Hand Carried Patents (Class 242/405)
  • Patent number: 12130130
    Abstract: A tape measure having a light emitting device includes a housing, a reel received in the housing, and a blade wound on the reel to be extended or retracted through an inlet of the housing, and further includes a first case, a second case coupled with the first case to form the housing, a light emitting portion positioned in front of the center of the reel around the inlet of the housing, and a light emitting circuit portion positioned in the rear side of the center of the reel by facing the light emitting portion, wherein the light emitting circuit portion includes a circuit board disposed on a rear lower side of the housing, and the first case and the second case provide circuit receiving spaces for receiving the circuit board, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: KOMELON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dong Hun Kang, Nam Hoon Kang, Seok Jun An, Bum Hun Park, Baek Cheon Shin, Sang Bo Jeon
  • Patent number: 11988505
    Abstract: A tool such as a tape measure, including a lighting system is shown. The lighting system includes a light source configured to direct light forward and strong enough to act as a flashlight. The tape measure further includes a housing designed to be compact and rugged enough to protect the internal components related to the lighting system from coming loose or suffering damage due to an impact or vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Earl McKinster
  • Patent number: 11906304
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for providing a magnetic laser stud finder according to the present invention is a magnetic laser stud finder including a device body having a first end, a second end, a top surface and a bottom surface, a cross beam laser device projecting from the first end, a pair of magnets coupled within the bottom surface of the device body, and a pair of float level devices coupled within the top surface of the device body. The pair of float level devices are configured to provide orthogonally positioned devices providing a horizontal level and a vertical level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Trevor Schneider
  • Patent number: 11801708
    Abstract: A chalk reel is provided that includes a handgrip on housing supporting a chalk line extending from a nozzle of the housing that extends from the chalk reel to mark a straight line. The chalk reel may further include a rotatable handle that rotates to extend or retract (“pay out”) the chalk line. A hook is secured to the end of the chalk line to facilitate extension of the chalk line and prevent retraction of the chalk line end into the housing nozzle. The chalk reel may further include a transmission system with gearing and a selector to lock the gearing at locations around the handle rotation. The chalk reel may also include a large removable cap to facilitate refilling the chalk or other marking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Cemke, Jr., Alexander J. Paulsen, Joseph M. DeBaker
  • Patent number: 11713210
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a tool with a rotatable crank and a reel may include a carrier operably coupled to the reel, a stress relief plate interposed between the carrier and the crank and configured to operably couple the carrier to the crank, and mating surfaces disposed on the carrier, the stress relief plate, and the crank in a stacked arrangement to distribute stresses and increase maximum torque capacity of the drive assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: APEX BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Cecil Mckinley Wilson
  • Patent number: 11661187
    Abstract: In an aspect, in general, a spooling apparatus includes a filament feeding mechanism for deploying and retracting filament from the spooling apparatus to an aerial vehicle, an exit geometry sensor for sensing an exit geometry of the filament from the spooling apparatus, and a controller for controlling the feeding mechanism to feed and retract the filament based on the exit geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Teledyne FLIR Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason S. Walker, John W. Ware, Samuel A. Johnson, Andrew M. Shein
  • Patent number: 11480418
    Abstract: A blade for a measuring tape device may include a first end configured to extend from a housing of the measuring tape device through an aperture, a second end configured to be wound on a reel assembly within the housing, and a first cupped portion having a first amount of cupping over a selected portion of a longitudinal length of the blade. The first cupped portion may be defined by a curved portion extending from an apex of the curved portion toward lateral edges of the blade, and wings extending from each of the lateral edges toward the curved portion on each side of the apex. The curved portion includes a first radius proximate to the apex of the curved portion, and a second radius at a point spaced apart from the apex on both sides of the apex, the second radius being different than the first radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: APEX BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy T. McKenzie, Eric Dean Broadaway, Vlad Petru Patrangenaru
  • Patent number: 9908742
    Abstract: A telecommunications cable spool for storing, paying-out, and reeling-in a telecommunications cable includes a spool, an axis of rotation, and a rotatable cable guide mounted about the axis. The spool defines a wrapping area that receives a plurality of wraps of the cable and defines a circumference. The axis passes through the spool within the circumference. The guide defines a rotating cable guide path with a first end adjacent the wrapping area and a second end positioned near the axis. The first end of the path is oriented at least partially tangential to the circumference, and the second end of the path is oriented at least partially aligned with the axis. The cable is routed along a cable route that extends between first and second ends with a storage portion between the ends of the route. The route includes a transitional portion along the guide path between the storage portion and the second end of the route. A portion of the transitional portion is routed through a center of the storage portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Ray Mertesdorf
  • Patent number: 9282791
    Abstract: A bracelet has a pair of substantially annulus shaped members concentrically arranged about a common axis and shaped to define an intermediate cavity therebetween, which is selectively accessible in accordance with the relative positions of the members along the common axis. The intermediate cavity can be used to store personal effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Meghan M. Doherty
  • Patent number: 9038936
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a small lightweight hand held cable reel comprising a spool configured to rotate around a central ergonomic handle, wherein the spool comprises of two winder knobs for rotating the spool around the central ergonomic handle; smaller, larger locator holes and larger elongated slotted holes on the outer spool face for attaching a cable. The hand held cable reel further comprises elongated slotted holes on inner spool face for attaching to a webbing strap of clothing or equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Russell Maddern
  • Publication number: 20150122932
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a barbed tape can be formed from a planar strip of flexible material and include a plurality of barbs disposed therealong, the barbs being sufficiently resilient so as to impede, by entanglement with or otherwise, the passage of an object therepast. Apparatus for deployment of barbed tape is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth Andrew Pink, Philip John Dandy, David Banks-Fear, Simon Thomas Parker, Brett Robert Lowery, Sean William Murray
  • Patent number: 9010676
    Abstract: A device solves problems associates with the storage, transport and subsequent dispensing of fishing line, such as fly fishing monofilament leader material. Leader material of choice can be loaded onto the independently rotating spools, fastened to side plates with proprietary quick-release locking pins, and dispensed from a single, compact, portable station. The device is modular in design and can accommodate various quantities of spools which rotate about the side plates on an integral boss. The user is not limited to a particular manufacturer's brand of monofilament material and re-use of the device is unlimited. Moreover, the user can purchase leader material in larger spools, rather than smaller tippets, winding a spool of the device of the present invention with a desired amount of fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony Paul DiCicco
  • Publication number: 20150092366
    Abstract: A protection case for protecting an electronic device includes a cover body shaped to receive and hold to the electronic device. A cable winding apparatus is arranged adjacent the cover body and includes a wheel rotatably arranged adjacent the cover body, and a pivot protruding from a center of the wheel and configured to wind a cable of an earphone. A through hole is arranged on a side wall of the pivot and configured to permit a first end of the earphone, which connects to a jack, to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: CHEN-CHING CHU, CHENG-KUO LEE, YU-NING WANG
  • Patent number: 8967523
    Abstract: A sheet roller dispenser has a case with an interior for an accommodating space to receive a sheet roll. The case has an elongated hole longitudinally defined on a side face. An extension plate with a tongue extending upward is formed below the elongated hole at a central section of the elongated hole, and a corresponding pressing block is formed above the elongated hole to align with the extension plate. The sheet roll has a dotted line formed between two adjacent sheet units, and a slit is defined at a center section of the dotted line. When a free end of the sheet roll is pulled out from the case via the elongated hole, the tongue inserts into the slit of the dotted line to act as a stop, so that the pulled out sheet unit is separated apart from sheet roll easily and conventionally in operation by tearing along the dotted line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Tse-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 8960584
    Abstract: A cord storage device is provided for storing an electrical cord without tangling. The device includes a planar member having a first end cutout forming a pair of spaced first end arms extending from a first end of a medial section of the planar member. The planar member further has a second end cutout forming a pair of spaced second end arms extending from a second end of the medial section of the planar member. A plurality of clips is coupled to the planar member. Each clip is configured for engaging a cord whereby the cord is securable to the planar member by engaging a first end of the cord to one of the clips, wrapping the cord around the planar member between the spaced first end arms and the spaced second end arms, and engaging a second end of the cord to another one of the clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Colin Fearon
  • Publication number: 20140339352
    Abstract: A cable housing device according to the present invention is provided with a rotating drum having a winding portion around which a cable is wound, and a guide groove having a groove into which a wind start portion of the cable is inserted and extending along a circumferential direction of the winding portion. A width of at least one portion of the groove is smaller than an external diameter of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Kenji Iwami, Eiji Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8882016
    Abstract: A wire, cable and cord organizer comprises a winding reel for storing wires, cables, such as computer cords, audiovisual cables, and the like. The organizer can comprise a plurality of different sizes suitable for various wires, cords, cable types and lengths. The organizer includes a hinged cover that protects and allows removal of an enclosed reel. The organizer has a crank handle that can lock in multiple positions to prevent unintended unrolling of a length of wire, cable, or cord stored on the reel. Both ends of the cable protrude from slots in the organizer to provide access to either end of the cable as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Kimberly J. Melvin
  • Patent number: 8702030
    Abstract: An above-ground pool wall installation apparatus comprises a base and a turntable. The base, made of a resilient material comprises a spherical platform which supports the turntable. A bifurcated rope provided with a handle allows a user to manually pull the apparatus along a pre-determined perimeter, thereby creating the wall of the pool by progressively dispensing the material from a coil mounted onto the rotating turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: William A. Gilham, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140097284
    Abstract: A cord winder spindle cover housing, wherein the housing is mountable onto a spindle, and said housing has (i) a drive portion for receiving a cord that controls the extension and retraction of a blind and (ii) at least one opening through which the cord passes, the opening defined by a pair of spaced but opposing convex surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Carmelo Joseph Licciardi Di Stefano
  • Publication number: 20140100554
    Abstract: An electromechanical surgical system is disclosed including a hand-held surgical instrument, an end effector configured to perform at least one function, and a shaft assembly arranged for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical instrument. The shaft assembly includes a linkage having a proximal housing and a distal housing at least partially received within the proximal housing. The distal housing is rotatable relative to the proximal housing and configured to selectively interconnect the end effector to the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly further includes a wire extending through the linkage having a central portion disposed within an annular groove defined between the proximal and distal housings. The central portion of the wire is annularly wound within the annular groove to define a coil. The coil is configured to at least one of radially expand and contract upon rotation of the distal housing relative to the proximal housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Justin Williams
  • Patent number: 8556884
    Abstract: Packaging including a coiled and optionally prelubricated catheter, its distal end insertable into the urethra, a slidable hygienic sheath, a proximal catheter end for voiding urine from the distal end through the assembly to the proximal end. Mutually rotatable elements providing for withdrawal of the catheter from its coiled state to an extended state, and refraction of the catheter back to its coiled state. Methods of extending the catheter, inserting it into the urethra, and voiding urine through the catheter, without requiring complete removal from the catheter packaging. A kit including automatic extrusion of the catheter's distal end upon package opening, and a water pouch for hydrophilic lubrication, and sanitary wipes for reducing the likelihood of infection. A catheter within a flexible and optionally coiled tube, a slidable hygienic sheath covering a catheter's distal end that can move along the length of the catheter during insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: CompactCath, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Wei-Chen Hong, Myung Sun Choi, Katherine Muterspaugh Steele, David Philip Janka, Sean Kshitij Mehra, Naama Stauber
  • Publication number: 20130244515
    Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a line includes a disc having a generally V-shaped circumferential channel for retaining the line prior to deployment. The V-shaped channel guides a first wound turn of the line toward the central plane of the disc, and provides an enlarged space into which the turns of the line are unwound during deployment. The enlarged space prevents tangling of the line when the turns are unwound from the disc during deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Manfred KLOTZ
  • Patent number: 8220758
    Abstract: A cable hanger having a mounting end for attachment to a support structure and a cable support portion coupled to the mounting end. The cable support portion has at least two spaced parallel legs defining a receiving slot therebetween. Each receiving slot has a closed bottom and an open top end for receiving and locating loops of a cable formed into a coil. Preferably, the mounting end is adapted to be releasably attached to the support structure and the cable hanger is formed from bent rod. The mounting end will preferably have a hook shape with a free end attaching to the support structure which is spaced from the cable support portion to optionally receive a portion of a support structure therebetween. The receiving slots will have a height and width selected to accommodate the diameter and length of cable being supported and the number of receiving slots may vary accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Rene Gilles Czajor
  • Patent number: 8205818
    Abstract: A strap and cord winder is adjustable for different width straps and reconfigurable for cords. The winder includes a handle assembly with a center shaft and an offset pin for engaging and winding a strap. The center shaft adjustably passes through a face plate creating an adjustable width between a handle arm of the handle assembly and the face plate for winding different width straps. A cylindrical grip is attached to the face plate opposite the handle arm and the face plate attaches to a chest plate. A spool may be positioned on the center shaft between the handle arm and face plate for coiling cords and hoses and the offset pin engages a notch on one end of the spool to couple rotation of the handle to rotation of the spool. The spool includes disks at each end including open ended slots reaching radially to capture cord ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph Paul Gonzales, Donna L. Gonzales, Fernando B. Gonzales
  • Publication number: 20120077372
    Abstract: A cable jumper hand reel. In one example embodiment, a hand reel includes a stationary concave track and a rotatable guide at least partially retained within the track and configured to be rotated around the guide. The guide includes a plurality of concave brackets that are coupled to each other and spaced apart from each other around the track. The brackets are configured to retain a coiled line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: JOHN MEZZALINGUA ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: NOAH P. MONTENA
  • Patent number: 8091820
    Abstract: A cable coiling apparatus includes a main body and a resilient cover. The main body has a base and a top cap with a central post extending therebetween. The cover has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with an outer lip formed along a perimeter outer edge and an inner lip projecting from an inner edge, the inner lip being received within a channel of the top cap so as to secure the cover to the top cap. The cover is movable between a first position in which the cover has a substantially concave shape so that the outer lip presses against the base, and a second position in which the cover has a substantially convex shape so that the central post is freely exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: John P. Thorn
  • Patent number: 7984870
    Abstract: A strap and cord winder is adjustable for different width straps and reconfigurable for cords. The winder includes a handle assembly with a center shaft and an offset pin for engaging and winding a strap. The center shaft adjustably passes through a face plate creating an adjustable width between a handle arm of the handle assembly and the face plate for winding different width straps. A cylindrical grip is attached to the face plate opposite the handle arm and the face plate attaches to a chest plate. A spool may be positioned on the center shaft between the handle arm and face plate for coiling cords and hoses and the offset pin engages a notch on one end of the spool to couple rotation of the handle to rotation of the spool. The spool includes disks at each end including open ended slots reaching radially to capture cord ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Paul Gonzales, Donna L. Gonzales, Fernando B. Gonzales
  • Publication number: 20110108654
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a cable reel includes a lower support frame for rotatably supporting a drum and an upper support member attached to the lower support frame. The upper support member is disposed above the drum and defines a planar top surface when the upper support member is in the working position. The upper support member may be configured to form a folding seat for a user, a drawer for storage and/or a platform for placing a device thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Larry Babb, John R. Dunkin
  • Patent number: 7931389
    Abstract: In a number of embodiments, a cord reel can include: (a) an electrical cable; (b) a casing with a first exterior surface; (c) one or more electrical receptacles at the first exterior surface and electrically coupled to the electrical cable; and (d) a frame. The frame can include: (a) at least one wheel; and (b) a body coupled to the at least one wheel and the casing. In these embodiments, the casing is configured such that at least a portion of the electrical cable can be wound around a first portion of the casing. The electrical cable is configured to provide electrical power to the one or more electrical receptacles. The body can include: (a) a shaft portion with an end; and (b) a handle coupled to the end of the shaft portion. A length of the shaft portion can be adjusted between two or more lengths. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Suckle, John Allbright
  • Patent number: 7891614
    Abstract: A cable hanger having a mounting end for attachment to a support structure and a cable support portion coupled to the mounting end. The cable support portion has at least two spaced parallel legs defining a receiving slot therebetween. Each receiving slot has a closed bottom and an open top end for receiving and locating loops of a cable formed into a coil. Preferably, the mounting end is adapted to be releasably attached to the support structure and the cable hanger is formed from bent rod. The mounting end will preferably have a hook shape with a free end attaching to the support structure which is spaced from the cable support portion to optionally receive a portion of a support structure therebetween. The receiving slots will have a height and width selected to accommodate the diameter and length of cable being supported and the number of receiving slots may vary accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Rene Gilles Czajor
  • Publication number: 20090184190
    Abstract: A reel device with music play function includes a reel box, a music player and an earphone. The reel box has a shell and a reel element mounted in the shell. The music player is combined with the shell of the reel box. The earphone has a cable electrically connected with the music player and an audio output unit electrically connected with the cable. The reel element can reel in the cable of the earphone. Basing on the above structure, the present invention can provide a music play function and is convenient for carry, use and collection of the cable of the earphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Chen-Che Lin
  • Patent number: 7552888
    Abstract: A kite reel device having a rectangular housing providing a cylindrical frame and a spool having ribs with a v-shaped outer edge, the spool being rotatably mounted onto a cylindrical axle located within a center aperture of the frame. A reel providing a handle is mounted to one side of the frame, while a knob for holding the device is affixed to the other side. Recesses within the frame releasably secure the handle to the frame. A hole in the center of the top side of the frame accommodates the passage of kite string onto the spool. The v-shape of the spool rib outer edges assists in keeping the kite string centered and from getting tangled around the axle. Another embodiment provides a ground anchor, a shoulder harness strap, a digital counter, a multiple gearing selector, and an electric power pickup. At least one replacement spool is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Gary O Glenn
  • Patent number: 7387275
    Abstract: A fishing leader dispenser having in combination a leader spool having leader wrapped thereon and a protective cover which resiliently fits over the leader on the leader spool. This leader spool includes a tubular hub having an enlarged central opening, a pair of spaced apart outwardly extending flanges molded to the circular hub and a finger depression formed on the inner surface of the tubular hub. The protective cover includes a resilient strip formed into a broken annulus presenting two free ends. The protective cover is sized to resiliently fit between the pair of flanges and around the hub covering the leader. The protective cover further has a notch provided along an edge of the resilient strip through which the leader is extended. Finally, the protective cover is provided with an outwardly extending protrusion for manipulating the protective cover positioned over the leader wound on the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Jason Hui
  • Patent number: 7350737
    Abstract: A storage device (1) for storing a lead, rope, chain, solid sheet or elongate material, including a body (3) including one elongate backbone (4) and at least one elongate tine (5) interconnected thereto (12) but separated from by a defined distance to form a channel (6) adapted to receive a lead, rope, chain, solid sheet or elongate material, support elements (9) and a latch apparatus (8), the channel (6) being of a dimension to allow only one length of a lead, rope or chain to fit between the backbone (4) and tine (5) at a time (5), preventing tangling of the lead, rope or chain. The storage device (1) may be attached to a wheeled frame or stand for ease of transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Vaughan John Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7293734
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing pliable, elongated articles such as electrical cords or cables. The apparatus features a reel, an axle and a bucket, with the axle being co-axial with the reel and with the bucket. The reel is mounted on the axle in the bucket with minimal wobble, which makes for essentially no contact to the interior wall(s) of the bucket. The mounting also utilizes a low friction bearing, such as a line or near-line contact. The result is very little friction, which is especially significant when pulling the cord out of the bucket, as it helps prevent tipping or sliding of the apparatus when the apparatus has to provide its own stability. The apparatus may also feature one or more anti-tipping or anti-skidding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Robert C Kantner
  • Patent number: 7114603
    Abstract: An extension cord holder is provided. The extension cord holder has a main body. A first holding portion and a second holding portion are disposed on the two sides of the main body, and these two portions are in communication with each other. A first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly are held in the first holding portion and the second holding portion, respectively. A first extension cord is wound around the first wheel assembly. One end of the first extension cord is electrically connected with a switch and a multiple of sockets disposed on the first wheel assembly. A plug is provided on the other end of the first extension cord. The plug protrudes out of an opening provided on a lower portion of the rear side of the body. A second extension cord is wound around the second wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventor: Li-Chun Lai
  • Patent number: 7040257
    Abstract: A retractable leash device is comprised of a housing with a handle, and a leash wound around an internal reel. The reel is biased by a spring to automatically retract the leash. A momentary unidirectional lock in the housing is arranged to be normally disengaged from unidirectional teeth on the reel. When the momentary unidirectional lock is actuated, the reel is engaged by a ratchet to prevent rotation in the release direction but permit rotation in the retract direction. A toggle lock in the housing is movable between an unlocked position away from the reel, and a locked position between cogs on the reel. A geared rotation damper is engaged with a concentric gear on the reel to limit retraction speed. A clip attached to the housing may be clipped around the leash when the leash is wrapped around a fixed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Jared Waxman, Andrew Johnston
  • Patent number: 7036459
    Abstract: A leash assembly includes a body with a handle and a cord which has an end captive in the body. The assembly is adjustable whereby the tension in the cord can be caused automatically to increase and decrease respectively causing a shudder in the cord. Optionally, a noise my accompany the change in tension in the cord. The leash will be attached in use to a collar or harness worn, for example, by a dog and the shudder is used to assist in training the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: Roger Mugford, Elizabeth Fisher, legal representative, John Fisher, deceased
  • Patent number: 7017848
    Abstract: A hand-held cable reel (1) is provided comprising a central cable receiving core (2) mounted between a pair of disc-like end flanges (3) having through holes (4) for receiving cable which can then be anchored on the flange (3) by, for example, wrapping it round one of the handles (6) which are offset from the core (2) and each other to facilitate the winding and unwinding of cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas William Fleming
  • Patent number: 6994105
    Abstract: A modified structure of pipe reel incorporates a main frame, which is provided with a pipe groove to accommodate the water pipe. The first end of the water pipe is placed at the central outlet of the swing frame, while the second end is placed at a preset cross groove at one side of the main frame. There is an outlet limit base provided at the central outlet of the swing frame and a cross-hole is available for connection; and there is a connection base, which is provided within the outlet limit base. The inner end can be connected to the first end of the water pipe, and the outer end can penetrate the cross-hole of the outlet limit base to give shape of a convex provided with a connection end, available with the configurations of water pipe head and sprinkler connector for connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Yeh Hsin Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Chi Chen
  • Publication number: 20040065765
    Abstract: A hand-held cable reel (1) is provided comprising a central cable receiving core (2) mounted between a pair of disc-like end flanges (3) having through holes (4) for receiving cable which can then be anchored on the flange (3) by, for example, wrapping it round one of the handles (6) which are offset from the core (2) and each other to facilitate the winding and unwinding of cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas William Fleming
  • Patent number: 6716083
    Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon assembly including a balloon, and a balloon weight. The balloon weight has a plate having a perimeter, and an annular outer flange disposed on the plate. The outer flange has an outer surface. The invention also includes a cup rotatably connected to the plate. The cup has a bottom opposite the plate, and an annular side wall. The side wall encompasses the outer flange. The side wall also includes a first opening. An umbrella-shaped hook extends from the plate perimeter. A ribbon is wrapped around the outer surface of the outer flange, and extends through the first opening in the side wall. The ribbon has a length including a distal end. A peg is attached to the distal end of the ribbon. The peg is insertable through a portion of the balloon to secure the distal end of the ribbon to the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Antonio L. Castro
  • Patent number: 6517022
    Abstract: A cable storage device for providing a storage for cable. The cable storage device includes a housing assembly including a housing member; and also includes a handle member being attached to an exterior of the housing member; and further includes a spool member being rotatably disposed in the housing member and being adapted to carry a cable; and also includes a crank member being attached to the spool member for turning the spool member to take up the cable; and further includes bracket members being securely attached to the housing member and being adapted to support an end portion of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Bailey
  • Patent number: 6398146
    Abstract: A device for winding a strap or strip of material for maneuvering a shutter, roller blind or equivalent device comprising a member for winding and tensioning the strap disposed inside a box formed by two shells each including at least one edging extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a principal web of each shell. The edgings are adapted to be brought into mutual engagement by a relative translation in a direction substantially parallel to the respective principal webs of the shells, in a configuration where an edging of a first shell is covered by an edging of a second shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Simbac S.p.A.
    Inventor: Rino Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 6299095
    Abstract: A storage device for light strands includes a hollow housing having a shaft rotably mounted therein. The housing includes a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a rear wall, an open top and an open front. Attached to the front edge of the bottom wall is a flap formed of a plurality of foldable sections having a tongue extending from a leading edge thereof. The flap may be folded about the housing to selectively enclose the open front and top. A hand crank is rotatably mounted to the side wall of the housing and is attached to the shaft for selectively rotating the shaft to wind a light strand therearound. A pair of retaining bands are mounted to the shaft, each for securing the end of a light strand thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Martin J. Murfin
  • Patent number: 6260803
    Abstract: A multi-tether kite control device uses a racheting mechanism to rewind the tether reels. The mechanism is activated by a pull-string attached to the belt or torso of the operator. By repetitively moving the device away from and toward his body, the operator can rewind one or both tethers without releasing his grasp upon the device handles. Separate reels are used to coil the tethers attached to the leading edges of the kite to provide a controlled braking action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Rick E. Hunts
  • Patent number: 6123282
    Abstract: The trolling system for obtaining player endorsements on a baseball includes a drop cord, a reel which contains and holds the wound-up drop cord and a retractable ball basket. The retractable ball basket is attached at a terminal of the drop cord opposite the reel. The ball basket has a plurality of spaced apart and inwardly biased ribs. These ribs establish a ball container in a central region of the ball basket. Since the ribs are spaced apart and peripherally biased together at one end, the baseball player can rotate the baseball, identify an available endorsement area, and sign or endorse the baseball. Subsequent thereto, the fan can retract the ball basket by winding the drop cord on the reel thereby retrieving the ball from the lower elevation near the baseball player to the fan's elevated elevation in the stadium stands. The trolling system can be adapted for basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, hockey pucks and golf balls simply by changing the shape of the retractable ball basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Marc Richman
  • Patent number: 6076759
    Abstract: A Christmas lights organizer for reeling an elongate flexible element, such as a string of Christmas lights, therearound. The Christmas lights organizer includes a spaced apart pair of panels with a spaced apart pair of inner rods extending therebetween. Each of the panels has an elongate outer rod outwardly extending therefrom. A first of the outer rods is coaxial with a first of the inner rods and a second of the outer rods is coaxial with a second of the inner rods. The first inner rod has a spaced apart pair of slots therein designed for receiving the prongs of an electrical plug therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Perry J. Simonson
  • Patent number: 6070825
    Abstract: A forearm casting device has a body, a closed face fishing reel secured to the body towards a first end thereof and a spool for winding fishing line. A hood is located over the spool. A line guide pin is displaceable between a retracted position substantially within the hood and a protruding position protruding from the hood for guiding the fishing line onto the spool. A reel release displaces the line guide pin between the protruding and retracted positions. A guide for guiding the fishing line onto and off the closed face fishing reel is mounted towards an opposite end of the body. The body is secured to a forearm of an operator so the fishing line extends generally parallel to the forearm towards a hand of the operator and the forefinger of the hand is able to engage the fishing line forward of the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: John Francis Rich
  • Patent number: 6065709
    Abstract: A device for coiling or uncoiling a wire, cable or the like, comprising two cap members. Each cap member has an axis, a circumferential wall portion terminating in a free circumferential edge at one end and gradually merging into an end wall portion at an opposite end. The circumferential wall portion of each cap member has a slit which extends from the free circumferential edge towards the end wall portion. The two cap members are coaxially and freely rotatably assembled with their circumferential edges substantially facing each other, wherein the axes are aligned in a common axis. In the common axis of the two cap members between said opposite end wall portions thereof, a core element is provided, so as to define an annular coiling space around the core element. The two cap members are adapted to the rotated relative to one another. Firstly the two slits are put in mutual alignment to allow the wire, cable or the like to be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: InnoEssentials International B.V.
    Inventors: Hendrik Sjirk Wagter, Ralph Stuyver