Neck Engaging Patents (Class 248/312)
  • Patent number: 11857069
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing jars is provided. The apparatus includes a base, two or more elongated side retaining members forming one or more channels, and a front retaining member. The apparatus is fastened to a surface by a plurality of fasteners. Jars are inserted and removed from the apparatus using a combination of rotational and translational motion. The device is unique in that it provides a means for quickly and conveniently storing jars without the need for additional components to retain the jars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventor: Jaime Coronado
  • Patent number: 11760400
    Abstract: An apparatus for suspending one or more items is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vertical back plate, a vertical front plate, and a connector plate for connecting the vertical front plate to the vertical back plate. The apparatus further comprises an angulated base member attached to the vertical front plate at an obtuse angle. An arched hanging member for receiving one or more articles to be hanged is provided on the apparatus, the arched hanging member comprising a rounded ball end to avoid tears and perforations to the one or more suspended items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Timothy P. Colling
  • Patent number: 11707753
    Abstract: A handheld fluid sprayer is configured to draw spray fluid from a reservoir mounted on the fluid sprayer and eject the spray fluid through a nozzle. The reservoir is removably mounted to the fluid sprayer. A priming pathway extends through the fluid sprayer and routes air out of the reservoir to prime the pump. The priming pathway extends from the reservoir and to a side of the pump opposite the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Kinne, Diane L. Olson, Pamela J. Muetzel, Kirsten N. Norman
  • Patent number: 11215314
    Abstract: A hand sanitizer suspension assembly for suspending hand sanitizer from a work surface includes a clamp that has a pair of jaws biased together to engage an edge of a work surface. A shaft is coupled to and extends downwardly from a respective one of the jaws and a pivot is coupled to the shaft. A grapple is coupled to the pivot such that the grapple is pivotable around the shaft. A bottle is provided that contains liquid hand sanitizer. A hand pump is removably attached to the bottle to dispense the liquid hand sanitizer when the hand pump is manipulated. A disk attached to the hand pump and the grapple engages the disk for suspending the bottle from the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventor: Stephen Piazza
  • Patent number: 10470536
    Abstract: A combined cup and bottle holder assembly is configured for mounting to the shaft of a walking aid. A bottle support component has bottle-engaging structure that projects outwardly in a first direction, and has a first half of a coupling structure that projects outwardly in an opposite second direction. A cup retention subassembly has a gyroscopic cup-holding portion that projects outwardly in the second direction, and has a second half of the coupling structure that projects outwardly in the first direction. An attachment pin selectively couples the first and second coupling structure halves to one another about the shaft length. The gyroscopic cup-holding portion includes a two-axis gimbal arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Terje Lundaas
  • Patent number: 9155683
    Abstract: An oral hydration system includes a mounting fitting configured to be mounted to a mounting structure and a holster rotatably coupled to the mounting fitting. A hydration liquid bladder is removably disposed in the holster. A feed tube has a proximal end communicating with the hydration liquid bladder. A backflow-prevention bite valve is coupled to a distal end of the feed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Eugene Murrieta
  • Publication number: 20150060568
    Abstract: An adapter allows direct connection of a handheld spray device to paint cans of varying dimensions. The adapter includes a cage for holding the paint can, a cap that connects the cage to the handheld spray device, and a gasket that seals the open upper end of the paint can to the cap. The adapter may also include a suction tube extension that is connectable between the pump inlet and the suction tube of the spray device. A can spacer insert is positionable in the cage to elevate paint cans of varying heights so that the upper ring of the paint can engages the gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel R. Johnson, Dale C. Pemberton, Charles W. Dawson, Pamela J. Muetzel
  • Publication number: 20150014492
    Abstract: A vial gripper and gripper assembly having a base and a clamp extending therefrom made from an elastomeric material. The clamp adapted to retain a vial, ampoule, or other containers therein typically used in the hospital or clinical setting. The gripper assembly includes an elevated body having a guide wherein a gripper is insertable, and wherein the assembly may be further securely stored within a unit tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Gary L. Sharpe, Brian Dutro
  • Patent number: 8869997
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for containers, which have a diameter at one end which is different from the diameter at the other end, comprising supports for two rests, projecting from said supports, for containers positioned side by side transverse to the removal direction, one rest supporting one side of the container and the other rest supporting the other side, the supports of the rests being mounted adjustably relative to one another on a mounting. The rests are mounted at different heights from one another on the supports thereof for oblique storage of the containers transverse to the removal direction. A substantially rod-shaped lateral prop for propping up the container bases extends parallel to the associated rest and away from the rest support propping up the container end having the larger diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Lothar Collini
  • Patent number: 8857776
    Abstract: A quick-mounting device for canisters comprises a housing and a an adjustment. The housing defines a recess at a top thereof and a hollow space therein. The housing is sealed with a cover that defines a though hole at a center thereof. The an adjustment includes two arched pieces and a control piece. The arched pieces are placed in the recess of the housing to define an opening therebetween. The control piece has a pusher and is placed on top of the arched pieces to engage with two ends of each arched piece. Each arched piece is provided with a spring at an external side thereof intermediate of the two ends. Thereby, the pusher of the control piece can be pressed to have the two arched pieces moved outwardly to change the dimension of the opening defined by the two arched pieces so as to mount a canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Hsu-Hui Chang
  • Patent number: 8840078
    Abstract: A portable beverage holder having a middle piece and a bottom piece operably coupled to each other, and wherein the middle piece includes a frontal opening sufficient for receiving the stem of a stemmed container, and wherein the bottom piece includes a frontal opening sufficient for receiving the foot of a stemmed container, and wherein the bottom side of the middle piece includes one or more downward projecting flaps sufficient to secure the foot of a stemmed container against the bottom piece. The beverage holder optionally can include a top piece operably coupled to the middle piece, also having a frontal opening sufficient for receiving the stem of a stemmed container. The beverage holder can also include a non-continuous upwardly extending wall near the perimeter of the holder for containing almost any type of beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Chris DeWald
  • Patent number: 8668178
    Abstract: A bracket construction for fixedly securing a cylindrical tank such as the oxygen tank of an emergency vehicle in a vertically upright position wherein the tank is easily releasable which accommodates various sizes and configurations of upper neck sections having a backing plate with a lower surrounding member for receiving and retaining the tank bottom therewithin and an upper surrounding member including a U-shaped channel for receiving the tank neck therewithin. Two uniquely shaped bracket cams are pivotally mounted relative to the upper surrounding member and resiliently biased with respect thereto such that they can be manually manipulated or directly contacted by the arcuate neck of a tank to move to the opened position to allow exiting or entry of the tank. A lower auxiliary floor surface is pivotally secured relative to the lower surrounding member for varying the vertical dimension for accommodating tanks of various lengths and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Michael P. Ziaylek, W. Brian McGinty
  • Patent number: 8573553
    Abstract: A foldable holder for a beverage container comprises a fastening plate, a supporting ring coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, a holding bracket coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, and a supporting plate coupled pivotably to the holding bracket. The supporting ring and the holding bracket share a pivot axis extending from the fastening plate. The supporting plate is coupled to a remote end of the holding bracket so as to be pivotable counter to a pivoting direction of the supporting ring. The holding bracket and the supporting plate are disposed radially within the supporting ring when folded into a retracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 8371549
    Abstract: A holder for a toothpaste tube and toothbrushes which comprises a mounting plate. A mechanism is for securing the mounting plate to a wall. A support member is provided. A mechanism is for rotatably maintaining the support member perpendicular to the mounting plate. A mechanism is for attaching the toothpaste tube perpendicular to the support member. A mechanism is for retaining at least one of the toothbrushes to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Brian T. Paquette
  • Publication number: 20120286120
    Abstract: A bracket construction for fixedly securing a cylindrical tank such as the oxygen tank of an emergency vehicle in a vertically upright position wherein the tank is easily releasable which accommodates various sizes and configurations of upper neck sections having a backing plate with a lower surrounding member for receiving and retaining the tank bottom therewithin and an upper surrounding member including a U-shaped channel for receiving the tank neck therewithin. Two uniquely shaped bracket cams are pivotally mounted relative to the upper surrounding member and resiliently biased with respect thereto such that they can be manually manipulated or directly contacted by the arcuate neck of a tank to move to the opened position to allow exiting or entry of the tank. A lower auxiliary floor surface is pivotally secured relative to the lower surrounding member for varying the vertical dimension for accommodating tanks of various lengths and shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Michael P. Ziaylek, W. Brian McGinty
  • Patent number: 8286835
    Abstract: A product dispenser assembly including a product dispenser, a mounting member, and a connector. The connector includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a receiving member configured and arranged to operatively connect the product dispenser thereto. The second portion includes a connecting member configured and arranged to operatively connect the mounting member thereto. The first and second portions are rotatably operatively connected to position the receiving member and the connecting member in different positions relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Morey, Brian Philip Carlson, Jay Richard Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120248957
    Abstract: A pan guide for use in a food storage apparatus is provided. The pan guide has at least two levels for supporting food storage pans. The levels can be removable. This allows for easy movement of the food pans, to accommodate for temperature changes in the vicinity of the food storage apparatus. Dividers for separating the food pans are also provided, which can connect to the pan guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: CHARLES L. EAVES, JR., Stephen P. Griffin, Richard A. Seiss, Stephen R. Willoughby, Nick R. Derry
  • Patent number: 8272611
    Abstract: An embodiment of a locking bottle holder includes a bottle support having a base portion, a body portion, and a top portion; and a collar plate having a collar portion with at least one dispenser opening, and a support portion with a first limit pin hole. The locking bottle holder further includes a first limit pin having a limit pin notch and a first limit pin shaft passing through the first limit pin hole, a first ring affixed to the support portion, and a floating lock pin passing through the first ring. The floating lock pin includes a lock pin shaft having a lock pin notch and rotatable between unlocked and locked positions. In the locked position, the support portion of the collar plate is positioned proximate to the body portion and the lock pin shaft is substantially engaged with the limit pin notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sports Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurie Schmidt, John Wiseman
  • Patent number: 8262042
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for an assembly for securing equipment to a tank. The assembly comprises a base, a split ring, and a clamp. The base comprises a tank engagement portion, a base aperture, a lip positioned along a perimeter of the base aperture, and a first mating surface. The split ring is arranged to be at least partially positionable within the base. The split ring comprises a split ring aperture and a second mating surface in contact with the first mating surface when the split ring is partially positioned within the base. The clamp is positionable to hold the first mating surface in contact with the second mating surface. The clamp comprises a clamp aperture, a first contact surface, and a second contact surface. When the clamp is positioned to hold the mating surfaces in contact, the first contact surface contacts the base, and the second contact surface contacts the split ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: L.J. Star Incorporated
    Inventor: Dale A. Sandy
  • Patent number: 8262037
    Abstract: An automation system including a plurality of peripheral devices, each configured to perform at least one function relating to energy consumption in a facility and an automation controller in communication with the plurality of peripheral devices and providing for the control of the performance of the function by each device. The peripheral device can be deployed in a peripheral package that includes at least a base portion that is attachable to a structure, a device portion configured to support the peripheral device and to detachably cooperate with the base portion to secure the base portion to the structure. The peripheral package is assembled and cooperates without external fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Autami Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Martin, Cyrus Etemad-Moghadam
  • Patent number: 8225825
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher filling aid system includes a fire extinguisher and a fill nozzle that is positioned on and fluidly coupled to the fire extinguisher to fill the fire extinguisher. A bottom plate has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. A bottom end of the extinguisher is positioned on the bottom plate. An upper plate has an upper side, a lower side and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge has a notch therein. The notch has a width smaller than the fill nozzle and larger than a fill line fluidly coupled to the nozzle to allow the fill line to be positioned within the notch while the upper plate rests upon the fill nozzle. A plurality of tethers is attached to and extends between the upper and bottom plates to retain the fill nozzle on the fire extinguisher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry L. Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 8220764
    Abstract: A tank holding bracket mechanism positionable within a seat back of an emergency vehicle for holding therein of an air tank usable for emergency breathing situations which is attachable to the back of emergency personnel such as firefighters while sitting on the vehicle seats during transport. The holding bracket includes a pivoting head movable between an opened position allow entry of removal of a tank from the bracket mechanism and a closed position retaining a tank with respect to the bracket mechanism. A locking mechanism is adapted to selectively lock the head in the closed position to prevent release of the tank responsive to certain vehicle parameters, such as disengagement of an emergency brake or movement of the vehicle transmission from the park mode. The locking mechanism can be externally activated manually or electrically such as with a powered solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 8152123
    Abstract: A tank retaining bracket having a rotating head for selectively receiving and securing a tank to the bracket having a mounting cup preferably of nylon which adapted to abut and hold a cylindrical tank in an inverted position in a positively engaging manner. The mounting cup includes an arcuate retaining surface and can easily replaced during normal maintenance. The mounting cup is attachable to the rotating head of the bracket frame of a positively engaging tank holder usable with cylindrical tanks such as self-contained breathing apparatus primarily for facilitating adjustability of positioning of retaining of the tank with respect to the mounting bracket. The body member is adjustably movable to a multiple of lateral directions such that it is firmly secured in place by a plurality of fasteners and engagement is further enhanced by a ridge on the rotating frame head and a mated engaging block on the mounting cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Michael P. Ziaylek, W. Brian McGinty
  • Patent number: 8136779
    Abstract: An irrigation mounting arrangement for an irrigation container that is defined by a body portion, a neck member, and a stopper, is disclosed. The irrigation mounting arrangement comprises an upwardly extending base member and a mounting arm mechanism that extends away from the base member. The mounting arm mechanism includes at least one mounting aperture configured to selectively receive a portion of the irrigation container such that the neck member of the irrigation container is oriented above the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wilson, James Y. Chon
  • Publication number: 20120025047
    Abstract: An irrigation mounting arrangement for an irrigation container that is defined by a body portion, a neck member, and a stopper, is disclosed. The irrigation mounting arrangement comprises an upwardly extending base member and a mounting arm mechanism that extends away from the base member. The mounting arm mechanism includes at least one mounting aperture configured to selectively receive a portion of the irrigation container such that the neck member of the irrigation container is oriented above the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wilson, James Y. Chon
  • Patent number: 8100307
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for detachably coupling an oxygen bottle to an ambulance cot such that they are transportable together as a unit. The device fits between a pair of support legs of the cot, and is adjustable to accommodate oxygen bottles of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Chinn, Earl Choy
  • Patent number: 8091848
    Abstract: A hands free specimen holder apparatus includes a cup holder. An arm is connected with the cup holder at a first end and the arm extends the cup holder from the first end and away from and below a second end. The second end of the arm is conformed to connect with a toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Rachel Gail Reed
  • Patent number: 8056875
    Abstract: A bottle mountable condiment holder is mainly described as a lime slice and salt shaker holder for pivotingly mounting on a bottle of tequila such that the holder pivots to stay mostly upright while the bottle is tipped for pouring, thus preventing condiments from falling off of the rack. The holder includes a rack for holding the condiments and a pivoting attachment for mounting the rack to a bottle; such that the center of gravity of the rack is below a pivot of the pivoting attachment. Preferably the rack has shelves for holding condiment pieces (e.g., lime slices) and/or at least one dispenser mounted on the rack for dispensing particulate or liquid condiments (e.g., salt shakers). In a preferred embodiment, the pivoting attachment is a removable bottle neck collar, and the dispensers are removably mountable on the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Edward F. Spellman
  • Patent number: 8052015
    Abstract: A holder apparatus includes a handhold formed on an end thereof for holding and a barrel section extending from another end thereof. A clamping section is formed from the front end of the barrel section opposite to the handhold and includes two jaw portions joined together, two limited grooves respectively formed in and extending along the two jaw portions, two inner rim portions respectively defined against the two limited grooves and two clamping edges respectively formed on the inner wall of the two jaw portions related to the two limited grooves. The clamping edges grip a neck of a sprayer and support the bottom of a rim of a sprayer. A trigger element is pivotally connected to the barrel section. A C-shaped spring is disposed in the two limited grooves and grips the inner rim portions related to the two clamping edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Chia-Hsing Huang
  • Patent number: 7918204
    Abstract: In one implementation, a bracket includes a body having a first connection feature and a second connection feature each adapted to retain a separate portion of a component. The first connection feature is rotationally misaligned relative to the second connection feature so that a portion of the component is received in a first direction in the first opening and then the component is moved in a second direction to receive another portion in the second opening. In one form, the connection features include openings that are arranged such that one portion of the component is first slidably received in the first opening, and then the component is rotated generally about the portion received in the first opening so that another portion of the component can be received in the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Simon G. Gignac, Brian V. Jean, Todd E. Lemieux, Ian J. Phillips, Aranka Poliak
  • Patent number: 7874531
    Abstract: A big game support device for supporting and posing big game animals on a surface is provided. The big game animals having a first antler and a second antler. The big game support device comprises a clamping mechanism for directly and releasably clamping both the first antler and the second antler and an elevating mechanism for elevating the clamping means above the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: David Douglas Walden
  • Publication number: 20100258698
    Abstract: A cup-shaped receptacle designed to engage the neck of a bottle and rigidly support it in a near horizontal position. The receptacle can be incorporated into many common building materials, so an array of the receptacles permits an attractive display of bottles. Bottles are held in place through the force of gravity and by resilient rings or gaskets disposed in the interior of the receptacle that limit vertical and horizontal migration of bottles. The rings also protect foil caps from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Wunderwall, LLC
    Inventors: Robert E. Fisher, Robert W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7798380
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic drinks bottle support. The inventive support (1) comprises an anchoring member (2) and a ring (3). The anchoring member (2) takes the form of a clamp that is intended to be fixed to a belt or hooked onto the edge of a pocket. The clamp (2) comprises two prongs, namely an outer prong (21) and an inner prong (22). The aforementioned ring (3) comprises an internal elastic lip (4) which projects out from the inner edge of the ring (3) in order to reduce the cross-section thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Philippe Chekroune
  • Patent number: 7744053
    Abstract: A bottle holder for holding and conveniently transporting a bottle of the character having a neck portion and an enlarged diameter body portion. The bottle holder can be conveniently affixed to the user's belt or waistband and includes a support body for supporting the bottle. The support body includes a generally U-shaped clip portion having first and second opposing sides that cooperate to form a retention channel that receives the user's belt or waistband and also includes a generally yoke shaped support portion for receiving the neck portion of the bottle. The yoke shaped portion of the body is connected to and extends from the first side of the clip portion at an acute angle slightly less than 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: David Michael Perman
  • Patent number: 7669742
    Abstract: A tactical device holster (TDH) system is described that is a complete carry and deployment solution allowing for split-second deployment of hand-held non-lethal/lethal deployable devices (HNLDD) by tactical personnel. The TDH system allows tactical personnel to deploy HNLDDs without having to disarm because deployment requires only a single hand, and the TDH system indexes the HNLDD in the proper position for deployment. The TDH system allows the HNLDD to go from secure carry to deployment in under one second while not impeding the deadly force option during deployment. The TDH system keeps the fuze lever of the HNLDD fixed in a pre-specified position. The HNLDD is not altered for use with the TDH system and allows quick insertion of the HNLDD. The TDH system supports numerous HNLDDs and tactical pyrotechnic and incendiary devices, and can be fixed to various tactical clothing, vests, holsters, equipment, and vehicle components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Derek Rush
  • Publication number: 20100012807
    Abstract: A bottle holder for holding and conveniently transporting a bottle of the character having a neck portion and an enlarged diameter body portion. The bottle holder can be conveniently affixed to the user's belt or waistband and includes a support body for supporting the bottle. The support body includes a generally U-shaped clip portion having first and second opposing sides that cooperate to form a retention channel that receives the user's belt or waistband and also includes a generally yoke shaped support portion for receiving the neck portion of the bottle. The yoke shaped portion of the body is connected to and extends from the first side of the clip portion at an acute angle slightly less than 90°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: David Michael Perman
  • Patent number: 7644902
    Abstract: A clamping fixture for a retort process wherein a clamping fixture is disposed about a container having a seal positioned over a container-dispensing aperture. The clamping fixture applies a force to an outer surface of the seal in order to combat internal vapor pressures, which rise during a retort process and may break the seal. A first embodiment may be used with a manual process while a second embodiment may be used with a multiple station automated retort process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Julian, Gary V. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7631844
    Abstract: A corner potted plant holder (1) for holding a pot in a corner (19) having a body (2) with a top surface (26) and a bottom surface (27), an internal perimeter (9) and an external perimeter (10), a first arm (3) and a second arm (4) secured to the body (2), at least one corner securing means (6) for securing the body (2) to the corner (19) and at least one wall securing means (11) for securing the arms (3 and 4) to the walls (20 and 21) that form the corner (19). The internal perimeter (9) has a predetermined shape for the acceptance of a pot (22) having a larger congruent predetermined shape. In this manner, a person may easily secure a potted plant (24) in a corner (19) above a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen J. Styles
  • Publication number: 20090250582
    Abstract: A tank holding bracket mechanism positionable within a seat back of an emergency vehicle for holding therein of an air tank usable for emergency breathing situations which is attachable to the back of emergency personnel such as firefighters while sitting on the vehicle seats during transport. The holding bracket includes a pivoting head movable between an opened position allow entry of removal of a tank from the bracket mechanism and a closed position retaining a tank with respect to the bracket mechanism. A locking mechanism is adapted to selectively lock the head in the closed position to prevent release of the tank responsive to certain vehicle parameters, such as disengagement of an emergency brake or movement of the vehicle transmission from the park mode. The locking mechanism can be externally activated manually or electrically such as with a powered solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Michael P. Ziaylek
  • Patent number: 7594637
    Abstract: A holder is disclosed which provides for the storage of a piece of stemware, in a boat, trailer or recreational vehicle, in a manner which permits convenient access to such stemware, and at the same time, safeguards against damage when the boat trailer or recreational vehicle is in transit. The holder comprises a mounting bracket and a clip. The clip is connected to the mounting bracket and is adapted to releasably receive the piece of stemware. The clip includes opposed first and second gripping fingers which, when the clip is in the releasable receipt of the piece, grip there between the stem of the piece to stably hold the piece at a storage position. The clip can also be formed integrally with the boat, trailer or recreational vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Werner Krueger
  • Patent number: 7588225
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for detachably securing cans for use in plumbing, painting, construction, and home improvement. The devices are configured for mounting a structure such as a ladder, scaffold, bench, tool box, saw horse, table, railing, pipe, wood, lumber, metal, or plastic support or other object and further configured for detachably securing cans, such as cans containing PVC glue or primer for a plumber's use. In one device, the securing members have two arms configured to be arranged in an open state for receiving the can with substantially zero insertion force. In that device, the arms have end portions with latching members configured to join together in a first engagement position with the can. In a closed state, the latching members are in a partially overlapping configuration that pulls the arms tightly around the circumference of the can and thereby supplies a compression fit with high pull-apart strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Marvin Wawerski
  • Patent number: 7537185
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention prevent beverage spills by retaining a beverage container in a swiveling device that provides the ability to upright itself when not in use. Embodiments of the invention further prevent dropping of beverage containers by retaining the beverage container in a swiveling device that holds the beverage container securely while the beverage is being consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin L. Joeckel
  • Publication number: 20090014617
    Abstract: A health club accessory comprising: a front semicylindrical wall, with a top surface; a rear wall attached to the front semicylindrical wall; a bottom wall attached to the front semicylindrical wall and rear wall, the front semicylindrical, the rear wall, and the bottom wall defining a semicylindrical volume; and a magnet located flush on the rear wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent P. Cicero
  • Publication number: 20090008525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic drinks bottle support. The inventive support (1) comprises an anchoring member (2) and a ring (3). The anchoring member (2) takes the form of a clamp that is intended to be fixed to a belt or hooked onto the edge of a pocket. The clamp (2) comprises two prongs, namely an outer prong (21) and an inner prong (22). The aforementioned ring (3) comprises an internal elastic lip (4) which projects out from the inner edge of the ring (3) in order to reduce the cross-section thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Philippe Chekroune
  • Patent number: 7464907
    Abstract: A bracket assembly to suspend objects comprising a bracket and a cap assembly. The bracket has a mounting plate that comprises a front surface and a rear surface. The bracket also has a U-shaped bracket having first and second arms that perpendicularly extend from the front surface. The U-shaped bracket defines first and second interior side edges and an interior rear edge. The cap assembly works in combination with a container. The cap assembly comprises a cap head, a bottom edge, and a ring. The ring has a first outside diameter that is larger than a distance between said first and second interior side edges to suspend the cap assembly in combination with the container from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Terry Lane
  • Patent number: 7445185
    Abstract: A health club accessory comprising: a front semicylindrical wall, with a top surface; a rear wall attached to the front semicylindrical wall; a bottom wall attached to the front semicylindrical wall and rear wall, the front semicylindrical, rear wall, and bottom wall defining a semicylindrical volume; a handle member attached to the bottom wall, and extending out from semicylindrical front wall by a distance D, the handle member comprising: an underside; a downward extending handle, an upwardly extending guide 46 extending from the handle; a towel surface located on the handle member between the upwardly extending guide and the semicylindrical front wall; a semicylindrical groove located on the underside of the handle member; an elongated holding member extending downwardly from the rear wall two orthogonal members located at a distal end of the holding member, the two orthogonal members being generally at right angles to the elongated holding member, a space located between the two orthogonal members; a tape
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent P. Cicero
  • Publication number: 20080265118
    Abstract: A health club accessory comprising: a front semicylindrical wall, with a top surface; a rear wall attached to the front semicylindrical wall; a bottom wall attached to the front semicylindrical wall and rear wall, the front semicylindrical, rear wall, and bottom wall defining a semicylindrical volume; a handle member attached to the bottom wall, and extending out from semicylindrical front wall by a distance D, the handle member comprising: an underside; a downward extending handle, an upwardly extending guide 46 extending from the handle; a towel surface located on the handle member between the upwardly extending guide and the semicylindrical front wall; a semicylindrical groove located on the underside of the handle member; an elongated holding member extending downwardly from the rear wall two orthogonal members located at a distal end of the holding member, the two orthogonal members being generally at right angles to the elongated holding member, a space located between the two orthogonal members; a tape
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent P. Cicero
  • Publication number: 20080191112
    Abstract: A rack with a rack body and a releasable locking portion holds two or more drinking vessels. The rack body includes a first and second locating devices, and a capture device to releasably capture the releasable locking portion. The releasable locking portion includes a first engagement device to engage with the capture device, and a second engagement device to engage with a second sector of each vessel base such that each vessel is prevented from moving in two perpendicular directions as a consequence of interaction between the vessel base, the second engagement device, and the first locating device, and is prevented from moving in a third perpendicular direction as a consequence of interaction between the second locating device and the upstanding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: THE BIG PICTURE LIMITED
    Inventor: Phillip Anthony Parker
  • Publication number: 20080169399
    Abstract: Provided herein is an item holder assembly that includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the assembly to an object such as a laptop computer, an item holder such as a beverage holder, and a flexible extension member connecting the attachment mechanism to the item holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Rod S. Berman
  • Patent number: 7395842
    Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the filling or refilling of a flexible, collapsible container having a pour spout and a method for using same. The apparatus includes a center frame element having attached to its upper end an upper frame element adapted to receive at least a portion of the pour spout of the container. At its lower end, the center frame element is attached to a lower frame element adapted to cradle a lower portion of the container being filled and to urge the container toward the center frame element as the flexible, collapsible container fills and expands. The apparatus is portable and may be removably mounted to a variety of vertical or horizontal surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: John J. Dyer