Telescoping Patents (Class 220/8)
  • Patent number: 5878903
    Abstract: A extensible and retractable cargo container, comprises a top portion, a middle portion and a lower portion sleeve jointed together with each other, and further comprises a plurality set of block mechanisms for holding the top portion, the middle portion and the lower portion set in an extensible status, and a plurality of buffer rods for buffering the weight from the top portion, the middle portion and the top portion during retracting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Lu-Hsiung Ung
  • Patent number: 5875912
    Abstract: Invention relates to an adjustable and extendable receptacle, adapted primarily for use at a computer workplace, for the storage and retrieval of office-type items. The receptacle includes a pair of interengagable trough-like members, telescopically engaged, a pair of vertically adjustable legs and a further set of pivotally mounted legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Richard G. Hobson
  • Patent number: 5862932
    Abstract: A portable collapsible garbage can has a central vertical axis and inner and outer sides and concentrically adjacently spaced substantially vertically oriented annular flat wall panels. Each wall panel has upper and lower distal ends and there is an innermost and outermost wall panel. The wall panels are concentrically oriented about the vertical axis and can be vertically telescopically raised and lowered between an extended and a retracted position. In the extended position the panels partially overlap along the vertical axis and define a garbage compartment having an open top and bottom. In the retracted position the panels are concentrically nested adjacent each other and overlapped along the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventors: Carolyn Walsh, Gary Wright
  • Patent number: 5829591
    Abstract: A packing container assembly having an inner and an outer elongated hollow member each having a closed end and an open end, with the open end of the inner hollow member insertable into the open end of the outer hollow member to place the hollow members in longitudinal sliding engagement. A pair of interlocking devices are formed, one on an inner surface of the outer hollow member which comprises an inwardly extending protuberance, and the other on an outer surface of the inner hollow member, which comprises a plurality of spaced depressions extending inwardly from an inner wall surface thereof. The plurality of depressions are each adapted to receive the protuberance when the two members are joined together. A pair of elongated slots extending through the wall portion of the outer hollow member are provided on each side of the protuberance to enhance the flexibility of the wall portion at the protuberance and minimize any resistance to slidability at the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: William J. Lyons
  • Patent number: 5829205
    Abstract: A portable field office having a generally rectangular base section configured to enclose the lower portion of an inner space; a generally rectangular top section configured to enclose an upper portion of the rectangular inner space and moveable between an upper extended position for use as a field office and a lowered position to form a module suitable for air transport and lift assemblies positioned to raise the top section between an extended and a lowered position and a door providing access to the inner space in the office in both the extended position and in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Custom Industrial Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick D. Clark, John David Stratton, Daryl K. Rutt
  • Patent number: 5819996
    Abstract: An improved organizer for the storage space of a vehicle, comprising exterior and interior wall members defining a plurality of storage area subdivisions. Slidable dividers are mounted in hollow wall members. The dividers may be opened and closed to achieve the desired organizational configuration. Holes are provided along the top edges of the exterior wall members for the attachment of covers or straps, to enhance security and organization of items. Gripping members are provided along the bottom edges of the exterior walls to prevent unwanted movement of the organizer in the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Patrick Koons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5782372
    Abstract: A carrying case which can be opened or collapsed is disclosed. The carrying case has at least a first nestable module and a second nestable module. The first module has a bottom portion which has an inward projection. A side portion of the first module has a compartment which can be withdrawn from the first module. A second module has a top portion which has an outward projection and a side portion of the second module has a compartment which can be withdrawn from the second module, wherein the outward and inward projections of the first and second modules cooperate as a stop means for controlling the opening of the carrying case. The first and second modules are nestable within one another and are adapted to slidably collapse into one another and slidably open into a position to provide access to the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Marla Weiss, Eugene C. Rzucidlo
  • Patent number: 5772029
    Abstract: A foldable document file box with an adjustable volume which can be folded in a flat configuration for easier storage, having two half shells joined by releasable closure elements to permit adjustment of the volume defined by the half shells. The half shells are connected so that they can be placed in a flat configuration while remaining connected. Detent elements are provided to adjust the volume of the document file box in a stepped manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Roberto Boccacci
  • Patent number: 5770224
    Abstract: A controlled release capsule comprises a male plug (2) formed of a water swellable hydrogel which is engaged within a neck portion (4) of a female body (6). The capsule contains a pharmaceutically active material. In contact with an aqueous medium, such as in the gastrointestinal tract, the hydrogel plug swells and becomes disengaged from the body, thereby releasing the active material. In order to facilitate insertion of the male plug into the neck of the body, the body has a flared mouth portion (14) which is wider than the neck. The neck itself may be wider or narrower than the remainder of the body. A water-soluble cap (8) has detentes (18) which clip over the flared mouth portion so as to lock the cap thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: R. P. Scherer Corporation
    Inventors: Abdul Rashid, Howard Norman Ernest Stevens, Massoud Bakhshaee, James Robertson Miller Kelso, Mark Hegarty, James Leonard Mackie
  • Patent number: 5765708
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for compressing a collapsible container to adjust an internal volume thereof in order to, for example, preserve carbonation of a liquid in the container. In one embodiment, a base section having a bottom surface and a skirt is adapted to receive and support a lower portion of the container. An upper section having a top surface and an upper skirt engages the base section and surrounds at least part of an upper portion of the container. Interlocking means are operative to interlock the base and upper sections in response to an applied compressive force, and to retain the container in a compressed state after the removal of the force. Other exemplary embodiments may utilize a threaded interlocking means, or a telescoping arrangement with a middle section between the base section and upper section, or may eliminate either the base section or the upper section and utilize interlocking means formed on the container itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Yiannis Nicolaos Fragos
  • Patent number: 5738425
    Abstract: A versatile drawer organizer structure for segregating a plurality of items. The structure includes a main compartment and two adjustable side compartments located on each side of the main compartment. Each of the side compartments can slide toward the main compartment or away from the main compartment thus decreasing and increasing the size of the side compartments and decreasing and increasing the overall width of the structure so that the structure precisely fits within the inside width of the drawer. The overall width of the structure can be adjusted without cutting of the material making up the structure and without making any permanent alterations to the structure. Thus, the structure can be easily sized to precisely fit the inside width of a large number of different drawers and many other enclosed spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Gayle Rosenberg, Eli Pine, Dale C. Gledhill
  • Patent number: 5715962
    Abstract: An expandable ice chest including a base member having a first pair of opposing walls, a second pair of opposing walls, and a bottom surface. The first and second pairs of opposing walls are attached to the bottom surface to form a box-like receptacle having an open upper end. An adjustable inner liner has a first pair of opposing liner walls and a second pair of opposing liner walls. The first pair of opposing liner walls are connected to the second pair of opposing liner walls. The adjustable inner liner has an open lower end and is slidably engaged within the base member. A lid member is received on the adjustable inner liner. A seal is positioned between the inner liner and the base member. The inner liner is adjustably secured to the base member in a plurality of positions via a slot through the base member and a pocket in the inner liner. A plug is received in the pocket and the slot to secure the relative position of the inner liner to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Sandra J. McDonnell
  • Patent number: 5711445
    Abstract: A reusable, collapsible urine container includes a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral side wall includes upper, intermediate and lower concentric portions and an uppermost inclined or non-concentric portion extending upwardly and angularly from the upper concentric portion. The intermediate concentric portion has a wall thickness less than the upper and lower concentric portions, such that the peripheral side wall movable between axially extended and collapsed positions, wherein, in the collapsed position, the lower concentric side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper concentric side wall portion with the intermediate concentric portion reverse folded therebetween. The uppermost or non-concentric portion is formed with an annular rim defining an upper open end of the container, the rim adapted to receive a removable cap. A handle is integrally formed in the peripheral side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5707003
    Abstract: Box file (10) composed with first and second box forming components (11, 12) capable of being coupled together. First box forming component (11) has bottom plates (16) and back walls (17) between a pair of side walls (14, 15) in a state that side walls (14), bottom walls (16) and back walls (17) are provided with cut-off portions (14B, 16A, 17A). Second box forming component (12) has bottom plates (21) and back walls (22) connected with the side walls (20) and partition walls (24) provided between bottom plates (21) and back walls (22). Partition walls (24) are designed to pass over cut-off portions (14B) and bottom plates (21) and back walls (22) of second box forming component (12) are received in cut-off portions (16A, 17A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Kokuyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Miyake
  • Patent number: 5680949
    Abstract: A packaging container assembly having a variable length. The assembly includes an outer hollow body and an inner hollow body. The hollow bodies can be assembled with one another by a sliding of an open end of the inner hollow body into an open end of the outer hollow body for forming the packaging container assembly. Each hollow body has a rectangular cross section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof thereby defining a plurality of longitudinal edges thereon. A plurality of rows of notches include a first set of rows of notches disposed on one of the hollow bodies, the rows of notches of the first set being disposed diagonally opposite one another on corresponding longitudinal edges of the one of the hollow bodies; and a second set of rows of notches disposed on another one of the hollow bodies, the rows of notches of the second set being disposed on all longitudinal edges of the other one of the hollow bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: rose plastic GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Roesler
  • Patent number: 5673360
    Abstract: A portable and compact humidifier for use in a hotel room includes a vaporizing chamber having a heating element that vaporizes water contained in a hotel sink or ice bucket. Various safety devices are provided, all of which connect with a ground fault interrupt circuit ("GFCI") located at the electrical plug end of the humidifier. Upon the occurrence of a fault condition, the GFCI disconnects electricity from the vaporizing element. The safety devices include both high and low water level sensors, and a heating element overheat sensor. The humidifier enclosure may either comprise a single component that allows the entire humidifier to float in the reservoir, or the enclosure may comprise a plurality of enclosure sections that telescope relative to each other. The uppermost section is fixed in height with respect to the reservoir, while the lowermost section floats in the reservoir. As the level of water in the reservoir decreases, the telescoping enclosure increases in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: J. Sebastian Scripps
  • Patent number: 5664597
    Abstract: A cover is provided for placing over an article fixed to a surface. The cover is particularly useful for covering a fire hydrant and identifying the fire hydrant in the winter months in a climate accustomed to great depths of snow which normally would cover or otherwise conceal the fire hydrant. The cover has an open end and a closed end with an interior volume formed therebetween for enclosing the fire hydrant. The cover includes a strap or the like for securing the cover to the article being covered to prevent the cover from being removed from covering the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: William A. Miskiewicz
  • Patent number: 5662026
    Abstract: A novel clip system for cookware is disclosed relating to a cooking utensil having a first portion and a second portion which are easily and securely joined together to form a unitary body. The first portion of the cookware utensil has a lip configured to cooperate with a lip on a second portion of the cookware utensil to prevent relative movement of the first portion in a first axial direction. The second portion has at least one stopper to cooperatively engage the lip of the first portion so as to inhibit relative movement of the first portion in a second axial direction. The lip and stopper configuration thereby provides an efficient and cost-effective means for securing the first portion into locking engagement with the second portion to form a unitary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: P.T. Maspion
    Inventor: Alim Prakasa
  • Patent number: 5657572
    Abstract: A tamp assembly comprises a first elongated hollow tubular member having first and second open ends, the second end having an edge with one or more notches or scallops, and a second elongated hollow tubular member for receiving the first member and an open end for inserting the second end of the first member and a closed end for tamping the second end of said first member thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Frank Little
  • Patent number: 5642826
    Abstract: A semi-rigid container, has a semi-rigid folding portion consisting of the plurality of diamond shaped panels forming a frustoconical shape. The panels are arced relative to the interconnecting frustoconical substrate in the transverse and longitudinal directions so that while the panels provide rigidity against a longitudinal collapsing force, they are able to expand transversely to enable folding of the folding portion under the longitudinal collapsing force and to resist expansion from the collapsed state. Other shapes of the panels are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: CO2PAC Limited
    Inventor: David Murray Melrose
  • Patent number: 5642831
    Abstract: A drinking container is provided having a liquid containing portion and a slidably displaceable sleeve member. The slidably displaceable sleeve member is located adjacent the liquid containing portion. The liquid containing portion has a bottom surface. The sleeve member has a sidewall and a bottom surface. The sleeve member in a first position has its bottom surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of the liquid containing portion a first distance, while the sleeve member in a second position has its bottom surface spaced apart from the bottom surface of the liquid containing portion a second distance. The drinking container preferably has an upwardly projecting wall having at least one engaging member. Additionally, the sleeve member has a plurality of channels formed in its sidewall. The drinking container is formed having a first wall member and a second wall member, such that the sleeve member is retained between the first and second wall members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: National Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: L. Grant Lynd
  • Patent number: 5640795
    Abstract: An improved fishing rod protector that is to be used on a two piece fishing rod with equal or unequal fishing rod section lengths, with or without a fishing reel attached. The invention is comprised of two cylinders, each open on one end and closed on the other. The cylinders are attached to each other by means of an elastic cord routed through the hollows of each cylinder and connected at the rear of each cylinder. The two piece fishing rod sections are arranged, then closely grouped and inserted into the hollows of the cylinders. The elastic cord is stretched and then returned to its undisturbed length, thus holding the two cylinders in place. A fishing reel can be attached to the rod and the fishing line can be strung on the fishing rod guides without affecting the invention. A portion of the fishing rod is exposed for viewing. When not in use, the invention stores conveniently one cylinder inside the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Robert Glenn Wambolt
  • Patent number: 5634560
    Abstract: The invention is to a storage device for storing hair accessories such as a comb, brush, and/or a can of hair spray internal to the storage device. At the same time the outside of the storage device is used to store and display fabric covered elastic ponytail holders, known as scrunchies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Valerie A. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5632406
    Abstract: A collapsible container comprising a peripheral side wall; a closed bottom at a lower end of the peripheral side wall and an opening at an upper end of the peripheral side wall; the peripheral side wall having at least three axial sections, with at least one relatively thin section located axially between upper and lower relatively thick sections; wherein at a transition area between the relatively thin section and at least one of the upper and lower relatively thick sections, the peripheral side wall is shaped to include a sideways oriented, substantially S-shaped cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5620109
    Abstract: An asymmetrical portable dispenser having a dispenser opening for dispensing small articles. Asymmetrical dispenser including an asymmetrical tray slidably mounted within a similarly configured asymmetrical sleeve for orientating the dispenser opening in an upward position by placing the opposite dissimilar side in an downward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Mark L. Madden
  • Patent number: 5605242
    Abstract: A storage container includes a cap engaged on the upper portion of a cylindrical body and includes a casing engaged to the lower portion of the cylindrical body. The lower portion includes a number of projections arranged in a column. The upper portion of the casing includes a number of horizontal ribs so as to define a number of channels between the ribs for engaging with one of the projections so as to retain the casing to the cylindrical body. A cylindrical seat is disposed beneath the casing. A strap fastens the cap and the cylindrical seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Chin C. Hwang
  • Patent number: 5579940
    Abstract: A carrying case which can be opened or collapsed is disclosed. The carrying case has at least a first nestable module and a second nestable module. The first module has a bottom portion which has an inward projection. A side portion of the first module has a compartment which can be withdrawn from the first module. A second module has a top portion which has an outward projection and a side portion of the second module has a compartment which can be withdrawn from the second module, wherein the outward and inward projections of the first and second modules cooperate as a stop means for controlling the opening of the carrying case. The first and second modules are nestable within one another and are adapted to slidably collapse into one another and slidably open into a position to provide access to the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: Marla Weiss, Eugene C. Rzucidlo
  • Patent number: 5575398
    Abstract: A reusable collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall movable between axially extended and collapsed positions. The side wall includes lower and upper relatively thicker portions and an intermediate relatively thinner portion, and the upper portion joins with an annular rim adapted to receive a removable cap. The intermediate side wall portion is tapered radially inwardly and downwardly, and the lower side wall portion is tapered radially outwardly and downwardly substantially to the bottom wall, such that in a collapsed position, the lower side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper side wall portion, with the intermediate portion reverse folded therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5562518
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reusable telescopic pinata that includes a collapsible container assembly with two or more coaxially disposed tubular members. These tubular members are releasably kept together by several locking tabs. A base assembly is hingedly mounted to the lowermost tubular member. A latching mechanism holds the base assembly against the bottom rim of the lowermost tubular member. With a plurality of strings attached to the hingedly mounted base assembly, the participants release the candy and toys stored inside the container assembly. The tubular members can be substituted thereby resulting in different design combinations, and also the number of tubular members can be varied. The tubular members in one of the embodiments are composed of two substantially symmetrical sections that are removably latched to each other for storage volumetric efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Luis I. Estrada
  • Patent number: 5562212
    Abstract: A container for receiving a plurality of elongate objects to be stored parallel to each other and including receiving and closure parts having each complementary two opposite spaced relatively large side walls having each an end section extending perpendicular to the side walls and having a width smaller than a distance between side walls, and two divergent sections extending from opposite ends of the end section and connecting the end section to respective longitudinal ends of the respective side walls of the receiving and closure parts, and with the end sections of the receiving and closure parts having a row of spaced projections, on the outer surfaces, and the end sections of the closure part having at least one boss formed on the inner surfaces of the sections and cooperating with the projections on the outer surfaces of the end sections of the receiving part for connecting the parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Rose-Plastic GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Rosler
  • Patent number: 5549213
    Abstract: A container and associated cap assembly includes a container body having an open upper end defined by an annular rim, the rim having a substantially horizontal uppermost edge surface and a radially outwardly and downwardly extending bevelled surface. The cap has a top wall, a radially outer depending skirt portion and a radially inner depending skirt portion. The skirt portions are connected radially by an internal cap surface which includes a first substantially horizontal surface portion extending radially away from the radially inner skirt; a second downwardly and outwardly inclined sealing surface portion, and a third radiused surface portion connected to the radially outer skirt. The second downwardly and outwardly inclined sealing surface is sealingly engageable with the bevelled surface of the annular rim such that the substantially horizontal uppermost edge surface is axially spaced from the cap top wall upon full threaded engagement between said cap and said container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Edward S. Robbins, III
    Inventors: Edward S. Robbins, III, Ronald Schumann
  • Patent number: 5533638
    Abstract: A reusable collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall movable between axially extended and collapsed positions. The side wall includes lower and upper relatively thicker portions and an intermediate relatively thinner portion, and the upper portion joins with an annular rim adapted to receive a removable cap. The intermediate side wall portion is tapered radially inwardly and downwardly, and the lower side wall portion is tapered radially outwardly and downwardly substantially to the bottom wall, such that in a collapsed position, the lower side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper side wall portion, with the intermediate portion reverse folded therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5515991
    Abstract: A cosmetics container, preferably made of either glass or of a plastic appearing similar to glass, includes a receiving segment with a planar bottom and which is sealable by an air-hermetic main cover. The container is designed in such a way that sealing is ensured and an intermediate container cover can be easily removed. For that purpose, at least one inwardly projecting step running parallel to the bottom is present at the receiving segment's inside surface and supports the intermediate cover, the outside surface of the intermediate cover being spaced from the vertical inside surface of the receiving segment so that when the intermediate cover rests on the step, a gap remains between the outside surface of the intermediate cover and the receiving segment inside surface. A hollow stub is joined to the lower side of the intermediate cover and has outside dimensions approximately matching the inside dimensions of the receiving segment including the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Heitland und Petre International GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Heitland
  • Patent number: 5513580
    Abstract: This invention discloses a lockbox or safe for storing possessions, which can be installed in a closet in a manner that requires opening the lockbox before it can be removed from the closet. This is done by providing one or more extensions (such as side walls, rigid shafts, or end caps) that can be extended outwardly from either or both sides of the lockbox. When retracted, the lockbox has dimensions that allow it to be inserted into the closet through the closet door. After it is positioned on the floor of the closet, the compartment door is opened. This provides access to a mechanism that controls the positioning of the extensions, such as bolts or cotter pins that interact with multiple spaced holes in sliding mechanisms. The extension locking mechanism is unlocked, and the extensions are pushed outwardly until they press against the side walls of the closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Curtis Franks
  • Patent number: 5495692
    Abstract: The present invention provides a protective apparatus for a root system of a tree and/or plant which is defined by a collapsible wire basket structure that includes a support strap adapted to be rotatably mounted and secured across the opening of the basket so as to support the basket when the basket is positioned around the soil-bound root system of the tree or plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Francis X. LoJacono, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5464141
    Abstract: A carrier for carrying elongate materials of varying lengths comprises an outer container, an insert which fits and is slidable within the outer container, and a shelf assembly disposed within the insert for holding the elongate materials. The insert has top access ports (preferably, two) and side access ports for viewing and obtaining access to materials stored within the interior of the insert. The shelf assembly has, preferably, a T-shaped cross-section, and comprises a horizontal member for holding materials stored in an upper portion of the insert, and a vertical member dividing the lower portion of the insert into separate compartments. Further features include a retrieve handle connected to the insert and a pair of brackets for mounting the outer container to the top of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: David R. Brindle
  • Patent number: 5450690
    Abstract: A floral bouquet holder is provided which may be removably secured to the edge of a table. The holder includes a tube which is mounted to a bracket. The bracket is formed so that the holder may be mounted to tables of various widths. The holder may include an inner tube which is vertically slidable in the tube to which the bracket is secured. The bracket tube includes a stop screw which may be tightened against the inner tube to selectively position the inner tube vertically with respect to the bracket tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: W. E. Design Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Marilyn J. Elsea
  • Patent number: 5450956
    Abstract: An adjustable, telescopic, carrying and storage case of variable and fixed length includes a hollow adjustable, telescopic front member of variable length and a hollow adjustable, telescopic rear member of variable length that can be separated or connected tightly. The case is adjustable in length and can be used at a maximum length and at a minimum length for ease in transportation. The case is preferably used for carrying and storing different items including telescopic fishing rod assemblies. The telescopic front member comprises a first container portion and a plurality of adjustable front telescopic locking sections which are placed in an interlocking relationship through a plurality of annular tapered locking surfaces and a number of annular locking surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: P&A Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Peckenpaugh, Sr., James M. Abel
  • Patent number: 5439128
    Abstract: A three-dimensional structure of concentric rings forming a container of plastic material. A plurality of concentric ring-shaped wall elements adjoin each other to form an inner surface of the container. Adjacently adjoining wall elements are connected and inclined with respect to each other. The wall elements are connected to each other with a ring-shaped area of reduced wall thickness, forming a film hinge. The wall elements are inclined so that they can be turned down over adjoining elements to collapse the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Avraham Fishman
  • Patent number: 5417337
    Abstract: A reusable collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall movable between axially extended and collapsed positions. The side wall includes lower and upper relatively thicker portions and an intermediate relatively thinner portion, and the upper portion joins with an annular rim adapted to receive a removable cap. The intermediate side wall portion is tapered radially inwardly and downwardly, and the lower side wall portion is tapered radially outwardly and downwardly substantially to the bottom wall, such that in a collapsed position, the lower side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper side wall portion, with the intermediate portion reverse folded therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5392941
    Abstract: A reusable collapsible container includes a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall movable between axially extended and collapsed positions. The side wall includes lower and upper relatively thicker portions and an intermediate relatively thinner portion, and the upper portion joins with an annular rim adapted to receive a removable cap. The intermediate side wall portion is tapered radially inwardly and downwardly, and the lower side wall portion is tapered radially outwardly and downwardly substantially to the bottom wall, such that in a collapsed position, the lower side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper side wall portion, with the intermediate portion reverse folded therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5385400
    Abstract: An expansible tool cabinet includes a stationary outer housing which has two opposed vertical side walls that are formed with a plurality of spaced projections on the inner wall surfaces of the side walls. The projections cooperatively define a plurality of vertical slide ways and longitudinal slide ways thereamong. A slidable inner housing has a horizontal top wall which has two opposite longitudinal edges that are formed with a plurality of spaced downwardly extending guiding strips. Each of the strips has a plurality of spaced protrusions protruding inwardly therefrom. The protrusions cooperatively define a plurality of longitudinal slide ways thereamong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Tung I Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 5385230
    Abstract: An adjustable tray assembly adaptable for use in desk drawers having side walls spaced at various distances. The tray assembly includes a first portion having a plurality of open top receptacles and a support lip projecting away from one side, and a second portion also with a projecting support lip and mounted on the first portion to affording relative movement between the portions to change the spacing between the first and second support lips so that they can be supported on the upper edge surfaces of the side walls of the drawers of different widths with the first and second portions bridging therebetween. The tray assembly can also include dispensers for office supplies including note paper, tape flags and tape; the tape dispenser being of a novel low profile design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James C. Nygard, Dorman N. Thompson, William H. Sheeler, Alden R. Miles, David C. Windorski, Bruce W. Carlson, Dennis L. Crawford
  • Patent number: 5370256
    Abstract: A collapsible container comprises a rectangular base 11, two end walls 12, 13 mounted to two opposed ends of the base by means of hinge 14 and two separate side walls 15 and 16 mountable on base 11 to rise therefrom. Each wall comprise two wall members 12.1 and 12.2 slidingly connected to one another so that the members may slidingly be manipulated to adjust the height of the wall. The container also comprises a lid 17 removably mountable on the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Johannes Jacobus Fourie
    Inventors: Johannes J. Fourie, Gert J. R. Kruger
  • Patent number: 5368159
    Abstract: This protection case (51) is adapted to fit remote controls having different size. To that aim, it comprises at least two opposite shells (52, 53) made of a shockproof material and being adjustable in position to suit the remote control dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Daniels s.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Doria
  • Patent number: 5360131
    Abstract: A cover height adjuster which can be used for a boundary box, a manhole cover, etc. in a paved location having two rings with interengaging sloping castellated end surfaces extending around the peripheries of at least three sectors of the rings and can vary the height of the upper ring upon its rotation over the lower ring. The upper surface of the upper ring may have a slope which engages a sloping surface of a cover assembly, so that relative rotation can also vary the slope of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Philmac Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Guy M. Phillipps, Wayne A. Harris
  • Patent number: 5355789
    Abstract: A refuse compression apparatus for reducing the volume of a thermal elastic refuse includes a telescopic refuse container which is covered by a bag and is housed in a cylindrical housing and suspended on the top of the cylindrical housing. A top cover box is coupled with the telescopic refuse container and the cylindrical housing so that the bag divides the inner space of the cylindrical housing into a free space inside the bag and an airtight space outside the bag. An air pump provided to connect the airtight space and the outside of the cylindrical housing operates to pressurize the airtight space and cause the bag to press the telescopic refuse container upwardly. Thus, the refuse placed in the telescopic refuse container is pressed against the lower surface of the top cover box and is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Suzuki, Takeshi Tomizawa, Tatsuo Fujita, Kunihiro Ukai
  • Patent number: 5353924
    Abstract: A coin cassette (10) formed by a channeled sleeve (11) in which a cartridge (12) is slidably mounted between the two open ends (25, 26) of the sleeve (11). The cartridge (12) includes variously-sized slotted formations (43) for coins (55). Ribs (31, 32) on the cartridge (12) mate with corresponding grooves (21, 22) in the sleeve's panels (13, 14) to provide direction of sliding motion of the cartridge (12) out of the sleeve (11). Stop members (33, 34) are mounted on the top edges (17, 18) of the panels (13, 14), for engagement with ears (35, 36) on the sides (46, 48) of the cartridge (12) to restrict its extent of sliding motion, preventing it from being separated from its sleeve (11). A serrated thumb pad (19) on a sleeve panel (13) provides for gripping the sleeve (11) in the casette's operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Edmund Amzallag
    Inventor: Max Jaffee
  • Patent number: 5314046
    Abstract: Expandable container consisting of two hollow bodies, the inner one fitting inside the outer body and bearing a closed bottom. Placed between these two bodies is a harmonic steel band; the said band bears diagonal slots which are engaged by pins integral with the shell of the hollow inner body. The steel band can slide freely and is moved by a hand-operated knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 5304736
    Abstract: A housing assembly for covering an electrical cord extending from a source of electrical supply to a fixture or appliance in which the assembly includes at least one mounting bracket and a cover and wherein portions of the bracket bite into the opposite sidewalls of the cover to thereby retain the cover in fixed position over the electrical cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Van Halfacre