Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kenneth L. Tolar
  • Patent number: 6237158
    Abstract: A clip assembly for joining two matching socks to prevent the matching socks from being separated when laundered or stored includes a pair of panels each of which are attached to the exterior surface of a sock. The panels include mating tongues and grooves allowing the panels to be quickly and conveniently joined by sliding the tongues on each panel into the grooves on the other. The assembly also includes an ornament display panel having tongues and grooves on an inwardly facing side for interengaging the tongues and grooves on either panel allowing a user to display ornaments on the socks while the socks are being worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Lori A. Barbara
  • Patent number: 6234367
    Abstract: A device for bending a cap brim includes first and second interconnected block members each having an S-shaped portion upwardly extending from the outer edge thereof that forms a groove on the upper surface for receiving a side edge of a cap brim. An externally threaded shaft extends from an inwardly facing side of one of the block members and is threadedly received within a threaded bore on the other block member whereby rotation of the shaft moves the block members toward each other. Accordingly, a user can bend a cap brim to a desired curvature by securing the brim within the block grooves and moving the blocks a select distance until the desired curvature is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. McCallister
  • Patent number: 6226880
    Abstract: A quick focusing firearm scope includes an elongated tubular scope housing mounted to the upper surface of the firearm barrel. A focusing gear is provided in place of the conventional rotating focusing ring found on conventional scopes. Mounted adjacent to and engaging the focusing gear is a drive gear having a cable attached thereto. The opposing end of the cable extends through a support member that is mounted to the firearm trigger guard. Pivotally attached to the support member is a trigger member having an arcuate gear attached to the upper end thereof that engages a rotary gear on the cable. The lower end of the trigger member includes a loop that receives a shooter's trigger finger. Accordingly, a shooter may quickly focus the scope by pivoting the trigger member with the index finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Rhett Pitre
  • Patent number: 6220991
    Abstract: An exercise bicycle includes a frame having a pedal assembly mounted thereon. The pedal assembly is interlinked with an electric motor, a fan blade type wheel and a reciprocable handle bar assembly whereby the motor automatically rotates the pedal crank assembly and reciprocates the handle bars to provide a light, assisted workout to a physically challenged person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: David H. Sellers
  • Patent number: 6216522
    Abstract: A tool for installing a turn vane within air conditioning duct work includes an octagonal shaft having a cutting head at an end thereof. The cutting head includes a pair of spaced parallel outer blades each having a downwardly angled cutting surface. Disposed between the outer blades is an oppositely facing inner blade likewise having a downwardly sloping cutting surface. A second embodiment includes a shaft adapted to be used with an air driven hammer. When force is applied to the shaft with either a conventional or air driven hammer, oppositely directed, severed portions are created on the turn vane thereby securing it to a turn vane rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy M. Crawley
  • Patent number: 6216314
    Abstract: A device for removing excess grease from a cooking utensil includes a hollow housing having a vacuum assembly received therein. The housing includes a nozzle tapered towards a vacuum tip that is in communication with an interior storage reservoir. A drain port in communication with the reservoir is disposed on a side of the housing allowing a user to easily drain the reservoir. A second embodiment includes a motor driven belt, a portion of which protrudes from the vacuum tip for absorbing grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: John N. Dangerfield
  • Patent number: 6209337
    Abstract: A portable water purification and collection system includes a cabinet member having an interior chamber defined by a plurality of side walls, one of which has a vent thereon. Received within the interior chamber and adjacent the vent is a fan for inducing air flow from the atmosphere to the cabinet interior. Between the fan and the vent is an electrostatic air filter for removing particulates from the air as well as a condenser for producing condensate therefrom. The resulting condensate drips into a collection reservoir and then to an ultraviolet light unit that destroys microorganisms within the condensate. From the ultraviolet light unit, the condensate flows to a main reservoir from which it may be dispensed to an external container via a spigot mounted to a cabinet side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: William F. Edwards
  • Patent number: 6206540
    Abstract: A candelabra for securely supporting a candle in an upright position includes a lower support platform and an upper support platform mounted above said lower support platform. The upper support platform includes a plurality of apertures for receiving a candlestick. The lower support platform includes a plurality of indentions each aligned with a corresponding aperture on the upper support platform. A candle may be securely supported in an upright position by inserting the lower end of the candlestick through the aperture on the upper support platform and subsequently into the indention on the lower support platform. The upper and lower support platforms are connected with removably attached brace members allowing the device to be easily disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Jon A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6199236
    Abstract: A vehicle service ramp including a ramp member having an inclined rear wall and a horizontal top wall. A slot extends along the rear wall and the top wall through which an arcuate chocking member protrudes slightly. The chocking member pivots as a vehicle tire ascends the rear wall and engages the front or rear ends of the chocking member. A rotatable shaft is mounted within the ramp member and includes a bent portion for engaging a fork on the chocking member allowing a user to manually pivot the chocking member. The shaft further includes a locking device for locking the chocking member about a vehicle's tire. An alarm also alerts a user whenever the chocking member pivots such as when the vehicle is descending or ascending the ramp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Clarence D. Mullins
  • Patent number: 6196712
    Abstract: A combination bar and beverage mixing device includes a base panel with a vertical shelf support attached thereto. Extending from the shelf support are upper and lower horizontal shelves. A blender assembly is slidably mounted on a horizontal track that is disposed between the upper and lower shelves. As the blender assembly is slid along the track, a mixing container is automatically rotated to mix a beverage received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gunter von Elm
  • Patent number: 6189706
    Abstract: A saddle blanket rack specifically designed for storing and drying a plurality of saddle blankets in a minimal amount of space including a substantially elongated rectangular frame component for attachment to a vertical wall. The frame component includes lateral upper and lower arms with a pair of opposing elongated side arms perpendicularly disposed therebetween. Disposed between the side arms is an elongated intermediate arm. A plurality of rack members are removably attached to the elongated frame component each including an upper beam member having first and second ends with a V-shaped portion perpendicularly extending from a first end thereof. Extending from each terminal end of the V-shaped portion is a side support. The free ends of the rack beam and side supports are removably received within apertures on the frame component side and intermediate arms. Accordingly, a plurality of saddle blankets or similar items may be vertically supported on the device for storage and drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Akins
  • Patent number: 6185860
    Abstract: A fisherman's cooler includes a box-shaped container having a pivotable lid for covering a substantially open top portion. The lid includes an indented portion on its upper surface having measuring indicia therein for assisting a fisherman in measuring a fish. The top portion of the container includes a plurality of fishing rod holders, the diameter of which may be varied to support varying diameter fishing rods. An accessory shelf is hingedly attached to the front wall of the container for supporting various accessory items thereon. The accessory shelf may be locked in a horizontal position with a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Lucius J. Thibodeaux
  • Patent number: 6181246
    Abstract: An alarm for a travel bag includes a casing attached to the bag having a receptacle thereon for receiving the bag zipper tongue. A locking device locks the tongue within the receptacle while simultaneously providing power to an alarm circuit. The alarm circuit includes a switch that moves to an open position upon the tongue being inserted into the receptacle. If the tongue is removed, the switch closes activating an audible alarm and a wireless transmitter. The transmitter transmits a signal to a remote unit likewise having an audible alarm. The remote unit further includes an activation button allowing a user to remotely activate or deactivate the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Priscilla L. Ewing, William A. Ewing
  • Patent number: 6178967
    Abstract: A uniquely constructed mouth protector designed to minimize discomfort and speech interference associated with conventional athletic mouthpieces includes a pair of posterior splints for encompassing the posterior teeth. Each posterior splint includes an inner and outer wall, both of which terminate at or near the gum line so as to minimize discomfort to the wearer. The posterior splints may be interlinked with a connecting strip that is disposed behind the anterior teeth and extends across the wearer's palate. The device is designed to protect either the upper or lower posterior teeth while allowing a wearer's tongue to contact the anterior teeth thereby minimally interfering with clear speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Carl A. Barnes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6176027
    Abstract: A cascading water system for aesthetically enhancing the appearance of a room includes a water display member having an inlet and an outlet. The display member is mounted within an architectural structure such as a wall, ceiling, doorway or floor. The number and shape of the display members may be varied to create a desired aesthetic effect. The system further includes a fluid reservoir and a conduit that establishes communication between the display member and the reservoir. A pump continuously circulates the water between the reservoir and the display member via the conduit. The conduit includes water jets disposed at the display member inlet so that water is evenly dispersed therethrough. The shape, number and spacing of individual display members may be varied to create a desired effect such as a waterfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Stanley L. Blount
  • Patent number: 6167903
    Abstract: A fuel dispensing system for a vehicle comprises a manifold assembly having an inlet attachable to a pressure gauge port on a vehicle's fuel line. The inlet is in communication with a pair of outlets, a first of which has an elongated flexible hose attached thereto. The flexible hose includes a nozzle at a distal end through which gasoline may be selectively delivered to an external source. A fuel pressure gauge may be attached to the second outlet, if neccessary. Each outlet includes an internally disposed safety valve means for automatically disabling fuel flow in the event that the fuel gauge or hose become detached therefrom. The hose may be conveniently disposed beneath the vehicle's engine hood when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen E. Newman
  • Patent number: 6158636
    Abstract: A strap assembly for a weed trimmer or similar tool designed to minimize or eliminate the strain associated with lifting and lowering the tool includes a pair of bungee cords each having two opposing ends. The first ends of the cords are coupled with a ring which is removably securable to a hook assembly mounted to the shaft of the weed trimmer. The cord is passed back and forth through a bracket and forms a loop allowing the length of each cord to be varied. Each loop is secured to an end of a shoulder pad. The design assures that the weight of the trimmer is supported by the strap assembly as opposed to the user's arms or wrists, regardless of the position of the trimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Jerry J. Latiolais
  • Patent number: 6158175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially box-shaped cover for enclosing an outdoor air conditioning unit. The cover includes four vertical side walls and a top horizontal wall each constructed with a mesh type, solar screen material which allows air to flow therethrough while refracting sunlight. The box-shaped container is formed of two detachable, foldable components allowing the device to be disassembled and compactly folded for storage. Adjacent one or more bottom peripheral edges of the cover is a latch means for securing the device to the concrete foundation on which the outdoor air conditioner is typically supported. Furthermore, a decorative design element may be embossed or imprinted on the top wall or one or more sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Loretta L. Carter
  • Patent number: D441408
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Robert C. Housewright
  • Patent number: D441810
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Mary Sue Pate