Attaching Means Engaged With Hand Patents (Class 224/218)
  • Publication number: 20130221050
    Abstract: A carrying case includes a first compartment made of a rigid material, the first compartment defining an interior volume; and a second compartment coupled to the first compartment, the second compartment made of a flexible material, the second compartment defining an interior volume that is separate from the interior volume of the first compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Murphy
  • Patent number: 8454484
    Abstract: A flexible, closed loop device that includes at least one indecomposable knot formed that helps define a plurality of adjustable loops. The knot can be easily loosened so that the loop sizes can be adjusted. The knot is easily tightened and locked. In some embodiments, the device includes at least two indecomposable knots. The device is useful in the practice of yoga, Pilates, and other personal training exercises. The device is flexible and easily adjustable, allowing the user to more effectively target specific muscle groups. The device may additionally or alternately be used as a securing and carrying strap for items. Still further, the device may be used as a connecting device to link items together for towing, hoisting, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Brian T. Keen, Frank M. S. Ma
  • Publication number: 20120267402
    Abstract: An accessory that attaches to an electronic multimedia device 1 (FIG. 1) such as an E-Reader, where the user slips a hand under an elastic material 2 (FIG. 1) to receive support while holding said device. This accessory allows a more comfortable and secure multimedia experience even allowing navigation with the same hand that holds said device. An optional attachment (FIG. 4) fits around this accessory without obstructing its hand-support functionality while retracted, and opens at variable angles to support said device on a working surface for hands-free viewing at continuously selectable angles (FIG. 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Beatty
  • Patent number: 8267289
    Abstract: A wearable wallet has an elastic multi-part strap strung through two holes in the wallet, one hole in a cover flap over the wallet compartment opening and one hole in the bottom of the wallet back. The strap is composed of two conjoined loops forming an elongated “figure 8” where one loop is small and one loop is large. The small loop is just big enough to allow the large loop to be inserted through, causing the large loop to be divided into two parts. These two parts function as securing loops which can be variably proportioned and wrapped in a variety of useful ways, allowing the wallet to be easily reconfigured for wearing as a small purse dangling from a strap, as a wallet attached by elastic straps directly to an arm or hand or leg, or attached to a belt or some strap on clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: JillAnn Tremblay Irvin
  • Publication number: 20120228346
    Abstract: A handheld accessory for tablet computers is disclosed, which comprises: a retaining component, configured with an accommodation space, that is formed inside the retaining component, and at least two claws, that are to be used for fixedly holding on to the periphery of a tablet computer; a rotary component, disposed inside the accommodation space of the retaining component while allowing the same to rotation clockwisely and counterclockwisely inside the accommodation space; and two movable brackets, mounted on the rotary component by the use of a plurality of fixing elements while allowing the two movable brackets to sway in a vertical direction and in a horizontal direction on the rotary component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: YU KUEN TECHNOLOGY LTD., CO.
    Inventor: Cheng-Sung Huang
  • Patent number: 8196787
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a print device and a strap that wraps about one or more proximal phalanges such that the print device is pivotable with the proximal phalanges relative to metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a deck configured to be releasably connected to a unit having a housing and a strap that wraps about one or more proximal phalanges. In another embodiment, a gel pad includes a main portion that overlies metacarpophalangeal joints and extensions that overlie proximal phalanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Erica S. Strandberg, Jeffrey John Buresh
  • Patent number: 8191210
    Abstract: A holding structure including a first band and a second band used with a prior art device such as a watch casing. The first band includes a first end with connecting elements of the casing, and a buckle and a bar. The first band defines an angle such that when the device is placed upon the top of the wearer's hand the first band downwardly extends below the individual's fifth or smallest finger immediately above the wearer's wrist. The second band attaches to the casing and first and second band members. The buckle is attached to one of a plurality of holes in the second band member such that the first band and second band member encircle the wearer's hand below the base of the wearer's thumb. The first band member passes between the wearer's thumb and index finger such that a clasp extends around the thumb and attaches to a connecting element of the second band member below the wearer's thumb on the palm-side of the wearer's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Brock L. Devers
  • Publication number: 20120104059
    Abstract: A notepad holder which provides a notepad supporting platform having a top operating face for retaining the notepad thereon, and a bottom supporting face; and a hand holder provided at the supporting face of the notepad supporting platform for holding a hand of a user thereat in a non-gripping manner, wherein the notepad supporting platform is allowed to be freely adjusted its orientation thereof via a hand movement of the holding hand of the user, so that a working hand of the user is able to work on the notepad at a desired orientation of the pad supporting platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Elton Yen
  • Patent number: 8136194
    Abstract: A disposable finger mounted instrument cleaner (2) of the type having a semi-circumferential protective body (4) with a swiping expanse (6) to generously occlude lateral and extensor aspects of a finger and a tapered gripping coil (10) to wrap around the flexor aspects of a finger. Attached to the swiping expanse is an adherent foam body (14) with a number of pressure sensitive grooves (18) and debris traps (16) so that an instrument can be inserted into the pressure grooves to deposit debris in the debris traps. In Addition, the foam body has a pocket (20) for thorough instrument immersion and for holding desired medicaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Brian D. Viscomi, Dominic Anthony Viscomi, Julie Glazer
  • Publication number: 20120063066
    Abstract: An ergonomic band for attaching to a rear surface of a portable electronic device, or a case configured for attachment with such a device. The ergonomic band may include one or more slits for receiving at least one finger of a user such that the device becomes ergonomically attached to the hand or wrist of a user. Two ergonomic bands may be provided. Each ergonomic band enables relaxation of anatomical features during prolonged use of portable electronic devices. The ergonomic band, or bands, can be attached to a device or device case using an adhesive or mechanical fit, or alternatively the band may conform through a slot pair. In certain embodiments, the ergonomic band can be detached and re-engaged as desired by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Curtis Floit
  • Publication number: 20120018469
    Abstract: A beverage holder and transporting device for holding, transporting and drinking from beverages such as coffee in paper cups, beverages in cans and plastic cups and other cylindrical beverage containers. The device generally comprises a formed u-shaped rectangular clip with a radius on top of each end. The bottom of the clip has a u-shaped bend that also incorporates the same radius of both sides of the clip and this radius closely matches the radius of the beverage container with which the device is used. At the top of the device there is a finger hole cylinder or ring that allows for the user to insert a finger to support the device and thereby the beverage container. The device clip is slid up between the insulating sleeve and the beverage container. This compression allows the beverage container to be supported firmly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Joseph Fisher
  • Publication number: 20110303709
    Abstract: The invention attaches a hand strap to a tablet to secure the tablet to the user's hand and act as an aide to prevent a tablet from being dropped. The invention allows the user to rotate the tablet to various viewing angles while still maintaining the secure connection to the tablet. The connection point provides a single yet strong connection between the hand strap and device grip for the two to rotate around each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Paul William Wizikowski
  • Patent number: 7942293
    Abstract: A cosmetic holder includes a mounting base adapted for mounting to an appendage of a user, a plurality of cosmetic containers for storing cosmetics and/or cosmetic accessories, and a swivel joint connected between the mounting base and a selected cosmetic container for adjusting a position of the cosmetic container with respect to the mounting base about three mutually perpendicular axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventors: Steven Lawrence, Scott Hersh, Joseph L. Molino
  • Publication number: 20110057002
    Abstract: An apparatus holds and/or grasps objects. The apparatus serves as a universal non-slip handle allowing users to hold and manipulate various sizes and shapes of objects, including, for example, beverage containers. Specifically, the apparatus is particularly useful for users having reduced hand function and/or grip strength. A non-slip strap allows objects, including beverage containers, to be gripped securely. Moreover, the non-slip strap allows an object of awkward shape and/or made from slippery materials and/or covered in condensation to be held and/or grasped that may otherwise cause the object to slip from the user's grasp or the grasp of another holder. An adjustable handle may be adjusted to fit the user's hand and/or appendage. Moreover, the non-slip strap may be removed and replaced without replacement of the entire apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Luke Westra, Brent Baribeau
  • Publication number: 20110026244
    Abstract: A transport device used to connect to a jack-o-lantern which serves to both provide for an illumination source and an easy manner in which to transport the jack-o-lantern when it is illuminated. There are also provided related systems and methods of use of the device. The result provides for a jack-o-lantern to be easily transported as a lantern or costume prop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Kirk A. Damman
  • Patent number: 7819293
    Abstract: A handheld drinking vessel with a compressible bladder, inlet and outlet members, an inlet valve to allow liquid to flow into the bladder, and an outlet valve to allow liquid to flow from the bladder whereby liquid can be exhausted by a compression of the bladder and liquid can be drawn into the bladder by a decompression of the bladder. The inlet and outlet valves can comprise one-way valves. First and second straps can enable an exertion of an expansion force on the bladder. A skeleton structure can bias the bladder to compressed or non-compressed configurations. First and second side walls of the bladder can pivot about an axis to allow the bladder to achieve a substantially flat configuration. The bladder, which can be formed from a thin film material, can be selectively retained adjacent to a wrist of a user by a strap and a wrist engaging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas P O'Connell
  • Patent number: 7780047
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a carrying structure and defines a mounting hole and an opposite strap hole. The carrying structure includes a snap module received in the mounting hole, having a pressing element, a snap element, a knuckle element and an elastic element, and a strap. The strap has two strap connecting ends connecting to the knuckle element and the strap hole. The pressing element has two extending portions, each of which has a wedge-shaped surface. The snap element has three wedge-shaped engaging portions. One engaging portion engages the knuckle element, latching the snap element with the knuckle element. The knuckle element and the snap element are unlockable by pressing the pressing element, where the one engaging portion disengages from the knuckle element, and anther two engaging portions slide aslant along the wedge-shaped surfaces. The elastic element has two ends resisting the snap element and the pressing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Rui-Hao Chen, Ye Liu, Shui-Yuan Qin, Chia-Hua Chen, Hsiao-Hua Tu
  • Publication number: 20090315357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire cover or casing that includes two flexible sides and a central member. The flexible sides have a width sufficient to essentially cover a sidewall of a tire, while allowing, when mounted on the tire, access to the inner opening of the tire; and a securing device for securing the side over the sidewall of the tire. The central member has sufficient length to essentially cover a tire tread; and an adjusting device for adjusting the size of the tire cover or casing to fit the tire. The present invention further includes methods for changing a flat tire, for storing a seasonal tire, and for covering tires for use in a show room or the ground. Additionally, the present invention relates to wheel assemblies and emergency roadside kits, both including the tire cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher B. Spater, Ryan C. Meers
  • Patent number: 7614434
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to wallets, and more particularly to wallets useful for organizing, carrying, and displaying essential items. The wallet disclosed herein is a wearable display wallet that includes a fastening device for releasably retaining the wallet in a closed configuration and a display configuration. The closed configuration is a reverse embodiment of the display configuration. When the wallet is carried in the closed configuration, a display compartment is on an interior of the wallet. When said wallet is carried in the display configuration, the display compartment is on an exterior of the wallet. The fastening device is able to secure the wallet in both the closed configuration and the display configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Cynthia DeMichele
  • Publication number: 20090266853
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding and dispensing items is provided including first and second walls defining a pocket, first and second sealing elements removable attached to each other for accessing the pocket, and a fastening element for attaching the apparatus to a carrying device. The fastening element, first and second sealing elements, and first and second walls are one integral piece of material. The fastening element attaches the apparatus to the carrying device by wrapping around the carrying device so that the first and second walls and the first and second sealing elements pass through a loop created by the wrapped fastening element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Emanuele Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20090090753
    Abstract: A wearable wallet has an elastic multi-part strap strung through two holes in the wallet, one hole in a cover flap over the wallet compartment opening and one hole in the bottom of the wallet back. The strap is composed of two conjoined loops forming an elongated “figure 8” where one loop is small and one loop is large. The small loop is just big enough to allow the large loop to be inserted through, causing the large loop to be divided into two parts. These two parts function as securing loops which can be variably proportioned and wrapped in a variety of useful ways, allowing the wallet to be easily reconfigured for wearing as a small purse dangling from a strap, as a wallet attached by elastic straps directly to an arm or hand or leg, or attached to a belt or some strap on clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: JillAnn Tremblay Irvin
  • Publication number: 20090044825
    Abstract: A cosmetic holder includes a mounting base adapted for mounting to an appendage of a user, a plurality of cosmetic containers for storing cosmetics and/or cosmetic accessories, and a swivel joint connected between the mounting base and a selected cosmetic container for adjusting a position of the cosmetic container with respect to the mounting base about three mutually perpendicular axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Lawrence, Scott Hersh, Joseph L. Molino
  • Publication number: 20090001110
    Abstract: A device capable of carrying a plurality of equipment is described. The device includes at least one handle, a conforming region, and at least one location for attaching or storing equipment. Users may carry equipment stored on/in the device by carrying the device on their backs and/or shoulders by grasping the handle of the device over their shoulder and allowing the conforming region to conform to their back and/or shoulder. The device, therefore, aids a user in carrying a plurality of equipment simultaneously. In at least some instances, a rotating handle may permit easy transitioning between a carrying position on a user's back/shoulder and a storage position, such as hanging on a wall or rack and vice-versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Jared Hendricks, Erik Bornemeier
  • Patent number: 7469809
    Abstract: A carrier for a portable device having a shoulder strap having a padded region and a cord region. The padded region is adapted to rest on a superior portion of a person's shoulder. A shoulder strap catch is adapted to be coupled at an end thereof to a portable device; and the shoulder strap catch defines an opening through which the cord region of the shoulder strap is slidably retained. The portable device may be moved from a carry to a use position, along the shoulder strap, without dislodging the padded region. In addition or alternatively, the carrying apparatus is a hand strap coupled at a first end to side of a portable device at substantially a center portion thereof. The second end of the hand strap is removably coupled to a strap attachment bracket positioned proximate the opposite side of the portable device, and having a bracket attachment area that can be reversed to support a right or left-handed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Luis Ernesto Elizalde Rodarte, Kevin Laverne Schultz, Ronald Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 7334711
    Abstract: An article to transport one or more small electronic devices on a wearer is provided whereby each electronic device is portable and is readily accessible. The electronic device can be, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal data assistant (“PDA”), a global positioning system (“GPS”), a personal gaming system, and the like, attached to the worn article by means such as an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, a snap system, or a clip assembly, and securable to the wearer by one or more flexible, elastic straps which conform to the contours of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffery B. Winters
  • Publication number: 20070256209
    Abstract: A mixed-use drinking glove for facilitating handling of a beverage vessel and simultaneous manual activities. The glove comprises a body portion and a container portion joined to back side of glove body, thus leaving user's palm, fingers, and thumb free for manual activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Brian Adams, Robert A. Stoops
  • Patent number: 7004111
    Abstract: An animal reward dispensing apparatus for attaching to an animal trainer's forearm, the apparatus having a dispensing tube defined about a longitudinal axis, the dispensing tube having at least a first and second attaching straps for attaching the dispensing tube to the animal trainer's forearm. The dispensing tube also having a first and second spaced apart ends defining an interior cavity, and a spring located inside the interior cavity of the dispensing tube and positioned between the first and second ends of the dispensing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Keryl Olson
  • Patent number: 6991829
    Abstract: A hand-held vessel has a bottom wall, a sidewall and a supportive strap attached to the bottom wall and the sidewall. The bottom wall and sidewall have an inner and outer surface. The sidewall extends from the bottom wall, whereby the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and sidewall define a cavity for holding fluids or loose materials therein. The strap has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is fixedly attached to the sidewall and the second end is selectively secured to the bottom wall. The strap is adaptable to accept a user's hand disposed between the strap and the outer surface of the sidewall. The strap urges the hand against the outer surface of the sidewall to secure the vessel to the hand and stabilize the vessel with respect to movement relative to the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Bercom International LLC
    Inventor: Mark W. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20040226973
    Abstract: A one-hand-holding aid for tablet personal computer (PC) mainly includes a handhold member pivotally connected at a proximal end to a back of a tablet PC. The handhold member is provided at the proximal end with a tightness-adjustable fastening band for conveniently binding around a user's wrist or elbow. The user may stably and safely hold the tablet PC with only one hand by gripping at the handhold member and binding the fastening band around the wrist or elbow, and turn the tablet PC to any desired direction and angle during operation without the risk of dropping the tablet PC. Even with the handhold member, the tablet PC may still be used on a desktop and connected to a keyboard as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Adomax Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Ching Kao
  • Publication number: 20020070569
    Abstract: A utensil holding device including a support portion adapted for coupling with the hand and wrist of a user. A utensil holding portion is secured to the support portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander Zhuravsky
  • Patent number: 6401253
    Abstract: A worker's glove comprises a glove body having fingers, a palm and a back. A hook-and-loop fastening system mounts a worker's aid device on the glove back. The device is one or more devices selected from the group consisting of a magnetic container, a flashlight, a tape measure, a plumb bob, and a note pad. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic container is a cylindrical cup having a magnet for securing screws, nut, bolts and other magnetizable fasteners within the cup for ready access by the worker. Several different devices can be stacked on the glove back. The devices can also be mounted on the butt end of a drill handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Mark E. Brunson
  • Patent number: 6394516
    Abstract: A utensil holding device including a support portion adapted for coupling with the hand and wrist of a user. A utensil holding portion is secured to the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander Zhuravsky
  • Patent number: 6378745
    Abstract: A knife holster for a hand for holding and supporting a blade between the user's fingers. The knife holster for a hand includes a knife having a handle and a blade pivotally and lockingly attached to the handle; and also includes a strap assembly being adapted to fasten about a user's hand and being adapted to support the knife upon the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Dominic R. De Luccia
  • Patent number: 6360928
    Abstract: A universal holder device for mounting a tool upon a user's hand has a hand attachment element and a tool attachment element. The hand attachment element includes an attachment post. The hand attachment element further includes a first attachment strap and a second attachment strap that cooperate to removably attach the hand attachment element to the user's hand. The tool attachment element has an adhesive layer for attaching the tool attachment element to the tool. The tool attachment element also includes a post receiving bore that is shaped to receive the attachment post to rotatably mount the tool upon the hand attachment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Gerard Russo
  • Patent number: 6267524
    Abstract: An improved soap bag that secures a bar of soap in the palm of a user'hand during bathing. The soap bag (10) includes a body (12) and a band (14) formed from synthetic mesh material and contains a bar of soap therein. Body (12) is comprised of first panel (16) and second panel (18) and band (14) is comprised of third panel (32) and fourth panel (34). First panel (16) includes first wash surface (24), second panel (18) includes second wash surface (26), third panel (32) includes third wash surface (36), and fourth panel (34) includes fourth wash surface (38). The soap bag of the present invention is reversible between first and second positions, exposing first and third surfaces (24 & 36) in the first position, and second and fourth surfaces (26 & 38) in the second position. A closing means is attached to the body portion (12) and is comprised of a drawstring and cordstop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Sally Smy Kroha
  • Patent number: 6264391
    Abstract: An improved soap bag that secures a bar of soap in the palm of a user's hand during bathing. The soap bag (10) includes a body (12) and a band (14) formed from synthetic mesh material and contains a bar of soap therein. Body (12) is comprised of first panel (16) and second panel (18) and band (14) is comprised of third panel (32) and fourth panel (34). First panel (16) includes first wash surface (24), second panel (18) includes second wash surface (26), third panel (32) includes third wash surface (36), and fourth panel (34) includes fourth wash surface (38). The soap bag of the present invention is reversible between first and second positions, exposing first and third surfaces (24 & 36) in the first position, and second and fourth surfaces (26 & 38) in the second position. A closing means is attached to the body portion (12) and is comprised of a drawstring and cordstop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Sally S. Kroha
  • Patent number: 6217095
    Abstract: A hand strap for a portable apparatus is disclosed which can be easily and surely held by hand, prevents the apparatus from being dropped by accident, and reduces the cost. The hand strap is made up of a strap body implemented by one or two strings or strips anchored to the engaging portion of the apparatus, and a stop capable of being locked to the strap body at any desired position. The hand strap can therefore be held without requiring the user to put the user's hand in a loop. This allows the user to safely carry the apparatus simply by gripping the strap. A structure for mounting such a hand strap to the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazumori Yamada
  • Patent number: 6152862
    Abstract: A hand-held drink dispenser has a main housing (1) and a parallel second housing (4) that is a handle. Both are attached to a base plate (7) and covered with a funneled cap (13) having a funnel spout (14) that is sized and shaped to fit in a user's mouth to funnel liquid from a plurality of reservoirs (2, 5) in the main housing and in the second housing. A cushiony support (15) between the handle and the main housing helps hold the dispenser in order to relax holding grip for allowing the user to concentrate on physical activities and other concerns. Separate reservoirs prevent sloshing of the liquid and provide measured output from each of a pair of left-hand and right-hand units while also allowing balance of weight of liquid in each hand. Weight-attachment (16) and item-attachment (18, 19, 20) means are optional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: John R. Hobbs
  • Patent number: 6079758
    Abstract: An apparatus to assist in gripping a hand-held tool comprises a substantially rigid engaging portion for removably clipping the apparatus to an arm. The engaging portion has a base member and an arcuate member and a linear member to simultaneously engage a portion of the arm. The arcuate member has a first end extending essentially perpendicularly therefrom and is adjustably connected to the base member. A first end of the linear member extends upwardly from an opposite end of the base member. The arcuate member and the linear member are in an essentially parallel relationship along their entire extents. The linear member further has a free second end. A tool receiving portion includes a pair of outwardly extending side walls, an open bottom end and an open top end and is integrally formed with the linear member of the engaging portion so that the tool receiving portion remains in a coplanar relationship with the first linear member of the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Ramiro R. Romero, Cynthia M. Deslarzes, Ron Anson
  • Patent number: 6019245
    Abstract: An insulating device particularly adapted to fit over the external surface of a generally cylindrical beverage container and including double material layers which provide an internal pocket accessible to the user's fingers through at least one longitudinal entrance slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: H.B. Bundles, Inc.
    Inventors: Carla Foster, Donna M. Hardy
  • Patent number: 6017072
    Abstract: A handguard comprises a key holder component and a purse component fastened to, and separable from, each other. Each component fits in a user's hand, and when used while carrying a plastic shopping bag, protects the hand from irritation etc. caused by heavily laden bags. Key holder component has a back piece and front piece stitched together to form a key compartment between them, the key compartment being open at its top edge, but closed by a flap on the back piece. Purse component has two members stitched together to form a purse compartment, which is open at the top and closed by fasteners inside the purse compartment. Each component has fasteners on their outer surfaces which fasten the key holder component to the purse component. The preferred fasteners are hook and loop fasteners. Key holder compartment has a key ring retained inside by a strap that slides through an opening at the key compartment bottom. A snap hook or D-ring is secured towards the other end of the strap by a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: John Junior Grant
  • Patent number: 5971240
    Abstract: An ambidextrous, light weight, hand holster for repellent spray; the holster is made of a stretchable, elastic and porous fabric. The holster detachably retains and locates the repellent spray. Applicant's holster is disposed around the base of the fingers, from the first finger to the little finger, so as a user closes the hand, the thumb contacts the operating mechanism. The rotation of the users thumb, activates the operating mechanism, releasing the repellent spray. Finger encircling tubes, encircling the index and little finger towards the first knuckle, position the holster and prevent the rotation of the holster on the hand, as the spray is activated. The holster finger encircling tubes encircle the users index and little fingers; the two middle fingers are not simultaneously encircled by the tubes, allowing air to circulate within the holster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Scott A. Dequaine
  • Patent number: 5957515
    Abstract: A device for assisting an infant with gripping a toy is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the device comprises a first toy-loop, for engaging a first portion of a toy, a second toy-loop, for engaging a second portion of a toy, a hand-strap, for connecting the first and second toy loops, a wrist-band, and a connecting strip, for connecting the wrist-band to the hand-strap. When properly placed on an infant, the wrist-band and hand-strap keep the toy positioned near the infant's hand in case the infant releases his/her grip on the toy so that the toy can be readily gripped again. Furthermore, the infant's hand is disposed between the toy and the hand-strap, thereby positioning the toy near the infant's palm for easy gripping by the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Cherie H. Van Der Sluys
  • Patent number: 5894971
    Abstract: A tool holder includes a strip having a number of live hinges for allowing the strip to be folded to a housing having a base panel and a cover panel. Two or more bags for receiving tools are pivotally coupled to the strip at a live hinge for allowing the bags to be rotated relative to the strip. The strip includes one or more belts for securing the tool holder to the hand of the user. The cover panel may be engaged with the base panel for exposing the bags and may be folded to engage with the bags for stably retaining the tools in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Te Chien Huang
  • Patent number: 5875945
    Abstract: An attack repellent holder for securing an attack repellant device to a user's hand is provided. The attack repellant device includes a canister of attack repellent. The attack repellant holder includes a body having a cavity defined therein. The cavity is adapted for a close conforming fit to an exterior portion of the canister of attack repellent. A plurality of finger rings are attached to the body. The finger rings are positioned such that a user's fingers can be inserted in the finger rings to secure the device to a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: T. Christian Roach
  • Patent number: 5791705
    Abstract: An improved apparatus to assist in gripping a hand-held tool is adapted to be easily coupled to one's hand. A hand engaging portion for removably engaging a portion of a palm and a portion of a back of a hand is provided. A tool receiving portion is coupled to the hand engaging portion and receives the hand-held tool. A band for securing the hand-held tool to the tool receiving portion is also provided. The hand engaging portion defines at least one groove for receiving the band for securing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventors: Ramiro Roy Romero, Cynthia Marie Deslarzes, Ron Anson
  • Patent number: 5779292
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of manipulation aids, in particular, to a manipulation aid or pointing stick that attaches to a user's hand for pressing keys on a keyboard, turning pages or the like. In one embodiment of the inventions, a strap is adapted to engage the hand of a user. A cone, having a base and an apex, is mounted at its base to the strap. An actuator is mounted to the apex of the cone. The actuator includes a tip which can be seen by the user and can be used to press keys of a keyboard, turn pages of a book, etc. The manipulation aid is designed to collapse under a predetermined load to prevent unacceptably high forces from being delivered to the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Ralph Kasday
  • Patent number: 5597189
    Abstract: A Prosthetic Utensil and Tool Holding Device for the manually disabled, having an elongated rigid adjustable band that is disposed around a disabled hand. A first hook and loop gripping band is further fixed to the clasp bar in a suitable manner wherein an eating utensil or tool is suitably fixed to a prehensile tool hook and a hook and loop gripping pad is suitably fixed to the first hook and loop gripping pad thereby allowing a manually disabled person to use an eating utensil or tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Gary W. Barbee, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5566870
    Abstract: A new auxiliary handle for golf bags facilitates carrying a conventional golf bag having a single shoulder strap attached to the upper portion thereof with a new supplemental gripping handle connectable to the base of the golf bag. The weight of the golf bag is partially redistributed from a user's strap-bearing shoulder to the user's hand when grasping the auxiliary handle and elevating the golf bag so that the bag is held generally horizontally. The apparatus includes a flexible belt having dimensions for encircling the golf bag proximal the base end thereof. A hand grip is included on the belt whereby the user may comfortably support the base of the golf bag in an elevated position. The hand grip is a resilient elongated cushion having a longitudinal hole therethrough. A flexible attachment strap extends through the longitudinal hole in the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Roger Mejeur
  • Patent number: 5542588
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a writing implement holder, which includes a lightweight strap loosely wrapped around the user's wrist. The strap can be loosely wrapped around the user's palm because of a rigid extension connected to the strap. The right extension wraps around a portion between the user's thumb and wrist, and provides stability and support to the entire writing implement holder. Simple slots are placed in the flexible strap for accommodating a writing implement at any of a number of different orientations and positions. Thus, the writing implement holder of the present invention reduces discomfort and perspiration by providing a lightweight and loose-fitting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: John P. C. Sison