Embedded Within Article Patents (Class 248/686)
  • Patent number: 10660483
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a soap which does not disengage from the user while in use and provides a means to hang the soap while not in use. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a semiflexible continuous mechanical structure extends above a surface of a soap bar just enough to create an open area through which the user's finger may be removably inserted whereby the bottom portion of the structure is embedded within the body of soap 12, such that, when, in use, a user's finger may be inserted into the top portion of the structure, where it will rest atop the top surface of the soap and the bottom portion of the structure will remain substantially embedded in the soap as it dissolves. The top portion of the structure also provides a means to hang the soap while not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Geoffrey Scott Hyde
  • Patent number: 10039364
    Abstract: A personal hygiene antiperspirant-deodorant applicator is provided having: a cap portion including a handle projecting outwardly from the cap; a base portion; and a solid balm composition having an elliptical cross-section attached to the base portion. In a first configuration the base portion is in a press-fit engagement with the cap portion such that the solid balm composition is covered by the cap portion, and in a second configuration the base portion is reversed and in a press-fit engagement with the cap portion such that the solid balm composition is exposed and cap portion provides a handle for manipulating the applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Randy S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9027812
    Abstract: A backpack frame is disclosed herein. The backpack frame includes a frame body and an arm coupled to the frame body. The arm has a proximal portion at the one or more points of connection and a distal portion that is extended away from the one or more points of connection. A space between a distal portion of the arm and the frame body is sufficiently sized to receive the head of an antlered animal therethrough when the distal portion of the arm is pivoted away from the frame body. The arm is capable of pivoting at a point of connection between the arm and the frame body. Accordingly, at least in some instances, when the head of an antlered animal is inserted through the space, the arm pivots, locking the head in place and supporting the head and antlers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Hunt Hard, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Travis Lester
  • Patent number: 8708291
    Abstract: A shim for placement under plumbing fixtures is made of a series of shim members aligned according to height, whereby they form a wedge-shaped member. The shim is inserted between a plumbing fixture base and installation surface until one of the shim members supports the fixture. The shim members are connected by tabs designed to disengage from the shims on the side facing out from the plumbing fixture in a manner so that when separated, the tabs remain affixed to the portion of the shim removed from under the plumbing fixture. Each shim member also comprises a trough-shaped surface to accommodate curvature on the underside of the plumbing fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Michael E. Christeson
  • Publication number: 20130313402
    Abstract: A tool hanger includes a hanging member and a tool holding member. The tool holding member can be folded up and fitted in a connection hold of a tool, such as a socket. The tool is then engaged by the tool holding member. The distal end of the tool holding member undetachably clips on the other end of the tool holding member. Thus, the unauthorized removal of the tool is prohibited, and burglarproof function is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: MING-HUNG LIN
  • Patent number: 8540205
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and a table stand connected to the main body for supporting the main body. The main body comprises a positioning member. The table stand defines at least two positioning holes. The table stand is operable to rotate relative to the main body. The positioning member is operable to be selectively inserted into either one of the at least two positioning holes, such that the table stand is operable to form a corresponding predetermined angle with the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shi-Pei Zhang, Man-Zhong Wang, Te-Hua Lee
  • Patent number: 8514059
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a transponder holder for controlling the readability of a transponder by an interrogator. Embodiments of the transponder holder can be removable mounted to a support structure, such as a windshield of a motor vehicle. The transponder can be supported by a plate of the transponder holder, which can be moved to position the transponder in a readable position and an unreadable position to allow a user to select whether the transponder is readable by an interrogator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Highway Toll Administration, LLC
    Inventor: David Centner
  • Publication number: 20130187023
    Abstract: An apparatus including a housing; and a stand connected to the housing. The stand is configured to cooperate with the housing for the housing and the stand to support the apparatus on a surface. The stand is movable on the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position the stand is substantially flat against the housing. In the extended position the stand projects from the housing with a general triangular shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: James Renwick
  • Patent number: 8420988
    Abstract: A domestic appliance includes a control panel and a control panel mounting bracket which includes a frame shaped for being installed on a surface panel of a domestic appliance. The surface panel has an opening therein for receiving the frame. The frame has an open portion for receiving a control mount adhered over the open portion. The surface panel has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the frame has a main securing member having at least one tab extending therefrom. The tab is bendable along a line off-set from vertical such that when the tab is bent, it bears against the bottom surface of the surface panel to urge the frame against the surface panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Geiger, Michael Gerdes, Troy Wilson, Mark Wood, Anthony Zymroz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8403285
    Abstract: A label transport device for transporting indicia-bearing labels for identifying electrical and electronic components, comprising a generally rectangular carrier frame member having a generally planar support surface, a generally rectangular planar indicia-bearing label, and a mounting arrangement for mounting the label on the carrier frame, including at least one positioning tab member connected with one edge of the label, and a positioning lug arranged on one of the frame and tab members for engagement with an opening contained in the other of the tab and frame members, thereby to position the label at a given transport location on the carrier frame member. The frame is injection-molded from a synthetic plastic material and includes a plurality of parallel spaced longitudinal spars that are connected together integrally by a plurality of parallel transverse spars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Weidmueller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Bett, Thorsten Bornefeld, Michael Gockel, Andreas Wieneke, Thorsten Rieke, Ditmar Schreiber
  • Patent number: 8371584
    Abstract: A mark unit includes a holding section that is disposed at the top of a display section so that a light-emitting section is positioned on a side of a display screen of the display section and a weight section is positioned on a side opposite to the display screen to hold the light-emitting section on the side of the display screen that intersects a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuo Utsuki, Takashi Satsukawa, Takehiro Shimizu, Shigemasa Saito, Kanji Nakane
  • Patent number: 8243432
    Abstract: An exemplary support mechanism for a portable electronic device includes a seat, a button, a support member, and a hinge assembly. The seat defines a cavity. The button is received in the cavity. The support member includes a knuckle portion. The knuckle portion is received in the cavity. The button abuts against the support member. The hinge assembly connects the knuckle portion to the seat. When the button is pressed to force the hinge assembly to unlock, the hinge assembly drives the support member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chao Duan, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Patent number: 8196879
    Abstract: A support tube (1) for use as an internal support for multi-tiered cakes (9). The support tube has a raised internal profile (7) comprised of raised ridges (8) located on an inner surface (5) of a perimeter wall (4). The raised internal profile strengthens the perimeter wall of the support tube, thereby allowing the support tube to support large weights of multi-tiered cakes when placed in a vertical position inside a multi-tiered cake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Marguerite A. Vezina, Marcel Vezina
  • Patent number: 8199474
    Abstract: A bracket is for holding a portable hard disk on a display of a computer. The bracket includes a base fixed to the portable hard disk and a pair of arms pivotably attached to the base. The base includes a plate secured to the portable hard disk, a pair of sidewalls extending from the plate and pair of post extending from the plate between the two sidewalls. Each arm includes a tab pivotably mounted on the post via a screw, and a flange extending from the tab. The arms could be pivoted with respect to the base to sandwich the display of the computer between the flanges and the sidewalls of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lei Liu
  • Publication number: 20120025056
    Abstract: This invention relates to a concrete embedment fixture for mounting of protective railing. The fixture has a tubular member (3), at least one concrete inlet opening (11, 13) at a bottom end of the tubular member, and a plurality of brace elements (5) attached to an outer periphery of the tubular member. Each brace element has a sloping portion, which extends from an upper end towards a lower end thereof in a downwardly and outwardly sloping direction, wherein projections of at least two of the brace elements in a transversal plane of the tubular member extend in mutually different directions. Further, each brace element comprises, at the lower end thereof, an anchoring and supporting portion (5c) arranged to rest on a base and anchor the fixture in concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Joakim SVEDBERG, Anders WIKMYR
  • Publication number: 20110101199
    Abstract: The device of the present application is essentially a soap-holding device that suspends the bar of soap from the top surface as opposed to placing it down. The primary objective of this device is to receive various bars of soap through the implementation of a magnet, in a way that prevents them from creating soap-scum and from accumulating harmful bacteria that can form on dirty and unsanitary surfaces. It also creates an intriguing atmosphere to the bathroom or kitchen, while adding a little fun and excitement to washing with bar soap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Brucelina Andrade
  • Patent number: 7896309
    Abstract: The alignment tool of the present invention includes a cylindrical coil extending outward from one side of a steel base plate. The opposite side of the base plate includes a raised center lip portion for alignment and placement of a magnet thereon. The magnet includes a partially magnetic steel form attachment surface. The alignment tool cylindrical coil is screwed into a foam panel leaving the partially magnetic side exposed and substantially flush with a foam panel side. One or more alignment tools may be secured to a foam panel depending on the dimensions of the panel. The foam panels are then placed in a concrete form with the alignment tool partially magnetic side attaching to a concrete form steel member. The alignment tool keeps the foam panel secured and stable within the form while the form is being filled with concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Nicholas DiGiammo
  • Patent number: 7757998
    Abstract: A new ergonomic accoutrement adapted to be attached to a computer mouse was developed to prevent strain injuries to the hand and wrist and prevent or alleviate the symptoms associated with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) for those who are repetitive users of computer mouse devices. The accoutrement is designed to leave the carpal tunnel of the user of a computer mouse substantially open, thus precluding tunnel narrowing and the symptoms resulting therefrom. The accoutrement is also designed to maximize comfort of the user, alleviate wrist bend associated with use of the mouse, and be adaptable to different size hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Senduzy Corp.
    Inventors: Wlodzimierz Fidali, Robert T. Logan
  • Publication number: 20100133414
    Abstract: A mobile terminal having a supporting member is provided. The mobile terminal includes a main body having a first hinge portion, a first part mounted in the main body, and the supporting member having a second hinge portion connected to the first hinge portion. The supporting member is inserted into the main body and coupled to the main body by rotating about the first hinge portion. By integrally forming the main body of the mobile terminal and the supporting member, a manufacturing cost of the mobile terminal can be reduced and inadvertent loss of the supporting member by a user can be prevented. Further, when the supporting member is stored in a folded position in the main body of the mobile terminal, the supporting member can be used for aesthetic purposes and can provide an enhanced external appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kee Moon LEE, Hyun Seop Kim, Chang Hwan Hwang
  • Patent number: 7681859
    Abstract: A portable terminal device includes a supporting leg which makes it possible to watch television in a standing state of the terminal device. The portable terminal device comprises a main body having a mounting groove formed in a rear surface thereof to have a predetermined length, the mounting groove having a plurality of catching grooves formed in one inner side surface thereof; and a supporting leg assembly having an end rotatably supported in the mounting groove. The supporting leg assembly comprises a supporting leg including a leg portion having a predetermined length, and a hollow head portion formed at one end of the leg portion and having one side opened. A cam member is inserted and supported in the head portion of the supporting leg with a spring received therein to be movable within a certain section in an axial direction. The cam member has a cam protrusion protruding outward to be caught to one of the catching grooves by an elastic force of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Han Kim
  • Publication number: 20090026348
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the hands-free holding and carrying of objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Anita Paulette Sopel
  • Publication number: 20080191120
    Abstract: A bar of soap with a stick or other similar object placed through the bar of soap and extends out both sides of the bar is disclosed. The soap on a stick maintains the bar of soap off dish or other surface to promote drying the bar of soap and reduces how sogginess of the soap. The soap can be made from number of different materials and may contain colors, scents and conditioners. A soap dish is also disclosed with raised side members that the supports the ends of the stick to keep the bar of soap suspended above the dish. Drippings from the soap are collected in the base of the soap holder. An additional soap holder is disclosed that has elongated fingers to hold the ends of the stick. In this soap holder the drippings from the soap will fall into a shower or basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Lisa Kay Wright
  • Publication number: 20080169410
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for lifting and supporting a vehicle is described. The system includes at least one vehicle hoist fitting configured to distribute the weight of the vehicle along a skin of the vehicle, at least one removable bearing cup assembly configured to attach to said vehicle hoist fitting, and at least one trunnion assembly configured for attachment to a support structure and further configured to engage said removable bearing cup assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Roy P. Murata, Raymond D. Fierro, John J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080143055
    Abstract: An oil seal having the usual lips for retaining oil and a guide member made of a variety of relatively stiff or rigid materials. The guide member is made slightly larger than the smallest diameter of the seal member when the seal rests on the shaft. The seal member can have the guide member on either the air side or the oil side of the seal. The disclosure also relates to a shipping plug, which is inserted into the seal and retains the oil in place during shipping when the seal is installed but a shaft is not installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: SKF USA INC.
    Inventors: David Dobbs, Mark F. Spreitzer, Dennis Nelson Denton, Kacy D. Denton, Kevin R. Suva
  • Patent number: 7344118
    Abstract: A holder in combination with a screwdriver provided with a through bore in the handle thereof for attachment by the holder. The holder has a support member provided with an aperture in an upper portion thereof. A pair of support arms depend in spaced-apart relationship from a lower portion of the support member. A detachable lock pin is detachably secured across the pair of support arms and extends through the through bore for support engagement with the screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Ian Samberg
  • Patent number: 7235744
    Abstract: A housing assembly for a printed circuit board is mounted on a vehicle body by pressing a collar nut or the head of a collar screw past a plurality of fingers of a housing assembly so that the fingers retain the nut or screw head in place. The module is then pressed against the vehicle body so that the collar nut or collar screw is lifted while the retainers are deflected outwardly and a tool is used to tighten the screw into a nut or the nut onto the shank of a screw to clamp the printed circuit board on the housing against the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Hirschmann Electronics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ortwin Zoller
  • Patent number: 7210663
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tool to a hangtag is provided. A method for securing the tool is also provided. In one embodiment, the invention pertains to a hangtag assembly that includes a fastening mechanism for securing a tool having a shank portion, such as a socket driver. The hangtag has a body portion, and a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion. The hangtag also has a tool fastening mechanism for securely attaching a tool to the hangtag. The tool fastening mechanism includes one or more pairs of through-openings, and one or more ties, wherein each tie is wove around the shank of the tool and through a respective pair of through-openings. In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a hangtag assembly that includes a fastening mechanism for securing a circular tool having a centrally located hub portion defining an opening therethrough. The hangtag has a body portion with a plurality of apertures therethrough and a tool fastening mechanism for securely attaching a tool to the hangtag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: JPJ Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wheeler, Zareh Khachatoorian
  • Patent number: 7124990
    Abstract: A device for supporting a potato chip bag in an upright position includes a semispherical base member having a rounded bottom portion and a substantially planar top portion. The rounded bottom portion is weighted to ballast the base member in an upright position. A pair of intersecting slots are provided on the top surface, each dimensioned to tightly receive a particular size potato chip bag. A pair of opposing sidewalls define each slot, each of which include a plurality of interspersed nodules thereon for frictionally engaging the exterior surface of the potato chip bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Mahendra Sanathra
  • Patent number: 6857616
    Abstract: An improved cap style soap gripper for a magnetic soap holder including a hole in the side wall of the cap to facilitate insertion into a bar of soap and textured grooves on the inside surface to increase pullout force. A powder coating further increases the pullout force by increasing the surface energy of the cap. Elevating the temperature of the cap prior to insertion also facilitates the cap's insertion into a bar of soap and increases the required pullout force. A decreased diameter to height ratio, in addition, eases the insertion of the cap into a bar of soap, and lessens the effect of soap erosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Noveletti, LLC
    Inventors: Nancy R. Gasperi, Michael L. Gasperi, Steven S. Cascio
  • Publication number: 20030186614
    Abstract: A wearable drink holder apparatus. In accordance with one embodiment, the wearable drink holder apparatus includes an animal-shaped body member having an interior compartment for securely encasing a drink container therewithin. Elongated support straps shaped as grasping animal limbs are utilized to attach the animal-shaped body member to a wearer's body. A protuberance member formed in the shaped of an animal face extends from the top of and approximately centrally aligned with the body member. The protuberance member includes an interior cavity through which a drinking conduit extends from the drink container to the exterior of the protuberance member toward the wearer's face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Elaine Taylor
  • Patent number: 6446932
    Abstract: An improved hanger and pin assembly for holding, hanging and displaying merchandise, such as a plurality of louvers for window blinds, at the point of sale for such merchandise having, a generally planar member, a pin member disposed for operative engagement with one end of the planar member for removably connecting the plurality of elements of the merchandise to the hanger and pin assembly to form a modular unit, an annular section on the planar member defining a sized opening at the opposite end of the planar member for removably mounting the plurality of elements at the point of sale for such merchandise, and spaced protuberances medially disposed on the planar member between the annular section defining the sized opening for mounting the modular unit and the pin member, for engagement with and to stabilize the plurality of elements in assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Springs Window Fashions LP
    Inventors: Stephen H. Butterfield, Cletis F. Swopes
  • Patent number: 6352229
    Abstract: A spring clip has a base member attached by a flexible connector to a clip member which has a body portion and a flexible tail portion. The base member preferably includes magnets for holding the spring clip against a metal surface. The flexible tail portion has a distal end which is normally biased toward the base member for holding an object therebetween. A gap can be created between the distal end and the base member by pushing on the body portion to cause the clip member to pivot about the flexible connector such that the flexible tail portion moves away from the base member. The gap can also be created by pulling on the distal end which causes the flexible tail to flex away from the base member. Further, the body portion can be pushed to create the gap and the flexible tail portion also flexed to make the gap wider such that thicker objects can be held in the gap. The distal end can be hook shaped to hold a writing instrument or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 6343773
    Abstract: A support structure includes first and second support members which are interlocked with a body. The second support member is placed in a die such that a hole of the second support member is located at a predetermined position and the body is placed on the second support member. The first support member is placed on the body such that apertures of the support members and an opening of the body are aligned. A shaping pin is then advanced toward the first support member in alignment with the predetermined position so that a shoulder of the shaping pin extends into the first support member. The shaping pin continues to advance through the first support member until a portion of the body extends past a surface of the second support member, thereby joining the first and second support members and the body together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Shop Vac Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Baer, Gary C. Berray
  • Patent number: 6241208
    Abstract: A structure for mounting a hand tool in a hanging package includes a base plate, a semi-circular member having a neck connecting the base plate to the semi-circular member, the semi-circular member being provided with two tubular members at two ends each having an inwardly extending arm, two pins fixedly arranged two opposite sides of the base plate and adapted to engage with holes of the two tubular members, and a cardboard formed with an elongated slot and two holes at two sides of the elongated slot, whereby the base plate is first mounted on a back side of the cardboard with the two pins extending through the holes and then the semi-circular member is inserted through the elongated slot to a front side of the cardboard
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Jinn-Juang Lin
  • Patent number: 6164617
    Abstract: An improved hanger and pin assembly for holding, hanging and displaying merchandise, such as a plurality of louvers for window blinds, at the point of sale for such merchandise having, a generally planar member, a pin member disposed for operative engagement with one end of the planar member for removably connecting the plurality of elements of the merchandise to the hanger and pin assembly to form a modular unit, an annular section on the planar member defining a sized opening at the opposite end of the planar member for removably mounting the plurality of elements at the point of sale for such merchandise, and spaced protuberances medially disposed on the planar member between the annular section defining the sized opening for mounting the modular unit and the pin member, for engagement with and to stabilize the plurality of elements in assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Springs Window Fashions Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen H. Butterfield, Cletis F. Swopes
  • Patent number: 6164616
    Abstract: A portable, hanging fruit stand is provided which conveniently stores fruit at a variety of heights without damaging the fruit and allowing water to drain from the fruit and be collected in a catch basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Laura J. Woods
    Inventors: Laura J. Woods, James W. Schreiber, Davey B. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6101660
    Abstract: A toothbrush employs a bristle guard for the prevention of contamination and deformation of toothbrush bristles. The bristle guard comprises an arm, which is received within, and pivotally connected to, the toothbrush handle. The pivotal connection allows the arm to move between a guard position and a brushing position. In the guard position, the arm extends from the handle and supports the toothbrush in a rack style holder. In the brushing position, the arm is substantially received within the toothbrush handle allowing conventional use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: David E. Mroczka, Maryann Vanderventer
  • Patent number: 5979838
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining a seismic cable connector module to permit in-water repair of seismic cables. A clamp is supported by a vessel positioned over the submerged seismic cable. The seismic cable is raised above the water surface, and the clamp is attached to the exterior surface of the connector module. The clamp can include a lock for securing the connector module, and a swivel between the clamp and the vessel can permit movement of the connector module relative to the vessel as the vessel heaves due to wind and wave action. The clamp can release the connector module if the environmental forces acting on the connector module exceed a selected amount. The clamp can be attached to a separate vessel for in-water use or can be attached to the vessel deck. A clasp within the exterior surface of the connector module is detachably engagable with a clamp supported by the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Western Atlas International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Peter Romagnoli, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5960889
    Abstract: A soil tiller is provided including a hand held, portable frame having a handle. Also included is a drive assembly having a power source mounted within the frame and a motor for rotating upon the receipt of power from the power source. Next provided is at least one tine assembly rotatable with respect to the frame and further connected to the motor for rotating coincidentally therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Dan McLaren
  • Patent number: 5947439
    Abstract: A cantilevered bracket (10) suspends one component (14) of a magnetized element (14/22) and a magnetically attracted element (22/14) pair, while the other element (22) of the pair is embedded in one major surface of the bar of soap. The edges (32) of the element extending downwards into the bar of soap may be made relatively smooth, with gradual transitions along the edge (32) to eliminate jagged protrusions. The exposed major surface area (18) of the element (14) suspended by the bracket is made substantially greater than the exposed surface area (26) of the element (22) embedded in the major surface area of the bar of soap (30). After using the bar of soap (30), the bar is turned with the embedded element of the pair facing vertically upwardly beneath the suspended element of the pair, while the bar (30) is moved to enable the exposed surface (26) of the embedded element (22) to touch the major surface (18) of the suspended element (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Maxine Florey
  • Patent number: 5771790
    Abstract: The present invention relates to perishable food storage systems, and in particular to a system for delaying the ripening process for bananas or the like. The present invention delays the ripening process by decreasing the concentration of ethylene gas in the air adjacent to the bananas. The preferred embodiment of the present invention accomplishes this by using a spreading mechanism to spread the hand of bananas, coupled with a fan or the like to direct air flow through and then away from the hand of bananas, thereby decreasing the ethylene gas concentration of the adjacent air, and thus decreases the ripening rate. The benefit of this method of removing ethylene gas is that it is inexpensive and easy to implement in conjunction with the specially designed rack, which is configured for holding a hand of bananas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Matthew Barrows
  • Patent number: 5690484
    Abstract: A wick holder is disclosed, along with blanks for forming it, candles that incorporate it, and methods for making it. The wick holder has platforms for supporting the bottom of the wick and side peripheral guides. It also has leg panels to center the wick in the candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Leonard, D. James Musiel
  • Patent number: 5642871
    Abstract: A suspendable magnetic soap holder assembly for magnetically suspending a bar of soap from a raised holding member includes a flexible suspender interconnected with a first member of a pair of mutually attracting devices and a bar of soap removably interconnected with a second member of the pair of mutually attracting devices. When the flexible suspender is coupled to the raised holding member and the pair of mutually attracting devices are interconnected, the bar of soap is suspended. In one embodiment, the pair of mutually attracting devices are a magnet and a metallic device. A buoyant body may be interposed between the first member and the flexible suspender so that the first member is attached to a bottom side of the buoyant body and the flexible suspender is removably interconnected to the top side of the buoyant body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Constanta Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce Repert, Eva Repert
  • Patent number: 5033708
    Abstract: A unitary bird bell support formed of plastic material includes a substantially planar disk including a top surface on which the bell rests, and a hanging tab integrally hinged to the disk at a hinge line which is located substantially at a center of the disk. A portion of the hanging tab is cut from the disk to form a radial slot which extends from the peripheral edge of the disk to the inner margin of the slot which forms the hinge line between the disk and hanging tab. The hanging tab is movable between an unfolded position in which the hanging tab is substantially coplanar with the disk and includes a portion which is positioned within the slot, and a folded position in which the hanging tab is substantially normal to the disk, extending upwardly and being positionable within an axial slot within the bird bell. The top portion of the hanging tab should extend upwardly out from the axial slot and has an aperture by which the support and bird bell may be hung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Kaytee Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal N. Brue, Timothy J. Bauer, Robert LaMasney
  • Patent number: 5020753
    Abstract: A soap holder having a projection adapted to extend into a recess in a bar of soap in a manner supporting the bar from its interior to avoid or minimize contact of the outer surfaces of the bar of soap with supporting surfaces. The bar may contain an element embedded within the soap and adapted to engage the projection to limit movement of the soap onto the projection and assist in supporting the bar in proper position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: William P. Green
  • Patent number: 4998701
    Abstract: A concealed mounting assembly includes an outer post member and a decorative rose plate mounted on a concealed bracket which has a post section and mounting plate section. The post has an axially extending bore which receives the post section of the concealed bracket. A securement nut is placed within an axially extending recess in the post section. The post section also has an elongated aperture extending from the recess. The post and securement nut have alignable apertures therethrough a allow a threaded fastener to extend through the lateral aperture, elongated slot in the post section and the threaded aperture in the securement nut. The fastener, when tightened, secures the post and rose plate onto the concealed bracket and allows axial adjustment for manufacturing tolerances and secures the mountable post against torque forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Masco Building Products Corp.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Rawald