Patents Issued in November 19, 2002
  • Patent number: 6481018
    Abstract: In a firefighter's protective garment, having a detachable outer flame-resistant shell and an inner thermal, i.e. heat, protective liner, the neck portion of the liner extending upright beyond an over-the-neck portion of the shell and fastening on the outside of the neck portion of the shell, such that the whole of the neck of a firefighter is protected by both a heat protective material and a fire protective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Innotex Inc.
    Inventors: Marie Gagnon, Jef Stewart
  • Patent number: 6481019
    Abstract: An air filtration system and a helmet for use in the air filtration system are disclosed and utilized to filter air between a head and body of a user and an external environment. The air filtration system and helmet include inner and outer shells that define an air flow channel for channeling air about the user. A fan module is mounted between the inner and outer shells and a scroll housing is mounted adjacent the fan module. The scroll housing includes an air inlet for drawing air into the air filtration system and helmet, and at least one air outlet to distribute air flow to the air flow channel. The helmet includes air exits at front and rear sections that are in fluid communication with the air flow channel and the air outlet or outlets. The air filtration system includes a gown operating as a filter for filtering the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Stryker Instruments
    Inventors: Luis A. Diaz, Bruce D. Henniges, Mark A. Wasserman, Karen L. Smit
  • Patent number: 6481020
    Abstract: A head wrap for keeping a hairstyle of a user in place while sleeping. The wrap includes a forehead-covering portion and a back of the head-covering portion. The forehead-covering portion has a forehead comfort strip that extends therealong. The back of the head-covering portion includes a pair of head-covering portions that are generally triangular-shaped and flare rearwardly from the forehead-covering portion to bases that are free and overlap each other vertically along the middle of the back of the head of the user. The base of one head-covering portion has a series of first portion of hook and loop fasteners and the base of the other head-covering portion has a series of second portion of hook and loop fasteners that engage the series of first portion of hook and loop fasteners to maintain the head wrap around the head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Shirley A. Kirkland
  • Patent number: 6481021
    Abstract: Provided herein are articles of headwear that comprise a pouch portion which may be charged with ice. Ice so charged is caused to melt under the effects of ambient temperature and is caused to drip from the pouch portion onto the neck of a person wearing such article. According to a preferred form of the invention, the head of a wearer is not contacted by ice or water during use of such article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald C. Spell
  • Patent number: 6481022
    Abstract: A shoulder pad includes a flexible base member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a longitudinal axis. The flexible base member includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced, oval-shaped pad sections that increase in thickness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. The longitudinally spaced pad sections may also increase in durometer hardness from a centermost pad section to the longitudinally outermost pad sections. For attachment of the pad to a shoulder strap, the pad includes at least one clip for making snap-on engagement with the pad. For added durability, the shoulder pad further preferably includes a thin spine, which is more rigid than the flexible base member and is attached to the top surface of the flexible base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: J. D'Addario & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James D'Addario, Carol Catalano
  • Patent number: 6481023
    Abstract: A suspension for a protective helmet having a headband section that encompasses at least a part of a user's head and a crown support section connected to the headband section. The headband section and the crown support section of the suspension are fabricated from an integral piece of material. The suspension system may also have a headband comprising a section of elastic material. Alternatively, the headband may comprise a forward band having a first section to contact the forehead of the user and a second section adapted to be positioned between the user's head and the crown support section of the suspension during use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Layton A. Wise, James A. Hendrickson, Glenn C. Davis, James G. Tomlinson, Paul A. Zeller
  • Patent number: 6481024
    Abstract: A protective chin strap device for use in securing a helmet to a wearer's head. The chin strap includes a hard outer shell, an inner member made of a self-supporting cushioned material and straps attached to the outer shell for securing the chin strap to a helmet. The inner member is secured with respect to the outer shell so as to contact the outer shell adjacent the wearer's chin yet form at least one cavity between the outer shell and inner member. This combination of elements serve to deflect impact forces applied to the chin strap and further serve to absorb and laterally dissipate those impact forces. The chin strap is comfortable to wear because the wearer's chin is cushioned by the inner member, because a soft liner is provided adjacent the wearer's skin to wick perspiration and moisture from the wearer's chin and because the chin strap is ventilated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Athletic Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen P. Grant
  • Patent number: 6481025
    Abstract: A curved optical eye shield removably attached to a single set of arms that connect to an elastomerically operated tensioning system that is an integral part of ahead mount system. The eye shield rotates from a normal viewing position to an out of viewing position above the forehead. The rotation of the eye shield is initiated manually, but, the elastomerically operated tensioning system contemplates the rotation unassisted after the eye shield passes midway in its travel. The elastomerically operated tensioning system uses an H shaped tensor to apply clockwise tension to keep the eye shield held firmly in the viewing position, and when the eye if shield is manually lifted toward the out of viewing position above the forehead, tension is applied to the reverse or counter clockwise direction to keep the eye shield held firmly in the out of view position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Joe D. Hill
  • Patent number: 6481026
    Abstract: A neck and spine brace device for athletes that allows for a free and natural range of head motion while providing a stabilization link between a helmet and force absorbing body protection. The interlinking brace yields under torsional and multi-load flexation while compression of the helmet loads are transferred under longitudinal force dispersion to shoulder protection pads of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas John McIntosh
  • Patent number: 6481027
    Abstract: A pool structure having a fluid discharge apparatus for conducting water supplied from a pump in a decorative fashion proximate the perimeter of the pool structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent Biancamano
  • Patent number: 6481028
    Abstract: In apparatus to facilitate taking prolonged showers consisting of a shower stall or a bath and shower stall system which has features of a shower stall or a bath and shower stall, a water supply system, which has a fresh water supply system which can convey and control cold and hot fresh waters to a common water supply system which conveys waters to the shower head of the shower stall or the bath and shower stall system, and, a recycled water supply system, which can store, pump, reheat, control, and recycle the used shower water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Yu Hsia
  • Patent number: 6481029
    Abstract: A sanitary device comprises a bathtub arranged on feet, a bathtub encasement, a set of fittings for the water inlet, the water overflow and the water drain, a handheld shower head held on the ledge of the bathtub, and a mixing fitting for cold and hot water. The mixing fitting has connections on the inlet side for cold and hot water. Connections of the fitting on the outlet side are connected with the water inlet for the set of fittings and the handheld shower head. The mixing fitting is arranged within the space enclosed by the tub encasement. The mixing fitting has electrically actuated adjusting devices with an associated electronic control that can be controlled by means of an input/output device arranged on the ledge of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Franz Kaldewei GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Ludger Mateina
  • Patent number: 6481030
    Abstract: An adjustable body guard (ABG) (10) that is designed to be attached, by an attachment means (46), to the side rails (70) as found on most hospital beds (72). The ABG (10) consists of an elongated resilient section (12) having a quarter-circle cross-section and that has two or three articulated sections (24, 26, 28) which allow the ABG (10) to be positioned to conform to the position in which a bed-confined patient is lying on the bed (72) or to the articulations of an adjustable hospital bed (72). Thus, the ABG (10) adds comfort and provides a degree of safety to the patient. For hygiene and to prevent the ABG (10) from being soiled, a washable full or partial cover (60, 62) is preferably placed over the ABG (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: Loretta L. Bravo, Shirley R. Manning
  • Patent number: 6481031
    Abstract: A pillow comprising an elongated base member having a left support unit, a central support unit, and a right support unit slideably mounted thereon. The central support unit, being positioned between the left and right support units, is of a lower predetermined height than the left and right support unit. Each support unit further comprises a support base of a firm material which is the portion attaching to the base member. A padding forms the top surface of each support units, and an inwardly protruding depression is formed on the top surface of the padding of each of the left and right support units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: In Mo Hwang
  • Patent number: 6481032
    Abstract: An infant prop comprises a cylindrical core covered with a flannel sheath. The core is approximately two inches in diameter and sufficiently long to form a U-shaped arch reaching around a sleeping infant. It comprises a flexible shell filled with plastic prills or other beads sufficient to maintain its shape but with enough space inside to allow folding and flexibility. The flannel sheath includes an opening for inserting the shell at one end and attachment means for a pacifier disposed facing the infant's mouth, while the other end of the prop reaches around the infant's legs and extends along its back to keep the infant lying on its side. In an alternate embodiment, the prop is shortened to approximately the length of an infant and placed on one side of the infant, while a second, unconnected props is used on the infant's other side. The shells of the alternate embodiment are filled to compaction with prills and thereby relatively inflexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventors: Frank M. Milano, Trona K. Williamson, Ignacio S. Perez
  • Patent number: 6481033
    Abstract: A mattress system offering combinations of comfort and support comprising at least two modules, positioned side-by-side along their longest dimension to define at least two recumbent user areas the modules comprising depressions accomodating removable inserts of differing firmness. The mattress system provides an immense array of combinations of firmness and support, allowing each user to adjust, to a very wide degree, the comfort, firmness and support beneath their upper body, lumbar area, and lower body. The adaptable structure of the mattress system also allows the individual user to customize his/her side of the bed and easily change his/her side of the bed as his/her preferences change. Additionally, the construction increases the longevity of the bed, because components may be replaced one at a time as deemed necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Isaac Fogel
  • Patent number: 6481034
    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: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl S. Elsener, Eduard A. Elsener, Albert F. Rohrer, Walter X. Rohrer, Franco Giarritta
  • Patent number: 6481035
    Abstract: A method of operating a horizontal axis laundry machine through a drum opening operation is provided. The laundry machine includes a cabinet and a drum mounted in the cabinet. The drum has a drum skin including a cover section and a remainder. An edge of the cover section is connected to an edge of the remainder by an interengaging latch member. The method includes the steps of rotating the drum until the drum skin is in a first set position relative to the cabinet, engaging the cover section to retain the position thereof relative to the cabinet while engaged, sliding the latch member to release the cover section edge from the remaining drum section edge, rotating the drum to a second set position with the cover section engaged to leave an opening into the drum, and allowing opening of the cabinet to provide access to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Neville David Seagar, Gordon Sharpe Hunter
  • Patent number: 6481036
    Abstract: A modular cable bridging assembly has a cable protector with side ramps, and a series of channels extending between its ends to receive cables or the like. End connectors enable the cable protectors to be attached together in series to any desired length. Secondary ramps can be removably attached over each side ramp of a cable protector for handicapped access. Each secondary ramp has a base extending laterally beyond the side ramp, and an upper surface extending over the side ramp having a slope that is less than that of the underlying side ramp. A secondary ramp connector is used to removably attach the secondary ramp to the cable protector. Edge rails can be removably attached to the secondary ramps for safety and structural rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Checkers Industrial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Duvall
  • Patent number: 6481037
    Abstract: An articulated ramp assembly is mounted in housing (22) fixed beneath floor (108) and aligned with a door opening of vehicle (100). Ramp body (12) is articulated along its length and movable along a predetermined trajectory path between an extended position and a retracted position by drive arrangement (20). In the extended position, ramp body (12) extends from floor (108) to ground (106), and in the retracted position, ramp body (12) is contained within housing (22). Drive arrangement (20) includes a reversible motor coupled to an endless chain drive (24) having sprockets (26-44) for moving ramp body (12) along a guide (48) to follow the trajectory path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Trans-Ramp Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kevin John Fullerton, Theodor Reinhardt Schacht
  • Patent number: 6481038
    Abstract: A self releasing holddown mechanism for a dock leveler includes an elongated bar member adapted for connection to a dock leveler ramp and engageable with a roller lock member mounted on a body connected to an anchor rod which is connected at one end to the dock leveler frame. The anchor rod includes a release plate mounted thereon including adjustable stop members. The release plate is mounted for adjustment with respect to the rod. A coil spring is sleeved over the rod and engageable with the release plate and the body which includes an elongated tube journaling the spring. A release actuator is mounted for pivotal movement on the body and is connected to the roller lock member to move the lock member between positions for forcible engagement with the bar member and to release the bar member. The release actuator may also be operated at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Lounsbury, Charles J. Torgersen
  • Patent number: 6481039
    Abstract: An extensible loading bridge for passenger loading having at least two extensible sections for supporting aircraft from an airport terminal at ground level. A wheeled gantry is located at the aircraft facing end of the aircraft facing section. The gantry provides linear movement of the aircraft facing section along the walkway, arcuate movement about the substantially vertical axis and means for lifting or lowering the aircraft facing end of the aircraft facing section. The wheeled gantry allows lowering of the aircraft facing end of the bottom of the aircraft facing section to a height above ground being approximately equal or less than a gantry wheel diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: DEW Engineering and Development Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Rolfe, John Savage, Andrew Plummer, Ronald W. Wollenschlager
  • Patent number: 6481040
    Abstract: A modular surgical prep sponge holder is provided for improving the cleaning of hands and arms prior to medical procedures. The device includes a tubular member containing a flexible cable and a flexible water line that extend through the tube. A rotating head is attached to the end of the tube, which moves 180 degrees in any direction. The disposable part of the device, being encased in a plastic housing, is connected to the rotating head. The housing includes a main gear, and a movement-plate with end clasps. Once the housing is inserted onto the end of the flexible cable, and a motor is turned on, the flexible cable will rotate. The rotational motion of the flexible cable will be transferred to the main gear and will be converted to lateral motion, causing the movement-plate to move in a lateral direction. Depending upon the setting of the motor, the system may deliver several hundred more strokes per minute than could manually be performed by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jonathan L. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 6481041
    Abstract: A tool (10) for removing ice, snow, and general debris from vehicles. The tool (10) broadly comprises an elongated handle (14) having opposed first and second ends, a brush head (12) pivotally coupled to the first end of the handle (14) by a pivot mechanism (16), and a scraper (18) attached to the second end of the handle (14). The pivot mechanism (16) comprises a spring-loaded knob (46) which may be easily actuated with one hand and whose large proportions make operation by gloved hands convenient. To pivot the brush (12), an operator merely depresses and turns the knob (46) of the pivoting mechanism (16). Two pair of detents (21), arranged 90° to one another, lock the brush (12) into a first position, in which the brush is aligned with the handle (14) and may be used with a sweeping motion, or a second position, in which the brush (12) is perpendicular to the handle (14) and may be used with a pushing or pulling motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Vicki Ingram
  • Patent number: 6481042
    Abstract: A mop includes a bracket, a mop member engaged on the bracket. a frame engaged on the mop member and secured to the bracket for securing the mop member between the bracket and the frame. The frame includes a channel formed between two flanges for slidably and detachably receiving a bar. The bar includes a fastener detachably secured to a rod. A housing is engaged onto the bar and the frame for stably retaining the bar in the frame. The bar may be disengaged from the housing and the rod and the frame, and the frame may be removed from the bracket for changing the mop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Mei Nuan Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6481043
    Abstract: A rotary brush attachment tool for a hand-held vacuum cleaner having a dust bowl terminating in a nozzle end provides a mechanical force that acts to move foreign matter into the attachment tool from which the foreign matter is drawn into the nozzle end of the dust bowl of the hand-held vacuum cleaner to which it is removably attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Headwaters Research & Development, Inc
    Inventors: Troy G. Anderson, Rudy A. Vandenbelt
  • Patent number: 6481044
    Abstract: A motor vehicle wiper articulated on a wiper arm by a connector provided with a sliding lock co-operating with a transverse element of the blade for fixing the connector on the blade. The lock includes a control plate capable of elastic deformation along a direction perpendicular to the lock sliding direction and bears means for blocking the lock which, when the lock is free in the locking position, co-operate with matching means integral with the blade for blocking the lock, and, further, when the control plate is deformed, are released from the matching means for enabling the lock to slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Paul Journee, S.A.
    Inventor: Maurice Journee
  • Patent number: 6481045
    Abstract: A capstan shaft cleaning device has a cleaning member removing dirt attached to a capstan shaft and a moving mechanism moving the cleaning member between a position at which the cleaning member contacts the capstan shaft and a position at which the cleaning member is separated from the capstan shaft, the cleaning member having at least two points of contact contacting a periphery of the capstan shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Tamura, Masahiro Harima, Naoki Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 6481046
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning from the outer surface of an endless transport belt the ink, not ejected for printing purposes, of an inkjet printer, said method and apparatus serving for completely removing and collecting the ink adhering to the transport belt, while retaining a high transport belt speed. The method is characterized by the application of a converging compressed-air stream onto the outer surface of the ink-wetted transport belt by means of an air conduit, comprising a suction nozzle, of a pressure nozzle, and by extraction of the resulting ink-air mixture by means of the suction nozzle, the two steps being performed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael N. Freund, Kurt Stehle
  • Patent number: 6481047
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner device for cleaning lint from lint traps of clothes dryers and the like provides the power of full size vacuum cleaners without requiring lifting or maneuvering of a heavy full size machine. The device may be semi-permanently or permanently attached to the left or right sides of a dryer by fasteners including magnetic fasteners. The device may have compartments for a motor and fan unit, for a filter bag and for a vacuum cleaner hose. The relative position of the filter bag and the connection between the vacuum cleaner hose, in relation to the enclosure of the vacuum cleaner device, may be rotated one hundred eighty degrees, by use of a removable connecting partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: William S. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6481048
    Abstract: A three-tank carpet spot cleaning device having a cleaning fluid tank, a rinse water tank, and a recovery tank. In use, a user uses cleaning fluid to spot treat the spot, and then is able to rinse all residue of the cleaning fluid from the carpet using the rinse water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Palouse Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Douglas B. Hauff, Dennis C. Duerr, Steven G. Williams
  • Patent number: 6481049
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner has an electric motor driving an air impeller for creating a low pressure and a pump which draws liquid material through an inlet tube from the bottom of a tank and expels it from the tank. A priming apparatus is provided for priming the pump impeller. An outlet of the pump is connected to a discharge outlet carried by an upper vacuum assembly. Outlet piping connects the pump outlet to the discharge outlet. A pinch valve selectively closes the outlet piping to allow the priming apparatus to prime the pump. The pump and outlet piping are preferably carried by the upper vacuum assembly to facilitate conversion of the vacuum cleaner between wet and dry pick-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Berfield
  • Patent number: 6481050
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having a main body and a handle, the main body being formed with a nozzle which delivers a stream of dirt-laden air through a dirt duct through a motor-fan inlet, the handle being supported on the motor-fan assembly and housing a filter bag which communicates with the motor-fan assembly for receiving the dirt-laden air, the motor-fan assembly having a motor housing, a motor with commutated brushes which give off carbon dust particles, a motor cooling fan for drawing a cooling airstream and a working fan for drawing the dirt-laden air, the vacuum comprising: an opening formed in the motor housing for receiving the cooling airstream; a cooling outlet formed in the motor housing through which the cooling airstream exists; means for directing the existing cooling airstream into the dirt-laden air; a collar extending axially outwardly from the motor housing, the collar allowing pivotal rotation of the motor housing relative to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: The Hoover Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Wilson, William H. Theiss
  • Patent number: 6481051
    Abstract: A vertical rotation shaft assembly for a swing-arm type door having a door plane and a cylinder for actuating the door includes an upper rotational shaft extended from the cylinder as a piston rod and a lower rotational shaft inserted into an edge of the door plane, the lower rotational shaft being coaxially arranged with the upper rotational shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyung-Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 6481052
    Abstract: A door holding device is disclosed for wedging a door relative to a ceiling for preventing swinging or falling over of the door during painting thereof. The device includes a tubular member having a first and a second end. A biasing device having a first and a second extremity is disposed within the tubular member so that the first extremity of the biasing device abuts against the first end of the tubular member. A piston having a first and a second termination is slidably disposed within the tubular member so that the first termination of the piston abuts against the second extremity of the biasing device such that the piston is urged by the biasing device axially away from the first end of the tubular member. A door engaging fastener is rigidly secured to the first end of the tubular member such that in use of the device, the door engaging fastener is disposed between the door and the first end of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory A. Beall
  • Patent number: 6481053
    Abstract: The invention concerns an elastic hinge for specticles frame comprising two fixed (5) and mobile (7) hinge elements, articulated about an axis of rotation (R) by a pivoting head (7A) of one (7) of the elements inserted in a pivoting head (5A) of the other element (5) and by a link (9) housed in succession in an inner passage (5D, 7D) of the two elements emerging into the pivoting heads. The invention is characterized in that each pivoting head (5A, 7A) has at the opening of the passage (5D, 7D) a stop member (B1, B2) on the outer side of the frame forming by the matching shape of one (B1) with the other (B2) a pivoting interface about a second axis of rotation (R′), the link (9) being arranged between the two axes of rotation (R, R′) when the bow is in a normal opening position. The hinge has two stable closing and opening positions as well as an additional unstable opening position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Chevassus S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Desbiez-Piat
  • Patent number: 6481054
    Abstract: A hinge assembly for operably coupling a flip panel display to a sign panel is disclosed. The hinge assembly includes pair of hinge clips having an interlocking feature formed thereon. The pair of hinge clips are assembled in an opposed facing relationship such that the interlocking features engage one another to secure the hinge assembly to the sign panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J Hillstrom
  • Patent number: 6481055
    Abstract: A pivotal device comprises a fixing plate fixed to a wall, a box securely attached to the fixing plate and including a horizontal space and a vertical space communicated with the horizontal space, and a follower slidably mounted in the horizontal space. Two stubs project from a side of the follower. A spring is mounted around each stub and has an end attached to the fixing plate. A first outer plate and a second outer plate are secured together, sandwich the box, and are pivotable relative to the box. A pivot pin is pivotally mounted in the vertical space of the box. A mediate portion of the pivot pin includes two opposite flat surfaces and two opposite arcuate surfaces. A gasket is securely sandwiched between the first outer plate and the second outer plate to move therewith. The gasket includes a portion for securely engage with an edge of a frameless glass door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Ko Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 6481056
    Abstract: A door checking apparatus for an automobile comprising an array of needle bearings held in contact with a bearing surface comprising axially oriented grooves, by means of a resilient energy storage device; a cylindrical cage coaxially adjacent the bearing surface and comprising an axially oriented array of slots arranged to retain the needle bearings; means to impart rotary motion to the cylindrical cage to cause the needle bearings to move relative to the bearing surface to create a torque reaction in response to deflection of the resilient energy storage device as the needle bearings move into and out of the grooves; means to transmit the imparted torque from the bearing surface into an appropriate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Jesse
  • Patent number: 6481057
    Abstract: A positioning hinge for a notebook computer has multiple collars each provided with an obliquely formed friction plate. The friction plate engages a side face of an extension of a bracket configured to attach securely to a body of the computer to provide the necessary friction force to hole the monitor at an angle relative to the body of the computer. With such an arrangement, the friction force can be adjusted to accommodate different weights of the monitor by reducing or increasing the number of the collars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 6481058
    Abstract: A portable apparatus has a housing with a retractable clip device that detachably attaches the apparatus to an external object, such as a belt or a pocket. The clip device includes a clip and an arm, pivotally connected with each other and the housing, and a biassing device that permits the clip device to move when a locking device has released the clip device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Erik Möster, Matti Siivola, Sören Just-Pedersen, Peter Södergren, Carl-Magnus Hansson, Gustav Fagrenius, Fredrik Palmqvist
  • Patent number: 6481059
    Abstract: Safety glasses holders and eye glass holders for securing to hats or fabric comprising a wedge shaped design, a clip on design and a fastening design, wherein said fastening design comprises a frame secured to the insides of a hat, a first and second elastic cord or pin penetrating said hat and secured to said frame, and a strip disposed between said first and second elastic cords or pins for holding the arm of a pair of safety glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Russell Morris
  • Patent number: 6481060
    Abstract: A multi-purpose cap clip, comprising a clip unit, a holding device, and an accessory object. The clip unit has a fixing plate and two clasping plates to two sides of the fixing plate, with the fixing plate and the two clasping plates clasping a brim of a cap. The accessory object has a holding element which fits on the holding device and is held thereby. After assembly of the structural parts, the clip unit fastens the accessory object on the brim of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Chi Tsai
  • Patent number: 6481061
    Abstract: A crimping ring comprises a rolled-up piece of metal strip (10). A first connection means formed at the first end (12) comprises a first setback overlap surface (16) together with at least one female member (18) recessed from said first surface. A second connection means formed at the second end (14) comprises a second setback overlap surface (20) together with a male member (22) formed to project from said second surface. On connection, the male member (22) is engaged in the female member (18) and is fixed thereto, while the overlap surfaces (16, 20) are disposed one against the other so as to define a connection zone of thickness that is substantially equal to the thickness of the main portion of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Etablissements Caillau
    Inventors: Michel Andre, Pascal Detable, Gino Leze
  • Patent number: 6481062
    Abstract: A fastening belt includes a belt having a corrugation on a first side thereof and a plurality of holes defined through the belt and near a first end of the belt. A plurality of teeth extend from a second side of the belt and toward inclinedly a second end of the belt. A protrusion extends from the second side of the belt and is located between the corrugation and the teeth. The protrusion extends inclinedly toward the first end of the belt. The teeth and the protrusion are respectively engaged with the holes to wrap around an end of a bellow on a shaft. The protrusion prevents the belt from loosening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: I-Hwu Jan
  • Patent number: 6481063
    Abstract: A composite hook and loop fastener in the form of an elongated strip has an elongated loop component, a hook component permanently affixed to the loop component, and a backing layer disposed on a face of the wrap tie in a discrete region. The backing layer is used for permanent attachment of the wrap tie to a supporting surface. One end of the loop component is available for encircling an object to be wrapped and engaging the fastener elements of the hook component. The loop component has a self-supporting web of entangled fibers, the fibers forming both a sheet-form body and hook-engageable, free-standing loops extending from at least one surface of the body, and the hook component has fastener elements extending from a common base. The backing layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a synthetic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William H. Shepard, William P. Clune
  • Patent number: 6481064
    Abstract: A fastener which consists of two tapes (1,2) each having a plurality of female fastener members (3,3A) attached thereto and a plurality of male fastener members (4,4A) attached thereto. Each of the female fastener members (3,3A) is provided on its attaching face with right and left bar-shaped members (31a,32a). Each of the male fastener members (4,4A) has on its attaching face a bar-shaped member which fits the female fastener member between the right and left bar-shaped members thereof (31,32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Morito Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Kawahara
  • Patent number: 6481065
    Abstract: A jewelry closure created when a first jewelry clasp and a second jewelry clasp are aligned such that the central plane of the first jewelry clasp and the central plane of the second jewelry clasp are angularly offset with respect to each other. The central planes are offset to a degree such that each jewelry clasp can be rotated in a manner that a hole in an eyelet from one engagement region fits over a post from a second engagement region and a magnet in one jewelry clasp can magnetically engage with a magnet in the second jewelry clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Jolita Cogdill
  • Patent number: 6481066
    Abstract: A buckle for receiving a strap member and for snap-fitting to a snap stud located on a helmet. In a preferred embodiment, the buckle includes a metal member having opposite ends, with an aperture located between the ends and a slit on either side of the aperture. Each of the slits includes a plurality of rugous surfaces suitable for frictionally engaging a strap member positionable there through, and a plastic material substantially encasing the metal member except that at least a portion of the rugous surfaces and the aperture are not encased by the plastic material and remain exposed. A metal snap is affixed to the buckle by a fastener connectingly associated with the metal snap and the aperture, the metal snap being configured to matingly engage a snap stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Southern Impact Research Center, LLC
    Inventors: Thad Ide, P. David Halstead
  • Patent number: 6481067
    Abstract: A clip for securing furniture springs to furniture rails is provided including a body of metal material having a genereally flat base portion of rengaging the rial and a spring supporting portion extending out from the base portion and which curves back thereover to an edge thereof for maintaining a portion of a furniture spring in a substantially predetermined position relative to the rail. A plastic liner is secured to the curved spring supporting portion of the body for engaging the spring portion to minimize squeaking caused by metal-to-metal contact between the curved spring supporting portion of the clip body and the spring portion. At least one liner holding member is struck from the metal material of the curved spring supporting portion of the body and spaced from the edge thereof for keeping the liner against the curved spring supporting portion of the clip body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Stanley Fastening Systems, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul W. Lackler