Patents Examined by Glenn T. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5124514
    Abstract: A key switch comprising a bottom shell connected with an upper shell for holding a spring plate, a switching mechanism which is comprised of two conducting plates respectively connected to the two opposite terminals of a circuit, and a spring supported key cap, wherein said upper shell has two retaining grooves separated by a projecting strip for holding said two conducting plates respectively in place. The first conducting plate comprises a trigger frame obliquely disposed toward the spring plate and a contact end extending backward from said trigger frame. Pressing on the key cap causes the spring plate to move the trigger frame to carry its contact end to electrically contact the second conducting plate forming into a closed circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Win-Join Chen
  • Patent number: 5121865
    Abstract: The belt-carried holster includes a slitted back plate engaged by a waist belt. Two pairs of complementary hook and loop flexible fastener strips are connected to the back plate and interconnected in pairs in cross-overlapping fashion, for containment of a cassette player against the back plate. At least some of the fastener strips are connected indirectly to the back plate, via flexible cords, which may be slightly elastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Edward T. Howard
  • Patent number: 5118912
    Abstract: A switching device having an operation button member to be depressed includes at least one contact member to be moved by the operation button member when the operation button member is depressed. The contact member is electrically conductive and a conductive member for contacting the contact member when the operation button member is depressed by a predetermined amount is provided. An elastic member is arranged opposite to the at least one contact member with respect to the conductive member, so as to be elastically deformed when the operation button member is depressed, after the contact member has contacted the conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoaki Itabashi
  • Patent number: 5117077
    Abstract: A reversing plate is provided between a depressing barrel which is engaged with a key top and a membrane contacts on a frame, wherein the reversing plate is bent toward the depressing barrel and, when a depression force applied by the depressing barrel exceeds a predetermined buckling limit, the bending direction of the reversing plate reverses toward the membrane contacts. The reversing plate is made of a plate spring and is composed of a slim peripheral piece which is bent by being provided a bending portion at several positions, a central piece astride in the approximate center of the peripheral piece, and a contact pressing piece provided at the central piece. When the key is depressed, the central piece of the reversing plate is moved under pressure transmitted through the depressing barrel, twisting the peripheral piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: S M K Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidemasa Sakurada
  • Patent number: 5117075
    Abstract: A control button is movable about a pivot and is fixed on a support by means of four elastic strips, two of which are interconnected by a catch which anchors itself in an opening of the support after being introduced into it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Pierre Guilleminot
  • Patent number: 5114058
    Abstract: Fish stringers, particularly a resilient longitudinally extending stringer arm. An upper hand-gripping end of the stringer arm may be adjustably secured to the fisherman's belt or waders. The lower, free end of the stringer arm spears hooked fish. A pivoted carrying arm is secured to the upper end of the stringer arm and extends outwardly so as to define an alternate hand-gripping portion and inwardly to encircle and releasably engage the free end of the stringer arm. The stringer arm is characterized by its ability to adjustably support a load of fish in the desired juxtaposition with the fisherman's thigh and upon release may be carried in a horizontal mode by a hand-gripping portion defined in the pivoted carrying arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Ronnie D. Davis
  • Patent number: 5111981
    Abstract: A game call holder for mounting on the chest near the shoulder or shoulder and upper arm of a user and positioning a game call in close proximity to the mouth of the user, in order to leave the hands free. In a preferred embodiment the game call holder is characterized by a support member fitted with pile fasteners and a clip for attachment to the collar of the user's shirt, jacket or coat. One or more holder straps having one end attached to the support member and the opposite end fitted with one or more loop fasteners, movably and adjustably secure the game call to the support member. A flexible arm strap is also attached to the support member and extends around the arm of the user and includes a loop fastener strip for removable attachment to the support member to stabilize the support member on the user's chest or shoulder. The game call holder is designed to be ambidextrous, since it functions equally well on the chest or shoulder for right or left-handed individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Melvin L. Allen
  • Patent number: 5111010
    Abstract: Two leaf springs of substantially identical width which define first and second movable members are superposed on each other at one end and connected together. A movable contact is attached to the thus connected portion. The first movable member has a slot formed in a middle portion thereof. The width of an end portion of the second movable member is set so that the end portion can be inserted in the slot. A supporting member being inserted in the slot has a portion for swingably supporting an edge portion of the slot and another portion for swingably supporting an end portion of the second movable member opposite to the movable contact. The second movable member is curved so that upon application of a operating force to the first movable member the urging direction of the second movable member changes to cause a snap action to thereby selectively bring the movable contact into contact with one of the two fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Sadao Kokubu, Minoru Nishio, Yoshitaka Hattori
  • Patent number: 5111007
    Abstract: A switch lock is provided including a lock plug rotatable by a key between two or more positions within a lock barrel, and a switch is associated therewith such that one switch pole is selectively placed in one or more positions by the plug. A visual switch position indicator includes a second switch pole in the switch with a power source connected thereto, and an LED visible from the lock forward end has its leads connected to a terminal for selective connection to a power source in response to the position of the lock plug. The LED leads are flexible, disposed in a groove in the rear face of the lock bezel, and pass through a space between the lock barrel and the opening in the mounting plate. The switch wires are fixed to a connector and are protected by a shrink tube over the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Miller, Thomas J. DeCicco, Timothy P. Laabs
  • Patent number: 5108018
    Abstract: A detachable carrier for use on motor vehicles such as cars, trucks, and the like. A lower hollow post is pivotably connected to an upper hollow post that carries a cross piece on which a pair of hangers are mounted. An anchor bolt is fixed on the lower post for mounting the carrier on a conventional trailer hitch mounting bracket. A locking pin cooperates with superimposed locking holes to lock the carrier in the upright position. A counterbalancing spring and a stop-limit chain are mounted inside the hollow posts. The spring is a coil spring in one embodiment and a leaf spring in another embodiment. An assembly is provided for adjusting the counterbalancing spring force applied to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: James Spinka
  • Patent number: 5105482
    Abstract: A water flow control device, using available swimming pool water for a source of water, adapted to be connected to conventional swimming pool hose apparatus for rapidly serving swimming pools for winter and spring cleanup. The flow control device can be used to rapidly fill water tubes, consisting of large vinyl bags which are used to anchor the four sides of conventional swimming pool cover used to cover swimming pools when not in use. The flow control device comprises a check valve, a nozzle, a hose section, a valve housing, a flow control handle, a flow chamber, a ball and a ball check seat. A swimming pool flow control system incorporating a source of water.An improved flow control device, of 11/2" id.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventors: Raymond F. Flynn, Margaret A. Flynn
  • Patent number: 5104020
    Abstract: A load carrier for a vehicle is provided with a strut (1) disposed transversely over the roof (6) of the vehicle, and with a foot member (2)in each end. The foot members are provided with a support member (3) and a gripping member (4) which, by way of an operating device (20, 21), are mountable against edge portions (5, 6) of the vehicle roof, for fixedly securing the load carrier. In order to render such fixed securement extra reliable, both the support member (3) and the gripping member (4) are disposed on a pivotal arm (17) which, by way of a pivot (16), is fixedly secured in an upper portion of the foot member (2). The arm (17) is pivotal with its lower portion in towards the center of the vehicle so that both the under gripping portion (19) of the gripping member (4) and the support member (3) accompany the arm in this movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: Jan-Ivar Arvidsson, Willis Thulin
  • Patent number: 5100037
    Abstract: A tape rule holder of the type used by carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other trades persons formed from two die cut flat pieces of heavy duty, top grain saddle leather. The back piece of the tape rule holder includes belt slots in its upper section. The front piece or pocket-forming member of the tape rule holder is configured in its flat pre-assembly form with peripheral side rivet areas and a bottom rivet area, each defined by a fold line. When the front piece is riveted to the back piece there is formed a tape rule pocket comprising a front wall, side walls and a bottom wall and the side walls present on their inner portion side pocket pressure detent ridges. A leather strap member is affixed to the back piece and has a forwardly arched portion within the tape rule pocket to form an inner back pressure ridge which together with the side detent ridges apply pressure to a tape rule inserted into the leather tape rule holder to grip and maintain the tape rule therein against accidental dislodgement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Kopyta, Brett P. Seber
  • Patent number: 5095559
    Abstract: A heating apparatus comprises a closed vessel having thermally conducting walls and containing a gas that is heated by one or more electrical heating elements in the vessel. The vessel is received in a duct through which air is blown. The air is heated by the heat transferred to the vessel walls by the gas in the vessel. Pressure and thermostatic switches in the circuit of the heating element communicate with the gas in the vessel and provide a double-safety, over-temperature power shut-off. The heating apparatus may be used to blow hot air into water in a tub through hoses leading to inlet openings or to an air distribution mat placed in the tub. The bubbles of hot air heat the water and produce strong agitation. A special raft receives the air distribution mat, which heats water in the raft by bubbling hot air through it. The heating apparatus can also be used for space heating, warming and drying towels and clothes, hair drying and grooming animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: South Breeze Corporation
    Inventors: Leif Liljegren, Harry J. Scanlan
  • Patent number: 5092507
    Abstract: A modular workstation (2) is disclosed comprising a base container (4) for positionment on an automobile seat. A top surface (10) of the base container constitutes a writing surface, which is movable from a storage position to a second position in writing proximity to the workstation user. A secondary storage container (6) is integrally molded with the base container, inboard thereof, and a channel (64) is provided for receiving a seat belt. A third storage container (8) can be attached to an outward surface of the base container, for use in transporting files to and from the vehicle. The writing surface (10) mounted to the top of the base container is removable from the container, whereby providing the user with a transportable writing surface if so needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Szablak, Glen E. Tomblin
  • Patent number: 5090604
    Abstract: A backpack device including a flexible enclosure for containing a load to be supported and carried by a wearer and a frame for supporting the flexible enclosure. Shock absorbers are pivotally connected to the frame and to a waist belt for absorbing shock between the flexible enclosure and the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: The North Face
    Inventor: Robert Howe
  • Patent number: 5088134
    Abstract: A portable toilet device has a disposable waste receiving bag situated therein. The device is operable from an open or in-use position to a closed or non-use position which causes rotation of the waste receiving bag to temporarily close or seal the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Ian F. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5086522
    Abstract: A drain plug apparatus includes securement to an associated fluid reservoir, wherein the apparatus further includes a pressure nut mounted to the reservoir, with a discharge screw directed through the pressure nut, wherein the discharge screw includes a central conduit cooperative with and in fluid communication with a through-extending head conduit arranged orthogonally relative to the through-extending conduit to direct fluid from the reservoir exteriorly thereof. The discharge screw includes a conical head to be received within a conical seat formed within the pressure nut. The pressure nut may include a boss directed exteriorly of the pressure nut and integral therewith to receive a tube thereabout to permit directing of discharge fluid through an associated flexible tube to be received within an associated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: George D. Stofko, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5086198
    Abstract: An electric switch comprising a fixed contact attached to a casing, a moveable contact piece carrying a moveable contact, an elastic piece which is actuated by an external force between two positions which are located on either side of the moveable contact piece along the common direction of motion of the moveable contact piece and the elastic piece, and a U-shaped spring member engaged between the free ends of the moveable contact piece and the elastic piece. As the elastic piece is moved past the moveable contact piece, the spring action of the U-shaped spring member upon the moveable contact piece changes its direction in such a manner that the moveable contact is positively pressed upon the fixed contact or displaced away from the latter without producing any indeterminate state of contact between the moveable and fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventor: Motoi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 5083326
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for protecting a swimming pool against damage due to forces created as water in the pool freezes and expands. The apparatus includes a hull that floats on the surface of the water and compresses as the water freezes and expands. A pair of straps attach the hull to a pair of bean bags to keep the float in a selected position near the side of the pool. The hull has a pair of side members and a pair of end members, forming a watertight hull. The side members are connected together along a common edge to form a V-shaped cross section. A plurality of weights are located in a semicircular slot along the common edge to keep the common edge downward in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Charles E. Casebier, III