Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kenneth L. Tolar
  • Patent number: 6019561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible device for assisting a construction worker in erecting a framed wall. The device includes an elongated telescoping arm having a planar foot member at a first end thereof for vertically securing the arm to a floor. A first end of an elongated nylon strap is attached to a retraction mechanism on the arm. A second end of the nylon strap has a bracket thereon for securing to the top of a wall. The telescoping arm has a weight indication means for indicating to a user the weight of a wall being erected thereby. Accordingly, the strap may be secured to a horizontally oriented wall and the nylon strap is retracted causing the wall to pivot to a vertical position. The telescoping arm allows the device to be easily collapsed for transport or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Shane Thomson, Lee Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6019345
    Abstract: A child proof handle for a bathtub faucet includes a substantially cylindrical inner handle member having a centrally located bore for receiving the faucet valve stem and a pair of diametrically opposed passageways. The device also includes an outer handle member having an open end in communication with a hollow portion and a substantially centrally disposed bore. Received within the bores on the inner and outer handle members is an elongated bolt that secures the handle members to the valve stem. A spring is disposed between the inner and outer handle members for biasing the outer handle member away from the inner handle member. The outer handle member further includes a pair of diametrically opposed pins received within the hollow portion spaced and dimensioned to be received within the passageways on the inner handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Fred Bullard
  • Patent number: 6016861
    Abstract: A screen assembly for a rear vehicle window includes a screen track mechanism mounted to the existing window track assembly in which one or more windows are slidably received. A screen is slidably received within the screen track mechanism. When the windows are slid to an open position, the screen may be conveniently slid to cover the opening to prevent debris from entering the passenger compartment. Alternative embodiments include a pair of screens which may be selectively joined and a screen which may be joined to the side of a movable window to interchangeably move the window or screen to cover the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 6009569
    Abstract: A new and improved toilet seat handle including a housing attached to the lower side of a toilet seat having a handle member slidably received therein. The handle member may be retracted and locked within the housing or quickly ejected therefrom using a spring mechanism in communication with a side mounted lever allowing the handle member to be concealably stored when not in use. The handle member has a pair of elongated parallel slots for receiving the housing mounting screws allowing the handle member to slide relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Rick J. Ferrara
  • Patent number: 6006368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination shoulder pad and helmet assembly uniquely designed to protect a user from serious cervical spine injuries. The device comprises a helmet having a mounting bracket on the back portion thereof The mounting bracket has a pair of opposing embrasures in communication with and an axial, cylindrical bore. An elongated tubular rod is received within the bore having an indention at opposing ends thereof. The rod is retained within the bore using a spring biased pin received within the embrasures and the indention which also limits the rotation of the rod relative to the cylindrical bore. The spring biased pin has a concave portion proximal its head which may be selectively aligned with the rod indention to release the rod from the brackets. The opposing end of the rod is secured to a similar bracket and pin mechanism mounted to the top edge of a set of shoulder pads. Furthermore, a mid-torso protective device is secured to the lower edge of the shoulder pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Richard L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6004307
    Abstract: An infant's diaper has an exterior surface to which a plurality of packets are adhesively secured each having a discrete hygienic item therein such as a pre-moistened towelette, ointments, powders and the like. The diaper is sealed within a water impermeable cover member having perforated side walls and a perforated top portion which may be separated allowing the cover to be spread and used as a diaper changing surface. The diapers may be prepackaged or transported in an accompanying carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Ricardo Colon, Carmen R. Colon
  • Patent number: 6003573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a purse assembly comprising a plurality of outer bag components each having a unique color or design. An interior pouch may be removably received within any one of the associated bag components by zipping the pouch onto the interior surface of the bag component side walls. Within the interior of the pouch and attached to a side thereof are a plurality of accessory storage devices such as a pen and pencil holder, a credit card holder, a photograph holder and a phone number/address book. Accordingly, items that are typically stored in a purse are placed in the removable pouch. When changing purse styles, a user would simply unzip the pouch and reattach it to another style bag component, thus eliminating the burdensome chore of having to individually transfer the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: JoAnn Owens
  • Patent number: 6000745
    Abstract: A new and improved pickup truck bed cover includes a plurality of substantially U-shaped frame members integrally supporting a cover member. The frame members each have first and second terminal ends with a roller and spring loaded lock mechanism at each terminal end. The rollers rollably engage a pair of channels each attached to a side wall of a pickup truck allowing the device to be collapsed towards the truck passenger cab or extended therefrom. The spring loaded lock mechanism allows the rollers to be selectively anchored within the channels preventing the frame members from rolling when the cover is in a fully extended position. The cover member has a rear panel with a window, a brake light, and an access zipper thereon. The cover member may then be stored within a sleeve and flap combination attached to the pickup truck passenger cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Teodor Alexa
  • Patent number: 6000948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly for a microphone which allows the microphone and cord to be independently rotated thereby preventing the cord from twisting and distorting. The device includes a first connector having a cylindrical housing with a plurality of female ports on an end thereof for receiving the male prongs on an end of the microphone. Received within the cylindrical housing proximal the opposing end are a plurality of spring biased pins in electrical communication with the ports. The device also includes a second connector having a cylindrical housing which may be rotatably coupled to the first connector. An end of the housing is open and has a horizontal, substantially circular circuit board proximal thereto. On the upper surface of the circular circuit board are a plurality of concentric electrically conductive paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: John O. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6000291
    Abstract: A starter assembly for assisting a user in starting a lawnmower engine includes a base component having two opposing vertical side walls, a vertical rear wall and planar horizontal upper and lower surfaces. A lawnmower may be suspended a predetermined distance above the upper surface by placing its wheels on a pair of opposed ramp members. Attached to a sidewall of the base component is an electric motor which rotatably drives a horizontal bar extending from the upper surface. The rotating bar has a pair of oppositely facing pivoting flaps for engaging a lawnmower blade. The electric motor is selectively activated with a lockable switch disposed on the exterior of the base component. Accordingly, when the electric motor is activated, the bar rotates and the flaps pivot to a vertical position to engage the lawnmower blade to rotate the blade at a speed sufficient to crank the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: William H. Swift
  • Patent number: 5997178
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a trash bag which may be quickly and conveniently secured to a trash bag which further includes an integral disinfecting means therein. The device includes a bag member having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a closed end and an open end. Integral with the periphery of the open end is an elasotmeric band for selectively expanding the diameter or circumference thereof. Attached to the exterior surface of the bag member and overlaying the band is an annular retainer having a plurality of protrusions integral with its outer surface for frictionally engaging the exterior surface of a trash can. The open end of the bag member may be folded about a trash can whereby the integral elastomeric band will compress the retainer tightly against the exterior of the trash can. Attached to the interior surface of the bag member are a plurality of rupturable pods each having an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal or anti-mold substance therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Melissa Nye, William Nye
  • Patent number: 5993276
    Abstract: A floating child seat assembly is disclosed and includes a chair member having a seat portion and a backrest portion perpendicularly depending therefrom. Upper and lower inflatable flotation devices are secured to each side of the chair member to suspend the chair member on the surface of a body of water. A weight is secured to the bottom surface of the seat portion to maintain the chair member in an upright position. The backrest portion has a pair of opposing adjustable straps extending therefrom for securing the child within the chair member. An umbrella is removably secured to the backrest portion to shield a child from sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Carlos Ponton, Victoria Ponton
  • Patent number: 5987810
    Abstract: An insect trap includes a substantially cylindrical, hollow base component having an open top in communication with an interior chamber and a chemical attractant device received therein. Superimposed on the open top is a mesh screen that is precoated with an insect eradicating substance. A plurality of legs extend from the bottom surface of the base component for supporting the base component a predetermined distance above a supporting surface. In addition, the interior chamber may be selectively enclosed with a transparent, semi-spherical lid member whenever the device is not in use. The chemical attractant is released to the surrounding environment to attract insects to the insecticide coated mesh screen where they are eradicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Troy L. Nash
  • Patent number: D417897
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Ritchey W. Miller, Denise M. Miller
  • Patent number: D419079
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Sandra L. Rodkey
  • Patent number: D419282
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventors: James A. Nickle, Lucy Nickle
  • Patent number: D420422
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley L. Blount
  • Patent number: D420423
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley L. Blount
  • Patent number: D420424
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley L. Blount
  • Patent number: D420721
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley L. Blount