Extensible Patents (Class 294/210)
  • Patent number: 10315304
    Abstract: A cargo retrieval assembly includes a handle that has a length of at least 1.2 meters and the handle may be extended into a bed of a pickup. A member is slidably positioned in the handle such that the handle and the member combine to have a telescopically adjustable length, and the member has a length of at least 1.2 meters. A rocker is pivotally coupled to the handle and the rocker engages the member when the rocker is in a locking position to retain the handle and the member at a selected length. The rocker disengages the member when the rocker is manipulated for adjusting the telescopic length of the handle and the member. A grapple is removably coupled to the member has the grapple is oriented perpendicular to the member for engaging, and thusly retrieving, cargo when the member is extended into the bed of the pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventors: Keith Cowan, Debbie Whiteley
  • Patent number: 10299616
    Abstract: A zipper assistant device that provides consumers with an accessory to help conveniently zip-up their zippers which are often located on the back of clothing. The zipper assistant device includes an on and off switch having a casing, an ON button and an OFF button, the casing having a front facing and contains a battery to power the on and off switch, an elongated handle having a first end and a second end, the on and off switch attached to the first end of the elongated handle, a handle base attached to the second end of the elongated handle and a bulb-shaped magnetic field element attached to the handle base opposite the elongated handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventor: Zoerene Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10281115
    Abstract: A quick-change lighting assembly includes a stationary ring, a plurality of clips, and a compression ring arranged between the stationary ring and the clips. Each clip has a retaining end and moves between a retaining and a releasing position, whereby the retaining end is deflected against the compression member when moving from the retaining position to the releasing position. The compression member can move towards the stationary member from an extended position, such that movement of the clips moves the compression member from the extended position to a first position. The clips accept a flange of a socket assembly, the flange defects the retaining ends from the retaining position to the releasing position until the flange directly engages the compression member and further translates the compression member to a second compressed position and the clips return to the retaining position below the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Anthony Nevitt
  • Patent number: 10081097
    Abstract: The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors is configured for use with a flatbed trailer. The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors is configured for use with a webbing. The webbing is used to secure cargo to the flatbed trailer. The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors attaches to the webbing. The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors is used to position the webbing relative to the cargo such that the once the webbing is tightened the webbing to be tightened secures the cargo to the flatbed trailer. The tool for the placement of cargo straps and edge protectors comprises a telescopic handle, a spatula, and a threaded connection. The threaded connection attaches the spatula to the telescopic handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: John Abbey
  • Patent number: 9898940
    Abstract: A track and cleat system includes a track attached by suction cups or other means to a window or other vertical surface. The track has a projection onto which a cleat is attached. The cleat includes a track receiving opening that fits onto the track. A banner holder is provided adjacent to the track receiving opening. The banner holder may use friction grips or magnets to hold a banner, sign or display. The cleat has an offset grip portion in a T-shape that is spaced from the banner holder and gripped by a gripper on a pole to move the banner and cleat to a display position on the track and to remove the banner and cleat from the display position by removing the cleat from the track. Various banner holding devices are provided, as well as various track and cleat shapes and various means of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: K-International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. White
  • Patent number: 9409288
    Abstract: An awning extension adjustment device selectively loosens and tightens an adjustment knob of an awning extension assembly from an extended distance. The device includes a shaft and a hook coupled to the shaft extending from a first end of the shaft. An engagement member is coupled to a second end of the shaft. The engagement member has an outward face directed away from the shaft. Each of a plurality of protrusions extends from the outward face of the engagement member. The protrusions are arranged on the outward face of the engagement member wherein the protrusions engage an adjustment knob coupled to an extension arm of a frame of an extendable awning wherein rotation of the shaft and the engagement member rotates the adjustment knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: David J. Huene
  • Patent number: 9204714
    Abstract: The collapsible cleaning device includes a broom and a pan. The broom has a brush provided with bristles on the bottom surface thereof and secured by the top surface thereof to the end of a handle. The pan has a plate provided on at least one of the edges thereof with a wall projecting from the top face as well as a gripper secured to the wall. The brush is hinged to pass from a retracted position extending along the handle to an extended position extending orthogonally relative to handle, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Julien Jean Georges Coste
  • Patent number: 9009921
    Abstract: A motorized extension pole including a first hollow pole member having a second hollow pole member telescopically mounted in said first pole member. The second pole member is selectively moved between extended and retracted positions with respect to said first pole member by a battery powered drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Mark J. Ramsey, Mark C. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 9004563
    Abstract: An adjustable length device for grasping and manipulation of objects comprising a head region with opposing jaws joined to a handle region via a telescoping tube region. The tube region comprises a toothed rod connected to the jaws and a cable connected at one end to a trigger in the handle region and at the other end via a lever to a toothed rod locking mechanism (TRLM). The lever comprises one or more teeth that can mate with those of the toothed rod. Squeezing the trigger causes the lever in the TRLM to engage with the toothed rod and releasing the trigger causes the lever to disengage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: PikStik, LLC
    Inventors: David Buzby, John McKenney
  • Patent number: 8985659
    Abstract: A hand-held remote access device, such as a netting tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of nets movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member having alternating ridges and grooves that is bendable so as to attain a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventors: Carter J. Kovarik, Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 8944480
    Abstract: A device for retrieving an object such as a golf ball. In one preferred embodiment, the device comprises a handle, a stationary member or loop that is rigidly attached to the handle, a reactive member or loop that is pivotally attached to the stationary member and a spring for biasing the reactive member substantially perpendicular to the stationary member. Prior to capturing the object, the retriever is set such that the stationary and reactive members are substantially parallel. The retriever is then directed so that when the spring contacts an object, it trips the spring and causes the reactive member to pivot into a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the stationary member, capturing the object inside the stationary and reactive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas E. Nihra, Deni H. Nihra
  • Patent number: 8939051
    Abstract: An extension tool is disclosed comprising a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is partially disposed in the first pole for defining a variable overall tool length. A slide controller includes a lower clamp and an upper clamp. The first pole is disposed in the lower clamp. A first clamp compressor applies a compressive force to the lower clamp for defining a lower clamp lock and coupes the slide controller with the first pole. A second clamp compressor applies a compressive force to the upper clamp for defining an upper clamp lock and prevents slidable displacement of the second pole relative to the first pole. The second clamp compressor applies a non-compressive force to the upper clamp for defining an upper slide guide. The upper slide guide facilitates the slidable displacement of the second pole relative to the first pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Robert G. Lofley, Sr., Robert G. Lofley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8882166
    Abstract: A motorized extension pole including a first hollow pole member having a second hollow pole member telescopically mounted in the first pole member. The second pole member is selectively moved between extended and retracted positions with respect to the first pole member by a battery powered drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Mark J. Ramsey, Mark C Ramsey
  • Patent number: 8833817
    Abstract: An animal waste scooper has a flexible extension adapted to be reversibly coiled such that when it is uncoiled, a trigger operated jaws/scooping portion of the device is employed to pick up waste. The flexible scooper device includes a handle with a trigger, a flexible, preferably corrugated extension assembly and a pair of jaws. Other embodiments are directed to a reversibly flexible, bendable hand operated device for grasping a golf ball from the ground from a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Carter J. Kovarik, Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 8807615
    Abstract: A hand-held remote access device, such as a gripping tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of jaws movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member having alternating ridges and grooves that is bendable so as to attain a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Carter J. Kovarik, Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Publication number: 20130327281
    Abstract: A system for grasping an object comprises a telescoping rod comprising a plurality of telescoping sections slidably connected to and lockable relative to each other, a handling portion located at one end of the telescoping rod, and a grasping portion located at an opposite end of the telescoping rod, the grasping portion comprising a movable portion having an ungrasped position and a grasped position, wherein the grasping portion is connected to the handling portion and the handling portion is configured to move the movable portion of the grasping portion from the ungrasped position to the grasped position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Michels
  • Patent number: 8585114
    Abstract: A hand-held remote access device, such as a gripping tool, includes a jaw portion having a pair of jaws movable relative to each other between fully clamped and fully opened positions thereof, a handle portion spaced apart from the jaw portion by a bendable central portion that has a hollow, corrugated member having alternating ridges and grooves that is bendable so as to attain a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Carter J. Kovarik, Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 8528954
    Abstract: A tool for grasping and holding an article, such as a pine cone. The tool includes an elongated handle which may be telescopically adjustable so as to allow for a plurality of selectively-desired, longitudinal setting positions thereof. A flexibly-resilient, tension-biased grasping mechanism is mounted to a lower end of the handle. The grasping mechanism includes a pair of curvilinear arms for flexibly accommodating and securely grasping a pine cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: Connie F. Dale, Joseph N. Carter
  • Publication number: 20130170940
    Abstract: The present disclosure to a tree roper device for placement of a line about a designated portion of a tree. The tree roper device includes an elongated pole assembly having a first end and a second end. At least one pole bracket is configured to attach to the tree and operably connected to the elongated pole assembly such that the elongated pole assembly is movable relative to the tree. A rest bar is attached to the elongated pole assembly adjacent the second end thereof and a line having a line length with a first, proximal end and a second, distal end is operably attached to a weight. The line is selectively supported on the rest bar such that movement of the elongated pole assembly positions the line and the weight in a predetermined position relative to the tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: William J. Nelson, II
  • Patent number: 8469425
    Abstract: An extension tool is disclosed and comprises a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is slidably received within the first pole. The second pole has a plurality of apertures. A pin is coupled to the first pole and is slidably positioned into a protruded position for engaging into the plurality of apertures of the second pole for terminating displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. The pin is slidably positioned into a retracted position for disengaging with the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. A device, tool or support may be secured to the second end of the second pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Robert G. Lofley, Sr., Robert G. Lofley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8469427
    Abstract: A drop ceiling tile installation tool is provided for facilitating installation of ceiling tiles into a drop ceiling. The tool includes a pole and a connector coupled to a first end of the pole. A plurality of support arms is coupled to and extends outwardly from the connector. The support arms include a pair of upper support arms and a pair of lower support arms. A pair of hooks is coupled to and extends from distal ends the lower support arms relative to the connector whereby the hooks are configured for receiving and supporting an edge of a ceiling tile. A pair of tile support panels is coupled to distal ends of the upper support arms relative to the connector whereby the tile support panels are configured for supporting a bottom surface of a ceiling tile when the edge of the ceiling tile is received by the pair of hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: David Mejia
  • Patent number: 8469423
    Abstract: A multi-section telescoping pole for manipulating a tool. Sections of the pole have apertures. A pinch safety locking assembly includes a button configured for movement by a digit on a user's hand to a first position by a first resilient member when received in aligned first and second apertures to restrain the second section from moving relative to the first section and to a second position against a resistance provided by the first resilient member and against an elastic stop to permit relative longitudinal movement between the first and second sections. The pinch safety locking assembly is additionally configured to facilitate assembly by movement of the button by use of an excessive force to a third position against a combined resistance of the first resilient member and the elastic stop to permit relative movement between the pinch safety locking assembly and the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hastings Fiber Glass Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Crowley, Jr., Gary L. James, Mark A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8469426
    Abstract: An extension tool is disclosed and comprises a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is slidably received within the first pole. The second pole has a plurality of apertures. A pin lever is pivotably mounted relative to the first pole. A pin slidably engages within the pin lever. The pin lever is released for inserting the pin into the plurality of apertures of the second pole for terminating displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. The pin lever is depressed for removing the pin from the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. A device, tool or support may be secured to the second ends of the second pole. In one embodiment, a claw is secured to the second end of the second pole for engaging either a knuckle coupler or a wheel brake of a railroad car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: Robert G. Lofley, Sr., Robert G. Lofley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8434802
    Abstract: An extension tool is disclosed and comprises a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is slidably received within the first pole. The second pole has a plurality of apertures. A pin lever is pivotably mounted relative to the first pole. A pin slidably engages within the pin lever. The pin lever is released for inserting the pin into the plurality of apertures of the second pole for terminating displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. The pin lever is depressed for removing the pin from the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. A device, tool or support may be secured to the second ends of the second pole. In one embodiment, a claw is secured to the second end of the second pole for engaging either a knuckle coupler or a wheel brake of a railroad car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Robert G. Lofley, Sr., Robert G. Lofley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8382179
    Abstract: An extendable device engages and operates a handle mounted on an electrical switching apparatus. The extendable device includes a first linear portion and a second linear portion, each of the first and second linear portions having a first end and a second end, a handle adaptor extending away from the second end of one of the first and second linear portions and a retainer mechanism structured to engage the first linear portion and the second linear portion such that the extendable device can be adjusted to a particular length and maintained at the particular length. The handle adaptor is structured to engage the handle such that the handle can be moved from a first position to a different second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan K. Hamilton, Robert Allan Morris, Edgar Yee
  • Patent number: 8328257
    Abstract: A system for retrieving a rope, line, or cable for use in, for example, mooring marine vessels of various sizes and configuration, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention being particularly suitable for mooring sport fishing vessels or the like, wherein there is provided a hand held retrieval device having a shaft with a boat hook affixed to one end and a grasping area at the other, the boat hook having a unique configuration wherein the arm or free end of the hook has situated thereabout a compressible layer of material having a high friction coefficient, and the opposing shank section of the hook has emanating therefrom first and second, parallel edges forming a channel therebetween, the edges and free end spaced and positioned to form a highly effective line retrieval hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: NXS Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Lee A La Coste
  • Patent number: 8313392
    Abstract: A customizable sports implement system includes a sports implement having an elongate primary shaft and an elongate grip shaft, and a customizing mechanism including length setting and weight components having a plurality of different assembly combinations, each of which may be installed within a cavity formed in one of the primary shaft and the grip shaft to set a playing length and playing weight of the sports implement. The sports implement system is adjustable among a plurality of different customized configurations by swapping different assembly combinations of the length setting and weight components into the cavity. A method of customizing a sports implement system includes adjusting the sports implement system among different customized configurations by swapping combinations of the length setting and weight components for one another within the cavity, and adjusting a length setting state of the length setting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mark White
  • Publication number: 20120261932
    Abstract: An article of manufacture, a fishing lure retrieving device is disclosed. Versions of the invention utilize a body with a cavity and handle, a sleeve movably connected to the body, a cutter and closing line. Optional telescoping handle(s), magnet(s), closing fastener(s), sleeve end cap(s) and/or body end cap(s) may also be used with versions of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Chad Taras Leuckel
  • Patent number: 8210584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to tools employed by truck operators, and, more particularly, to such tools used to release a fifth wheel pin of a tractor/trailer assembly. Specifically, the tool is a collapsible, telescopic pin puller. The tool has a grip end having a hammer and chisel, and a pin pull end having a hook and a protruded portion. The grip end and the pin pull end are connected by a telescopic elongate central portion which retracts into a handle which can be used as the handle of the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Nathan Hiltz
  • Publication number: 20120146354
    Abstract: An extension tool is disclosed and comprises a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is slidably received within the first pole. The second pole has a plurality of apertures. A pin lever is pivotably mounted relative to the first pole. A pin slidably engages within the pin lever. The pin lever is released for inserting the pin into the plurality of apertures of the second pole for terminating displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. The pin lever is depressed for removing the pin from the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. A device, tool or support may be secured to the second ends of the second pole. In one embodiment, a claw is secured to the second end of the second pole for engaging either a knuckle coupler or a wheel brake of a railroad car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Robert G. Lofley, SR., Robert G. Lofley, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120126560
    Abstract: An extension pole system for receiving a plurality of tools is provided. The system includes an extension pole having a first end and a second end, and a mounting bracket coupled to the first end of the extension pole. A clamping member is releasably couplable to the mounting bracket to secure a tool between at least the clamping member and the mounting bracket. A trigger actuator is rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket and is operable to actuate the trigger of the tool secured between the clamping member and the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and the clamping member are adjustable for receiving a plurality of different tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: John Ockleston
  • Patent number: 8162363
    Abstract: A tool with quick pop-up tool head includes a body. The body has a handle, a telescopic portion telescopically mounted in the handle, and an operational portion mounted on the telescopic portion such that the operational portion is able to telescopically move relative to the handle. The operational portion has a shoulder disposed on an interior thereof. The telescopic portion has a tool head set mounted therein. The tool head set is selectively engaged with the shoulder and is extendable from the telescopic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Scott Wang
  • Patent number: 8118340
    Abstract: A tool for threading a rope through a distant eye or around an object out of reach, such as for elevating tarps into trees, or placing fall protection lines, or securing a distant object. The tool has two curved arms that extend out from the body in unison and converge at a point where the end of the rope is passed from one arm to the other. The arms are then retracted back into the body, pulling the rope through the eye or around the object. The arms are extended by pulling one control line and retracted by pulling a second control line. The tool is typically mounted on the end of a pole, although other mountings are possible. The shape of the tool enables ropes to be threaded through a large number of eye configurations and around objects of varying sizes, even if there are obstructions adjacent the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Leon Keith Jantzen
  • Publication number: 20120019017
    Abstract: The present invention directed to an apparatus for holding at least one plant, and preferably multiple pots having plants, typically 5 to 8 inches in diameter, which may need to be transported such as at a nursery, or loaded onto a semitrailer for transport. The apparatus allows a user to easily pick up and hold the pots with little strain on the hands and wrists, and without needing to bend over to pick them up off the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: ISM INDUSTRIES LLC
    Inventor: Eugene E. Leptien
  • Patent number: 8075031
    Abstract: An air conditioner filter removing system for air filters located in elevated return-air vents, such as return-air vent mounted in a ceiling or upper wall. The device consists of a filter-grabbing mechanism that can be mounted to an extension pole. The filter-grabbing mechanism has teeth protruding from it to grab an air filter and a holding plate where the filter is balanced once engaged by the teeth. In its preferred embodiment, the system has one or more magnets for holding the return-air vent door closed so the filter-grabbing mechanism can easily pull the vent open. Further, the preferred embodiment also has kicker plates that help removal of the teeth out of the grill louvers they are inserted into, on the vent door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Robert D. Walker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8052187
    Abstract: An installation tool may include an extension member, a body portion disposed on the extension member, and a plurality of fingers flexibly protruding from the body portion. The plurality of fingers are adapted to releasably engage a cover assembly. The plurality of fingers and the body portion cooperate to retain the cover assembly in a first direction and allow disengagement of the cover assembly in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Viking Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn G. Orr, Michael J. Oldham
  • Publication number: 20110221219
    Abstract: A pneumatic golf disc retriever is provided for retrieval of a Frisbee golf disc. The retriever is extendable to a length of 2-meters for determining a present infraction in violation of the disc-golf 2 meter rule. The retriever includes a telescoping extendable shaft which rapidly extends for retrieving a golf disc and similarly retracts for storing and carrying along a golf course. The pneumatic retriever further includes a pneumatic actuator disposed on a proximal end, a suction cup disposed on a distal end, and a stretchable tubing connecting therebetween. The suction cup can further be attached by a hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: WHIRLED SPORTS
    Inventor: John Heaton