Patents Issued in January 4, 2000
  • Patent number: 6009556
    Abstract: A bathing suit of the bikini type for females comprises two discrete tops and a bottom. Each of the bikini tops includes a cup, a section of a neck strap and a section of a back strap. The neck strap sections can be releasably connected to one another as can the back strap sections. Each of the bikini tops further includes an additional strap which is provided with a coupling element and is designed to extend to the bikini bottom. Several coupling elements are located on the inside of the bikini bottom and can be connected to the coupling element on either of the additional straps. The appearance of the bathing suit can be changed by attaching the additional straps to various ones of the coupling elements on the bikini bottom. An extension is provided for the neck strap and makes further changes in appearance possible. Thus, while the neck strap itself is too short to be crossed, the extension enables crossing to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Nanci I. Nenninger
  • Patent number: 6009557
    Abstract: A video game glove offers protection for the thumb and forefinger of the game player. The glove extends over these two digits, and includes reinforced areas on the front of the tip of the two digits. The remaining fingers of the hand are fully exposed, and the glove is attached with a VELCRO.RTM. or similar fastener for a secure fit. The glove is preferably made of LYCRA.RTM. or a related material. The protective forefinger pad and thumb pad are preferably made of ULTRASUEDE.RTM. or a similar material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Jay D. Witta
  • Patent number: 6009558
    Abstract: The process friendly garments include a waste containment structure that has an absorbent core which is positioned between a wearer and a backsheet, and a cover joined to the pant structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paulette Mary Rosch, Donald Merlin Fries, deceased
  • Patent number: 6009559
    Abstract: Articles of clothing adapted to be worn by and to substantially surround at least a portion of a person. The articles of clothing absorb odors emanating from that portion of the person which is substantially surrounded by the clothing preventing odors from escaping to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: ALS Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Sesselmann
  • Patent number: 6009560
    Abstract: A firefighting garment having an outer shell of abrasion, flame and heat resistant material and a reflective trim attached to the outer shell wherein the reflective trim includes a multiplicity of open perforations which facilitate water and water vapor transport through the trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Lion Apparel, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill McKenney, Frank Taylor, Charlie Banks
  • Patent number: 6009561
    Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable and adjustable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet with a access hole formed therethrough is attached to the outer shell so that the access hole is aligned with the mounting hole. A helmet accessory has at least one mounting member insertable through the access hole. An engagement member is rotatably attached to the grommet with a predetermined amount of friction therebetween, and has means for removably engaging the helmet accessory mounting member inserted through the access hole for removably mounting the helmet accessory to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Sports Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bullock, Michael Grim, Flint Thorne
  • Patent number: 6009562
    Abstract: A helmet and method of making the same for allowing repeatably removable attachment of helmet accessories, that includes an inner liner member for substantially covering a wearer's head, and an outer shell member that includes an upper shell surface, a lower shell surface which substantially covers an upper liner surface of the inner liner member, and at least one mounting hole formed therethrough. A grommet is disposed along the upper shell surface and aligned over the mounting hole. A receptacle housing is disposed along the lower shell surface and has a receptacle aligned to and facing the mounting hole. Engagement prongs secure the grommet to the receptacle housing with the shell member therebetween. The helmet accessory has at least one mounting member, such as a protrusion or screw. The receptacle includes a device for removably engaging the mounting member when the mounting member is inserted through the mounting hole in order to removably mount the helmet accessory to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bullock, Michael Grim, Flint Thorne
  • Patent number: 6009563
    Abstract: A sports safety helmet includes two way radio communications and integral external lighting. The helmet is particularly well adapted for use in sailing, where head protection from swinging booms, heavy lines, and other components is desirable, and where unassisted voice communication can be difficult due to noise from wind, waves, and rigging of the boat. The present helmet is also of value in other activities where head protection is important, such as skiing, climbing, etc., and is of value in many occupations as well. The helmet is preferably configured to have smoothly rounded contours devoid of any protrusions, in order to preclude catching or snagging on rigging, tree branches, or other articles during use. The integrated lighting is of great assistance for night sailing, skiing, climbing, or other activities engaged in at night or periods of low lighting. A collar may also be provided, depending from the lower rear edge of the helmet, to protect the wearer from water spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: David A. Swanson, Greg White
  • Patent number: 6009564
    Abstract: A goggle is provided with double unitary lenses, separated by an insulating space to reduce fogging. At least one of the lenses is tapered to reduce prismatic distortion through the lens in an as-worn orientation. In an exemplary goggle, the tapering of one lens compensates for prismatic distortion and/or astigmatism introduced by the other of the lenses. The lenses are mounted in a goggle frame in a predetermined orientation with respect to a wearer's normal lines of sight. In one embodiment, the optical centerline or axis of the double lens system is aligned to be parallel with the wearer's normal lines of sight in the as-worn orientation. Method of manufacturing such lenses is also provided. The illustrated goggle defines an enclosed space between the inner lens and the wearer's face when worn, but includes ventilation to the enclosed space to allow moisture to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Oakley, Inc.
    Inventors: George Tackles, Hans Moritz, James H. Jannard, Ryan Saylor
  • Patent number: 6009565
    Abstract: A protective garment for being disposed against a body to absorb shock and protect selected regions of the body against the shock comprises a protective area for protecting against the shock a region of the body disposed adjacent the protective area and a nonprotective area for providing structural integrity to the garment while providing substantially little protection against the shock to a region of the body disposed against the nonprotective area of the garment. The protective area is adapted to be disposed on the side of the body only adjacent the enarthrodial joint of the hip and to be centered on the side of the body slightly below the level of the acetabulum of the pelvis and to extend upwardly and anteriorly to the front of the body and approximately centered over the acetabulum of the pelvis and to extend posteriorly to the rear of the body to the lower region of the gluteal muscles of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Plum Enterprises
    Inventor: Janice Carrington
  • Patent number: 6009566
    Abstract: An improved head and neck support device (10) for occupants (100) of high performance vehicles, is described. The device includes a restraining yoke (12) and a collar (11). The restraining yoke has two front portions (12A and 12B) which extend down from the shoulders (102) of the occupant along the torso (104) of the occupant. The restraining yoke also includes a rear portion (12C) which extends behind the neck (106) and the shoulders of the occupant. The collar of the device extends upward from the rear portion of the restraining yoke behind the head (112) of the occupant. The collar of the device is connected by tethers (15 or 215) to the helmet (108) of the occupant. The shoulder belts (110A) of the shoulder harness (110) of the vehicle extend over the front portions and rear portion of the restraining yoke when the device is mounted on the occupant such that the device is between the shoulder belts and the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Robert P. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 6009567
    Abstract: An inline sanitary conditioning system for a toilet or urinal system comprises a hollow body plumbed into a flush line between the flush valve and the bowl of the toilet or urinal. A cage is mounted into a chamber in the body through which the flush water passes. A solid tablet comprised of a soluble sanitary conditioning material is retained in the cage so that actuation of the flush valve causes water to flow through the upper end of the body into the chamber to dissolve a portion of the solid tablet to form a sanitary conditioning solution which is delivered to the bowl of the toilet or urinal. Preferably, electronic sensing apparatus are provided to detect users of the urinal or toilet, count the number of users, and activate a signal to alert maintenance personnel of the need to replace the sanitary conditioning tablet after 2000 or more users (or any other number) have been counted or predetermined number of days have elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Waterbury Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Dean, Nicholas A. Velezis
  • Patent number: 6009568
    Abstract: An opening-closing device for a Western style toilet seat and seat cover is disclosed, in which a pair of hinge cases are mounted at a predetermined spacing at the rear upper end of a Western style toilet bowl; in either of the pair of hinge cases a rotating shaft for the seat and a rotating shaft for the seat cover are rotatably mounted; on the rotating shaft for the seat in either hinge case, the seat mounting section is rotatably mounted, and on the rotating shaft for the seat cover in the hinge case, the seat cover mounting section is rotatably mounted; and a rotation control mechanism is mounted on the rotating shaft for the seat and the rotating shaft for the seat cover, to thereby prevent sudden drop of the seat and seat cover, At this time, the rotation control mechanism may be a cam mechanism using a compression spring, a torsion spring, a rotation camper, or a friction mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kanetsugu Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 6009569
    Abstract: A new and improved toilet seat handle including a housing attached to the lower side of a toilet seat having a handle member slidably received therein. The handle member may be retracted and locked within the housing or quickly ejected therefrom using a spring mechanism in communication with a side mounted lever allowing the handle member to be concealably stored when not in use. The handle member has a pair of elongated parallel slots for receiving the housing mounting screws allowing the handle member to slide relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Rick J. Ferrara
  • Patent number: 6009570
    Abstract: A bed for patient care having a waste disposal system. The bed includes a back, seat and two leg sections for supporting the patient. These sections of the bed may be raised and lowered and tilted. The leg sections may be moved independently for use with patients having one leg immobilized. The seat section includes two panels which part to permit a waste canister to be raised to interface with the buttocks of the patient. An audible signal alerts the patient prior to this action. The waste canister provides a directable bidet wash, and an air drying feature. Gelling material within the canister swells during the bidet function to cover and seal the waste. The entire canister may be sealed and disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas S. Hargest, Bart T. Blackwell, Adrian M. Moss
  • Patent number: 6009571
    Abstract: A foldable commode which includes: a platform having a pair of slotted members depending from the bottom, each slotted member defining a race extending from front to rear; a first U-shaped leg member having a pair of legs connected by a bight portion slidably disposed in the races; a second U-shaped leg member having a pair of legs connected by a bight portion, the top portions being pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the rear end of the platform, wherein the middle portion of each of the legs of the second U-shaped leg member is pivotally attached to the middle portion of a respective one of the legs of the first U-shaped leg member; a receptacle support member disposed intermediate the front and rear ends of the platform; and a receptacle which depends from the receptacle support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Tubular Fabricators Industry
    Inventors: Joseph Battiston, David Battiston
  • Patent number: 6009572
    Abstract: The disclosure herein deals with a series of devices for moving an invalid or handicapped person from a poolside into a pool, and back to the poolside, wherein the invalid or handicapped person may be responsible for the total movement without the aid of a second person. The devices have a novel feature, which is the fact that they can be moved and controlled by the occupant of the lift chair during that movement without the use of direct electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Edward J. Morris
  • Patent number: 6009573
    Abstract: A safety diffuser for use with an underwater suction inlet of a pool or spa eliminates the danger associated with a suction inlet on a side of a pool or spa created by the strong suction produced by the pool pump. By strategically placing holes in a tubular portion of the device, blockage of all the holes by a user of the pool or spa is prevented. As a result, the danger of a user of the pool or spa being drawn to and held against the device or the suction inlet is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Arnold F. Thibault
  • Patent number: 6009574
    Abstract: A pulsing valve for routing water flow from an inlet line to outlet lines connected to water jets arranged in an array to massage an occupant of a whirlpool spa or bathtub is provided. The pulsing valve includes a water turbine driving a selector disk through a reduction gear drive. The selector disk contains openings which oppose individual outlet water lines and direct water flow to them. Rotation of the selector disk switches or cycles pressurized water flow among the individual outlet water lines, causing the massaging water jet location to move, improving the quality of the resulting massage. The speed of the cycling of the water can be changed by changing the pressure of the water delivered to the water turbine. Additionally, the water turbine can be powered by tap water instead of pressurized water and the valve can be used to cycle tap water to the individual jets instead of cycling pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Gerald W. Moreland
  • Patent number: 6009575
    Abstract: A foldable bed assembly includes a mattress, a mediate supporter, a front frame having a first end pivotally connected to the mediate supporter, and a rear frame having a first end pivotally connected to the mediate supporter. A head frame is securely attached to a second end of the front frame and includes a lower end securely located on the ground to avoid sliding. A rear leg frame is securely attached to a second end of the rear frame. One of the front frame and the rear frame includes two handles respectively attached to two lateral sides thereof. Each handle includes an extension that is located between the front frame and the rear frame when the foldable bed assembly is in a folded status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Chuan Chi Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6009576
    Abstract: A body-conforming, securing wrapping article for infants comprises a generally T-shaped piece of fabric material having a securing central, infant-receiving portion with sidewardly-extending right-hand and left-hand wrapping flaps, a securing downwardly-extending lower wrapping flap, and an infant headrest region extending upwardly in the plane of the securing central portion, at least part of the securing central portion being formed having a plurality of spaced apart elastically gathered transverse regions and including mating hook and loop strips on the right-hand and left-hand flaps for maintaining the flaps in a folded condition over the folded up securing lower flap to enclose and conform to an infant received on the securing central portion of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: Daniel Louis Gramme, Danna June Gramme
  • Patent number: 6009577
    Abstract: A transformable travel (neck) pillow is disclosed having two configurations: one, where the granular fill contents of the pillow are positioned in a collar end of a pillowcase to form a horseshoe-shaped type of pillow enclosure similar to neck pillows known at this time. Alternately, a flap of the pillowcase may be released and fill material allowed to move to a plain end of the pillow so that two tubular end sections which formerly formed the collars of the neck pillow are now empty and can be folded over the side of the pillowcase to form a rectangular-type pillow. It is expected that such a pillow would be used with organic granular-type fill materials, such as buckwheat husks (hulls).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Judy A. Day
  • Patent number: 6009578
    Abstract: A seat cushion comprising a resilient wedge-shaped pad having an upper surface at an incline sloping downwardly from a higher end to a lower end. A plurality of spaced apart gel packs are on the upper surface of the resilient wedge-shaped pad. The gel packs closest to the higher end are of a high density, while other gel packs will decrease in density toward the lower end of the resilient wedge-shaped pad. A waterproof covering is over the resilient wedge-shaped pad and the gel packs to protect the resilient wedge-shaped pad and the gel packs from wear and damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Steve Davis
  • Patent number: 6009579
    Abstract: The combination includes a featherbed and a relatively thin, down-filled top member which has a peripheral outline substantially identical to that of the featherbed. The top member is positioned on the upper surface of the featherbed. Attachment elements such as straps, ties and/or buttons or even a cover member are used to removably secure the top member in place on the upper surface of the featherbed and to prevent the top member from shifting position on the featherbed during use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Pacific Coast Feather Company
    Inventor: Samuel B. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6009580
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting a body element. The apparatus includes at least one support device with at least one closed or controlled-release chamber, a filling device and an emptying means device for filling said chamber with a filling fluid and emptying the fluid from the chamber, and a distance-measurement device for measuring the distance between a top face and a bottom face of the chamber. The apparatus further includes a reaction-measurement device for measuring the reaction of the support device relative to the morphological data of the body element to be supported, and a control system including a combination device for combining the measurement of the penetration distance d provided by the distance-measurement device and the measurement of the reaction provided by the reaction-measurement device. This combination is advantageously constituted by summing the two obtained measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Support Systems International Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Caminade, Jean-Marc Montant
  • Patent number: 6009581
    Abstract: A scraping tool for use with a paint sprayer assembly includes a scraping tool having a tool socket and a number of integral wrenches. In a preferred embodiment the scraping tool includes three cutouts for accommodating various sized nuts and a triangular protrusion extending from the scraping edge for scraping in tight spaces. A tool socket is provided near an end of the handle of the scraping tool for receiving various tool heads. In a most preferred embodiment, the scraper tool is designed for use in association with a particular paint spraying machine such that the scraper tool provides the necessary wrenches and tools for operating and maintaining the paint spraying machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: Dave D. Davis, M. Shane Davis
  • Patent number: 6009582
    Abstract: A compound, multiple function, foldable tool having first and second handles, a tool head with pivotable jaw members, and a plurality of additional tools. The tool head are stored within first channels on first sides of the handles, and the additional tools are stored within second channels on second sides of the handles opposite the first sides. Thus, when the tool head is used, the additional tools do not interfere with gripping of the handles during use of the tool head. Moreover, because of the position of the additional tools, these tools are easily accessible while the tool head is in the storage position. The compound tool may also include a ratchet and an adapter and coupler that fit on the ratchet or at least one of the additional tools so that even further tools may be fit on the compound tool. An easy to read full length, straight edge ruler may optionally be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc S. Harrison, Carl S. Elsener, Eduard A. Elsener, Albert F. Rohrer, Walter X Rohrer, Franco Giarritta, Riddell Roper
  • Patent number: 6009583
    Abstract: A pliers-knife combination tool including pivotally connected elongated members. A working region of the tool includes opposed gripping jaws on interior faces of the elongated members and at least one knife edge on an exterior edge of one of the elongated members. Engaging the opposed gripping jaws with each other allow use of the tool as a knife. A method of fabricating the tool includes maximizing the size of the tool for a given size forming machine. Each member is formed separately from the other member to permit sizes as large as possible for the forming dies and machines used. The members are pivotally connected after forming to produce a larger size tool than if both the first and second members were simultaneously formed in a given size forming machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Swanstrom Tools USA Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Swanstrom, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6009584
    Abstract: A thin card-like housing that incorporates a retractable brush and other useful implements. The brush has a base with an outer edge from which bristles extend. The base includes a deflectable web portion having a rib extending through an actuation opening in the housing. Manual engagement of the rib is used to move the brush from an outwardly extended operative position to a retracted storage position within the housing. The web portion includes wedge parts that releasably engage detent structures inside the housing. The detent structures are positioned to correspond to the storage and operative positions of the brush. The housing interior also includes guide posts that extend through guide openings in the brush base to facilitate brush alignment and movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen J. Padden
  • Patent number: 6009585
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing shop cloths comprises a hot water storage tank, a washer that washes, rinses, centrifuges and dries, and an evaporator for evaporating effluent from the washer. The washer rotates about a horizontal axis when washing, rinsing, drying and centrifuging, but at different speeds depending on whether it is centrifuging or washing, rinsing or drying. In use, the washer is loaded and then the load is centrifuged to remove fluids present in the cloths. The effluent is discharged to the evaporator. Then the load is washed in hot water from the hot water storage tank and biodegradable degreasers and soaps. After draining the washer to the evaporator, the load is centrifuged. The washer undergoes a rinse cycle, draining the rinse water to the water heater through a filter for reuse, and finally a tumble dry cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Richard G Middleton
  • Patent number: 6009586
    Abstract: A ramp structure which may be constructed quickly to provide temporary or permanent access to all individuals between two areas of different elevation. A truss design allows long spans to form a bridge without the need for intermediate supports and related support foundations. A truss cross-connector is firmly wedged in place between two trusses and allows the quick, solid joining of two trusses without fasteners to form a strong and stable assembly to serve as ramps, bridges, elevated walkways, etc. The truss cross-connector has resistance to bending and supports the edge of a surface panel and provides a retaining pocket for the surface panel. The truss cross-connector firmly supports the trusses in an upright position when the trusses are used as railings. Surfacing panels placed between the truss cross-connectors provide a high quality, long lasting surface which is quickly installed for temporary or permanent installations, but which can be easily removed for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Vermont Center for Independent Living, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Gerry Hawkes, Julian Goodrich
  • Patent number: 6009587
    Abstract: A folding ramp which contains at least two ramp members which are pivoted together. The underside of the ramp has a plurality of bars or rods which form part of the pivot mechanism and which, in addition, add strength and structural rigidity to the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Randall E. Beeman
  • Patent number: 6009588
    Abstract: The inner end of a snake or drain cleaning cable coiled in a rotatable cable storage drum of drain cleaning apparatus is provided with a torque arm which frictionally engages the outer wall of the drum to restrain sliding of the cable relative thereto during a drain cleaning operation. The drain cleaning apparatus is motor driven, and a cable feed device for axially displacing the cable relative to the storage drum is provided on the outer end of a flexible guide tube detachably mounted on the apparatus to facilitate an operator guiding the outer end of the table into a drain to be cleaned and advancing or retracting the cable relative to the apparatus without having to physically contact the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Michael J. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6009589
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a toothbrush having a brush section 20 comprising a bristle carrier 22 and bristles 24 fixedly secured thereto, with the brush section 20 being provided with components made of silver. Separate structures 28 are provided for fixedly securing the bristles 24 in their proper location in the bristle carrier 22, which separate structures 28 are made of a material with oligodynamic action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georges Driesen, Peter Hilfinger
  • Patent number: 6009590
    Abstract: A lottery ticket scraper incorporates a coin as the scraping surface. The scraper includes a body having a modified teardrop shape, with a major and minor end, the minor end having a reduced thickness to incorporate a key-ring hole, allowing keys to be added without binding or expanding to an undesired size. The body further includes a depression to allow the user to comfortably grasp the scratcher and use it to remove the protective film of the lottery ticket without strain or discomfort to the user's hand. The scraper includes a recess in the major end of the body into which a coin may be glued or press-fit. The recess is so formed as to allow the coin to be reliably captured therein, while still providing sufficient overhang to allow the edge of the coin to be applied to the lottery ticket surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kirk M Stanford
  • Patent number: 6009591
    Abstract: A motor vehicle screen wiper blade comprises an articulated structure which carries, by means of a set of grips, a wiping strip of flexible material which it applies against the glass surface to be swept, so that the wiping strip follows the curvature of the latter. The grips grasp a longitudinal support or claw portion of the wiping strip, and the wiper blade includes at least one accessory such as a flexible aerodynamic deflector. The accessory includes at least one fastening lug for fastening it on the blade, this fastening lug being interposed between a grip of the latter and the claw portion of the wiping strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes D'Essuyage
    Inventor: Daniel Maubray
  • Patent number: 6009592
    Abstract: An apparatus for wiping a non-planar window has a wiper and a track arrangement including a first track substantially parallel to at least a portion of the window and a second track substantially parallel to and displaced from the first track. A drive wheel assembly includes at least one motorized drive wheel. The drive wheel assembly alternately engages the first and second tracks and drives in alternate directions along the length of the track arrangement for drawing the wiper across the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Eitan Habba
  • Patent number: 6009593
    Abstract: Floor care apparatus is disclosed wherein a powered brush assembly having a multiplicity of rotary brushes is suspended within the apparatus such that the brush assembly floats freely upon the surface being cleaned without supporting any of the machine's weight. The rotary brushes are generally configured as spur gears and function in a gear train wherein one brush drives all other gear brushes in the system. Axially projecting brush bristles are embedded in each gear tooth such that there is no unbrushed area between adjacent brushes in the brush line. The portion of the gear tooth wherein the bristles are embedded includes a recessed profile to allow for circumferential expansion of the tooth, upon insertion of the brush bristles, thereby preventing gear tooth interference. The brush assembly is particularly suitable for hot water carpet extractors of the upright design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Darwin S. Crouser, Edgar A. Maurer, Timothy B. Hisrich
  • Patent number: 6009594
    Abstract: In a cleaning head (10) of the kind having agitating means (26) engageable with a surface to be cleaned for agitating cleaning liquid thereon, and collecting means (25) for collection of liquid from the surface by suction, the agitating means (26) and collection means (25) are relatively movable such that one or the other is selectively prominently engaged with the surface being cleaned. In a preferred arrangement the agitating means (26) is movable relative to a housing (11) of the cleaning head while the collecting means (25) is fixed in position relative to the housing (11). Cleaning liquid is delivered to the agitating means through a passage (45) which is closed by a pad (70) at the upper side of the agitating means (26) when the latter is in its raised position. Movement of the agitating means (26) between its raised and lowered positions is controlled by means of a foot pedal (65).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Vax Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Grey
  • Patent number: 6009595
    Abstract: A vegetation debris blower and carrying cart assembly is provided with a quick mount and dismount assembly. The cart has two vertically orientated mounting tubes. The blower has a mounting bracket attached to its bottom rear end. The mounting bracket has two U-shaped rods with downward extending legs adapted to be slid into the tubes to thereby quickly mount the blower to the cart by merely vertically lowering the blower onto the cart. The blower can be quickly dismounted from the cart by merely upwardly raising the blower from the cart with the rods merely sliding out of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jeremy D. Leasure, Harold M. Bigham
  • Patent number: 6009596
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller for creating suction and a pump which draws liquid material through an inlet tube from the bottom of a tank and expels it from the tank. The vacuum cleaner also includes a mechanical shut-off and override assembly that automatically shuts off the motor if the liquid level in the tank gets too high. The user, however, can mechanically override this automatic shut-off in order to continue pumping liquid out of the tank. A priming apparatus is disposed in the tank in fluid communication with the pump, and a valve is selectively actuable to establish a pressure differential across liquid in the priming apparatus to thereby prime the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Randy L. Buss, Robert C. Berfield
  • Patent number: 6009597
    Abstract: A door buffering device is fastened with a top edge of a door frame and is composed of a seat, a confining member fastened in one end of a track of the seat, and a slide block fastened slidably in another end of the track of the seat such that the slide block is fastened with one end of a connection arm of a connection mechanism which is fastened with a top edge of the door. As the door is opened to the fullest extent, one end of a coil spring of the slide block collides with a rod of the confining member for mitigating the impetus of the slide block so as to minimize the door vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: King-Sung Yu
  • Patent number: 6009598
    Abstract: A rotatable drawbar device has a main seat, a rotating seat, a control device, a ring device, a handle bar, an outer pipe, and an inner pipe. The main seat has an opening, an upper flange, an oblong recess, a circular hole, two oblong holes, a rectangular hole, a T-shaped block, and two axle holes. A push button is inserted in the oblong recess. A block seat is inserted in the rectangular hole. A cover panel covers the block seat. The rotating seat is inserted in the opening. A pivot pin fastens the main seat and the rotating seat. The block seat has a T-shaped recess, two lateral bevels, and two oblong recesses receiving two coiled springs. The handle bar has a neck portion, a hollow interior, two confining plates, and a receiving recess receiving the ring device. The inner pipe is inserted in the outer pipe. An upper end of the inner pipe is inserted in the neck portion. The control device is inserted in the inner pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Wen-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 6009599
    Abstract: This invention relates to a burglar-proof apparatus for a vending machine having burglar-proof means intended to be operated together with an upper hinge and installed an inner upper side of a main body to which a door is coupled, by which the separation of the door from the main body is prevented regardless of any metal rod based trial of uncoupling of the upper hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kwangiu Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Jun Park
  • Patent number: 6009600
    Abstract: A new tool handle for providing an improved grip and improved control and accuracy for use with striking tools such as hammers of various types as well as multipurpose tools such as hatchets. The inventive device includes a shaft, a thumb ramp, and a finger shield fixedly attached to the shaft. The thumb ramp provides for improved accuracy and control of the tool during use by allowing the thumb to help guide the handle. The finger shield serves to protect the knuckles and outer surface of the hand from abrasive injury during use. The finger shield also serves to physically restrain the tool in event of a loss of grip during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: James J. Egeland, Dallas D. Carlson, Jeffrey R. Gibas
  • Patent number: 6009601
    Abstract: A magnetic snap lock includes cooperating male and female members. The female member includes an attachment base unit and an attachment part or grommet which includes a tubular projection. The tubular projection permits the attachment of the grommet to the attachment base unit. The female member also includes an actuator assembly which can also be mounted on the attachment base unit. The male member includes a protruding member with a magnet which is insertable into an opening of the attachment part or grommet of the female member to provide for a releasable locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Eli Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6009602
    Abstract: A bottom end stop and a slider with a locking mechanism of a slide fastener chain which can be used for both the right side arrangement and the left side arrangement are provided. The slider includes a leaf spring showing a substantially U-shaped profile and having an end rigidly secured to a front part of the slider body, and the other end having a locking pawl arranged near the center thereof. The locking pawl resiliently projects into a guide groove for the engaging member located in the slider body. The bottom end stop includes an insert pin having a beveled escape area produced by cutting an edge of an upper outer surface of the insert pin facing the locking pawl, a groove formed on a surface facing a box pin of a box so as to engage with a ridge portion of the box pin when the insert pin is inserted into the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuharu Terada
  • Patent number: 6009603
    Abstract: A leak resistant reclosable plastic closure structure with stable interlocking fastener strips particularly suited for resealable and reopenable plastic film pouches or other flexible containers. The closure comprises first and second extruded thermoplastic continuous fastener strips having longitudinally extending engagable profiles having flanges affixed along the opening walls of a pouch forming marginal portions thereon.The first strip profile having a resilient central arch sealing means flanked by outward locking shoulders and walls that join at right angles to flanges forming a gap spanned by said film completing the exterior of a cavity therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen F. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 6009604
    Abstract: A front closure for a brassiere has male and female parts which have frame portions through which fabric parts of the respective cups can pass for attaching these cup portions to the closure members. The male member has a bar received in a trough or channel of the female member and is locked in place releasably by a partial rotation of the male member about the axis of the bar. The bar can be inserted at least in part transversely to the channel or trough when the plane of the male member is transverse to the plane of the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Gerhard Fildan
  • Patent number: 6009605
    Abstract: Fiber preforms for use in the manufacture of composite material annular ps are made by winding superposed layers of a strip of cloth (10) of spiral or helical shape comprising substantially helical warp threads and substantially radial weft threads. The mass per unit area of the warp of the helical cloth increases between its inside diameter and its outside diameter, and the layers of the strip of cloth are needled so as to be bonded together by fibers pulled from the yarn of the cloth, the increase in mass per unit area of the warp at least approximately compensating, in terms of density per unit volume of the preform, the decrease in density of the weft between the inside diameter and the outside diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Nationale D'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs D'Aviation
    Inventors: Pierre Olry, Dominique Coupe, Bruno Bompard, Jean Aucagne