Patents Examined by Robert W. Gibson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6619485
    Abstract: The disclosed invention provides for a lockable grass trimmer rack. The grass trimmer rack has inner frames and an outer frame. The outer frame slides vertically with respect to the inner frames to an open position or a closed position. The hooks on one side of the grass trimmer rack have slightly different inner diameters than the hooks on the opposite side of the grass trimmer rack to hold securely the larger diameter and small diameter ends of the grass trimmer. When the grass trimmer rack is in a closed position, the hooks clamp the grass trimmer in place and the equipment rack can be locked to prevent theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: David Mark Jenkins
  • Patent number: 6615993
    Abstract: A slide interlock assembly for a rack including a first rod, a first mount bracket secured to a first stationary member of the rack and having a first guide for receiving one end of the rod, a second mount bracket, secured to a second stationary member of the rack and having a second guide for receiving a second end of the first rod, a first actuator bracket secured to a first slide member adjacent the first mount bracket, having a surface that is inclined relative to a sliding axis of the first slide member for engaging a first end of the first rod, and a second actuator bracket, secured to a second slide member, having a hole for receiving a second end of the first rod when the first slide member is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Wolfram A. Rudiger
  • Patent number: 6615998
    Abstract: Fittings for mounting on frame members of a switchgear cabinet framework, the frame members having a free space towards the outside corner edge of the framework, which free space forms a receiver, which is closed towards the interior of the framework, is open towards the outside corner edge and is mirror-inverted relative to the diagonal of the frame member. The fittings have a mounting plate the cross-section of which is adapted to the cross-section of the receiver and which plate is connectable to the end profile side of the frame member. The mounting plate preferably has a central mounting bore. The mounting plate, in the longitudinal direction of the frame member, has a pre-determined width, which is preferably symmetrical to the mounting bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rittal RCS Communication
    Inventors: Samuel Klassen, Heiko Holighaus
  • Patent number: 6609621
    Abstract: A shelf assembly includes vertical posts and horizontal shelf supports that are configured and arranged to define at least one shelf space extending upward beyond upper distal ends of the posts. Net supports are connected to the posts in a manner that supports the net in a position spanning at least one edge of the shelf space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Sinco, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Denny, George H. Merritt, Lance F. Swartwout, Brian S. Clarke, Edward T. Mehl
  • Patent number: 6607086
    Abstract: A hanger assembly comprised of a longitudinal member and end brackets attached to and pivotable with respect to the member. The length of the longitudinal member is selected to span the maximum distance typically encountered with overhead joists and beams. The hanger assembly provides the advantages of being of simple construction, inexpensive, capable of spanning a wide range of distances between joists, and allowing easy squaring of junction boxes with the room in which they are installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6607083
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Patent number: 6604640
    Abstract: The storage system comprises a metal structure in which vertical column are connected by means of diagonal members and linking members, whereby at least two diagonal members are provided with at least one dissipative zone, while the linking members are adapted for undergoing elastic deformation when at least one dissipative zone is undergoing a plastic stretching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Stow International N.V.
    Inventor: Denis Jehin
  • Patent number: 6604639
    Abstract: A roller board display device includes a base having two lugs on a side thereof and two stubs extend from bottom of said base so that the display devices can be connected in series by inserting the stubs in the holes of lugs. A rest board is connected to said top surface of said base and a recess is defined in said rest board. One of the roller frame is engaged with the notch in the rest board and an end of the roller board is engaged with two recesses defined in a top surface of the base. A side of the roller board may also be engaged with the two recesses and the other side of the roller board is rested on the rest board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Tsug Chen
  • Patent number: 6601716
    Abstract: A stackable rack having a frame of vertical members and horizontal members, where each vertical member terminates in a foot portion at one end and a top engagement portion at the other end. The foot portion has a flange for accepting a wheel, and an upward tapering sleeve portion surrounded by the flange, the upward tapered section creating an engagement pocket. The top engagement portion of a vertical member is shaped to be insertable and engagable with the engagement pocket, to allow the top engagement end of one rack to be inserted into the engagement pocket of another rack for stacking racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Deltak Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Yates Westley Hayman, Robert Lea
  • Patent number: 6601713
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for easily and inexpensively coupling slides together. A spring that couples to one slide engages an opening in an adjoining slide to latch the two slides together in a fully extended position. The spring includes a protrusion that is angled on one side and that is abruptly raised on the other side. The two slides are easily coupled by engaging angled edges of the two slides and moving the slides together. As the protrusion reaches the opening, the force of the spring causes the protrusion to enter the opening such that the slides are in the latched position. Continued movement causes the angled side of the protrusion to contact the side of the opening and moves the protrusion out of the opening, allowing the second slide to be moved into the unextended position. Thereby slides are easily coupled together without the use of any tools. In addition, the slides are easily uncoupled by deforming the spring and moving the slides lengthwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Joseph W. Kaminski
  • Patent number: 6601712
    Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6598752
    Abstract: A disk holder comprising means for attaching to a disk storage device and means for holding to a support surface, wherein there is a rotary joint between the storage device and the support surface. A method for holding disks comprising the following steps: A, forming a holding means for attaching to a support surface; B, attaching the holding means to a storage device through a rotary joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Tsachi Davidov
  • Patent number: 6598751
    Abstract: A holder for items such as eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aids is disclosed wherein the compartments for each item may be identified. The holder may also list information about the person that owns the necessary items so that any misplaced may be more easily located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Romaine McNelis, John McNelis
  • Patent number: 6595375
    Abstract: A tool organizer and carrying apparatus comprises a rotatable tool mounting assembly having multiple tool receiving surfaces mounted on a frame. The invention preferably comprises a removable base plate to allow for stable placement on a flat surface such as a workbench or shop floor. The frame provides an axis of rotation for the tool mounting assembly to provide a worker fingertip access to tools mounted thereon. Tools such as sockets are retained on multiple tool receiving surfaces with clips, magnets, nuts and bolts and/or other known retention means for easy removal and replacement. The frame is adaptable to mount the organizer on a base or to a workbench, tool chest or the like and further comprises a means for carrying the organizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Garett McConnell
  • Patent number: 6595376
    Abstract: A clamp device which includes a base has a recess defined between two protrusions, and a chamber is defined in an inside of one of the two protrusions. A friction pad is attached to an inside of the other of the two protrusions. A frame with an inclined plate is received in the chamber and two parallel rails extend from a top surface of the inclined plate. A roller is received in the chamber and two grooves are defined in an outer surface of the roller. A friction member is mounted to the roller and located between the two grooves so that the rails are movably engaged with the grooves. A shank of a tool can be held by the friction member and the friction pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Jui-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 6594956
    Abstract: The invention provides an attachment device for a leaf-deflection tube insertable in gutters, which tube is provided with a plurality of drain openings in the tube wall, the attachment device having a retaining rod which may be passed through the drain openings of the leaf-deflection tube and the length of which is greater than the diameter of the leaf-deflection tube, and which has a first end surrounding the front edge of the gutter and a second end attachable to the roof structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Hubertus Willing
  • Patent number: 6595374
    Abstract: A store display maximizes shelf space through use of an automated lift assembly that selectively positions product, for example milk containers, at an opening in a wall. The wall defines a customer side and a store side, and the lift assembly monitors product available through the opening and selectively raises additional product from a stacked array into position at the opening. Helical threaded members are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a pallet, or support platform, and are driven in unison in response to a signal from a sensor that product is depleted from an upper level of the stacked array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen
  • Patent number: 6595377
    Abstract: A tree-shaped potted plant holder (10) including an adjustable length main support unit (11) that comprises an upper tubular support member (30) that is rotatably and telescopically received within a lower tubular support member (20); wherein, both the upper (30) and lower (20) tubular support members are provided with rows (33) (34) and (26) of horizontally arrayed apertures that are dimensioned to receive a plurality of different length support arm members (40) each provided with a split ring pot receiving element (43); and, wherein, the lower tubular support member (20) is further provided with a stabilizing unit (13) for maintaining the main support unit (11) in a vertically upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Thelma Hetu
  • Patent number: 6591992
    Abstract: A boat for cleaning semiconductor packages, including cleaning ball grid array packages in centrifugal cleaners. The boat includes a bottom plate with receptacles for receiving semiconductor packages and a top plate having through holes, where each through hole is smaller than the receptacle with which it corresponds in the bottom plate. An alignment mechanism ensures that the top plate is aligned with the bottom plate in a manner that results in each through hole being positioned directly over a respective one of the receptacles. An attachment mechanism releasably attaches the top plate to the bottom plate in a co-planar relationship that results in the presence of a vertical space between the two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ajit M. Dubey, Raj N. Master, Ong Ot, Chan Cs
  • Patent number: 6591997
    Abstract: A face bracket of a computer rack assembled for shelving electronic equipment is in the form of a long plate body. A first longitudinal edge of the long plate body is disposed with a right-angle bent edge. A second longitudinal edge has a bent edge extends with two right-angle bends to form a bent portion in a n-shape. Lock holes are disposed at a certain distance on the plate surface of the long plate body. The face plate bracket is fixedly locked on the inner side of an aluminum extruded machine rack frame so as to fix an expansion rod bracket for shelving the main set between two expansion rod brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Chuan Hung