Patents Examined by Blair Johnson
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Patent number: 5816417Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: Joan Marie Reaves
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Patent number: 5816310Abstract: A sun shield for automobile comprises a top, windshield, front, left, right and rear sunshade portions, and completely blocks the sun rays that shine to the automobile from different directions. The top sunshade portion is supported by two X deposed steel wires which straighten the top of the top sunshade portion without drooping. The spacers keep the top of the sunshade portion apart from the top of the automobile to establish a ventilating space which stops the transmittal and radiation of the sun heat. The sun shield is convenient in folding and extending.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: David Yang Ling Wu
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Patent number: 5813549Abstract: A storage rack which may be attached to a supporting surface, such as a wall, so that one or more objects may be placed upon the rack to be stored upon the wall. The storage rack has a compact base with two or more pairs of peg holes, and two or more pegs that may be inserted into any selected pair of the holes. Objects to be stored are placed on and between the inserted pegs. The pairs of holes are separated by different distances. The distance between inserted pegs can be adjusted to accommodate the object to be stored by choosing one or the other of the pairs of holes and then attaching the base to the wall with the chosen pair of holes in position to receive the pegs for use.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventors: Michael P. Sheehan, Martin D. Gaeth
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Patent number: 5813550Abstract: A storage rack which may be attached to a support surface, such as a wall, so that one or more objects may be placed upon the rack to be stored upon the wall. The storage rack has a compact base with two or more pairs of peg holes, and two or more pegs that may be inserted into any selected pair of the holes. Objects to be stored are placed on and between the inserted pegs. The holes and pegs are threaded so that the pegs can be securely screwed into the holes. The peg holes may be at an upward angle in the base, and the pegs may be provided with irregular or scalloped surfaces better to hang items securely thereon, or with hooks or eyelets to improve their reliability and versatility. Peg segments may be connected in series to adjust the functional length of a particular peg.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventors: Michael P. Sheehan, Martin D. Gaeth
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Patent number: 5813449Abstract: A vehicle security shade adapted for use within the interior compartment of a motor vehicle and having a shade which can be extended to enclose the vehicle compartment area. The shade assembly is removably attached to the motor vehicle interior by using one or more end piece assemblies having a telescoping end piece. The end piece is biased to an outer position through the use of a compression spring. The end piece engages with a socket or other mounting feature of the motor vehicle interior trim. The axially moveable end piece includes a blocking means which allows the end piece to move under the influence of the compression spring to its outer position but is blocked from returning from its inner position until an actuator is manually operated. The positive mechanical blocking of inward movement of the end piece is provided at a plurality of relative extended positions of the end piece.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Patmore, Jeffrey A. Price, Michael C. Trombley
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Patent number: 5810176Abstract: A file folder/organizer rack includes a left support member having an L-shaped supporting wall, and a plurality of parallel, spaced apart left shelves connected with the supporting wall, each left shelf being angled downwardly and rearwardly, and each left shelf having a width less than one-half of a width of the rack; a right support member having an L-shaped supporting wall, and a plurality of parallel, spaced apart right shelves connected with the one supporting wall of the right support member, each right shelf being angled downwardly and rearwardly, with each right shelf being in alignment with a respective left shelf, each right shelf having a width less than one-half of a width of the rack such that a space is provided between the left and right shelves; a plurality of bars interconnecting the supporting wall of the left support member with the supporting wall of the right support member, such that the space is also provided between the supporting walls of the left and right support members; an upper dType: GrantFiled: November 7, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Inventor: David M. Stravitz
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Patent number: 5803147Abstract: To avoid entanglement when a vertical blind is opened and closed, an attachment member is secured to a lead carrier and engages with an operation shaft. The attachment member is composed of a body having a length half the width of the lead carrier, and a snap detent projects from one end of the body. The body is formed by cutting an upper part of a horizontal cylindrical member and opening outwardly the cut edges of the body. The attachment member is attached to the operation shaft from the underside in an oblique direction such that the body engages with the lower part of the operation shaft and the snap detent snap engages with the upper part of a short jaw. Even when rotary moment is applied to the lead carrier, the attachment member holding the operation shaft counteracts the rotary moment, thereby preventing the lead carrier from rotating.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Makita CorporationInventors: Masayoshi Kondo, Zenichi Oda, Michio Okumura, Akinori Kimata
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Patent number: 5803144Abstract: A multipurpose valance assembly is provided in which valance attachments may be removeably engaged to a valance base or a preexisting window treatment system. Each valance attachment holds a decorative insert, which may be a conventional valance or a drapery fabric panel assembly. Because the invention allows for multiple valance attachments in adjustable engagement with one another, and a variety of interchangeable decorative inserts, the multipurpose valance assembly creates a wide array of new decorative effects. In addition, a valance adapter allows the invention to be retrofit to preexisting window treatment systems, substantially reducing the labor and material costs associated with installing new window treatment systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1995Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Newval, Inc.Inventor: Russell J. Ives
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Patent number: 5803276Abstract: The present invention is a shelf divider for separating groups of products arranged on display shelves or the like and takes the form of a relatively thin vertical panel or partition which is self-maintained in upstanding condition on the shelf surface by laterally extending stabilizing feet adjacent each end and is preferably molded from tough, durable plastic. The partition is made of two (or more) co-planar sections interconnected in adjacent abutting pairs by at least one telescoping longitudinally extending mating elongated U-shaped tongue and slot connection permitting lengthwise adjustment of the sections to fit different shelving widths. The tongue and slot are held against lateral disengagement by shaping their proximate upper and lower edges as V-shaped (in cross-section) protrusions and grooves which mate together while permitting relative longitudinal movement of the sections.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: Michael N. Vogler
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Patent number: 5799716Abstract: An electric-powered shutter apparatus to be mounted to a building. A winding drum (4) of an electric-powered shutter device (1) is provided with a driving mechanism including an electric motor (7) and a single-directional rotary clutch device (8). A balance tension device (9) is provided at the other end of the apparatus. The clutch device (8) is configured to slip when the load of the rotation in the direction of the curtain being fed exceeds a certain load. Further, the load at which the clutch device (8) slips is set so as to be greater than the force for forcibly rotating the electric motor when disconnected from electric power. The balancing tension device (9) is balanced against the sum of the weight of the shutter curtain (2) and the load for forcibly rotating the electric motor (7). Thus, the need for a braking device for the electric-powered shutter apparatus to be mounted to a building is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Sanwa Shutter CorporationInventors: Kenji Yamaguchi, Tadashi Sasaki, Akira Koyano, Kenji Hosoyama
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Patent number: 5797442Abstract: A vane for an architectural covering, such as of the type used in a window openings, is designed for vertical suspension so as to resist twisting along its length. The vane is constructed in a tubular configuration and may have one or more internal hollow cells. The external configuration of the vane may simulate an air foil or have other related configurations. The vanes are preferably made of a material having diagonal, dimensional stability or memory, i.e. the ability to resist stretching in a direction diagonal to the length or width of the material. A reinforcing strip can be inserted into an open end of the vane to provide a positive and durable attachment for suspending the vane from an operating system.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz, James M. Anthony
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Patent number: 5797440Abstract: A partition framework for dividing a space into small compartments is composed of a plurality of frame parts having an upright support, a plurality of connection heads, and at least one connect in column. The upright support is provided with a plurality of fastening holes and through holes. The connection heads have a base, a hollow projection and a stepped hollow projection. The connection column is provided with at least two slide slots extending along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connection column.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Inventor: Chi-Cheng Tsai
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Patent number: 5797205Abstract: A mask is adapted for superimposing on a photograph to accentuate a portion of the photograph. The mask is made of a thin sheet of plastic, by means of, e.g., colored raster which is opaque in a peripheral region surrounding a transparent, central area without raster. The peripheral region and the central area are separated by a relatively narrow, transitional zone with increasing distance between the raster, so that the transitional zone gradually fades out into the transparent, central area. The mask may be employed in the same simple manner as a passe-partout frame for accentuating one particular portion of a photograph, and with the same good visual effect achieved by a traditional phototechnical method for integrally providing a photograph with a neutral peripheral region gradually fading out via a soft transitional zone into the desired portion of the photograph.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1997Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Zoomas ApSInventors: Alexander Ferdinandsen, Bendix Ferdinandsen
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Patent number: 5794844Abstract: The invention comprises a multiple point latching system for use with postal box clusters. In particular, the multiple point latching system comprises a latch bar, a track member, a plunger assembly and a plurality of latch plates. The latch bar is slidably coupled relative to a center partition in the postal box and includes a plurality of latches thereon. The latch bar slides in a vertical movement within a track member which is coupled to the center partition of the postal box. The plurality of latches on the latch bar present a plurality of latch points which aggregate to achieve the securement of the postal box cluster. The multiple point latching system further comprises a plunger assembly which is coupled to the center partition and which supplies a force that acts upon at least one master door to thereby force at least one master door open upon an unlatching of the latches. Hence, a single lock having multiple latch points is used to access and subsequently secure the entire postal box cluster.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Cutler Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Kenneth W. Jenkins
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Patent number: 5791390Abstract: A lift system for top-down, bottom-up window shades operated by a single control is provided. The preferred embodiment of the invention is compatible with, but not limited to, clutch operated shades whose cords are wound onto a shaft within the headrail. It will work with any shade that presently has top-down-bottom-up capability, using any method of lift.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: RollEase, Inc.Inventor: Kelly A. Watanabe
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Patent number: 5787951Abstract: An opaque or semitransparent rear sheet hangs from a head rail and is weighted at the bottom by a ballast ber. A number of front sheets are hung from the rear sheet, each front sheet extending laterally across the full lateral width of the rear sheet. The rear sheet is raised by a raising cord to raise the entire shade. The front sheets are raised by an opening cord to open the front sheets with respect to the rear sheet, creating openings and exposing the rear sheet through the openings. The front sheets form folds when raised, and may have lateral members attached thereto for defining the shape of the opening.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha NichibeiInventors: Hideaki Tonomura, Hidehiko Nakamura, Hiroomi Yamanaka, Akira Sone, Toshikazu Okita
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Patent number: 5787953Abstract: Apparatus for cordless operation of blinds and shades. A pair of actuators are in spiral engagement with a spiral wand coupled to a rail mechanism from which the blinds or shades depend. Each actuator is biased into driving engagement with the wand, one of the actuators rotating the wand in one direction when raised or lowered and the other actuator rotating the wand in the opposite direction when raised or lowered.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Jeff A. Jacobson
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Patent number: 5787956Abstract: A car sunshade curtain, attached to a car window, comprising: a pleated curtain; a first and a second support bar on both sides of the pleated curtain, the first support bar being provided with a plurality of fastening devices attachable to the car window and removable from the car window, the second support bar being provided with an eyehole and a suction cup to be attached to the car window after unfolding the pleated curtain; and a buttoning device, being provided with a button and a buckle, the button being insertable into the buckle to be held there, the button and the buckle being separately mounted on the first and the second support bar, respectively, to fasten the first and the second support bar together and thereby fold up the pleated curtain.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Ing-Wen Chen
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Patent number: 5787627Abstract: A picture frame and frame assembly are provided which preferably includes a transparent sheet defining picture covering, a picture positionally aligned adjacent the picture covering for viewing therethrough, and a backing sheet member positioned to underlie back portions of the picture and to support front portions of the picture against the picture covering, and a frame body integrally formed from a unitary piece of a soft, pliable material. The frame body of the invention preferably has a front portion which includes a first opening formed therein arranged for viewing a picture therethrough and a back portion which includes a second opening formed therein positionally aligned with the first opening. The second opening receives the picture covering, the picture, and the backing sheet member therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: American Industrial Design Co., Inc.Inventors: Phillip Jack Snoke, Mark J. Moneypenny, Edward Stamm, Jr.
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Patent number: 5785461Abstract: A wedge tensioning device for securing screen material to a screening system having a T-bolt with a threaded shank for receiving a nut threadably engaged therewith for adjustment toward and away from the frame. A pair of opposing wedges each having an elongated aperture through each wedge is provided. The T-bolt is passed through the elongated aperture of each wedge and is positioned between the frame and the nut. A spacer having an aperture therethrough is positioned between the wedges. The screen may be readily removed from the screening apparatus by driving the smaller end of one of the two wedges away from the bolt shank and out from its position to thereby loosen the tension on the screen material and permit it removal and replacement. To tension the screen material, the large end of one of the two wedges may be driven toward the shank of the bolt.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Inventor: Gene F. Lambert