Patents Examined by Glenn T. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5253791
    Abstract: A rack for supporting goods, such as hot food, on the seat of a car during delivery includes a platform having a leg extending in one direction at one side, and a second leg extending in an opposite direction from an opposite side. The first leg acts as a edge or rail to catch the object on the support surface of the platform and the second leg extends from the platform to the car seat to maintain the platform on a generally horizontal plane. The first and second legs have differing lengths, so that the rack may be inverted to accommodate different depths of seat crevices. Also disclosed is an extension member for seats having unusually deep crevices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: John A. Chiodo
  • Patent number: 5250770
    Abstract: A control shaft is rotatable in the axial opening in a cylindrical boss projecting forwardly from a front wall of a resinous plastic housing. The boss is received in a cylindrical opening in a panel formed with two slots for receiving mounting members projecting forwardly from the housing and having latching hooks for securing the housing on the panel. The boss and the mounting members form a triangle. The spacing between the boss and the plane of the mounting members is different from the spacing between the cylindrical opening and the plane of the slots whereby an interference fit is produced between the mounting members and the slots to obviate looseness. An anti-rotation pin on the housing is received in another opening in the panel. A key pin on the housing is received in a key opening in the panel. The key pin and the boss are located along a radial line oriented at an acute angle to the plane of the mounting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Indak Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: John G. Cummings
  • Patent number: 5250767
    Abstract: A television receiver signal blocking system is provided which includes a television receiver, a television signal source and a television signal blocking mechanism therebetween. The television signal blocking mechanism includes a box from which electrical conductors are connected to the television receiver in a signal source, such as a television cable. Within the television signal blocking mechanism or box is a rotatable matching member which includes a latching arm and a switch carrying arm. The latching member is rotatable between three positions which permit the television signal blocking box to be opened to gain access to its interior while cutting off or blocking the signal; a second position in which the box is latched closed and the signal is not blocked; and a third position in which the box is closed and the signal is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Vectron, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Sammon
  • Patent number: 5244133
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier for mounting to a trailer hitch on an automobile or the like, has a carrier frame for carrying one or more cycles, and a coupling assembly attached to the frame, the coupling assembly including first and second members adapted for insertion into the hitch and a screw adjustable for effecting relative displacement of the two members transversely to the hitch making a tight friction-fit of the coupling to keep the cycle carrier frame from wobbling on the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hollywood Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Abbott, Neil Nusbaum, Henry Nusbaum
  • Patent number: 5243162
    Abstract: An optically transparent touch switch is described. The switch is of the type which comprises a pair of glass sheets, transparent electrodes formed on one side of each glass sheet in such a way that the transparent electrodes are facing each other, and a spacer provided between the paired glass sheets to establish a given gap therebetween. The spacer is made of a dispersion which comprises an adhesive resin, spherical fine particles of a transparent resin, and hard fine particles of glass fibers having substantially the same diameter as a size of the spherical fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5241145
    Abstract: An operation device for an electronic apparatus comprises an indication board, a plurality of electric elements arranged at predetermined parts of the indication board, and a frame having a plurality of elastic pushing members formed in positions corresponding to the electric elements respectively. The surface of each of the pushing members is provided with a conductor part which is connected to an electrical wiring provided on the frame. Each of the electric elements is sandwiched and carried, with electrical connection, between the indication board and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Kawade
  • Patent number: 5241146
    Abstract: A contact-type switch is provided that includes a housing and, disposed in the housing, a plunger having a long-stroke configuration. Essentially immediately after a shifting out of an outer end position and in a direction that is essentially in the direction of a central axis of the housing, the plunger breaks at least one switch contact that is disposed in the housing. A specific displacement path or dead travel is carried out by the plunger between its outer end position and the position where the switch contact is broken. Both the plunger and a region of the housing where the plunger enters the same have an essentially at least five-sided cross-sectional configuration, with this entry region forming a first guide for the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Wolfgang Priesemuth
  • Patent number: 5238162
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the carrying of various types of balls, such as basketballs, soccer balls, volley balls, footballs, and the like, consists of an elongated oval-shaped carrier made of elastic resilient material, such as neoprene. The length of the carrier is less than the outer circumference of the ball to be carried; and a flexible adjustable strap is provided between the two ends of the carrier to permit it to be securely and tightly pulled into contact with the ball. This causes the carrier to stretch or expand to the contour of the shape of the ball to be carried, and to hold the ball with constant frictional tension. A shoulder carrying strap is attached to the opposite ends of the carrier; so that the ball readily and easily can be carried by means of the shoulder strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Krobar International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. LaCivita
  • Patent number: 5239143
    Abstract: An improved operator assembly for a rocker switch having a switch contact member movable relative to fixed contacts. Movement of an inner rocker moves the switch contact to turn the switch on and off. An outer rocker is located adjacent the inner rocker. The rockers are normally coupled by an inserted safety key for common movement. The rockers include stop components interengagable when the outer rocker is moved manually without a key toward a position corresponding to the off position of the switch, for example. The stop components are not interengagable when the outer rocker is moved toward a position which would turn the switch on. With this arrangement, when the key is removed with the switch on, the outer rocker can be manually operated to turn off the switch. However, if the switch is off, manual operation of the outer rocker in the opposite direction will not be accompanied by movement of the inner rocker and consequently the switch cannot be turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Judco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Valenzona
  • Patent number: 5238160
    Abstract: A novel combination unit of a novel receptacle and a novel mount is provided herein. The novel mount includes a base for securement to a selected surface. The base includes a support arm (e.g. which is centrally located) projecting from the base. Co-operative gripping means, e.g. laterally-spaced-apart members, are provided, as well as an upper, pivotally mounted, resiliently-sprung, e.g. spring biased closure. Alternately, a fixed angular closure surface fitted with a resilient closure block may be provided. The receptacle is provided with an internal pocket which is adapted to mate with the support arm, e.g. a central pocket. It is also co-operative grippable, e.g. laterally-spaced grippable depressions. A dispensing opening in the receptacle is adapted to be sealed automatically upon fitment of the receptacle with respect to the mount by actuated pivoting of the closure with respect to the mount or by contact with the fixed angularly-upwardly-projecting closure surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Kevin M. Faulds
  • Patent number: 5236110
    Abstract: A holding arrangement includes a pair of elongated branch members forming, for example, a support for a cycle rack, with a pair of links being arranged in a vicinity of lower ends of the branch members for connecting the branch members so as to enable a relative displacement between the branch members. An arrangement is disposed between the lower end portion and the upper end portion of the branch members for displacing the branch members from a closed position to an opened position and for applying a tensioning force to the branch member so as to lock the branch members to an object. The lower end of each branch member is provided with an arrangement for enabling a securing of the branch members to the object upon a displacement of the branch members to the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Erik Schmidt Autotilbehor A/S
    Inventor: Erik Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5236111
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow storage rack for storing and securing a wheelbarrow on a vehicle, the storage rack comprised of a frame generally dimensioned to the size of the tray of the wheelbarrow, the frame having channel members positioned on the side members and at least one cross member for cooperative, slidable engagement with the tray edge of the tray of the wheelbarrow, the wheelbarrow tray engageable with the channel members in either a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation, the storage rack having an additional securing assembly engageable with the frame of the wheelbarrow when the storage rack is positioned in a horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5234143
    Abstract: A multipurpose traveling bag for carrying personal items and/or infant care supplies comprising a primary bag section and a removable auxiliary bag section is disclosed. The primary bag section can be hand carried or worn as a backpack with or without the removable auxiliary bag section. The primary bag section has a fold down seat that can be used as a booster seat by infants in a first or infant care bag embodiment of the present invention and can be used as a seat for adults in a second or backpack embodiment of the present invention. In a third embodiment, the present invention is adapted to be mounted upon a bicycle to additionally provide an infant bicycle seat. In all three embodiments a cooler compartment provides for the storage of perishable food items. The multipurpose traveling bag is constructed of a vinyl or nylon covered extruded plastic framework or can be fabricated from vacuum formed plastic. It is therefore lightweight and easy to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Inventors: A. Pascal Mahvi, Caryl L. Mahvi
  • Patent number: 5232135
    Abstract: A cargo carrier platform for use on the outside of a motor vehicle having a frame mounted trailer hitch receiver includes a rigid platform for mounting the cargo carrier, and a separate bracket for attaching the rigid platform to the frame mounted trailer hitch receiver. The bracket is adapted at the lower end for insertion into the receiver for supporting the cargo carrier platform without attachment to the bumper, frame, or any other surface of the vehicle. At the upper end, a rigid, flat platform is attached to the bracket by way of a swivel mount to support and stabilize the cargo carrier. The bracket and attached platform are shaped to position the cargo carrier over the vehicle's trunk. The attached cargo carrier platform rotates in its mounting bracket to permit access to the vehicle's trunk without the necessity of the removal of the cargo carrier or its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Joyce C. Marren
    Inventor: Joyce C. Marren
  • Patent number: 5230449
    Abstract: A collapsable bicycle carrier for a vehicle which utilizes the structure of the bicycle frame for its support and is easily adaptable to virtually any vehicle. The carrier uses soft, flexible straps and non-metallic attaching devices to prevent damage to the vehicle or the bicycle. The straps are long enough and are provided with quick release and slide buckles to allow versatility in mounting to various vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventors: John G. Collins, Steven I. Cass
  • Patent number: 5230450
    Abstract: An infant care bag for storing bottles, diapers, Wet Wipes, and other infant care supplies comprises a primary bag section and a removable auxiliary bag section is disclosed. The primary bag section can be worn as a backpack with or without the removable auxiliary bag section. The primary bag section stores a variety of infant care supplies and perishable food items and can be used as a booster chair for dining. The removable auxiliary section provides additional storage space and has a compartment for storing a changing pad. The infant care bag is constructed of a fabric coated extruded plastic framework. A second embodiment disclosed in the infant care bag is fabricated from vacuum formed plastic. The infant care bag is therefore lightweight and easy to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventors: A. Pascal Mahvi, Caryl L. Mahvi
  • Patent number: 5230422
    Abstract: A switch operator, such as a manual push button, mounts a latch onto which are mounted up to four cartridges. A pair of laterally opposed arms of the latch receive each cartridge between them, and lock the cartridge to the latch. Each cartridge has four lips, two for each arm, which engage a pair of spaced apart locking surfaces on each arm. Each arm fits between the two lips it engages, and each cartridge has a pair of feet which fit into a pair of pockets in the latch. A contact cartridge has a follower, and the follower and feet are both positioned to one side of the cartridge, and the feet cooperate with the pockets to insure proper orientation of the cartridge in its position on the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger E. Karweik, Gary C. Fillus, Thomas G. Karakis
  • Patent number: 5228607
    Abstract: A carrier rack includes a trailer-hitch ball-engaging mount selectively movable by articulated linkage between a released position and an operative position engagable with a trailer-hitch ball. In the operative position of the ball-engaging mount, an adjustable clamp selectively increases compressive forces of the mount on the ball to a desired loading. The linkage is configured and dimensioned to ensure that it is in a relaxed condition when the ball-engaging mount is in its operative position and subjected to the increased compressive forces applied by the adjustable clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: TVP, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey G. Tolsdorf
  • Patent number: 5226529
    Abstract: A pushbutton switch which permits partial actuation without a change of state, including a body, a cover and a contact cup having a plurality of tabs, the cup rotatably mounted on the cover. A plunger and ratchet mechanism mounted in the body incrementally rotate the contact cup and tabs upon successive actuations of the switch. A first terminal mounted on the cover is interruptibly in contact with one of the tabs as they are rotated by operation of the ratchet mechanism, while a second terminal mounted on the cover maintains electrical contact with the contact cup. A plurality of camming ramps formed in the cover are in intermittent communication with the tabs, first lifting them above a planar portion of the first terminal, then permitting one of them to come to rest on the planar portion of the terminal completing an electrical circuit between the first and second terminals. In another embodiment, a third terminal is mounted on the cover in a coplanar spaced apart relationship with the first terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Judco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Valenzona
  • Patent number: 5226569
    Abstract: A garment hanger support includes a housing for storably receiving a hanger support rod and a pair of spaced arms pivotally attached to opposite ends of the support rod. Each of the pivot arms have ends remote from the pivot mounting of each of the arms to the support rod which are pivotally and slideably mounted within the housing such that the support rod can be moved downwardly while the pivot arms at either end extend outwardly and downwardly forming a generally U-shaped structure when in an extended position. For storage, the support rod is pushed upwardly and the ends of the pivot arms remote from the hanger support slide inwardly and pivot for overlapping contracted storage within the housing with the lower surface of the hanger support rod enclosing the space into which the pivot arms are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Sheldon J. Watjer, Michael J. Gregg