Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kenneth L. Tolar
  • Patent number: 5932093
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved chlorine dispenser including a substantially cylindrical housing having a closed bottom and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A pair of diametrically opposed apertures are disposed adjacent the bottom end for respectively receiving a water inlet and a water outlet pipe. A dial is rotatably mounted to the exterior surface of the housing immediately adjacent the bottom end. The dial is in communication with a valve means disposed within the water effluent line allowing the water flow through the interior chamber to be selectively adjusted. An elongated tubular shaft is received within the cylindrical housing and vertically depends from its bottom surface. On the exterior of the shaft is a switch means in communication with an output means which may be connected to an external or auxiliary alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Joe Chulick
  • Patent number: 5926881
    Abstract: A combination carrying case and diaper changing table includes a pair of pivotally joined shell portions which mate in a clam shell fashion to form a hollow carrying case. Each portion includes a pair of side walls and outer and inner end walls therebetween defining a storage space. The shell portions may be opened to expose a cushion to form a diaper changing table. A first section has an outer barrier surrounding its side and outer end walls forming a substantially U-shaped receptacle therebetween. A canopy is collapsibly received within the storage receptacle which may be expanded to form a light or privacy screen. A side rail is secured to the inwardly facing side of each shell portion side wall which may be pivoted to a vertical position when the shell portions are in an open position providing a protective barrier about the diaper changing table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Santosha B. Madison
  • Patent number: 5921230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulating mechanism for a gas water heater designed to increase the efficiency thereof. The device comprises a blanket formed of a pair of arcuate, adjacent panel members having top and bottom edges with a pair of opposing side edges therebetween. Adjacent side edges of the panel members are hingedly joined with the opposing side edges being selectively attachable to form a cylindrical blanket that encases a water heater storage reservoir. A piping system is disposed within each panel member for circulating waste gas therethrough. An exhaust duct is disposed on the top surface of a water heater outer shell and is in communication with the interior thereof. A hinged baffle divides the duct into an upper and lower chamber both of which are in communication with the piping system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventors: Joe Vessells, Steve Allen, Ricky Tinnell
  • Patent number: 5920921
    Abstract: A swimming pool platform assembly particularly suitable for above ground pools includes a square planar platform having upper and lower surfaces. Attached to the lower surface of the support platform is a frame component for suspending the support platform a predetermined distance above the swimming pool bottom surface. The frame component comprises a substantially square upper frame member formed from a plurality of interconnected tubular members and a substantially square lower frame member similar to the upper frame member. The upper and lower frame members are relatively spaced a predetermined distance and are interconnected with shorter vertical tubular members to form a cage type support structure. Each of the tubular members has a plurality of apertures thereon allowing them to fill with water so that the device sinks to the bottom of the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: David A. Poole
  • Patent number: 5913411
    Abstract: A device for compressing and concealing a boot beneath a trouser leg includes an elongated panel having an inner side, an outer side, a bottom end and a top end. Secured to the top end is a buckle means for securing the panel to a boot strap. A pair of length adjustable straps extend from the panel for encircling and compressing the upper portion of a boot. Accordingly, the compressed upper portion of the boot may be easily inserted into a pants leg and concealed therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Michael A. Spurling
  • Patent number: 5913631
    Abstract: A cosmetic applicator for use with a standard cosmetic container includes a cylindrical cap having an open end around the inner periphery of which is a threaded portion for threadedly engaging a cosmetic container. An aperture is disposed on the opposing closed end for slidably receiving a button. An elongated stem protrudes from the cap having an applicator portion at a distal end. The opposing end of the stem has a conical stop member attached thereto which abuts the button. A second rubber stop member surrounds the stem and is proximal the cap open end for engaging a cosmetic container neck opening. On the upper surface of the second stop member is an annulus. Disposed between the annulus and the first stop member and surrounding the stem is a coil spring for biasing the stem upwardly when the button is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Tina M. Landry
  • Patent number: 5906383
    Abstract: A combination shopping cart and basket includes a basket member having a pair of opposing gripping members to assist a user in lifting the device. The basket member is dimensioned to be received within a vehicle's trunk. A handle is attached to the top edge of the basket and is pivotable between an outwardly extending position to function as a shopping cart handle and horizontal position, superimposed on the basket member allowing the basket to be stored within the trunk. The basket member is mounted on a wheel assembly and includes a brake assembly to assist a user in stopping the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Ricardo Cortes
  • Patent number: 5887839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable clipboard assembly comprising a substantially rectangular base component having a planar bottom surface and four sides depending therefrom. The area between the four sides and the planar bottom surface defines a paper holding bin. A lid component is attached to a side of the base component using a hinge means allowing the paper holding bin to be selectively enclosed. A glove component is attached to the bottom surface of the clipboard using a rotating bearing assembly allowing a user to insert his or her hand into the glove component and rotate the clipboard to a desired position. Alternatively, an arm component is attached to the bearing assembly allowing the device to be attached to and rotated about a person's arm or wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Marvin Ray Smith, Elmora Smith
  • Patent number: 5887940
    Abstract: A tray assembly uniquely configured to be removably attached to a chair armrest such as that of a beauty salon includes a U-shaped clamp having a pair of parallel sidewalls and an end wall therebetween. A sidewall has an aperture for threadedly receiving a bolt allowing the clamp to be quickly attached to the chair arm rest. The opposing sidewall and the end wall each have an elongated, substantially wedge shaped groove for slidably receiving a tongue on the accompanying tray member. The tray member includes a substantially rectangular support surface having four peripheral edges with an elongated portion integrally extending from an edge thereof. On the upper side of the support surface is a substantially rectangular recessed portion with one or more beverage receptacles therein. The lower side has an elongated, wedge shaped tongue slidably received within either of the grooves on the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Richard B. Anderson, Jeffrey A. Michels
  • Patent number: 5868633
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novelty golf club having a rigid but flexible club head and a hand grip with a transparent shaft therebetween. Received within the club head is a digital sound chip in communication with a speaker for emitting any one of a plurality of humorous phrases. A plurality of light emitting diodes are received within the transparent shaft and are in communication with a randomizer circuit so that when the lights are illuminated they randomly pulse. The light emitting diodes and voice chip are activated with an impact switch received within the club head immediately adjacent its face. Accordingly, when a user swings the club in frustration and the club head impacts an object, the lights automatically illuminate in a random pattern and the sound chip emits any one of a plurality of humorous sound recordings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Tony L. Keheley
  • Patent number: 5865555
    Abstract: A caulking guide for allowing a user to easily apply a smooth, straight bead of caulk having a predetermined width. The device includes a flat, bendable but rigid substantially T-shaped plate. The plate includes an elongated portion and a substantially rectangular leg perpendicular thereto and integral therewith. The elongated portion has one or more retaining bands thereon for receiving and surrounding a caulking tube dispensing nozzle. Along a longitudinal outer edge of the applicator tip are a plurality of measurement indicia to allow a user to select a dispensing opening having a desired width. Opposing side edges of the applicator tip may be folded to a substantially vertical position with the fold lines formed at the measurement indicia corresponding to the dimension desired for the dispensing opening. Accordingly, the substantially rectangluar shaped opening formed by folding the device allows a user to apply a smooth and straight joint having a preselected width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald O. Dawson
  • Patent number: 5857473
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved retaining device designed to hold articles in a top or bottom dishwasher rack preventing them from dislodging during a wash cycle. The device comprises a substantially rectangular net member attached to a window shade type roller assembly. The roller assembly may be removably attached to any side of a top or bottom dishwasher rack. The net member has a substantially centrally located aperture for receiving a dishwasher water tower allowing the device to be easily used to retain items placed in a lower dishwasher rack. The net member also has one or more mesh storage pockets on a side thereof allowing additional lightweight articles to be stored therein. Longitudinal stainless steel reinforcement strips are provided on the net member allowing it to be easily retracted within the roller assembly and allowing it to more tightly engage articles stored in the dishwasher rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Kim Vanover, Larry Vanover
  • Patent number: 5855412
    Abstract: A combination shopping cart seat cushion and diaper bag includes a substantially rectangular seat panel with foldable front, back and two side panels depending therefrom. A foldable top panel depends from the back panel. The panels may be folded from a flat position to form a box shaped diaper bag. The front panel may be folded downward and the top panel may be folded over a shopping cart seat backrest to form a shopping cart seat cushion. An accessory panel may be removably attached to either the top or the back panels using velcro strips or other suitable attachment means. A seat/diaper changing cushion may be removably attached to the upper surface of the seat panel when the device is being used as a shopping cart seat cushion providing additional comfort to a child sitting therein. An elongated, tublar shopping cart handle cover is also provided having a longitudinal slit for slipping the cover over a shopping cart handle and a longitudinal bore therethrough for receiving said shopping cart handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventors: Sandy Leigh Smith, Jim O'Neal Biggers
  • Patent number: 5855031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant hammock comprising a substantially rectangular mesh type panel having a substantially rectangular frame member integral with the panel's peripheral edges. Perpendicularly extending from each corner of the frame member is a support leg for contacting the upper surface of a baby crib and for supporting the fabric panel a predetermined distance thereabove. Disposed on the peripheral edges of the fabric panel is one or more digital micro-chips for selectively emitting soothing tones such as lullabies or similar songs. The frame member components and support legs are detachable allowing the device to be easily disassembled for transport or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Wade Swift, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5856653
    Abstract: A container with a compartment into which a container of cosmetics is placed, and a heating element in the walls of the container. The heating element is connected to a source of electricity which heats the heating element which in turn heats a fluid within the walls of the container. The heated fluid warms the cosmetics which will make it usable once again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Nona Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 5816417
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved clothes line assembly having integrated means for concealing clothing hanging thereon. Privacy screens are received within a top frame section and may be pulled down providing an enclosure. The invention is supported by hollow base members that may be filled with sand or a similar weighted material providing stabilization to the assembly. The weighted material may be removed allowing the assembly to be easily and inexpensively moved or shipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Joan Marie Reaves
  • Patent number: 5816407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Christmas light and ornament storage device designed to prevent light strands from tangling. The device comprises a box shaped carrier having a bottom surface, four side walls depending therefrom and an open top. An interior box dimensioned slightly smaller than the carrier is received therein. A plurality of removably attached tubular members vertically depend from the bottom surface some of which are received within the interior box and are arranged in two opposing parallel rows. Opposing pairs of the tubular members received within the interior box each are surrounded by continuous pieces of fabric which form parallel sidewalls. The area between the fabric walls and the interior box define a plurality of soft, flexible storage compartments for receiving fragile decorations. Christmas light strands may be wrapped around adjacent pairs of the tubular members disposed externally of the interior box to prevent the strands from being entangled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald A. Daratony
  • Patent number: 5815855
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sink cover designed primarily for double sinks comprising a planar, substantially rectangular cover member having four peripheral edges, a bottom surface, a top surface and a plurality of recesses on the top and bottom surfaces. The recesses on one side receive conductive thawing plates while the other recesses receive microwaveable gel packs which engage the thawing plates. Frozen foods may then be placed onto the heated thawing plates to facilitate thawing. The cover member also has an aperture for receiving a hose which may be removably attached to a faucet so that water leaking therefrom will drip directly into the sink bypassing the cover member. A rubber gasket is disposed on the bottom surface of the cover member proximal its peripheral edges to provide a water tight seal when the device is placed over a sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: James H. McKeehan, Shirley McKeehan
  • Patent number: 5813579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual beverage container holder adapted to be mounted around a console gear shift. Each container bolder comprises a substantially L-shaped base member having a horizontal bottom support and a back support vertically depending therefrom. First and second curved arms extend from opposing sides of the back support for receiving and stabilizing a beverage container. A flexible strap is attached to an end of the first curved arm and has an attachment means on a distal end for selectively engaging a mating attachment means on the opposing second curved arm. Outwardly extending from the top end of the back support is a pair of substantially parallel tongues, each of which has a plurality of substantially aligned snap connectors thereon for selectively engaging apertures on the opposing beverage container holder. The aligned snap connectors allow the distance between the two beverage container holders to be adjusted as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Andrene Hendrickson
  • Patent number: D401202
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas T. Washington, Sr.