Patents by Inventor Darlene B. SantaCroce

Darlene B. SantaCroce has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7997525
    Abstract: A retractable hose guide includes a shell assembly that is structured to be embedded into the ground. The shell assembly defines an enclosed space that is open at the top. A guide rod assembly is movably disposed within the shell assembly and structured to move between a first, retracted position, wherein the guide rod assembly is substantially disposed within the shell assembly enclosed space, and a second, extended position, wherein the guide rod assembly extends substantially above the shell assembly enclosed space. A pop-up device includes components on both the shell assembly and the guide rod assembly that act in concert to lock the guide rod assembly in either the first or second position. The pop-up device preferably includes a biasing device structured to bias the guide rod assembly toward the second, extended position. The pop-up device is structured to be actuated by a generally linear movement of the guide rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Hatcher, Joshua O. Mullen, Darlene B. SantaCroce
  • Patent number: 7891602
    Abstract: A retractable hose guide includes a shell assembly that is structured to be embedded into the ground. The shell assembly defines an enclosed space that is open at the top. A guide rod assembly is movably disposed within the shell assembly and structured to move between a first, retracted position, wherein the guide rod assembly is substantially disposed within the shell assembly enclosed space, and a second, extended position, wherein the guide rod assembly extends substantially above the shell assembly enclosed space. A pop-up device includes components on both the shell assembly and the guide rod assembly that act in concert to lock the guide rod assembly in either the first or second position. The pop-up device preferably includes a biasing device structured to bias the guide rod assembly toward the second, extended position. The pop-up device is structured to be actuated by a generally linear movement of the guide rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Hatcher, Joshua O. Mullen, Darlene B. SantaCroce
  • Publication number: 20110036937
    Abstract: A retractable hose guide includes a shell assembly that is structured to be embedded into the ground. The shell assembly defines an enclosed space that is open at the top. A guide rod assembly is movably disposed within the shell assembly and structured to move between a first, retracted position, wherein the guide rod assembly is substantially disposed within the shell assembly enclosed space, and a second, extended position, wherein the guide rod assembly extends substantially above the shell assembly enclosed space. A pop-up device includes components on both the shell assembly and the guide rod assembly that act in concert to lock the guide rod assembly in either the first or second position. The pop-up device preferably includes a biasing device structured to bias the guide rod assembly toward the second, extended position. The pop-up device is structured to be actuated by a generally linear movement of the guide rod assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: STEPHEN D. HATCHER, Joshua O. Mullen, Darlene B. SantaCroce
  • Publication number: 20100108799
    Abstract: A retractable hose guide includes a shell assembly that is structured to be embedded into the ground. The shell assembly defines an enclosed space that is open at the top. A guide rod assembly is movably disposed within the shell assembly and structured to move between a first, retracted position, wherein the guide rod assembly is substantially disposed within the shell assembly enclosed space, and a second, extended position, wherein the guide rod assembly extends substantially above the shell assembly enclosed space. A pop-up device includes components on both the shell assembly and the guide rod assembly that act in concert to lock the guide rod assembly in either the first or second position. The pop-up device preferably includes a biasing device structured to bias the guide rod assembly toward the second, extended position. The pop-up device is structured to be actuated by a generally linear movement of the guide rod assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: STEPHEN D. HATCHER, Joshua O. Mullen, Darlene B. SantaCroce
  • Patent number: D579287
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Hyp, Darlene B. SantaCroce
  • Patent number: D628030
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua O. Mullen, Chun W. Hung, Michael Nellenbach, Darlene B. SantaCroce