Patents Assigned to Alterra Holdings Corporation
  • Publication number: 20020138990
    Abstract: A shears for cutting sheet metal or similar material located in a raised position, such as above the shoulders of the operator, includes front and rear handle members and upper and lower blade members. The handle members are pivotally connected together at a handle pivot point adjacent the upper ends of the handle members. The blade members are pivotally connected together at a blade pivot point located above the pivoted upper ends of the handle members. In addition, the shanks of the upper and lower blade members are pivotally connected to the front and rear handle members at respective front and rear pivot points located along the lengths of the handle members. Each blade member includes a cutting edge that extends perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the handle member to which the blade member is pivotally connected. The handle members may be provided with soft cushion-like hand-grips to improve the operator's comfort and grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Gluck, Lloyd W. Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 6416123
    Abstract: A rocking chair conversion component having at least one arcuate member and at least one socket. In one embodiment, the socket has planar members positioned such that a gap forms between each of the planar members, allowing the socket to sandwich a flange occurring at the bottom of a chair, thus coupling the chair to the rocking chair conversion component and producing a stable rocking chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Bell
  • Patent number: 6405395
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes two channel-shaped handles having a first side wall and a second side wall forming a channel therebetween. An interlocking mechanism includes a first plate extending from the first side wall, and a second plate extending from the second side wall. At least one of the first plates has a periphery with a notch formed therein. At least one of the second side walls has a post extending therefrom. Each handle is releasably engageable by alignment of at least one post of one of the handles with at least one notch of the other handle. The multi-function tool also includes an interchangeable implement including a pair of handles with implement engaging means. An axle assembly extends transversely through the openings formed in the first and second plates and includes a first end member, a second end member, a pair of buttons and a spring. The spring is disposed between each of the buttons to bias the buttons into engagement with the end members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Poehlmann, Phillip A. Montague
  • Patent number: 6374503
    Abstract: An apparatus for rendering ovals of adjustable sizes and ellipticity upon various materials. An oval cutter comprises a clickerplate for adjusting the ellipticity of ovals in a single movement. The clickerplate can be rotated about a base using a knob mounted on the clickerplate. One embodiment of this invention comprises a storage compartment in the knob which can hold, for example, extra blades. A further embodiment of this invention comprises an arm that translates through the clickerplate and a swivel plate used for setting the overall size of the oval by locking the arm at a set length. In yet a further embodiment of this invention, ovals can be rendered in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction and an arrow can indicate the direction in which the apparatus is set to render ovals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Carlson, Robert Cornell, Steve Suchanek
  • Patent number: 6349473
    Abstract: A utility knife for retractably retaining a replaceable blade with a body, at least two detents connected to the body and a blade adjusting knife retaining fastener mechanism. The body has first and second portions and a major longitudinal dimension. The first and second portions define a cavity for storing at least a portion of the blade. The blade adjusting, knife retaining fastener mechanism extends through the blade adjustment slots of the first and second portions and is coupled to the blade. The fastener mechanism is configured to releasably connect the distal ends of the first and second portions of the body without the use of tools, and to releasably engage at least one of the detents and to adjustably extend along the blade adjustments slots without the use of tools. Each engagement of the fastener mechanism to one of the stops defines a distinct position of the blade with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6345445
    Abstract: A tool for performing lopping, pruning and similar operations includes a tool support, a tool head, an actuating line and an actuating handle. The tool support preferably includes a pair of telescoping tubes and the tool head includes a blade movable to perform cutting operations. The blade is coupled to the actuating line and remotely movable by tensioning the actuating line. The actuating line passes through a portion of the tool support to the actuating handle. The actuating handle includes a line engagement mechanism or clutch assembly that engages and holds the line when the actuating handle is slid on the tool support. The tool is actuated by a first movement of the actuating handle that causes the engagement mechanism to engage the actuating line, followed by a second movement that tensions the line to move the blade. A reel mechanism below the engagement mechanism collects the actuating line when the tool support is retracted and dispenses line when the tool support is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Robert T. Schofield
  • Patent number: 6305041
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a cross-jaw module removably attached to a pair of channel-shaped handles with a pair of clips. Each clip removably attaching the tang of each jaw of the cross-jaw module to one of the handles. The multi-function tool also includes a spring biased wedge lock to positively lock a plurality of pivotal attached ancillary implements in an open position. An anti-rotational washer located between adjacent implements prevents rotation of a non-selected implement. The washers include a protrusion that is received in a slot in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas, Paul W. Poehlmann
  • Publication number: 20010014986
    Abstract: A multifunction or combination tool having a set of retractable replaceable pliers contained within U-shaped handles when not in use and extend from the handles when is use. Ancillary blade-like devices are pivotally attached to the ends of the handles opposite to the pliers and stored within their respective handles when not in use. The ancillary tools may be chosen to meet specific needs of a user. The blades are held in place by individual springs which allow one ancillary tool at a time to be chosen and used whenever the pliers head associated with the opposite end of the handle is extended. The replaceable pliers may be changed by the end-user to meet particular needs and the pliers may take the form of square jaws, needle noise jaws, tin snips, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Dan W. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6272755
    Abstract: A tool for performing lopping, pruning and similar operations includes a housing assembly formed of a pair of telescoping tubular sections. The tool also includes a tool head, a head line and an actuating line. The tool head, which is connected to one end of a tubular section, preferably includes a spring-biased blade coupled to the head line which is connected to a slidable block. The actuating line, while engaging the slidable block so that tensioning the actuating line causes movement of the blade, is also slidable relative to the block upon relative movement of the tubular sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Vern Mittlesteadt, Mark D. Schaefer, Brian W. Hubbard
  • Patent number: D446360
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Angelo M. Marasco, Michael J. Brock
  • Patent number: D446707
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Carlson, Cory R. Boudreau, David Franchino, Ryan W. Rindy, David E. Barnard
  • Patent number: D447068
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Carlson, Cory R. Boudreau, David E. Barnard, Ryan W. Rindy
  • Patent number: D449072
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle M. Bennett
  • Patent number: D449412
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Angelo M. Marasco
  • Patent number: D454044
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Charlie N. Alfaro
  • Patent number: D454474
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Phillip A. Montague
  • Patent number: D454668
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Angela M. Marasco
  • Patent number: D455237
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Angelo M. Marasco
  • Patent number: D456100
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Angelo M. Marasco
  • Patent number: D462811
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Angelo M. Marasco