Patents Assigned to Alterra Holdings Corporation
  • Patent number: 6257346
    Abstract: A device for removing weeds from the ground comprises an elongated shaft, a handle mounted to an upper end of the shaft, a pair of blades mounted for opposed pivotal movement at a lower end of the shaft, and a plunger. Each blade has an upper section located above a pivot point of the blade and a lower section located below the pivot point. The plunger is mounted for reciprocal sliding movement between an extended position intermediate the lower sections of the blades and a retracted position intermediate the upper sections of the blades. The plunger and the upper sections of the blades include cam surfaces configured such that movement of the plunger from the extended position to the retracted position forces the upper sections of the blades away from one another, whereby tips of the blades are forced to converge towards one another to capture the weed and accompanying root structure. The weed and surrounding soil plug can be released by squeezing a hand-lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Robert T. Schofield, Paul A. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6206243
    Abstract: A spray bottle for holding and dispensing a liquid comprises a collapsible container for holding the liquid, a spray head for dispensing and atomizing the liquid, and an elongated coupling for securing the spray head to the container and providing a handhold. The container is adapted to be collapsed into a substantially flat panel when empty and to be distended when the bottle is filled with the liquid. With the spray bottles empty and the containers collapsed, a retail display may comprise a plurality of spray bottles. The spray bottles are arranged in at least one row with the containers collapsed such that each spray head is in an abutting relationship with the spray head of at least one adjacent spray bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Schneider, Mark A. McLean
  • Patent number: 6145144
    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: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Poehlmann, Phillip A. Montague
  • Patent number: 6105260
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for removably coupling a saw, including a tang portion having an aperture formed therein, to a tool. The adapter includes a base member and a clip pivotally coupled to the base member. The base member has first and second ends, and first and second surfaces extending between therebetween. An opening is formed in the first and second surfaces of the base member, proximate the first end. The opening is adapted to receive an axle of the tool. The base member further includes a slot formed in the first surface and a projection extending in to the slot. The slot is adapted to receive the tang portion of the saw, and a projection is adapted to be received in the aperture to align the saw with the base member. The pivotally coupled clip is movable between a closed position, in which the saw is retained in and secured to the base member, and an open position, in which the saw is removable from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Bradford J. Parrish, Edgar A. Dallas
  • Patent number: D445326
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Charlie N. Alfaro
  • Patent number: D433608
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Alterra Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Poehlmann, Phillip A. Montague