With Tool Or Implement Holder Patents (Class 220/735)
  • Publication number: 20080308566
    Abstract: Bucket tool organizers useful for transporting and storing tools and other utensils are disclosed. A bucket tool organizer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment may include a bucket mounted tool carrier adapted to contour about a container such as a bucket or pail, and a tool insert situated within the interior of the container. The bucket mounted tool carrier may include a number of pockets located on both an interior and exterior panel member that can be used to store objects therein. The tool insert may include a contoured holster situated within the interior of the container to store larger items such as power tools or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: BOS INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: David P. Fierek
  • Patent number: 7464475
    Abstract: A concealed spoon in milk powder container is disclosed. The concealed spoon comprising a spoon seat and a measuring spoon, characterized in that the lateral side of the spoon seat has a clipping plate having an arch-shaped interior slot and an opening slot within the clipping plate, which are used to secure the spoon seat at the internal wall of the milk powder container proximity to the protruded circular lid of the container and the measuring spoon is held within the spoon seat, or the lateral side of the measuring spoon is a handle having an end section provided with an internal slot and an open slot which are used to directly secure the measuring spoon to the protruded circular lid proximity to the top section of the internal wall of the milk powder container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Charng-Shing Tsao
  • Publication number: 20080237087
    Abstract: The present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of golf club cleaning devices. Additionally, the present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of flag portions for a golf club cleaning device. The storage devices of the present invention provide an efficient mechanism for transporting and storing the golf club cleaning devices and the flag portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher W. Cieri
  • Publication number: 20080210590
    Abstract: The present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of golf club cleaning devices. Additionally, the present invention provides a storage device for a plurality of flag portions for a golf club cleaning device. The storage devices of the present invention provide an efficient mechanism for transporting and storing the golf club cleaning devices and the flag portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher W. CIERI
  • Patent number: 7419057
    Abstract: A serving container cover comprising one or more side walls, a top wall and an opening in the top wall. The serving container is preferably tapered, narrowing from the base portion to the top portion, so that the covers can be nested in a stacked arrangement. A rest is preferably incorporated into the serving container cover to support one or more serving utensils. The serving container cover also preferably includes a decorative graphic on at least a portion of the side walls and top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Jean E. Avery
  • Publication number: 20080156808
    Abstract: A container (210) for holding granular/powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket (330) to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates sealing features, a geometry for container wall junctions (50) and a junction congruent scoop (32) enabling easy access to the contents, and a strength improving receptacle (280) with indentations (290) that interlock with flex clips (310) of a J-shaped collar (300), and which accommodate wide tolerance variations between the collar (300) and receptacle (280).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Perry, Jeremy McBroom, Craig A. McCardell, David Compeau, Charles R. Schotthoefer, Frank S. Walczak, Jack E. Elder
  • Publication number: 20080156806
    Abstract: A container (210) for holding granular/powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the powder controlling features to prevent and minimize spills, and which include a substantially domed central section (344) positioned inwardly of the sealing wall (340). The substantially domed central section (344) is formed as part of the lid (D) and connected thereto by the sealing wall (34) and or an angled tapered wall (346).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Perry, Craig A. McCardell, Jeremy McBroom, David Compeau
  • Publication number: 20080156805
    Abstract: A container (210) for holding granular or powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A rotatably removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is pivotally hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket 330 to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates powder control features, a container wall junction (50) preferred geometry and congruent scoop (32) enabling convenient access to the contents, a tolerance variation accommodating and strength improving, J-shaped collar (300) and interlocking indentations (290) and flex clips (310), and a pressure controlling portion (350) that prevents unwanted deformation due to pressure differentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Perry, Craig A. McCardell, Jeremy McBroom, David Compeau
  • Publication number: 20080149634
    Abstract: A serving container includes a structure for holding one or more utensils. In one approach, a removable insert is provided within the holding structure. In another approach, the holding structure is removable and forms a part of the sidewall of the serving container. The holding structure can also be embodied in a ledge sized to receive a handle of a utensil or can be formed on a lid to the serving container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Mortissa Osborne
  • Publication number: 20080142401
    Abstract: Described is a portable carrying case for storing and transporting culinary essentials such as cooking equipment, instruments and accessories such as cutlery, spices, cookbooks, scales and other assortment of kitchen necessities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Vaughn D. Trannon
  • Patent number: 7387066
    Abstract: An improved can compacting mechanism includes a can collection bin comprising a body having an integrally-formed and cylindrically-shaped sidewall. Downwardly from the cylindrical sidewall is a floor. The sidewall and floor are integrally formed into a single structure. Upwardly from the sidewall is a body neck and opening. The body neck is, in cross-section, a generally rectangular-shaped structure and the body opening is a generally rectangular-shaped aperture through which compacted cans are intended to pass as they drop by gravity from the can compacting mechanism of prior invention. The sidewall is a carrier for indicia applied to the sidewall or to a label or wrap that encircles the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory D. Geise
  • Patent number: 7383948
    Abstract: A paint brush cleaning accessory that includes a supporting mechanism for supporting the bristle portion of a paint brush entirely below the surface of a volume of a cleaning solvent within a cleaning solvent container while ensuring the tip ends of the bristle portion of the bristle portion are suspended above the bottom surface of the cleaning solvent container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Janice Richardson
  • Patent number: 7377004
    Abstract: A wringer has a support surface and a first wringer surface depending from the support surface to a second wringer surface having perforations and curving to a free edge substantially below the support surface. The second wringer surface may be curved in an approximately 180 degree arc. The first wringer surface may be flat and also perforated. The support surface may be formed as an inverted channel structure with a closed upper surface and an angled surface extending away from the first wringer surface. The angled surface may extend at an angle approximately 45 degrees. The wringer may be used with one or more buckets, where the wringer is supported from the rim of one bucket or from the adjacent rims of two buckets. A flat first wringer surface may be used to ring a flat mop, and the curved second wringer surface may be used to bring a round mop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Micronova Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip LeCompte, C. Travis Hunsucker
  • Publication number: 20080110885
    Abstract: A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon. Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material such as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Peggy V K Cross
  • Publication number: 20080105697
    Abstract: A food storage and retrieval system includes a food storage container and a basket disposed within the container. The basket includes a base and a plurality of wings disposed about a periphery of the base. The wings are pivotally attached to the base and biased to engage an inner surface of the container. An elongated handle is slidable through the base. The handle includes a flange at a lower end thereof for engaging a facing surface of the base to lift the basket within the container, and a key selectively engageable with the base to push the basket downwardly within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 7353966
    Abstract: The lid is used to cover a utility box which houses a meter such as a water meter. The lid is compression molded from a plastic material such as medium density polyethylene, and has a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. In one embodiment, a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart recesses are formed in the lower surface. The recesses are spaced inward of the outer edges of the lid. The area of the lower surface of the lid is greater than the total area of the recesses in the plane of the lower surface. In another embodiment, an opening leading to a cavity is formed in the edge of the lid with a press fit passage for receiving a transponder device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Robert McKinnon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7341149
    Abstract: A portable tool carrier for a gas can includes an adjustable carrier strap adapted to surround a side surface of the gas can, a pair of adjustable support straps adapted to go over an upper surface of the gas can, and at least one pocket, wherein the at least one pocket is partially attachable to the carrier strap and forming at least one pocket on the side of the gas can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Robert G. DeAntoni
  • Patent number: 7337901
    Abstract: An organizer releasable attachable to a rim of a bucket comprising a rounded end conforming to the rim of the bucket such that a handle of the bucket freely rotates to a position in a plane above the organizer from the rounded end side of the bucket when the organizer is attached to the bucket and a second end opposite the rounded end cantilevers over the other side of the bucket. The organizer comprising one or more compartment having at least one of a solid floor and one or more opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Ralph H. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7334680
    Abstract: A toolbox having modular components for additional storage and functionality includes modular attachments that are adapted to removably fit various attachments, such as a cooler, cup holder, saw blades holder, drill bit holders, and the like. In addition, the toolbox includes a three-quarter length tray that allows the craftsman to overstuff the inside of the toolbox and additional storage compartments in the lid of the toolbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Ian W. Cunningham, Craig Roberts
  • Patent number: 7300171
    Abstract: A multifunction hydration container accessory system having a hydration container of generally cylindrical shape having a planar bottom surface with bottom edges and having a top for filling and dispensing hydration liquids and comprising an accessory system having a plurality molded cavities for holding a plurality of accessories such as a compass, safety signal reflective material, thermometer, barometer and a container storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Sutton
  • Patent number: 7219602
    Abstract: An improved can compacting mechanism includes a can collection catch bin comprising a main catch bin body having integrally formed front wall, back wall, and opposing walls. Downwardly from the front, back and side walls, is a floor. The walls and floor are integrally formed into a single structure. Upwardly from the floor, the side walls are tapered inwardly towards a body neck and opening. The upper most portion of the front and back walls also terminate at the body neck and opening. The body neck is, in cross-section, a generally rectangular-shaped structure and the body opening is a generally rectangular-shaped aperture through which compacted cans are intent to pass as they drop by gravity from the can compacting mechanism of prior invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory D. Geise
  • Patent number: 7175041
    Abstract: A cap/utensil combination having a cap having a cap top with an inner surface having at least a contact area thereof that is substantially smooth, and having at least one upwardly standing sidewall attached to the cap top, sidewall having an inner surface. The inner surface of the sidewall has a rib structure. A utensil has first and second points of contact with sections of the rib structure and at least partially along an axis of symmetry of the utensil and a third point of contact at least partially within a contact plane through the axis of symmetry, the contact plane being substantially perpendicular to a plane of the inner surface of the cap top. The three-points of contact ensure that the utensil is securely held within the cap, and yet is readily removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: Len Ekkert
  • Patent number: 7137168
    Abstract: Paint roller grid includes a pair of hooks each including a rearwardly extending upper portion and a downwardly extending inturned lip having a forwardly facing inwardly angled surface for engaging an outer cylindrical surface of a container below the container rim when the hooks are hooked over the container rim and the grid is inserted into the top opening of the container. The hooks may be spaced from a bottom edge of the grid a distance slightly greater than the height of the container, whereby when the grid is inserted into the container opening and the hooks are hooked over the container rim, the bottom edge of the grid will engage the inside bottom surface of the container. A pair of feet may extend rearwardly from the grid for engagement with the inner cylindrical surface of the container to prevent the grid from moving within the container during rolling of a roller cover on the grid wiping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Wooster Brush Company
    Inventor: David G. Mann
  • Patent number: 7100288
    Abstract: A set of cutlery includes a plurality of superimposable cutlery components, which are adapted to be releasably connected so as to form a transportable unit. In order to facilitate the handling of such cutlery, it is suggested that the cutlery components should be accommodated in a protective housing and that they should be releasably secured to the protective housing by a connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: WMF Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabrik AG
    Inventors: Claudia Köhler, Volker Battke
  • Patent number: 7040500
    Abstract: A container for housing granulated products is disclosed. The container has a box portion having a recessed base, a front wall, a back wall, and opposing side walls, a closure adapted to be releasably sealed on the box portion, and a circumferential channel in the box base. The channel is adapted to receive a scoop bucket so that the contents of the container can be easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Stuart R. Kipperman, Hagins Fugate, Joseph M. Paul, George Nukuto, Cathy O. Smay, Robin Wiggins
  • Patent number: 7017774
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-formed food packaging article, and method of manufacturing the same, useful in the packaging of individual food portions comprising a planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface, said planar member having a detachable utensil formed integrally in said planar member; and, said planar member having a sanitary membrane affixed to the lower surface covering and protecting the bottom of the utensil from contamination. The sanitary membrane of the present invention protects the lower surface of the integrally formed utensil, while a sealing film or lid protects the upper surface of the utensil, thus providing a food packaging article with a convenient, sanitary utensil for the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Curwood, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Haedt
  • Patent number: 6968969
    Abstract: The lid is used to cover a utility box which houses a meter such as a water meter. The lid is compression molded from a plastic material such as medium density polyethylene, and has a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. In one embodiment, a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart recesses are formed in the lower surface. The recesses are spaced inward of the outer edges of the lid. The area of the lower surface of the lid is greater than the total area of the recesses in the plane of the lower surface. In another embodiment, an opening leading to a cavity is formed in the edge of the lid with a press fit passage for receiving a transponder device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: DFW Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert McKinnon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6964398
    Abstract: A container holding device for use with a vehicle fuel filler cap used on a fuel tank. The device includes a spacer interposed the fuel filler cap and the fuel tank. A container support is connected to the spacer by an arm which extends outwardly from the fuel filler of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen M. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 6883728
    Abstract: A device providing an improved method for the storage and releasable attachment of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a commercially available cable-tie, modified to provide a releasable attachment and reliable storage of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can. A method of the present invention allows a user to modify an existing cable-tie to provide releasable attachment of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can or other item. The availability and subsequent use of a focusing straw often reduces aerosol over-spray and the resultant air borne contamination. Use of the present invention has, in some cases, reduced the consumption of aerosol spray oil by 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Roger Louis Stern
  • Patent number: 6863191
    Abstract: A bail holder for a container, such as a paint can, includes a planar body having an upper portion engaging the bail and a lower portion engaging the upper rim of the can. The upper portion includes a hole and a slot connecting the hole to an edge of the body, thus allowing the bail to be placed in the hole for retention therein. The lower portion of the body includes a notch for engagement with the inner lip of the can, a tab on one side of the notch that engages a channel on the upper side of the rim, and a leg on the other side of the notch extending to the underside of the rim to engage the ridge formed by the bottom of the channel. A hook extending from edge of the body is provided for hanging a paint brush over the can interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: David L. Kesling
  • Patent number: 6854910
    Abstract: A portable window/windshield cleaning device is self contained with washing liquid and a squeegee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Gilles Leblanc
  • Patent number: 6840395
    Abstract: A food product container includes a molded tray having at least one cell for holding a food product. A removable cover, such as lidding film, seals the cell in preparation for shipment. A utensil, such as a spoon or knife or the like, is integrally molded with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Surendra Agarwal, Carolina Alejandra Castellanos, Neil Enciso, Kyle Robert Karsten
  • Patent number: 6832408
    Abstract: A two-piece caddy and vacuum cleaner accessory assembly is provided. The caddy includes first and second body sections that are connected together without the use of a separate independent fastener. The first body section includes first, second and third accessory receptacles. The second body section includes first, second and third accessory engaging clips. The receptacles and clips function to hold various vacuum cleaner tools and accessories such as an extension hose, a wand, a crevice cleaning tool and a nozzle brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Roney, Eric E. Muhlenkamp
  • Patent number: 6820364
    Abstract: A lighted bait container apparatus includes a container defining an open top capable of receiving and holding fishing bait. The container includes a rim body extending about the open top with a pivotal lid and a clamp member coupled thereto. A latch assembly and springs cooperate so that a user may open and close the lid with one hand. The lighted bait container apparatus includes a flashlight having first and second ends and defining an interior space. A first light is positioned at the first end and a second light is positioned at the second end. The flashlight has switches for independently energizing the lights. The clamp member is configured to releasably hold the flashlight. Therefore, the first light enables a user to view the open top and lid while catching or manipulating fish bait at night while the second light provides greater illumination of a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jeremy D. Tyson
  • Patent number: 6793074
    Abstract: A chainsaw case for a chainsaw having a bar is provided. The case includes a base having a lower, a rear, and two end walls, one of the end walls having a slot therein. A front member is pivotally connected to the base and is pivotable from a closed position toward a position in which the front member is substantially coplanar with the lower wall. A top member is pivotally connected to the base about a pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the front member, and is pivotable from a closed position toward a position in which the top member is substantially coplanar with the rear wall. The case also includes a scabbard for being applied to the bar of the chainsaw, the scabbard having an end portion adapted to be received within the slot when the chainsaw is disposed within the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Anderson, Patrick T. Jones, Ronald A. Zimmer, James M. Wiese
  • Publication number: 20040178199
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid (such as those used to seal the tops of cups used to dispense drinks in restaurants) has a toothpick retention portion integrally formed therewith configured to releasably retain a toothpick. The disposable cup lid may take several forms such as for various types for hot and cold drink cups. In one form, the toothpick is contained within a recess in the cup lid and attached thereto by means of a securing slit. Pulling the toothpick away from the lid causes its release from the securing slit so that the toothpick may be used. The securing slit also allows return receipt of the used toothpick for disposal with the cup lid or storage for later use. The cup lid is preferably formed of a disposable material such as plastic. Of course, other materials suitable to carry out the principles of the present invention may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: David L. Stroup
  • Publication number: 20040164105
    Abstract: A device providing an improved method for the storage and releasable attachment of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a commercially available cable-tie, modified to provide a releasable attachment and reliable storage of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can. A method of the present invention allows a user to modify an existing cable-tie to provide releasable attachment of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can or other item. The availability and subsequent use of a focusing straw often reduces aerosol over-spray and the resultant air borne contamination. Use of the present invention has, in some cases, reduced the consumption of aerosol spray oil by 30%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Roger Louis Stern
  • Patent number: 6713029
    Abstract: A sterilization tray has a smooth exterior, ruggedness, light weight, high thermal conductivity, comfortable gripping surfaces, stackability, and low cost construction. The tray is constructed of stamped and folded sheet metal, but in such a way as to provide rounded corners. A molded handle insert is attached to the ends of the tray to provide the multiple utility of reducing the number of handles required, maximizing space utilization, providing a comfortable gripping surface on the outside and inside of the tray, and providing stackability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Petrus Krafft, Shane E. Maust
  • Patent number: 6705468
    Abstract: A organizer assembly for providing a user with a convenient organizer for cat grooming and litter box supplies. The organizer assembly includes a base that has a bottom surface, a top surface and a peripheral edge that extends between the top and bottom surfaces. A peripheral wall is attached to and extends upwardly from the top surface. A handle is attached to the base. A pair of containers, each has a bottom wall and perimeter wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall, each of the containers is positionable in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Antonia R. Hall
  • Patent number: 6695164
    Abstract: A storage system for paint roller sleeves defining a core cavity. The storage system comprises a bucket member, a lid member, and a roller projection. The bucket member defines a bucket chamber and an upper edge, and paint is arranged within the bucket chamber. The lid member defines an edge wall adapted to engage the upper edge of the bucket member. The roller projection extends into the bucket chamber to support the paint roller sleeve within the bucket chamber. The roller projection defines at least one roller surface sized and dimensioned to engage the core cavity of the paint roller sleeve. The lid member seals the bucket chamber and thereby inhibits drying of the paint stored within the bucket chamber, including any paint on the roller sleeve suspended therein by the roller projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Steven A. Chayer
  • Patent number: 6695226
    Abstract: A device providing an improved method for the storage and releasable attachment of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a commercially available cable-tie, modified to provide a releasable attachment and reliable storage of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can. A method of the present invention allows a user to modify an existing cable-tie to provide releasable attachment of a focusing straw onto an aerosol can or other item. The availability and subsequent use of a focusing straw often reduces aerosol over-spray and the resultant air borne contamination. Use of the present invention has, in some cases, reduced the consumption of aerosol spray oil by 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Roger Louis Stern
  • Publication number: 20030192898
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-formed food packaging article, and method of manufacturing the same, useful in the packaging of individual food portions comprising a planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface, said planar member having a detachable utensil formed integrally in said planar member; and, said planar member having a sanitary membrane affixed to the lower surface covering and protecting the bottom of the utensil from contamination. The sanitary membrane of the present invention protects the lower surface of the integrally formed utensil, while a sealing film or lid protects the upper surface of the utensil, thus providing a food packaging article with a convenient, sanitary utensil for the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Edward L. Haedt
  • Patent number: 6585011
    Abstract: Systems and sub-systems for supplying squeegee buckets with automobile windshield washer fluid. Some systems include a fluid containing reservoir elevated above the squeegee buckets so as to gravity feed the buckets. One system includes a fluid quantity sensor coupled to a squeegee bucket for indicating a predetermined low fluid quantity in the squeegee bucket, calling for the addition of fluid. The fluid quantity sensor can be coupled directly or indirectly to a controllable fluid supply source to add fluid into the squeegee bucket interior. Some systems have continuous or analog fluid quantity sensor outputs while other systems have discreet fluid quantity sensors indicating that a low limit has been reached. Some systems utilize level sensors while other systems utilize weight sensors. One system includes a level sensor in the form of a float adapted to trigger an electrical switch upon reaching a low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Clean Shield Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Willeke, Jr., Dale A. Severson, Jeffery M. Eliason, Scott Meyerson
  • Patent number: 6578725
    Abstract: A lid that creates a seal around a container to allow proper storage and reduce spoil time of the contents. Integrally formed with the lid is a scoop extending into the can so that the contents may be removed without soiling another utensil. The lid is adapted to securely attach to a container opening. The scoop portion has a finger-receiving cavity to allow for simplified operator use. The finger-receiving scoop extends from the underside of the lid into the container. The scoop is nearly the length of the container and is used to assist an individual to remove the contents of the container. Once finished, the individual may seal the container with the lid until further use is desired, preventing the spoiling of the remaining food inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Traffic Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel G. Delman, Steve T. Josephson
  • Patent number: 6536590
    Abstract: A semi-cylindrical bucket and tool holder includes a molded plastic bucket enclosed and supported by a canvas bag having adjustable bottom straps and a top hook for attachment to the rung of a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Travel Caddy Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Godshaw, Andrzej M. Redzisz
  • Publication number: 20030037390
    Abstract: A portable window/windshield cleaning device is self contained with washing liquid and a squeegee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Gilles Leblanc
  • Publication number: 20030015532
    Abstract: A container apparatus, for storing sheetrock mud, includes a lid portion and a container portion attached to the bottom of the lid portion by an air-tight seal. The container portion includes a floor portion and wall portions projecting upward from the floor portion. The lid portion is attached to top portions of the wall portions. The floor portion includes four straight floor sides which form a rectangle, and four planar trapezoid-shaped wall portions project upward from the four straight floor sides. Preferably, the four planar wall portions slope outwardly from the four straight floor sides. The lid portion includes a snap-fit connection with the container portion. The scraper member has a length which is at least as long as a sheetrock blade and, when the lid portion is removed from the container portion, can be used for scraping excess sheetrock mud off of a sheetrock blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Chandler T. Rickman, Brandon P. Rickman
  • Patent number: 6485691
    Abstract: A specimen gathering device permitting a person to position the specimen gathering device without contact with the specimen. The device includes a container member having an overlying lid and detachable handle assembly diametrically overlying the lid and forming a lever for tightening and loosening the lid. Releasable gripping members on the container wall, handle and lid permit manual separation of the handle and lid and supporting the container remote from a person's hand by one end portion of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy B. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020148844
    Abstract: A beverage serving apparatus for easily and sanitarily providing accompaniments to a beverage in a container is described. The beverage serving apparatus comprises: (i) a handling portion designed to avoid contact with the beverage; (ii) a container attachment portion for coupling the apparatus to the rim of the container; (iii) a first accompaniment attachment portion shaped to receive a first accompaniment; and (iv) a second accompaniment attachment portion shaped to receive a second accompaniment. Both the first accompaniment attachment portion and the second accompaniment attachment portion can comprise various designs including an elongated slot, a circular slot, a pressure clip, a pointed end, etc. In addition, the container attachment portion of the described beverage serving apparatus can comprise a flexible slot, a pressure clip, or various other designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Scott M. Sternick
  • Patent number: 6460722
    Abstract: A container includes a container body with an accommodating space including central and surrounding regions. A plurality of coolant vessels are retained detachably in the surrounding region by a plurality of retaining members against falling towards the central region. The vessels can be filled with coolant so as to keep the accommodating space, in which wine bottles are received, in a cool condition. A bottom wall of the container body is provided with a plurality of spacers so as to space the wine bottles from the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Brothers Promotions, Inc.
    Inventor: Ching-Chang Lee