Portable Patents (Class 160/24)
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Patent number: 7612938Abstract: A portable screen assembly includes a first side support assembly connected to a fabric, a second side support assembly connected to the fabric, and a center support assembly. The first side support assembly has a first engagement subassembly fastened to the first side support assembly and the second side support assembly has a second engagement subassembly fastened to the second side support assembly. The center support assembly has a first receiving subassembly to receive a first engagement tab of the first engagement subassembly and also has a second receiving subassembly to receive a first engagement tab of the second engagement subassembly. The first receiving subassembly, the second receiving subassembly, the first engagement subassembly, and the second engagement subassembly hold the first side support assembly and the second side support assembly to the center support assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Ernie Liang, Rajeev Mishra, Matt Ford, Matt Tivnon, Ron Bergold, Jonas Brickus, Bryan Vollmer
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Patent number: 7591296Abstract: A support assembly for use on a shade in a vehicle is disclosed. The support assembly includes a base end cap and a nose insulator secured to an end of the base end cap. The support assembly also includes a removable extension arranged over the nose insulator and a portion of the base end cap. A second nose insulator is secured to an end of the removable extension for interaction with an inside surface of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Busha, Joseph P. Wieczorek, Leslie R. Hinds
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Patent number: 7530543Abstract: An apparatus includes a central support shaft that has an elongated shape provided with axially opposed ends. Rectilinear legs have opposed ends conjoined to the bottom support shaft end and extending outwardly therefrom at an oblique angle. The legs are pivotal between compressed and expanded positions. Auxiliary support shafts have elongated shapes provided with opposed medial and lateral ends. The auxiliary shafts are pivotally conjoined to the brackets and pivotal about the medial ends, such that the auxiliary shafts can be independently biased between vertical and horizontal positions. Brackets are attached to the central support shaft and spaced along a longitudinal length thereof. Clamps are positional along the auxiliary shafts. Each clamp is adaptable between open and closed positions for releasing and gripping the window blind. The window blind is centrally registered between the auxiliary support shafts during cleaning operations.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Carl M. Kremzar
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Patent number: 7503336Abstract: The invention adds one or more vertically-deployable sun shades to an umbrella for selectively providing shade for one or more users of an umbrella. More specifically, the sun shade resembles a conventional shade or set of blinds for covering a window. The size, shape, materials, and arrangement of the sun shade can vary according to user preferences or the intended manner or place of use.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Inventor: Salvatore J. Labarbera
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Patent number: 7490426Abstract: A display that that includes a base member and an inflatable frame coupled to the base member. The base member includes a plurality of sections that are moveable relative to one another between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the plurality of sections define a case for storing the inflatable frame in its collapsed state. In the deployed position, the plurality of sections define a base for the display system in the deployed position with the inflatable frame extending from the base to provide a display area of the display system.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Eugene Scarberry
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Patent number: 7438112Abstract: A roll-up barrier has a base, an end cap, a drive shaft connected between the base and the end cap, a rolling assembly, a resilient element and a flexible barrier. The end cap has an arresting mechanism having a control button and an arrestor. The rolling assembly is mounted rotatably around the drive shaft and has a rolling bushing. The rolling bushing has an actuator and multiple one-way arresting teeth. The resilient element provides a reposition force for rolling back the rolling assembly. The flexible barrier is mounted retractably around the rolling assembly. When the control button is pressed and rotated, the actuator detaches the arrestor from the arresting teeth to allow rotation of the rolling assembly. When the control button is released, the arrestor engages the arresting teeth to prevent the rolling assembly from rotation so the flexible barrier can be pulled out and held at a desired length.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Shu-Chen Cheng
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Patent number: 7392834Abstract: 1. Protection device with replaceable adaptor parts. 2.1. The invention relates to a protection device for a motor vehicle with a blind or screen functional unit comprising a flexible fabric which can be wound up and down with respect to a blind or screen shaft and which is terminally provided with adaptor parts replaceably fittable to end caps of the screen functional unit for a vehicle-individual, positive and/or non-positive fitting within a vehicle interior. 2.2. Use for a vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Mark Davenport, Mike Uhazie, Carsten Meyer, Herbert Walter
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Patent number: 7377490Abstract: A fence assembly includes anchor brackets mountable to a first support wall. An anchor post is conjoined to the anchor brackets, has opposed top and bottom ends and is formed from rigid and non-corrosive material. Couplings are conjoined to the anchor post, are detachable therefrom and positional along a length thereof. A cylindrical housing defines a cavity therein, is provided with a slot and is formed from rigid and non-corrosive material. A screen passes through the slot, is formed from transparent material and can be adapted along at least a 180 degree arcuate path when extended. A rectilinear auxiliary post is permanently attached to a distal screen end, travels along an entire length thereof and is situated to an exterior of the housing. Latching brackets are connected to the auxiliary post and are engageable to a second support wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Bahman Khosravian
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Patent number: 7337823Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle security shade having one or more axially biased end caps and at least one end cap extension slidingly disposed upon an end cap to adjust the length of the security cover assembly. The end cap has a resilient latch which engages mating recesses in the extension to fix the length of the shade as desired.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Wieczorek, Bryan Busha
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Patent number: 7316388Abstract: A webbing connector comprises first and second inter-engageable components (44, 46) and connecting means (58) co-operable with the components (44, 46) to secure the components (44, 46) to one another. The connecting means may comprise a connecting pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Primac LimitedInventor: Ian James Prismall
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Patent number: 7219709Abstract: A retractable gate removably attached between the door frames of a dwelling having a flexible screen attached to a rotatable shaft supported within a housing. The shaft is turned by a knob to retract the screen and is locked by a spring loaded ratchet attachment.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Inventor: John Williams
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Patent number: 7185690Abstract: An information presentation device and methods for mounting a display sheet to the device. The device includes an elongate housing having a first opening through which the display sheet passes. The display sheet is wound onto a drum within the housing. A releasable attachment arrangement in the form of an attachment strip to which a display sheet can be affixed and a receiving slot in the drum permits a display sheet to be attached to and removed from the information presentation device without the need to disassemble the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Marcbric Intressenter ABInventors: Gert A. Johansson, Hans G. Hellström
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Patent number: 7178790Abstract: A stanchion has three tapes arranged in spaced relation along the upstanding post for controlling pedestrian traffic. Each stanchion/post has four guide grooves that extend the entire length of the post. Each stanchion is of annular cross section having an inner or inside surface adapted to receive a cylindrical spool around which is wound the individual tape or line. The free end of each tape has a locking element of triangular configuration adapted to be received in the guide groove of an adjacent post. The spools serve to retract each tape so as to provide continuous tension in the tape that is deployed or extended between its associated stanchion and another such post or stanchion. Each tape extends through a rectangular slot provided for this purpose at vertically spaced locations along the post/stanchion. Corresponding locations in the adjacent guide grooves of each post are provided with fittings that form stops for tapes from other stanchions.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Ricardo Augusto de Lorenzo
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Patent number: 7082981Abstract: The retractable pet guard has a screen or net extending retractably from a housing which is temporarily secured to either the latch edge of a door or to the latch side of a door frame. The extension edge of the net secures removably to the opposite member of the door assembly, extending across the doorway when the door is opened. The device extends from the floor upwardly to about the level of the doorknob and latch, thereby preventing the escape of pets and/or small children while still permitting a transaction(s) to take place through the open doorway above the screen or net. A stop may be provided to prevent door closure due to the pull of the retraction mechanism, and/or a retraction stop may be provided to prevent retraction as desired. The device may also be installed in a window opening to serve as a window screen, if desired.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventor: Jose R. Perez, Jr.
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Patent number: 7040372Abstract: An information presentation device and methods for mounting a display sheet to the device. The device includes an elongate housing having a first opening through which the display sheet passes. The display sheet is wound onto a drum within the housing. A releasable attachment arrangement in the form of an attachment strip to which a display sheet can be affixed and a receiving slot in the drum permits a display sheet to be attached to and removed from the information presentation device without the need to disassemble the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Mark Bric Intressenter ABInventors: Gert Johansson, Hans Hellström
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Patent number: 6991019Abstract: A screen is constructed to have a screen case, a support member fastened to one side of the screen case and a reel pivotally mounted inside the screen case and rolling up a screen body. The reel has a flat inside stop face and a plug member is fixedly fastened to one end of the reel. An axle is suspended inside the reel, the axle having a first end fixedly fastened to the screen case and a second end fastened pivotally with the plug member. A spring member is sleeved onto the axle inside the reel, the spring member having a first end terminating in a projecting portion stopped at the flat inside stop face of the reel and a second end fixedly connected to one end of the axle.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Wei Chi Chang
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Patent number: 6964446Abstract: A retractable vehicle cover apparatus for covering a vehicle comprises an elongated, hollow housing, and axle disposed therein for rotation about a central axis, and an elongated cover having a proximal end coupled with the axle and also having a distal end. The housing includes wall structure having an elongated aperture defined through the wall structure. The cover is fed through the aperture for selective movement between a retracted position where the cover is wrapped around the axle, and an extended position where a substantial portion of the cover extends from the housing. The cover includes an outer layer of aligned cover strips, a middle, elastic layer and an inner layer of aligned padding strips. The elastic layer biases the cover toward a rest width substantially the same length as the aperture to facilitate extension and retraction of the cover, and permits selective expansion of the cover in order to more fully cover the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Inventor: Matthew B. Porter
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Patent number: 6948542Abstract: A retractable self rolling blind, awning or cover apparatus (11), is disclosed in which there are two or more sheets of fabric or other suitable material (17) affixed and wound conjointly about a keyway tube (12) which is supported between suitable brackets (14) mounted on a tension bar (15). The keyway tube is mounted so that it is parallel with the tension bar and the tube is fitted with a conventional spring mechanism for use with blinds, awnings and the like. The spring mechanism is pretensioned so as to cause the sheets of fabric to be rewound about the keyway tube when one or more of the sheets of fabric is released from its extended or unwound position. The keyway tube and tension bar are allowed to travel during unwinding and winding up of the fabric, preferably assisted by providing either the ends of the tube itself, or the ends of the frame in which such tube is mounted, with wheels or pulleys (16) depending on the particular use to which the apparatus is to be put.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Issam Abouloukme
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Patent number: 6826859Abstract: A decorative shade for a video display with a screen has a window with an opening to attach to the video display in front of the screen on the video display, a rolling device mounted inside the window and a blind wound on the rolling device to selectively cover the screen. Wherein, the window can be mounted detachably on the video display or formed integrally on the video display. The blind selectively winds onto or off the rolling device to open or cover the screen. When the blind covers the screen, the decorative shade protects and keeps dust off the video display. Furthermore, the window has a decorative appearance, and a picture on the blind imitates a piece of artwork. Thereby, the video display is changed into an artistic decoration.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Inventor: Jui-Ching Lin
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Patent number: 6807999Abstract: A retractable barrier particularly adapted to providing a readily viewable boundary across a pathway so that a child may be discouraged from wandering outside the safe zone established thereby. A main post assembly rotatably supports a net carrier for rotation about an axis. A net of substantial height is secured on one end to the net carrier and has a secondary post secured to the other end. A spring is disposed between a cap and an upper flange. The spring secures to the cap and engages the net carrier assembly to supply a retraction bias to the net carrier. A first ground sleeve is inserted in the ground and adapted to releasably engage the lower post mount. A second ground sleeve is inserted in the ground and adapted to releasably engage the second post. The barrier is moveable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: KidKusion, Inc.Inventors: Walter Lee Bowen, Cynthia L. Bowen
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Patent number: 6733204Abstract: A view shield device includes a plurality of shields each being removably extendable into one of a plurality of wells in a block such that the shields extend upwardly from the block. Each of the shields includes a housing that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom walls. The peripheral wall has an elongated slot that extends therethrough. Attaching hooks attach the screen between a pair of spaced housings. The screen of a first of the shields may be extended between and attached to a second of the shields such that a passing motorist may not see between the housings of the first and second shields.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Inventor: Ronald F. Paniccia
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Patent number: 6715526Abstract: A cubicle door is comprised of first and second brackets for wrapping over the top edges of a cubicle panel on opposite sides of the entry way. A roller blind has a proxiinal end hinged to the first bracket, and a distal end which is removably supported on a support attached to the second bracket. The end of the roller blind is received in either one of perpendicular grooves on top of the support. The grooves allow the roller blind to meet the second support at different fixed angles to fit the shape of the entry way. Alternatively, a rotatable turret with a notch is arranged on the second bracket. The roller blind is received in the notch, and the second bracket may be oriented at different angles relative to the roller blind by rotating the turret.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Inventors: Roderick A. Brownfield, Richard R. Anderson
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Publication number: 20040020603Abstract: An information presentation device and methods for mounting a display sheet to the device. The device includes an elongate housing having a first opening through which the display sheet passes. The display sheet is wound onto a drum within the housing. A releasable attachment arrangement in the form of an attachment strip to which a display sheet can be affixed and a receiving slot in the drum permits a display sheet to be attached to and removed from the information presentation device without the need to disassemble the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Gert A. Johansson, Hans G. Hellstrom
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Publication number: 20040016510Abstract: A screen assembly for partially obstructing a doorway or opening in an office cubicle comprises a screen member formed of flexible laminar material. A spring-loaded roll assembly retractably stores the screen member in a rolled fashion about its vertical axis. At least one adjustable clamp is secured to the roll assembly for releasably securing the roll assembly to the vertically extending edge of one of the upstanding walls of the office cubicle. A latch is operably associated with the screen member for selectively securing the screen member across the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: David M. Vaughan
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Patent number: 6655736Abstract: A retractable seat cover for providing temporary protection to a seat, such as an automotive seat or piece of furniture, includes a housing, a roll of fabric, a retraction mechanism, and a strap. The housing has a slit for enabling the fabric to be extended from the housing through the slit or be retracted into the housing through the slit. The fabric, which may be waterproof, moisture repellent and/or have anti-bacterial properties for providing additional protection to the seat, is used to cover the upholstery of the seat. The retraction mechanism includes a spring roller mechanism and a button for controlling rotation of the roll of fabric. The strap is attached to a top portion of the fabric and is used to secure the seat cover to the seat, such as a headrest of an automobile or the top of a piece of furniture.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Inventor: George Gabriel Arenas
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Patent number: 6517136Abstract: A cargo-space cover for a motor vehicle has a fitting permanently mounted in the motor vehicle and a housing having an end cap complementarily fittable in a seat of the fitting. A shaft rotatable in the housing carries a cover sheet windable by a drive motor in the housing on the shaft. A pair of contacts fixed and exposed in the seat and connectable to power circuitry are engageable with a complementary pair of contacts fixed on and exposed at the end cap and positioned so as to engage the respective seat contacts when the end cap is fitted to the seat to connect the motor via the two pairs of contacts to the power circuitry. A latch retains the end cap in the seat with the end-cap contacts in solid contact with the seat contacts.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KGInventor: Peter De Ceuster
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Patent number: 6502889Abstract: A general-purpose trunk storing type body cover device for car includes a main device body formed so that a body cover for car can be delivered and wound up and a stand part on which the main device body is installed, disposed separately from the main device body, wherein an elastically supporting member is installed extensibly on the stand part so that the cover device can be stored in the state of being resiliently supported between the inner walls of a trunk room by the elastically supporting member. The body cover device prevents a car body from being damaged and eliminates the need for modification of the trunk room for installation of the body cover device.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Yoshiharu Fukagawa
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Patent number: 6491332Abstract: A motor-vehicle cargo-space cover has two rails flanking the space, fixed in the motor vehicle, and defining a pair of slots. A housing releasably mounted in the vehicle and extending transversely of the rails between rear ends if the slots holds a rotatable shaft around which is wound a flexible cover sheet having a front edge provided with a stiffening bar having outer ends carrying respective slides displaceable along the respective slots and into the housing. Respective stiff tapes connected to the slides extend rearward therefrom into the housing to a drive in the housing that pays the tapes out and thereby pushes the slides forward out of the housing into the slots to deploy the sheet over the space and pulls the stiff tapes back into the housing and thereby pulls the slides back and into the housing to retract the sheet from above the space.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Peter Butz GmbH & Co. Verwaltungs-KGInventor: Peter De Ceuster
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Publication number: 20020144791Abstract: An endcap for a vehicle shade roller assembly is provided. The end cap includes a cap body having an end face, the cap body being axially reciprocable among a plurality of positions relative to a shade spindle. A knob is fixed to the endcap and protrudes from the end face, and has at least one flange extending substantially parallel to the cap body end face. The knob is extendible into a vehicle trim panel, thereby positioning the at least one flange adjacent a substantially complementary structure in the trim panel such that an axial rotation of the end cap engages the flange with the substantially complementary structure to secure the endcap and its associated roller shade assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Lawrence Shell, Bryan Busha
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Patent number: 6435250Abstract: A retractable doorway gate device for providing a safety gate preventing pets and kids from gaining access to unsafe areas in and about a building structure. The retractable doorway gate device includes a bracket assembly including a plurality of bracket members being adapted to be attached in a doorway; and also includes a gate support assembly being mounted to the bracket assembly; and further includes a gate member being carried by the gate support assembly and being adapted to extend across the doorway with the gate member being a mesh screen.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventors: Marc D. Pichik, Christy F. Tvrdik
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Patent number: 6408922Abstract: A self-supporting construction frame, with two vertical portions; and two horizontal portions. In the construction frame, one of the two vertical portions is an anchor portion; and the two horizontal portions are detachably coupled to the two vertical portions. A method of using the construction frame for installation of doors and windows is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventor: Don Desrochers
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Publication number: 20020053407Abstract: A separation device for a motor vehicle, with a flexible flat shaped article, which is held on a winding shaft located in a box housing between a rolled-in rest position and a pulled-out protective position which is rigidly connected to the vehicle with holding devices, in a manner so it can be rolled in and rolled out, where a return spring arrangement applies pressure in the roll-in direction onto the winding shaft. According to the invention, the return spring arrangement is formed by a series or parallel connection of a stronger wound spring and a weaker convenience spring, where the switching is designed in such a manner that, between the rolled-up rest position and a first pull-out position, the stronger roll-up force is applied, and, from the first pull-out position on, for a limited time, a smaller roll-up force is applied, for the transfer into the suspended protective position, and in that the wound spring is associated with a damping element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventors: Marina Ehrenberger, Werner P. Schlecht, Holger Seel
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Patent number: 6330898Abstract: A rain canopy apparatus for a stroller provides a canopy for shielding the stroller from storms and snows. The canopy utilizes an edge spool to roll itself up and to be stored inside an accommodation pipe formed by pivotally connecting upper and lower half pipes. The accommodation pipe has slidable end caps at both ends. Each end cap provides a protruding threaded bar to engage with a clamp for being fixed to a respective side bar of the stroller. When the accommodation pipe is opened with the upper half pipe pivoted away from the lower half pipe, the canopy has one edge hung at the interior hooks of the accommodation pipe and another edge pulled to cover the whole stroller. The canopy apparatus for a stroller can have advantages in storability, portability and operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Inventor: Tony Chang
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Patent number: 6325195Abstract: A machine safety guard unit system having a flexible panel moved upwards and downwards between track members with the system positioned between the operative parts of a machine and a machine operator, such panel when closed protecting the machine operator and when moved upwards into its open mode, allowing access to the machine and preventing the machine from operating. In some embodiments more than one of such units can be disposed around a machine with alarm means; and in yet other embodiments, with interengagement means connecting such units.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Inventor: Steven G. Doherty
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Patent number: 6250321Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing which is mounted on the lower portion of the inside of a rear window of a vehicle. The housing extends across the width of the rear window. A pair of support arms are pivotally mounted, one each, on the sides of the housing. During storage, the support arms are generally parallel to and are attached to the front wall of the housing by a clip. The support arms can swing outwardly to provide support for an awning which is rolled onto a roller inside the housing. During use, when the rear window has been opened, the support arms are swung in an outward direction. The awning is which is pulled outwardly and the end of the awning is hooked onto the outer ends of the support arms. The awning, which is made of a waterproof material, includes a support member which extends between the outer ends of the support arms. When the awning is rolled back into the housing, the housing catches and collects moisture from the awning and prevents water damage to merchandise stored in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventor: Douglas B. Ernst
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Patent number: 6213186Abstract: The present invention comprises an integrally formed cassette and package tray and end cap which at least partially encloses a security shade roller and a gap between the roller and the rear seat of a motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Torres, Marcel Aerts, Steven VanLieshout
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Patent number: 6173754Abstract: A doorlight shade assembly including a housing, a roller shade within the housing, and a pair of mounting clips. The clips each include a secured leg and a supporting leg perpendicular to each other. The secured leg of each clip fits between the door and a doorlight frame. The supporting leg of the clips receive and support the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: ODL IncorporatedInventor: David A. DeBlock
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Patent number: 6142701Abstract: A traffic management system is provided including a primary dispensing post and a banner having an inboard coupled to the primary dispensing post to be dispensed and retracted by way of a crank. The banner has traffic managing indicia positioned thereon. Further, a terminal post is connected to an outboard edge of the banner for maintaining the same upright.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventor: George Falcon
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Patent number: 6131643Abstract: A sun shield device for automobile includes a tubular central axle, a revolving sleeve which has a diameter larger than and a length shorter than that of the central axle being rotatably supported around the central axle, a shading sheet engaged on and wound around the revolving sleeve, an auto-rewinding device which is installed between the central axle and the revolving sleeve for driving the revolving sleeve to rotate so as to automatically rewind the shading sheet around the revolving sleeve, a supporting device including a pair of supporters extendably connected to two ends of the central axle respectively, and an adjusting device for adjusting the length of at least one of the supporters so as to adjust an overall length of the sun shield device until two supporting end members of the two supporters respectively firmly pressed against two interior side walls of a trunk of an automobile so as to horizontally support the sun shield device within the trunk.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: New Century Sci & Tech, Inc.Inventors: Carson Jun Ping Cheng, Guo Ping Cui, Yong Ming Sui, Cady Lan Yu Cheng
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Patent number: 6123135Abstract: A window-screen combination wherein the screen is concealed when not in use but is readily accessible for servicing or replacement. The window-screen assembly includes a window frame circumscribing a window opening and including a peripheral outer frame portion providing an elongated header recess facing into the opening. The frame also includes a plurality of elongated inner frame members separable from the outer frame portion and disposed along the periphery of the opening. A first of the frame members, a header member, is positioned over the recess so that a passageway remains between the recess and the opening. The other of the frame members, jamb members, extend downwardly from the header member and form opposed vertical guideways adjacent to the window opening and aligned with the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Architectural Millwork of Santa Barbara, Inc.Inventor: Joseph J. Mathews
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Patent number: 6115951Abstract: A portable and compact retroreflective sign system includes a base, a winding mechanism roller attached to the base, and a retroreflective roll-up sheeting having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the roller and the sign is wound about the roller. A sign support is attached to the base for supporting the roll-up sign in an unrolled position, wherein the sign support is extendible from the base. An attachment means is present at the second end of the retroreflective roll-up sheeting for attaching the sheeting to the sign support.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: James X Jing, Tsunenori Matsunaga, Takashi Kawai
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Patent number: 6059010Abstract: A roller sunshade for mounting on a car roof mainly includes more than one adhering sucker mechanism and an automatic sunshade winding mechanism. The adhering sucker mechanism can adhere to any point on the car roof by vacuum suction and each includes form bottom to top a sucker main body, a fixed seat, a height-adjusting fixing bar, a sleeve, a level-adjusting supporting board, a locating block, a bolt, and a connecting board. The automatic sunshade winding mechanism is connected to a top of the more than one adhering sucker mechanism and includes a sunshade cloth wound on a roller provided with a torsional spring, and a braking mechanism connected to one end of the roller. The braking mechanism includes a rotational sleeve connected to the torsional spring and a one-way ratchet.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Formosa Saint Jose CorporationInventor: Ming-Shun Yang
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Patent number: 6039105Abstract: A cargo shade attachment for retaining a cargo shade having a non-compressible roller tube with end caps thereon. The cargo shade attachment includes a pocket connected to an interior panel in a cargo area of a vehicle, a slidable plunger having a surface for engaging the end cap being mounted within the pocket, and a biasing device for urging the plunger toward a center line of the vehicle such that the plunger exerts a compressive force on the end cap of the cargo shade thereby retaining the cargo shade.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Patmore, Jeffrey A. Price, Michael C. Trombley
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Patent number: 6039107Abstract: A vehicle window shade assembly protects the interior of a vehicle from sun damage and excessive heat. The shade assembly includes a flexible protective screen adapted for substantially covering a window of the vehicle. An elongated roller carries the screen and includes an internal winding mechanism for automatically moving the screen from an extended in-use position to a retracted storage position around the roller. A mounting assembly is provided for mounting the roller proximate a first edge of the vehicle window. A pull cord is attached to an end of the screen and is adapted for extending from the first edge of the vehicle window to an opposing second edge of the vehicle window with the screen in the retracted storage position. An attachment clip is mounted to the vehicle proximate the second edge of the vehicle window for holding the pull cord.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Michael L. Pittard
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Patent number: 6012504Abstract: A system to be utilized on a horizontal surface for providing visual privacy is disclosed. A plurality of base units each having a retractable panel are positioned at desired locations on the surface to define a plurality of intervals. Selected retractable panels can be drawn across selected intervals to form a desired grid system. The base units can be utilized in conjunction with an existing open plan furniture arrangement to provide additional visual privacy or workstations. In specific embodiments of the invention, the location at which the retractable panel is secured to a vertical panel is vertically adjustable, a uniform attachment between differing thicknesses of the flexible material of a retractable panel is maintained and the tension of spring loaded roller upon which the material is coiled is adjustable. The housing containing a retractable panel as well as the corresponding jamb member can be magnetically attached to vertical surfaces defined in an open plan furniture arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1996Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Inventor: Burton L. Siegal
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Patent number: 5896910Abstract: An automobile rear windshield sunshade device includes a base, a moving unit having a case pivotally supported by the base, a motor and two gears engaging with each other and rotated by the motor. Two driving arms to are moved up and down by the two gears, to extend and retract a sunshade unit having a winding roller for winding a sunshade curtain. The upper end of the curtain is connected with a strip fixed with an elongated bar, which is raised up and down by the two driving arms. The case and the driving arms can be adjusted in their angle relative to the base to adapt to the angle of the rear windshield.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1996Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Pi-Hsiu WangInventor: Hsien-Pao Chen
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Patent number: 5875597Abstract: A space-dividing screen assembly comprising a pair of height-adjustable support posts and a flexible fabric screen having the opposite ends thereof connected to the support posts. The support posts include vertically movable outer tubes to which the opposite ends of the screen are connected. Vertical movement of the outer tubes permits adjustment of the height of the screen. The outer tube is rotatable so as to allow winding up of the flexible fabric onto the outer surface of the outer tube. Also, additional screens can be suspended from the support posts while the opposite free ends of the screens are supported by additional support posts to provide a readily adjustable privacy screen arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Gingrich, David Fik, Keith Foco
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Patent number: 5868191Abstract: A device for the treatment of a window or opening that is interchangeable with a variety of rolled sheet materials and serving the purpose of a bug screen, shade screen for sunlight, or an insulating barrier for thermal protection. The device housing, roller tube, and rolled sheet materials are adjustable as to accommodate openings of different widths and heights. The device comprises an adjustable housing which contains an adjustable roller tube upon which the window treatment material is rolled. The adjustable tube has catches at its ends which engage slots near the edges of the treatment material thereby keeping the material at the same width as the adjustable tube when the material is rolled upon the tube. Extending perpendicularly outward from the ends of the housing are adjustable slotted tracks whose slots engage hooks on the sides of the treatment material thereby holding the material in the opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: Herbert Blackmon, Jr.
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Patent number: 5813449Abstract: A vehicle security shade adapted for use within the interior compartment of a motor vehicle and having a shade which can be extended to enclose the vehicle compartment area. The shade assembly is removably attached to the motor vehicle interior by using one or more end piece assemblies having a telescoping end piece. The end piece is biased to an outer position through the use of a compression spring. The end piece engages with a socket or other mounting feature of the motor vehicle interior trim. The axially moveable end piece includes a blocking means which allows the end piece to move under the influence of the compression spring to its outer position but is blocked from returning from its inner position until an actuator is manually operated. The positive mechanical blocking of inward movement of the end piece is provided at a plurality of relative extended positions of the end piece.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Patmore, Jeffrey A. Price, Michael C. Trombley
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Patent number: 5738294Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by a pair of collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members is adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. A plurality of clamping members are provided on the frame structure to lock the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Yasnogorodskiy, David U. Hillstrom