Socket Patents (Class 248/314)
  • Publication number: 20020030148
    Abstract: A plurality of components are provided to be assembled into a plurality of brackets each of a different configuration, one of the components includes a shaft holder having an opening formed therein. At least one of the brackets can be assembled from less than all of the components, wherein each of the brackets at least includes the shaft holder. The bracket can be used in the form of a wall mount, a clamp mount, a flat mount and the like for mounting a device to a supporting surface using the shaft holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Odd N. Oddsen
  • Publication number: 20020023992
    Abstract: An adaptor is provided and is configured to be received within a beverage container receptacle comprising a first section including a base, the base including a planar support surface. The adaptor also includes at least one sidewall extending from the support surface, wherein the sidewall is configured to provide lateral support to a beverage container, and a second section jointed to and depending from the upper section including a pedestal. There is also provided A beverage container support apparatus comprising a first section including a a planar support surface, the planar support surface including a throughbore disposed therein, and a plurality of sidewall sections extending from the planar support surface and configured to provide lateral support to a multi-sided beverage container, and a second section, depending from the first section, and including a receptacle communicating with the throughbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allan Veltri, Paul Joseph Taillefer
  • Patent number: 6345723
    Abstract: A storage holder (1, 13, 20, 24) for holding bottles and containers in an upright or inverted orientation as necessary to make the liquid contents readily available for use. The holder has a base section (3, 14, 25, 36, 40) for supporting bottles and containers in an upright position and an opening to insert and surround a cap when holding a bottle or container in an inverted orientation. A back section (4, 15, 21,26, 44) connected to the base section provides wall mounting capability. One embodiment of the holder may have a front section (6, 16, 32, 38, 41) to securely maintain a bottle or container between the front and back sections. The front section may be at least one flexible and curvilinear piece to hold various sizes and shapes of bottles and containers in a spring-like manner between the front and back sections. The holder may also have a top section (5, 19, 27) having an opening for inserting and supporting an upper portion of a bottle or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventors: Vance G. Blake, Stuart P. Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 6345798
    Abstract: A low-cost holder for labeling and displaying a tool. A tool can be inserted into the holder using high-speed automated assembly equipment. The tools are typically hex wrenches, screwdrivers, TORX drivers, open end wrenches, box end wrenches or some combination thereof. The holder includes a substrate having at least one housing defining a tool conduit with first and second openings. The tool conduit defines a cross sectional area capable of receiving the tool. At least one tool retaining structure extends across at least a portion of the tool conduit so that a frictional engagement force is generated between the tool and the tool retaining structure. The housing, substrate and tool retaining structure are integrally formed as a unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Bondhus Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Bondhus, Michael D. Blackston, Eric G. Bondhus, Mark L. Petroske
  • Patent number: 6318691
    Abstract: A hair dryer holder for supporting a hair dryer from a bathroom vanity drawer includes a generally planar horizontal support member having an aperture formed in a first end thereof for releasably receiving the nozzle of the hair dryer. Forwardmost and rearmost drawer engagers extend downwardly from the horizontal support member spaced apart from each other generally proximate the opposing second end of the horizontal support member. The rearmost and forwardmost drawer engagers extend along opposite sides of a drawer front. The upper surface of said horizontal support member extends under the vanity countertop as the drawer is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Steven C. Toth, Jr., Mary Jo Toth
  • Patent number: 6318672
    Abstract: The invention provides a quick disconnect mounting system for cabinets and partitions which entails only the removal of one or two bolt fasteners on the bottom of the cabinet and a pair of retractable pin fasteners on the upper portions of the cabinet, with an optional retractable pin fastener in the center rear of the cabinet. Each of these acoustical mounts are insulated, thus preventing vibration in the structural portion of the fuselage from entering the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Cessna Aircraft Company
    Inventor: David L. Traylor
  • Patent number: 6302368
    Abstract: A device for retaining different types of plant supports comprises a frame consisting of four members with ends that are releasably inserted into bores of a collar having a central passage and ends that are inserted into holes in container. The central passage on the collar receives the plant support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Philip Tsappi
  • Patent number: 6290193
    Abstract: A mounting receptacle is provided for securement to a flexible message panel. The mounting receptacle defines a housing for receiving a support rib. A threshold portion is hingedly coupled to the housing portion allowing a rib to contact the threshold portion while the housing portion is bent out of the way of the rib. The rib is telescopically received in the housing portion and, when released, tensions the message panel in a planar message-displaying condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Williams, Grant D. Dicke
  • Publication number: 20010020668
    Abstract: A hair dryer holder for adjustably holding a hair dryer, comprising a base for attaching the hair dryer holder to a surface; an extension member including a bottom portion fixed to the base and an arm member extending from the base; and a cup member coupled to the arm member. The holder also includes a ball member disposed between the cup member and a plate member for rotation therein, the ball member is configured for coupling to a nozzle of a hair dryer such that the nozzle can be positioned by the ball member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Anne Marie Thomas, Andrew P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6283430
    Abstract: A socket housing that is designed to be mounted on a reflector includes a socket plate having generally L-shaped plate having a tab extending from an end of a first segment of the L-shaped plate and an enclosure including a pair of side walls. A first side wall includes a slotted opening that receives the tab when the socket plate is mounted on the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: John S. Schubert, Joellen M. Skonberg
  • Patent number: 6273378
    Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary-lamp mounting assembly (10) consisting of a lamp-housing bracket (12) which has attached a resilient latch insert (50), and a lamp-housing mounting bracket (100) which incorporates a latch receptor (116). The lamp housing bracket (12) is adjustably attached to the sides of a vehicle auxiliary lamp (200), and the lamp-housing mounting bracket (100) is attached to a vehicle structure. When the resilient latch insert (50) is inserted into the latch receptor (116) the vehicle auxiliary lamp (200) is secured. Normally, a conventional vehicle lamp mounting assembly cannot be easily attached adjacent to a corner structure because there is insufficient space to insert and tighten a bolt or nut into the lamp mounting assembly. By utilizing the vehicle auxiliary-lamp mounting assembly (10) the problem of attaching and detaching a lamp assembly adjacent to a corner structure is solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventors: Sam Fu, Calvin S. Wang
  • Patent number: 6257539
    Abstract: A holder for marker pens that keep the latter readily available for use while providing a relatively sealed compartment that prevents or minimize the circulation of air around the tip of the pen. The housing has slanted walls that provide structural stability to the holder when it holds one or more pens. An opening in the housing includes upper and lower cavities with a slanted portion inbetween acting as a seal for the end of the tubular housing of a pen. As step in the lower cavity further reduces its diameter ensuring the further isolation of the pen's tip thus protecting from the frying action of circulating air. Portable embodiments for use with a user's belt permit ready access to pens for an ambulatory user. One of these embodiments includes a removable pen holder member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Pedro R. Pelaez
  • Patent number: 6186461
    Abstract: A holder for marker pens that keep the latter readily available for use while providing a relatively sealed compartment that prevents or minimize the circulation of air around the tip of the pen. The housing has slanted walls that provide structural stability to the holder when it holds one or more pens. An opening in the housing includes upper and lower cavities with a slanted portion inbetween acting as a seal for the end of the tubular housing of a pen. As step in the lower cavity further reduces its diameter ensuring the further isolation of the pen's tip thus protecting from the frying action of circulating air. Portable embodiments for use with a user's belt permit ready access to pens for an ambulatory user. One of these embodiments includes a removable pen holder member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Pedro R. Pelaez
  • Patent number: 6179258
    Abstract: A support frame for decorative lights disposed about a window includes top, bottom, and first and second side members connected together to form a generally rectangular structure. Each frame member includes a pair of elongated, linear members connected lengthwise in a telescoping manner which are hollow and rectangular in cross-section and have respective inner and outer walls. The inner and outer walls of each frame member are each provided with a plurality of spaced apertures, with each pair of aligned apertures in the inner and outer walls adapted to receive a decorative light in a tight-fitting manner. Lights inserted in aligned apertures of a pair of telescoping frame members prevent sliding movement between the frame members. This telescoping connection within each linear frame member in combination with a spring-biased tension cap on the end of each frame member allows the support frame to be adjusted to fit a wide range of window frame heights and widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph C. Dell'Aquila
  • Patent number: 6179259
    Abstract: Devices for detachably securing razors with cans or containers of shaving cream. According to the first embodiment, the invention comprises a holder member mounted or formed upon the cap of a conventional can of shaving cream. The holder member defines an aperture or axial pathway for receiving the handle portion of a conventional razor, as well as a support surface for receiving the razor head of such razor. In a second preferred embodiment, the device comprises first and second members hingingly attached to one another and mountable upon the dispenser mechanism of a can of shaving cream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Richard D. Schioldager
  • Patent number: 6152100
    Abstract: A holder for a spare spark plug for an internal combustion engine in a snowmobile is provided on an engine accessory such as an air intake silencer for the engine, and wherein the holder includes a receptacle for receiving the threaded electrode end of a spare spark plug and a clamp for the opposite terminal end of the spark plug. The terminal end clamp is configured to retain the spark plug against substantial axial movement out of the receptacle while permitting lateral displacement of the terminal end of the spark plug to permit removal of the spark plug from the receptacle. The holder and terminal end clamp may be integrally formed as one piece with an air intake silencer. The receptacle is configured to shield the electrode end of the spark plug when it is installed in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiharu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6145334
    Abstract: A unit is installed easily and safely on a vertical member within hand's reach from above. An indoor unit is installed indoors and has a hook extending downward from the upper part of the back side of the indoor unit. An outdoor unit is installed outdoors to cooperate with the indoor unit. An installation member including a yoke is fitted to the vertical member with bolts. A holding part having the hook of the outdoor unit is engaged with the upper part of this yoke from above, and extended laterally for stopping it from beneath. A stopping part is provided beneath the holding part of the front side of the yoke for stopping the back side of the outdoor unit at a specified position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Mochizuki, Mitsuo Nakanuma
  • Patent number: 6142486
    Abstract: The present invention is a combination of a flexible arm with a collet assembly. The assembly includes an elongated flexible arm or tube with a collet at one end and a releasable mounting assembly integral with the opposed end. The collet is arranged to grippingly receive and retain a tubular work item therein, such as a flashlight, magnifying glass or lense, clamping retainer, or the like, with the work device having a circular cross-section and in the form of a tube, sleeve, cylindrical shaft, or the like. The releasable retaining mechanism includes a prong and socket assembly, with the prong portion being preferably integral with the flexible arm, and with the socket portion being adapted to releasably retain the prong and accordingly the flexible arm and collet assembly. The collet is provided with an outer external ring which slidingly engages with the internal gripping fingers, thereby simplifying the attachment to the working device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Cedarberg Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Cedarberg, III
  • Patent number: 6135409
    Abstract: This invention provides a spectacle holder for containment of a pair of spectacles, the holder being attachable to any convenient surface, wherein the holder comprises:(a) a body (10) having a substantially flat surface (11) for attachment of the holder to the convenient surface;(b) an upper (as viewed in use) clasp (12) adapted to encircle or partially encircle one arm of a pair of spectacles; and(c) at least one lower (as viewed in use) side support (13A, 13B) adapted to maintain the abovementioned arm in position,wherein the pair of spectacles may be contained by means of insertion of the abovementioned arm through the clasp (12) and through the support or supports and removed as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Inventit Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Michael O'Keeffe
  • Patent number: 6135408
    Abstract: In a holder for an object, such as a mobile telephone, comprising a housing having a front part with a front wall and a rear part with a rear wall and a permanent magnet disposed in the housing adjacent the front wall thereof, the front wall has a recess formed therein and an iron plate having a shape so as to be fittingly received in the recess and having adhesive means at one side thereof is provided for attachment of the plate to an object to permit placing of the object on the holder with the iron plate mounted thereon and received in the recess for locating and holding the object on the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Herbert Richter
  • Patent number: 6123299
    Abstract: An apparatus to safely hold a heated curling iron to an existing electrical plug outlet. A conventional plug outlet has its face plate removed and the apparatus is retrofitted on an existing conventional plug outlet. A wall mounted unit consists of an expanded substitute face wall plate replacement with electrical plug inlets on its top and bottom surfaces. This retrofitted wall mounted unit has provision for the insertion of additional plug contacts and for mounting the curling iron holder at an adjustable angle. To adjustably mount the wall mounted unit to the curling iron holder, several protruding plugs in a circular configuration surround a larger center protruding member. Each of these plugs and member can engage complementarily shaped holes in the wall mounted unit. An end enlarged cap and spring retaining member combination allows the curling iron holder to be slightly pulled away from the wall mounted unit and then rotated to have this angular adjustment made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Howard L. Zach, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6113049
    Abstract: A cup receptacle adaptor which may be ideally useful in the console type of a cup recess or receptacle found in an automobile, but which has broader application and wherein the adaptor is expansible to fit a variety of diameter of recesses or receptacles and wherein the adaptor is suitable for receiving a work configured structure such as a tray, message pad holder or the like and wherein, the adaptor is easily positioned into the cup recess or receptacle by reason of a rotative movement that imparts outward and inward movement to depending portions which fit into the cup receptacle or recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Julie A. Miljanich
  • Patent number: 6113048
    Abstract: Apparatus for cradling a candle formed with a base member having a bottom surface for mounting the apparatus on a structure and an upper surface positioned and inclined at an angle with respect to the bottom surface for receiving a base of the candle. A supporting member is mounted on the base member adjacent the lower portion of the upper surface with respect to the bottom surface of the base member and has an outer surface thereof perpendicular to the base member bottom surface and an inner surface positioned perpendicular to the upper surface and configured for receiving and supporting the candle on the base member upper surface with a center axis of the candle positioned at the angle with respect to a vertical line perpendicular to the base member bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Dwight A. Marshall
    Inventor: Harry L. Shire
  • Patent number: 6099062
    Abstract: A beverage container receptacle for a cup holder of given diameter provided as an automotive vehicle accessory including a substantially cylinder-shaped lower section having a diameter less than that of the automotive vehicle cup holder accessory, a substantially cubed-shaped upper section having a length greater than the diameter of the cup holder accessory, and a connecting surface joining an upper end of the lower section and a lower end of the upper section, with the connecting surface being of a construction and composition to support the weight of a beverage carton or bottle fitted through the upper section of the receptacle and towards its lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Scott Siegel
  • Patent number: 6070844
    Abstract: A beverage holder composed of hollow cylindrical upper and lower parts, where the parts are rotatable with respect to one another. The upper and lower parts are connected with one another by a plurality of rod-shaped connecting elements (rods). When the two parts are rotated relative to one another, the rods are tilted, such that the inside diameter inside the hollow cylindrical upper and lower parts is reduced. In this manner, a container inserted into the beverage holder is reliably clamped. The rod-shaped connecting elements may be designed "in the manner of a stocking." When an impermeable material is used and the rod-shaped connecting elements are attached in a sealing fashion to the hollow cylindrical assembly and/or the ring, the cylindrical assembly then becomes suitable for allowing a liquid or a gaseous media to flow through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hermann Juergen Salenbauch, Alexander Klatt, Robert Stancel, Johnathan I. Kaplan, Alex Kazaks, Bruce Grant MacGregor, Steven Vassallo
  • Patent number: 6068229
    Abstract: An attachable clamping unit adapted to be associated with a decorative light bulb socket is disclosed. The attachable clamping unit is provided with a ring member and a wire clamping hook structure. The wire clamping hook structure is formed on the outer side wall of the ring member for hooking electrical connecting wires adjacent thereto so as to form a decorative light web string. The clamping unit further comprises a light bulb socket joining structure formed on the outer side wall of the ring member for joining the light bulb socket adjacent thereto. The light bulb socket joining structure includes a C-shaped member and a cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Jessica Wang, Dennis Wang
  • Patent number: 6065730
    Abstract: A bolt positioning and retaining device possesses a base through which it is attached to a mud wall. The bolt positioning and retaining device also includes a stop, and may include one or more steps and corresponding step faces, each of which is capable of abutting an edge of a mud wall to enable accurate positioning of a bolt relative to that mud wall. The bolt positioning and retaining device also preferably includes a bolt retainer comprising a plurality of gripping flanges, which allow an anchor bolt to be quickly and easily inserted into the bolt retainer and which securely retain the bolt after insertion. The bolt retainer is located on an extension arm, which preferably extends outward from and at an angle to the plane of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Make-It Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Marks, Gregory S. Powell
  • Patent number: 6039297
    Abstract: A flashlight holder having a hollow interior walled casing which extends around the sides of a held flashlight. Apertures or holes in the casing's sides permit the tip and front part of a screwdriver to be insert into from one side of the casing to turn screws in an aligned side hole to mount the holder flush against a supporting surface, such as a wall. Upper opposite cut out portions of the casing allow the side switch on any retained flashlight to clear the adjacent casing wall if inserted in either of two different opposite orientations. A lower support rod fixed into the casing's side walls extends completely across the hollow interior of the casing and is used to support the lower base of a retained flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Robert E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6024331
    Abstract: A holder bracket for securing a hand shower to a stationary rod centered on a rod axis has a support body having structure forming a forwardly open seat for the hand shower and formed with a throughgoing laterally closed passage through which the rod passes and, to one side of the axis, with at least one rib bearing radially on the rod. A retaining element mounted on the support body to the other side of the axis bears radially on the rod opposite to the rib. A compressible member engaged between the retaining element and the body presses the element radially against the body and thereby compresses the rod between the element and the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG
    Inventors: Bernd Bischoff, Bruno Heimann
  • Patent number: 6016673
    Abstract: A cable lock and complementary bracket for securely attaching the cable lock to a bicycle frame when not in use. The bracket has an attachment portion that mounts the bracket to a frame strut and a seat with a cavity into which the lock head of the cable lock fits. The cavity is funnel shaped to limit movement between the lock head and bracket. An arm on the bracket includes a tongue that extends into a groove in the lock head to securely retain the lock head in the bracket. The tongue is biased into the groove and is manually removable by bending the arm to allow removal of the lock head from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Kryptonite Corporation
    Inventor: Cornelius McDaid
  • Patent number: 5988569
    Abstract: A holder, mountable on the back of a truck tractor cab, has two electrical plug receptacles and two gladhand keepers. The gladhand keepers are vertically directed and angled with respect to the mounting surface of the cab, so that an operator can store in the keepers the hose-end gladhands associated with the tractor without climbing on, leaning over, or stretching across the frame of the truck behind the cab. The electrical plug receptacles are at an angle away from the surface, making it easier for an operator to insert the plugs into the electrical plug receptacle and thereby reducing wear to the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: R.A. Phillips Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Zhang, John D. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5979847
    Abstract: A mounting receptacle is provided for securement to a flexible message panel. The mounting receptacle defines a housing for receiving a support rib. A threshold portion is hingedly coupled to the housing portion allowing a rib to contact the threshold portion while the housing portion is bent out of the way of the rib. The rib is telescopically received in the housing portion and, when released, tensions the message panel in a planar message-displaying condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Williams, Grant D. Dicke
  • Patent number: 5971337
    Abstract: A bolt falling prevention holder which prevents the falling of a bolt when fastening and removing a part or a member, mounted within a case, using a fastening tool, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the operation and the safety. The bolt falling prevention holder includes a hollow holder portion, and a fixing portion for fixing the holder to the case in such a manner that the holder portion is maintained at a predetermined angle, the fixing portion having a retaining hole formed in one end thereof. A bolt insertion hole is formed through a predetermined portion of the case of an electric connection box, and a retaining member for engagement with the fixing portion is mounted on the case in the vicinity of the bolt insertion hole. A projection for retaining engagement in the retaining hole is formed on an outer surface of the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Furuya
  • Patent number: 5961086
    Abstract: A hands-free gripping device which holds generally cylindrical containers, particularly labware, securely and prevents the container from turning while either opening or closing it. The gripping device features internal deformable ribbing, which secures the container by canting slightly when the container is turned thereby wedging the container in place. This action resists rotation in either direction, making a single device practical for both opening and closing. The device can be mounted on any flat surface and acts as a "third hand" to allow the user to use both hands or to use a single hand to grasp securely the closure being removed or secured from the container. The gripping device facilitates assembly or disassembly of labware devices needing application of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Q. Moore, Stephen E. Little
  • Patent number: 5957421
    Abstract: A retainer device (10) for holding tools (12) in a removable manner to a utility belt (14) and a wall (16) comprising a plurality of clip members (18). A facility (20) is for mounting the clip members (18) to the utility belt (14) and the wall (16). A plurality of stud members (22) are provided. An assemblage (24) is for affixing each of the stud members (22) to a tool (12). In a first instance, each tool (12) with one stud member (22) can quickly engage with and disengage from any one clip member (18) on the utility belt (14) for work purposes. In a second instance, each tool (12) with one stud member (22) can quickly engage with and disengage from any one clip member (18) on the wall (16) for storage purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Lee Barbour
  • Patent number: 5956862
    Abstract: A support for a conventional pistol grip hair dryer including a flexible tube with a stiffener rod positioned inside said tube. A clam shell type clamp is secured on one end of the tube for grasping the hair dryer. A tongue bracket is secured on the other end of the tube that may be be detachably engaged with a groove bracket secured to a vertical surface. In another mode of support, the bracket end of the tube with rod bent to a coil as desired and the support is supported on a horizontal surface (table top) in a cobra like arrangement with the dryer held free standing by virtue of the bendable rod inside the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Leonard J. Bondi
  • Patent number: 5947435
    Abstract: A box-shaped component is mounted within a vehicle body by a bracket attached to the vehicle and having slide surfaces which slidably receive the component. A retaining element is provided on the component. A retainer member, preferably a lever, is movably mounted on the bracket for movement between retaining and releasing positions with respect to the retaining element of the component. The retainer member has a first engaging element capturing the retaining element of the component at a first position of partial insertion of the component into the bracket. The retainer member also has a second engaging element for capturing the retaining element of the component at a second position of full insertion of the component into the bracket. The retainer member is preferably a lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Clare Small
  • Patent number: 5948226
    Abstract: An oxygen concentration detector easily assembled without producing conducting malfunctions at an external electrode includes a cylindrical housing and a detecting element being inserted into and disposed inside the housing. Powdery seal materials made of ceramic power are filled under pressure between a top portion of the detecting element and the housing. The detecting element has the external electrode at an external surface thereof and a lead portion extending upwardly from the external electrode. A ring-shaped conducting member is installed between the lead portion of the detecting element and the housing as a ground to conduct electricity therebetween and has a resilient contacting piece in contact with the lead portion at an inner peripheral portion of the ring-shaped conducting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Sakawa, Taiji Yokoyama, Michihiro Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 5947432
    Abstract: A holster device for supporting a hand held type hair dryer is disclosed. The holster device includes a primary support for mounting the device to a support surface. The device also includes a pair of opposed flexible holster members which define a holster pocket therein. The holster pocket is adapted to receive a hair dryer handle therein to support the dryer in place. The holster members are relatively flexible to accommodate hair dryers of various shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas C. Reddin
    Inventors: Thomas C. Reddin, Susan P. Martin
  • Patent number: 5917694
    Abstract: An organizer device for hair care appliances including a housing and a plurality of receptacles therein which are adapted to receive hair dryers, hair curlers, and other hair care appliances. The receptacles are exposed from one or more surfaces of the housing and they are formed of an insulative material which allows them to decrease the initial heat-up time for curling irons by minimizing the effects of convection and conduction. The housing is provided with a number of electrical outlets and a main power switch, all of which are disposed on the front of the housing in an accessible position. A main electrical cord connects the electrical receptacles on the housing to a wall socket. Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a appliance organizer that combines a plurality of terminal receptacles with a main power switch, a plurality of cylindrical tubes adapted for receiving a hair dryer and a plurality of curling irons, and a main power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Brian D. Denny
  • Patent number: 5897090
    Abstract: The puck for a sample tube includes a housing, a spring device and an end cap. The spring device has an annular base portion and angularly spaced spring arms that extend upwardly from the base portion and then bend downwardly toward the base portion. The end cap includes a hub portion around which the spring device is mounted. The cap with the spring device are fixed at one end of the housing and a portion of the spring arms extend into the interior space of the housing. The downwardly directed portion of the spring arm includes a sample tube engaging portion that is substantially parallel with a central axis of the housing. Thus a sample tube inserted in the puck engages the sample tube engaging portions of the spring arms which exert a biasing force against the sample tube. The spring arms provide an optimum restraining force against the sample tube to permit easy insertion and removal of the sample tube from the puck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Thomas Smith, David Patrick O'Bryan, Bingham Hood Van Dyke, Michael John Campanelli
  • Patent number: 5884884
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mounting assembly for an image intensifier tube in an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mounting assembly (152) may include a housing (154), a retainer (158) and a locking device (177). The housing (154) may be mounted to an optical bench (60). The retainer (158) may engage an image intensifier tube (150) and be coupled to the housing (154). The image intensifier tube (150) may be rotatable relative to the optical bench (60). The locking device (177) may selectively secure the image intensifier tube (150) relative to the optical bench (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5871106
    Abstract: A holder for a caulk tube comprises a rigid cylinder having a bottom with a hole therethrough. The caulk tube fits in the cylinder with the dispensing tip extending through the hole in the bottom of the cylinder. A hanging mechanism allows the holder to be hung from various objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: John William Oksa, Preston Roy Clay
  • Patent number: 5865413
    Abstract: A surface mountable auto-onsertable component holder (100) includes captivating structures (123, 125, 127 and 129) on opposing walls (101, 103, 115, and 117) to hold an electrical component (200) in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Niemann, Yan Alexander Gonsky, Jeff Kotz
  • Patent number: 5857601
    Abstract: An improved beverage holder is provided that is particularly well suited for association with the handlebar of a stroller. The beverage holder includes a flattened U-configured clip that is removably positionable over the handlebar. The beverage holder also includes a receptacle. To engage the receptacle with the clip, the receptacle is provided with an outwardly projecting stub shaft having an enlarged head, and one leg of the clip is provided with a keyhole-type slot. When the enlarged head is extended through the enlarged upper end portion of the keyhole slot, the stub shaft is slidably movable in the narrow lower portion of the keyhole slot, thereby engaging the receptacle with the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark H. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 5836460
    Abstract: A portable bottle rack, particularly useful for attachment to a fence or similar vertical structure for the purpose of holding sports bottles, includes a base assembly having two parallel elongate rods, a plurality of bottle holders disposed along and connected to both rods of the base assembly, a plurality of hooks connected to one of the two rods of the base assembly for removably hanging the rack, and a plurality of adjustable straps connected at one end to the other of the two rods, each strap having a releasable hook at its opposite end and a quick release buckle between the two ends, for securing the rack. Utility hooks are also provided to facilitate hanging articles from the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventors: Joe Dan Brown, Clifford J. Adams
  • Patent number: 5823496
    Abstract: A beverage holder which comprises an elongated member having a pointed, ground penetrating tip, a container carrier dimensioned to receive a beverage container such as an aluminum can containing soda, beer, or the like, and a pivotal coupling assembly for coupling the container carrier to the elongated member, the carrier being selectively angularly positionable into an upright orientation relative to the elongated member regardless of the angular position of the latter relative to the ground. Illustratively, the elongated member may be configured with an axial bore dimensioned and arranged to receive and support the butt-end or handle portion of a fishing pole, the thus configured beverage holding assembly functioning also as a fishing pole holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: Anthony Foley, Sandra Foley
  • Patent number: 5819932
    Abstract: A holder for pliers and similar tools contains a body with a bore passing into the body from the top surface and extending at least substantially through the body. The bore has a narrow part that is wider than the tool in its closed position and narrower than the tool in its open position. A divider extends through the bore from the front surface to the back surface. The upper surface of the divider is at or below the narrow part of the bore. When the working pieces of a pair of pliers or similar tool are placed into the body through the top opening of the bore, the post forces the working pieces apart so that the handles are also forced apart and so that the tool is readily accessible and yet resists dislodgment if the holder is subjected to rapid upward and downward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: G. Theodore Norbits
  • Patent number: 5813636
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for instrument gauge holders which are precision made to fit each gauge properly so they prevent excessive vibration and damage. These holders can easily be properly located to increase the visibility of the gauges, and, importantly, it is not necessary to alter the original factory dash design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Gary W. Lollis
  • Patent number: 5799910
    Abstract: A toothpaste tube and toothbrush holder is disclosed for holding various sized and shaped toothpaste tubes. The toothpaste tube holder includes slots for ease of access of the toothpaste tube and for providing a wedging action for securely holding the toothpaste tube in a rolled-up position when not in use. The holder also provides a plurality of recessed shelves for holding other types of toothpaste containers. Finally, the device comprises an enclosed cavity for holding toothbrushes, the cavity being accessible from a removable base tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Fred E. Dexter