be sufficiently adapted for its fixing to a high-class writing instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: TOKYO KINZOKU INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeki Fujihara, Kenji Kosuge, Hirozumi Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6737791
    Abstract: A spring clip (10) has a base (12) in a first plane and has an aperture (14) centrally located therein. U-shaped projections (16) and (18) are provided on the base (12) and are formed from first and second upstanding walls (200 and (22) and third and fourth walls (24) and (26), at each end of the base (12). A first lip (28) extends orthogonally between the first wall and second wall in a second plane and a second lip (29) extends orthogonally between the third wall and fourth wall, also in the second plane. The second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane but spaced therefrom. Extensions (30) and (32) are formed with the first wall and the third wall and project away from them. The extension are in substantially the same plane as base (12) and at least one flag (34) can be formed with at least one of the extensions. The flags (34) project away from the extensions (32) in a plane transverse to the first and second planes and allow the clips to be attached to a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Ebon L. McCullough, David J. Lamprey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6682034
    Abstract: Removable, clip-on meal assistance system for a food holder (2), such as a tray or plate, for foodstuffs is provided. The system includes at least one container (3) of foodstuffs to accompany a main dish and an accessory (4) formed from a gripper (11) and means (12) for receiving the container(s). The gripper is able to be more or less elastically deformed to permit an accessory to be held on the support by gripping it. Accessory for the system and foodstuff container supported by the accessory also may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Amora Maille
    Inventor: Jacques Antoine Vial
  • Patent number: 6676096
    Abstract: An auxiliary tool clip of a jack. At a predetermined position of a shroud of the jack is installed with a positioning seat. The elastic clip is secured to the positioning seat and the shroud by a positioning shaft. A surface of the positioning seat is distributed with positioning holes. A bottom of the elastic clip is installed with at least one positioning nose. When the positioning nose rotates, the positioning nose moves along the positioning holes on the surface of the positioning seat. The positioning shaft penetrates through the elastic clip, positioning seat and shroud so as to be movably locked. Thereby, an elastic clip is pivotally installed thereon, so that the clip can be used to clip a flashlight, a tire pressure meter or other auxiliary tool and the orientation of the clip is changeable through rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Shinn Fu Corp.
    Inventor: Victor Hung
  • Patent number: 6666421
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a push-button piezo igniter to a gas valve on a water heater, while also providing electrical ground connection of the piezo igniter to the gas valve. In particular, the present invention provides a bracket that snugly receives the push-button piezo igniter and contacts to an external conductive end of the piezo igniter to provide grounding through a clip that engages and securely attaches to the gas valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Gary M. Hueser
  • Patent number: 6663069
    Abstract: A flexible molded hanger for removable placement on the top of masonry walls to support Christmas lights and other displays. The hanger is bowed to facilitate placement and provided with a central pediment to receive a stabilizing member. Retention chips are formed on the hanger at spaced locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: John Norberg
  • Patent number: 6659521
    Abstract: A system for hanging objects from conventional suspended ceilings comprises resilient clips snap-fitted to ceiling rails, an installation tool for controlling the clips, and an elongated pole that threadably couples to the tool, enabling clip manipulation. Each clip comprises an upper clasp, an integral, lower hook, and a midportion. Clasp jaws that yieldably deflect apart comprise opposed flanges that forcibly grip the ceiling rails. The installation tool comprises receptacles for temporarily receiving the clips, and an internal, threaded bore mated to the installation pole. Each receptacle comprises a pair of generally planar retaining arms that partially block a captivation slot. The midportions of the clips slidably fit within the installation tool captivation slots. When pushed towards the ceiling rails the jaws snap apart and surmount the horizontal rail portion. When released, the jaws retract, with their flanges firmly gripping the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Micro Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Hill, Hank Tiley, Wesley Due, Dennis Shrable, James Dilday
  • Patent number: 6651946
    Abstract: A cane holder includes a base plate and a gripping element that attaches the holder to an element of a wheelchair. A cane supporting plate is hingeably attached to the base plate and includes a bore, which slidably receives a cane. The cane holder aids in the usage of proper safety precautions. Because of its location, it provides a person with a convenient storage area to put a cane without causing the loss of stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Janet L. Thornton
  • Publication number: 20030205651
    Abstract: In a support system for supporting objects on an air outlet register, a mounting body is provided with opposite spaced parallel front and rear walls and the rear wall includes adjustable clips for engaging ribs of the register for supporting the mounting body adjacent the register and the front wall of the body includes engagement means for engaging various objects or articles to be supported on the mounting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Herbert Richter
  • Patent number: 6601809
    Abstract: A bracket removably attaches to the front wall of a U-shaped headrail of a horizontal blind assembly for supporting an elongate decorative valance in covering relation to the front wall in order to conceal the headrail from view. The bracket includes a vertically extending main body having a front face and a rear face. Upper and lower prong members project outwardly from the top and bottom ends of the main body, respectively, and are structured and disposed for accommodating a range of valance heights in grasped, captivated receipt between distal ends of the prongs and the front face of the main body. An integral arm member extends downwardly from the top end of the main body, in spaced relation to the rear face for removably clipping the bracket to the front wall of the headrail at select positions, including a raised position when the headrail is “outside” mounted and a lowered position when the headrail is “inside” mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Gebrara
  • Patent number: 6592442
    Abstract: A flap wheel includes an aluminum hub with outwardly opening peripheral slots. Flap clips also made of aluminum each holding a bundle of flaps fit snugly in the slots. The slots and clips include an elongated socket and knob construction. The socket of the slot and knob of the clip both have an arched or rounded bottom and straight parallel side walls terminating in opposed retaining keys projecting inwardly from the side walls of the slot or corresponding key ways in the clip. The outer ends of the clips include a thin wall U-shape flap bundle retention slot having a flat but skew or slanting bottom wall. The slots extend uniformly in a non-radial direction angled away from the direction of rotation. The flat but skewed bottom of the clips also slants inwardly toward the direction of rotation to position the outer edges of the flaps in the same skewed slanting direction exposing or splaying an outer edge portion of each of the faces or flat surfaces of the flaps to the work as the wheel rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Jason Incorporated
    Inventor: Craig R. Hoffheimer
  • Publication number: 20030098403
    Abstract: The present invention is a fence flag holder used to display smaller sized flags, banners or pennants on the rail of vinyl fences and/or wood fences for decorative purposes. The flag holder is a “u-shaped” hook design comprising of a one-piece molded plastic bracket with a tube on the front to hold the flag shaft and display the flag at a forty-five (45) degree angle. The flag holder fits over the rail of a fence allowing the flag to be displayed at special times of the year and to be removed easily for storage when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Alfred Fox
  • Patent number: 6568645
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a utility meter transceiver unit, consists of a main bracket piece having a first end and a second end, with a through opening at the first end sized to receive therethrough a utility pipe that is in communication with a utility meter, and with a receiving channel at the second end; an upright bracket piece having a third and fourth end, sized at the third end to be received within the receiving channel, and sized at the fourth end to be received within a mounting channel within a utility meter transceiver unit; and a device to adjust the relative positions of the fourth end of the upright bracket piece and the receiving channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Maddox Bracket Company
    Inventor: Michael F. Maddox
  • Publication number: 20030094555
    Abstract: The holder is a plastic tube split lengthwise into substantially mirror image halves forming two opposed clamping members hingedly connected by spring operated handles which activate opening and closing of the clamping members to engage a towel or other items hanging on a support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Darin Prizzi
  • Publication number: 20030075208
    Abstract: The present invention provides a small umbrella (“Beerbrella”) which may be removably attached to a beverage container in order to shade the beverage container from the direct rays of the sun. The apparatus comprises a small umbrella approximately five to seven inches in diameter, although other appropriate sizes may be used within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Suitable advertising and/or logos may be applied to the umbrella surface for promotional purposes. The umbrella may be attached to the beverage container by any one of a number of means, including clip, strap, cup, foam insulator, or as a coaster or the like. The umbrella shaft may be provided with a pivot to allow the umbrella to be suitably angled to shield the sun or for aesthetic purposes. In one embodiment, a pivot joint and counterweight may be provided to allow the umbrella to pivot out of the way when the user drinks from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Mason Schott McMullin, Robert Bell, Mark Andrew See
  • Patent number: 6547201
    Abstract: A CD disk holding device that freely suspends a disk. The holder is made up of a singular homogeneous flat plastic or plastic like flexible material of a thin and uniform cross section that is formed into a trihedrally shaped structure. A flat base provides an area for attachment to a desired surface. Projecting from opposite ends in an inwardly biased folded plane of the base are two flexible symmetrical arms. Further projecting away from base at the end of the arms are related symmetrical tapered nose sections. The nose sections are arched further inward in a slightly open clamshell arrangement. Each nose section has a leading edge, which when viewed from the front form the diagonal edge of a near parabolic cone structure. This cone structures greatest diameter is normally slightly greater than the central mounting hole of a compact disk. When a CD is installed, the central hole of the CD rides the leading edge of the nose sections until seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventors: Rick J. Barich, Maxwell R Ward
  • Publication number: 20030042376
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an improved display system that is compatible with a variety of different fixtures. In an illustrative embodiment, an integral hook and bracket system can be mounted to both wire grid and hanger bar fixture systems. After attachment of an adapter unit, the system of the illustrative embodiment can also be mounted to pegboard and slot wall fixture systems. In another aspect, the invention relates to an improved display device that incorporates a product information display member. In another illustrative embodiment, an integral hook and bracket assembly compatible with a plurality of different fixture systems includes a horizontally extending product information placard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Frank E. Lane, Donald E. Vogel, John W. Lewman
  • Patent number: 6517039
    Abstract: A fixing clip holds the shaft of an article, and fixes the article onto a panel via a through-hole formed in the panel and having a front edge and a rear edge. The fixing clip includes a base having a front end, a rear end, and an opening, and a shaft holder formed on the base and for receiving the shaft of the article. The shaft holder has a conical wall. The fixing clip also has a first stopper that is a portion of the area on the conical wall of the shaft holder and faces the front end of the base; and a second stopper positioned along one side of the opening and facing the rear end of the base. When the fixing clip is attached to the panel, the first stopper comes into frictional contact with the front edge of the through-hole, and the second stopper catches the rear edge of the through-hole. The fixing clip also has a tail-like third stopper, which extends from the conical wall of the shaft holder above the first stopper and toward the front end of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Piolax, Inc.
    Inventor: Oomi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 6513775
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for standing a first crutch and a second crutch, each crutch having a front and a rear bow, each bow having an upper end and a lower end, each crutch having an arm piece spanning between the upper ends of its front and rear bows, and each crutch having a foot piece spanning between the lower ends of its front and rear bows, the apparatus and method comprising elements and steps of providing a “U” bracket, the “U” having a front arm and a rear arm, said arms defining a crutch foot receiving space; mounting the “U” bracket between the front and rear bows of the first crutch so that the front and rear arms of the “U” bracket extend upwardly; extending the foot piece and lower bow ends of the second crutch into the crutch foot receiving space of the “U” bracket; and placing the arm piece of the second crutch and the foot piece of the first crutch upon a ground surface, allowing the first crutch and second crutch to stand, supporti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Rosalea Hostetler
  • Patent number: 6494427
    Abstract: A trimmer line carrier for use with a string trimming mower includes a tubular container having an open end for carrying individual strands of replacement trimming line. A removable cap is coupled to the container for selectably covering the open end. The container includes clamps capable of releasably attaching the container to a handle bar of a string trimming mower. A plurality of guide flanges defining respective apertures are positioned longitudinally along the container outer wall to receive a selected strand therethrough. Linear scale indicia and corresponding graduated numerical indicia are imprinted on the container adjacent the guide flanges such that a strand received through the flanges may be measured using the indicia. A cutter is positioned at one end of the container for cutting a strand of trimming line to a desired measured length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Larry B. Smith
  • Patent number: 6484365
    Abstract: A visor clip of unitary construction is presented along with a method for manufacture. The visor clip includes an engagement portion that frictionally engages with an engagement target, which may be a sun visor in an automobile. A payload portion is designed to receive and frictionally couple to a payload, where the payload may include a number of small objects such as toothpicks. The payload portion includes a number of extended portions on one or more of the surfaces that define the payload portion. The inclusion of the extended portions provides a number of force application points that enhance the frictional engagement of the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6481680
    Abstract: An assembly for suspending a purse or bag from a table edge. The assembly includes a mechanism for anchoring itself to the table edge when is positioned about the table edge. The assembly distributes the weight of the purse or bag to primary support elements. A hook depends downwardly from a bracket to support a bag or purse. The hook includes an element positioned within the opening of the bracket to transfer at least some of the weight of the bag or purse to the bracket. A rivet co-joins the bracket and anchoring mechanism together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: P.K. Torten Enterprises
    Inventor: David T. Neuman
  • Patent number: 6453523
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for securing a stepladder comprising in combination a clamp comprising two opposite walls formed of a substantially rigid material, said walls being arranged and constructed such that said walls are adapted to fixedly secure an article therebetween; and a retaining ledge with two ends, one said end is continuous with one said opposite wall of said clamp and the second end being parallel and adjacent to said opposite wall of said clamp, wherein said parallel and adjacent end is positioned with relation to the continous end to form an ledge for insertion, retention and retraction of the siding of a stepladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Henry Teidemann
  • Patent number: 6443340
    Abstract: A cellular telephone holster includes a holster section formed to accept a cellular telephone. A clip portion is rotatably attached to the holster section and formed to have a circular opening with at least one detent along an inner perimeter of the opening. A spring system is coupled to the holster section and includes a substantially incompressible piston and a compressible material separate from and coupled to the substantially incompressible piston. The circular opening is sized to fit around the spring system. The holster section is formed to have at least one protrusion, and the substantially incompressible piston and the compressible material are insertable against the protrusion, whereby the at least one protrusion contributes to holding the substantially incompressible piston and the compressible material in place relative to the holster section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Joseph Chung, Mark William Oliver
  • Patent number: 6419197
    Abstract: A keyboard support system attaches to an edge of a work surface. The work surface includes a working surface and an underside. The keyboard support system includes a keyboard platform configured for supporting a keyboard. A U-shaped mounting bracket includes a top wall having a lower surface, a monolithic bottom wall and a middle wall interconnecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The bottom wall has an upper surface and a lower surface with a pair of integral, opposing guide rails projecting therefrom. Each guide rail has a length oriented substantially parallel to the bottom wall. The middle wall is configured to both resiliently bias the lower surface of the top wall against the working surface of the work surface and resiliently bias the upper surface of the bottom wall against the underside of the work surface, thereby clamping the work surface between the top wall and the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Group Dekko Services, LLC
    Inventors: Walter T. Kochanski, Curtis G. Berndt, Edward J. Keil, Phillip McCoy, Tracy Tolar
  • Patent number: 6405788
    Abstract: A molded plastics component capable of being fitted onto a receiving part of a heat exchanger, is assembled to this heat exchanger by a crimping component adapted for at least partially enveloping that component. It includes a crimping part engaged in the receiving part to secure the two together. Application to assembling of a fixing component onto a motor-vehicle heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Thermique Motuer
    Inventor: Patrick Balthazard
  • Patent number: 6378828
    Abstract: A display apparatus mounting bracket, adapted for attachment to a crossbar, is provided generally having a U-shaped bracket having a front plate and a flange, the front plate adapted to mount display apparatus thereto, the flange having a top portion projecting away from the front plate and a rear portion disposed generally parallel to the face. The inner surfaces of the front plate and flange define an interior space for receiving the crossbar, and the downward ends of the front plate and rear portion of the flange define an entrance to the interior space. The structure of the rear portion of the flange provides a high load-bearing capacity of the mounting bracket. The entrance of the bracket provides a snap-fit with the crossbar providing a snug fitting interior space for receiving the crossbar, thereby safely and securely retaining the crossbar within the interior space when snapped into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley C. Valiulis, Craig Zadak
  • Patent number: 6378827
    Abstract: A support unit for supporting articles hung from a generally planar surface is provided that includes a support arm for placement on a top surface of a generally planar surface. The support arm contacts the top surface of the generally planar surface. A mating portion contacts a bottom surface of the general planar surface opposite the top surface of the generally planar surface contacted by the support arm. A curved portion connects the support arm to the mating portion. The curved portion provides the gripping force between the support arm and the mating portion. A hook extends downwardly from the mating portion and towards the curved portion. The hook supports articles hung therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Kacines
  • Patent number: 6367744
    Abstract: A pipe supporting apparatus for supporting pipes extending between support members of a structure. The pipe supporting apparatus includes a rod. The rod is elongate and has a first end and a second end. A pair of mounting means removably mounts the rod to support members. Each of the mounting means is integrally coupled to an end of the rod. A plurality of coupling members couple the pipes to the rod. Each of the coupling members includes a first and second bracket. The first bracket is adapted for removably coupling to the rod. The second bracket is adapted for removably coupling the pipe to the first bracket. The second bracket is coupled to the first bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Richard A. Ebersole
  • Patent number: 6364057
    Abstract: A ladder shield for use with a stepladder for blocking access to predetermined upper steps thereof comprises a first rectangular plate configured to lie flat atop the top step of a stepladder and a second rectangular plate depending from a front edge of the first plate. The second plate is integral to the first plate and extends downwardly from the first plate at the same angle as the legs supporting the steps of the stepladder so that the first and second plates are flush with the top step and step support legs, respectively. The ladder shield further includes a third plate hingedly coupled to a rear edge of the first plate for blocking access between the top step and an uppermost support strut on a second pair of support legs. The second and third plates include fasteners for removably coupling respective plates to a step and support strut, respectively. At least one fastener on the third plate defines an aperture for receiving a padlock so that the shield may be locked to the stepladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Guy R. Cornejo, Carmen A. Cornejo
  • Patent number: 6361006
    Abstract: A retaining means for evaporative cooler pads comprising a clip wherein the clip is resiliently deformable to enable fitment between a pair of evaporative cooler pads and wherein the evaporative cooler pads are retained in position upon release of the deforming force from the clip. The clip provides support and adjustment to evaporative pads in a single component which is easily installed and adjusted. The clips are always retained on a post inside the cooler, and thereby cannot be lost while servicing the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: F. F. Seeley Nominess Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Allan Kenneth Wallace
  • Patent number: 6352229
    Abstract: A spring clip has a base member attached by a flexible connector to a clip member which has a body portion and a flexible tail portion. The base member preferably includes magnets for holding the spring clip against a metal surface. The flexible tail portion has a distal end which is normally biased toward the base member for holding an object therebetween. A gap can be created between the distal end and the base member by pushing on the body portion to cause the clip member to pivot about the flexible connector such that the flexible tail portion moves away from the base member. The gap can also be created by pulling on the distal end which causes the flexible tail to flex away from the base member. Further, the body portion can be pushed to create the gap and the flexible tail portion also flexed to make the gap wider such that thicker objects can be held in the gap. The distal end can be hook shaped to hold a writing instrument or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 6347774
    Abstract: A clip for fixing a part on a bar, said clip comprising a first clip part which is substantially form-retaining and comprises a bracket slidable along the bar, a bracket arm being connected to the bracket, the clip comprising a second clip part having a flexible spring arm whose first end is connected to a free end of the bracket arm remote from the bracket, the spring arm having such a length that in a clamping position, it is subjected to pressure and whose second end presses against the bar, so that the bracket is not slidable along the bar, while the spring arm can be bent by means of an operating lever, so that the bracket is slidable along the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Buhrs-Zaandam B.V.
    Inventor: Michiel Post van der Molen
  • Patent number: 6345796
    Abstract: An assembly for suspending a purse or bag from a table edge is disclosed. The assembly includes a mechanism for automatically anchoring itself to the table edge as it is positioned about the table edge. In addition, the inventive assembly is constructed so as to distribute the weight of the purse or bag to primary support elements. A hook depends downwardly from a bracket to support a bag or purse. The hook includes a flange seated within an opening of the bracket. The flange transfers at least some of the weight of the bag or purse to the bracket. A rivet co-joins the bracket, hook and anchoring mechanism together, and permits rotational movement of the hook relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: P.K. Torten Enterprises
    Inventor: David T. Neuman
  • Patent number: 6336672
    Abstract: A retainer clip assembly for securing a sun visor interiorly in an automobile. The retainer clip assembly includes a movable lever attached thereto which secures the retainer clip assembly to a vehicle ceiling panel. The lever includes a release member which is accessible from the exterior of the retainer clip, so that the lever may be disengaged and the retainer clip removed. A transportation clip is disclosed for use with the retainer clip assembly. The transportation clip connects the retainer clip to a headliner module during transportation to the final point of assembly. At the final point of assembly, the retainer clip can be pushed into its installed position and the transportation clip is concealed within the retainer clip and need not be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Beaver
  • Patent number: 6324727
    Abstract: A system for installing a pair of separate door guiding tracks in a predetermined parallel relation below and to an overhead structure of a door opening comprising applying a series of track spacing members to a pair of separate tracks while the tracks are disposed in predetermined parallel relation at longitudinally spaced positions along the tracks so as to retain the tracks in predetermined parallel relation, fixedly securing the tracks while retained in predetermined parallel relation by a series of spacing members below and to the overhead structure of the door opening, and moving each track spacing member downwardly with respect to the pair of tracks after installation to remove the series of track spacing members from the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Joseph Ortoleva, Thomas Pelletier, Susanna Perrett