Abstract: A swing-out tool chest provides a multi-drawer tool storage chest for organization of tools. The multi-drawer tool storage chest is pivotally mounted in the rear corner of the pickup bed or near the rear doors of a utility van. When not in use, the swing-out tool chest nestles against the side of the vehicle between the tailgate (or rear doors of a utility van) and the wheel well. To gain access to the tools, the operator opens the tailgate and swings the swing-out tool chest toward the rear of the bed. The tools are easily accessible and, in the case of a pickup, the tail gate provides a convenient work area. The present invention further includes a method of converting a commercially available locking tool storage chest to a swing-out tool chest mounted in a pickup bed, van, utility truck, or other vehicle.
Abstract: A livestock loading chute is suitable for attachment to the rear frame of any dock loading livestock trailer to permit either dock loading or ground loading of livestock. The livestock loading chute includes an upper chute section, attached to the rear frame of the trailer, and a lower chute section, which is supported by the upper chute section. The upper chute section, which is aligned with the trailer's roll-up door, contains an upper chute section ramp adjustable between a horizontal position for dock loading and an inclined position for use in conjunction with the lower chute section for ground loading.
Abstract: A cover for the bed of a pickup truck provides a front rigid panel fastened to the front wall of the pickup bed, at least one intermediate rigid panel attached to the front rigid panel by a first transverse hinge, and a rear rigid panel attached to the intermediate rigid panel by a second transverse hinge. The rear rigid panel has a tailgate locking lip flaring downwardly and outwardly to prevent the tailgate from opening. In the fully covering position, the pickup bed cover provides a water-resistant, locked cargo area. In the partially covering position, the rear rigid panel and, optionally, the intermediate rigid panel fold forward to permit access to the cargo bed. Another pickup bed cover according to the applicant's invention provides a frontmost rigid panel fastened to a toolbox mounted in the pickup bed, at least one intermediate rigid panel attached to the front rigid panel by a first transverse hinge, and a rearmost rigid panel attached to the intermediate rigid panel by a second transverse hinge.
Abstract: A notebook computer stand for a notebook computer provides a U-shaped pocket and a support. The U-shaped pocket receives the relatively thicker frame portion of the notebook computer housing the keyboard, the CPU, the mouse, and related hardware. The notebook computer's hinged display is deployed above the pocket for ease of viewing. In one embodiment, the notebook computer stand includes a storage compartment, cable slots for routing cables connected to the notebook computer, and height adjusters for varying the height of the computer stand and, indirectly, the viewing angle of the display.
Abstract: A sectional intake manifold includes a flanged first intake manifold section having and a flanged second intake manifold section. Bolts extend through unthreaded bores in the first intake manifold section flange into threaded bores in the second intake manifold section flange to secure the first intake manifold section to the second intake manifold section. A seal is provided between the first section mating flange and the second section mating flange. A method is also provided for converting a conventional intake manifold to a sectional intake manifold according to the present invention.
Abstract: A disposable non-reusable baby bottle provides a container having a rigid flange at the container's open end, a nipple having a radially enlarged flange, and a snap ring which locks the nipple to the open end of the container. The nipple is invertible between a storage position wherein the nipple extends into the container and a ready-to-use position wherein the nipple is accessible to a nursing infant. The snap ring includes a snap ring sealing ridge which protrudes into the radially enlarged flange of the nipple to increase resistance to removal of the nipple following use. In an alternate embodiment, the container rigid flange includes a second sealing ridge which protrudes into the radially enlarged flange of the nipple to further increase resistance of the nipple to removal. A safety seal prevents contamination of the nipple by covering the nipple when the nipple is in the storage position.