Household Or Office Equipment (e.g., Mixer-grinder, Recording Kit) Patents (Class 206/576)
  • Patent number: 5332098
    Abstract: The present invention includes a portable vehicle adhesive remover having a motor unit and an eraser unit which includes a resilient eraser member and a disc member embedded in the eraser member. When the high speed rotating eraser member is engaged to pinstripes, decals, side moldings and other adhered items, it can generate adequate heat to cause the adhesive to lose its adhesion and thus release the pinstripes, decals, side moldings and other adhered items, so they can be removed without damaging the paint or other body parts of the vehicle. The present invention also includes a portable preparation tool kit for automobile body work and the like. The tool kit includes a case, a rotary pneumatic motor with accessories, a various different sized abrasive tools, and different shaped and sized sand tools. All of the abrasive and sand tools can be interchangeably connected to and driven by the rotary pneumatic motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Fisher Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 5325970
    Abstract: A computer carrying case having internally contained non-reflective folding panels which combine with base and cover portions of the case to form a shield enclosure for a portable computer housed within the case. The shield enclosure excludes most extraneous light and glare and reduces unwanted observation of a viewing screen incorporated in a cover of the computer cover when contained within the shield enclosure. Recessing the viewing screen within the shield enclosure permits the screen to be viewed by the operator while allowing the operator access to the computer data entry device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: Thomas A. Dillon, Richard E. Hemperly
  • Patent number: 5316211
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hand carrying case made by folding up a unitary base sheet, comprising a back panel connected between a front panel and a cover flap by a bottom panel and a top panel and connected between two reinforcing side strips by two side panels, a partition flap connected to the front panel by two spaced connecting strips, the front panel having side projections inserted through holes between the side panels and the reinforcing side strips and fitted into recessed portions on the front panel, one connecting strip having holes for inserting pens into the compartment defined between the partition flap and the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Chung-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 5305538
    Abstract: A do-it-yourself kit enables an end user to make his own graphics. A printer points graphics on the back of a transparent mylar tape. The tape has a pressure sensitive adhesive which is pressed on over a textured surface that enables air to escape at the interface between the adhesive and the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Contemporary Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Kanzelberger
  • Patent number: 5242056
    Abstract: A portable office carrying case having a base fabricated of ridged material and at least the front and back sides fabricated of ridged material to protect electronic equipment, such as a portable computer, placed within the case by the user to be moved and placed on a working surface. The sides between the front and back may be ridged or flexible to allow the expansion of the space within the case. At least the front ridged side is hinged to the base and detachable from the sides so that the user may lower the front side from a vertical position onto the working surface providing access to the keyboard of the computer at substantially the working surface level. A storage pocket may be attached to the outside of the back ridged side. A divider may be mounted inside the case to define compartments. Pockets may be mounted on the divider to allow the user to store office materials. A top is provided to close over the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventors: Farrukh Zia, Henri Galina-Rosin
  • Patent number: 5226540
    Abstract: An air and water tight carrying case in which to transport a portable work station having a personal computer, printer and other peripherals. External controls are provided at a bulkhead on the outside of the case to permit operation of the work station when the carrying case is closed, such as when the case is located in a hostile environment and it is desirable to isolate the computer hardware from the atmosphere. By virtue of the foregoing, power to the computer and peripherals, data transfer to and from the computer, and connection of the computer to auxiliary hardware can all be controlled from outside the carrying case without having to disturb the safe environment in which the work station is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: The I.D.E.A. Corporation
    Inventor: George M. Bradbury
  • Patent number: 5214574
    Abstract: A protective housing for portable computers includes first and second shells defining trays of disparate depths and rear walls of similar height and hingedly connected together. With side and front walls of the first shell defining a minimal height generally not exceeding the height of a CPU/keyboard unit closely confined within the first shell tray, a user has un-impeded access to the keyboard while opening(s) in one or more walls of the first shell overlie access to various drives and/or ports adapted to communicate with external peripheral devices. Higher side and front walls on the second shell define a tray of greater depth and within which is disposed a portable printer having a cable directly communicating with the CPU in the first shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Bo E. Chang
  • Patent number: 5180232
    Abstract: Basic elements of a modular printer system may comprise a rectangular open frame with receptacles for a printer module and computerized terminal module, and with an external configuration for receiving modular components such as a carrying handle, a support foot, an auxiliary terminal module mounting bracket and an AC adaptor module. Respective different paper tray modules may be selectively secured to the open frame to form a bottom closure and to provide a repository for appropriate circuit boards and an on-board battery if needed, as well as containing an appropriate supply of paper for the printer (e.g. 50 sheets or 200 sheets). Respective terminal adaptor modules may secure different generations of computerized terminals in the frame for data transfer to the printer. A terminal module may utilize a spring-urged retainer for retaining a hand-held computerized terminal therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Norand Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Chadima, Jr., Darald R. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5163560
    Abstract: A doubled wall container having a base and a pair of container sides pivotally secured to the base. Each of the container sides has a ridge member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Inventors: Lloyd K. Parrish, Jr., Richard D. Haddock
  • Patent number: 5104250
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for a portfolio folder which is readily adapted to be purchased by a small photocopy or printing center. The front panel of the kit is sized to become comparable to that of normal paper sizes and readily adapted to have printed material applied to at least one side thereof by use of standard sized photographic or offset printing equipment. After application of indicia or printed matter to the front panel, the components of the kit are then assembled by securing the front panel to the rear panel. The kit may also include a binding apparatus for securing to either the front or rear panel for retaining sheet material in the assembled portfolio folder. The kit and method in accordance with the present invention permit small quantities of folders to be provided with customized printing on the front panel at relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Peter L. Pacione
  • Patent number: 5074418
    Abstract: The transport and storage container receives an ink replenishing system characterized by housing defining a well and having a rim formed around the well opening. An ink tray is slidably supported to the forward portion of the rim. A supply and drain pump are mounted to the bottom of the housing and hoses communication the pumps and ink tray. The transport and storage container includes a housing defining a chamber open at the top, a plurality of support surfaces, and a rim formed around said chamber opening. A support rim is formed within the chamber for supporting the ink replenishing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Danilo P. Buan, M. Anthony Melito
  • Patent number: 5058736
    Abstract: A notebook organizer is disclosed which is sufficiently thin for convenient use in a ringed notebook. In its broadest aspects, the organizer comprises a base having a substantially flat bottom surface. The base has a border with a plurality of holes therethrough, the holes being adapted for engagement with the rings of a ringed notebook. The base includes a plurality of partitions dividing the base into a plurality of compartments. There is a lid associated with at least one of the compartments, including a lock for releasably securing the lid in a closed position. The lid has a substantially flat upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: Mark A. Bedol
  • Patent number: 5004105
    Abstract: A plurality of speakers and related audio system components are transported to and from an outdoor marine location by a packaging arrangement which includes a pair of weather-resistant carrying containers that are detachably secured. When secured together, the containers carrying their respective speakers are transported as an integrated cargo unit. When detached, each container carrying its respective speaker is independently transported as an individual cargo unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Tommyca Freadman
  • Patent number: 5002184
    Abstract: A soft case which encloses a portable device such as a hand held computer has a top cover portion which overlies a large screen at the front or top of the computer. This cover portion has a flat, soft foam pad which engages against the glass screen to cushion the screen and spread the force of any impact against the closed case at the screen. Further, there may be included in the screen cover a rigid member captured within the injection molded foam and spanning across the screen, providing further protection against impact to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: GRiD Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Graham P. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 4896776
    Abstract: A protective case for carrying data processing equipment includes top and bottom shells pivotally mounted to one another for opening and closing the case. A vacuum-formed insert, mounted contiguously within the bottom shell by an adhesive, includes either a single platform or a pair of raised platforms for supporting a computer at a sufficient height to permit the housing of electrical cords beneath the computer. The vacuum-formed insert further includes either a single pedestal or a pair of pedestals for supporting a computer-operated printer, at a sufficient height for storage of computer printer paper beneath the printer, and operatively disposed to facilitate use of the printer while supported on the pedestals. The insert further can include a channel for storage of a power supply and a switching and outlet unit for use with the computer and printer. In the event that the computer incorporates a disc drive, a pocket for containing data storage discs is mounted to the top shell of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Gemini Incorporated
    Inventors: Bradley J. Kabanuk, Gale L. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 4887717
    Abstract: A package that contains component parts of a carburetor tune-up kit is formed in a box-like configuration with a plastic overwrap that protects the component parts contained in the package from the environment outside the plastic. The package is configured to serve as a parts tray for the parts of the kit when the plastic overwrap has been removed. Four interconnected flanges at the top of the package together form a border around an access opening into the interior of the package. First and second members of an adjustable carburetor float gauge are formed integrally in two of the flanges. The first and second members are denoted in the flanges by perforated lines forming their boundaries. The perforated boundaries of the gauge members permit the members to be removed from the package and assembled into an adjustable carburetor float gauge shaped as a T square with a cross piece and linear rule, where the cross piece is mounted for sliding movement across the linear rule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Secrest Engineered Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Secrest, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4837590
    Abstract: A mobile office comprises a carrying case having a hollow rectangular base and a hollow cover hingedly connected thereto; with a first platform positioned within the base and anchored therein. A lap-top computer is mounted upon and anchored to the first platform adapted for connection to an electric power source and includes a video display screen normally enclosed within the profile of the cover when closed and pivotal to an upright use position when the cover is open. A second platform is positioned within the base and anchored therein and spaced from the bottom of the base defining a paper storage chamber. An electronic pointer is mounted upon and anchored to the second platform and connected to the computer. A stack of tractor feed manifold paper is positioned within the storage chamber with its lead edge threaded into the printer. The cover includes a storage chamber for a multiple chamber collapsible manifold and a second chamber with cover to mount and close a cellular telephone and modem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Glenn R. Sprague
  • Patent number: 4832199
    Abstract: An auto lock tray is formed from a single blank of cut and scored foldable material comprising a bottom panel, side and end walls extending in an upright condition at each edge of the bottom panel and diagonally disposed product supporting panels interiorly of the tray which extend from the upper edges of the side walls downwardly at acute angles with the bottom of the tray. The product supporting panels are retained in position within the tray by a pair of locking flaps including interengaged tabs and slots which become fully engaged as a result of an over center folding action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Rigby
  • Patent number: 4828115
    Abstract: A container for the components of an unassembled ceiling fan includes a first casing of expanded polystyrene foam. The first casing includes at least one internal recess shaped to receive a first component of the ceiling fan to protect it from damage during shipping. A second casing of expanded polystyrene foam includes at least one internal recess shaped to receive at least a second component of the ceiling fan to protect it from damage during shipping. The first and second casings have comparable cross-sectional areas and include structure integral therewith for interlocking the casings to restrict relative movement of the casings. At least the first casing provides sufficient protection to its contents to protect them from damage when the first casing is shipped without the second casing. A box or the like of suitable size receives the first and second interlocked casings to form a package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Charles F. Wiegand, Terrence L. Stanek
  • Patent number: 4807759
    Abstract: A housing for a remote interface unit is shown. The housing has a geometry to be appropriate for use with a small data processing system. The housing contains an upper and lower sections that permit convenient assembly and disassembly and, when assembled are securely fastened together with only two coupling units, such as screws. Expansion modules can be coupled to or removed from the unit circuit board without the use of tools, and typically with only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Bryan G. Castner
    Inventor: Bryan G. Castner
  • Patent number: 4790431
    Abstract: A carrying case for storing a computer and a printer operatively connected together for use thereof without removing the printer or computer from the carrying case. The carrying case includes a case formed in two parts which are pivotally connected together along one side of the case by hinges which allow removal of one part of the case from the other, a mechanism for closing the case, a handle for carrying the case, a computer removably fitted in the case, a printer removably fitted in the case and operatively connected to the computer for use together without removing either the computer or the printer from the case, an insert for positioning the computer and the printer in the case and also defining a paper storage space for receiving paper and guiding the paper as it is withdrawn by the printer during a printing operation. The paper can be folded paper which is stored in the paper storage space and which is unfolded as it is withdrawn by the printer during a printing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: International Computer Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Reel, James R. Simpson
  • Patent number: 4739897
    Abstract: A holder for a remote control unit is provided and consists of a floor panel disposed between and spanning a pair of spaced side panels, a front panel and a rear panel forming therebetween a remote control unit receiving compartment to receive and position the remote control unit. A lower compartment is formed beneath the floor panel so that batteries for the remote control unit can be stored within. A pair of holders can be secured together in a back-to-back relationship for holding two remote control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Lorraine M. Butler
  • Patent number: 4696400
    Abstract: Wall murals are readily achieved by the do-it-yourself exponent with the use of apparatus contained in a kit. The kit of the invention includes a case which has brackets enabling the case to be supported on a wall or stabilized on a table or the like. Inside the case is a projector and a slide transparency bearing an outline of the intended mural in which different areas are designated according to the color intended for that area. The case includes a series of paint pots each containing a different corresponding colored paint and each bearing the corresponding designation of the paint color. To produce the mural the image of the slide is projected onto the wall and the different areas are painted with a different colored paint in accordance with the indicated designations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Inventor: Leigh Warman
  • Patent number: 4255872
    Abstract: An interview or demonstration portfolio for prospective teachers and other professionals includes audiovisual components, demonstration slides and writings to highlight the competencies and performance skills of a candidate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Inventor: Eugene Williams, Sr.