Receptacle Opener Or Closure Remover Patents (Class 7/151)
  • Publication number: 20080307584
    Abstract: A multi-function hand-operated tool that is compact in size and of light weight so as to be carried and used to perform a variety of different jobs by carpenters, painters, do-it-yourselfers, and the like. The tool includes a nail set to transmit a driving force to the head of a nail to cause the nail to be countersunk in a work surface. An open mouth which is sized to receive the cap on a bottle cooperates with a lip that applies a rotational force to remove the cap from the bottle. A nail extractor having a cavity in which to surround and capture the head of a nail transmits a pulling force to the nail head to cause the nail to be removed from a work surface. A channel having a flush-mounted magnet carries a nail to be positioned in upstanding alignment against a work surface so that the nail can be driven therein. A pair of spaced, outwardly projecting teeth are located between a lid and a can to pry the lid off the can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Grant Jones
  • Publication number: 20080289115
    Abstract: The bottle cap key opener is a combination of a common key and a common bottle cap opener and combining them in one convenient multi-purpose tool that can be used to open locks and bottles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Max D. Price
  • Patent number: 7421751
    Abstract: A knife comprises a handle and a blade movably attached to the handle and having a sharpened side and an unsharpened side. The sharpened side has a first sharp portion and a second sharp portion. The blade is operable to move from an engaged position to a disengaged position and to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. When the blade is positioned in the engaged position, the first sharp portion is uncovered by the handle and the second sharp portion is covered by the handle. When the blade is positioned in the disengaged position, the first sharp portion is covered by the handle and the second sharp portion is uncovered by the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: John V. Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20080201862
    Abstract: A single piece clip has two arms that together hold a lighter, and one arm serves as a bottle opener. The inside arm is parallel and spaced apart from the outside arm and both arms join at a common shoulder. The inside arm widens down from the shoulder into a loop bottle opener while the outside arm extends away from the shoulder into a pointed tongue with a loop for a key ring. The outside arm has a pair of flanking flanges spaced apart to receive a disposable lighter. The shoulder and spaced apart arms allows the clip to fit upon a belt with the outside arm outward and the inside arm between the belt and the trousers. The clip has a compact form that fits comfortably upon a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel R. Menard-Flanagan
  • Publication number: 20070277336
    Abstract: A hand tool used for removing wax from a surfboard incorporating associated accessories. The wax removal element of the present invention constitutes a substantially rectangular scraping panel that can be resiliently flexed along the elongated axis of the panel. One of the elongated edges of the panel is extended into a plurality of uniform gouging members that are adapted to penetrate the wax to prepare the wax mounted on the surfboard to be removed. The edge of the panel opposed to the scraping members is beveled to provide an edge that is adapted to remove the wax from the surfboard. Rotatably coupled to the bottom surface of the scraping panel are one or more accessories and hand tools used for maintenance of the surfboard and for the personal employment of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Joey Heaslet
  • Patent number: 7237292
    Abstract: A one-piece wearable bottle opener that slips onto a persons belt, without the aid of special attachments. The preferred location to wear the opener is at either hip. The opener functions easily, using one hand, because of three features. The top section is prevented from moving outward, due to the tightened belt, the opener detail is located below the belt, creating leverage, and the lower plate section prevents the opener from moving inward, as it is pressed against the bony hip area, allowing the opener to function. The space above the opener detail, and between the belt attachment details, is used for advertising of related products, festivals, artwork and such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Terry Endres
  • Publication number: 20070143929
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a combination device that includes a capo for a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar or a banjo, and a beverage bottle and/or can opener integrally coupled to the capo. In various aspects of the embodiment, the container opener is an integral part of either a finger board-engaging portion, a neck-engaging portion or a tensioning member of the capo. In an alternative aspect, the container opener portion of the capo is a container surface-puncturing element, also commonly known as a church key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventor: Steven J. Selin
  • Patent number: 7171831
    Abstract: A tool for turning keys comprising a tool body having an elongate slot adapted to removably receive the head of a key. The tool has an aperture, by means of which a key ring is attached to the tool. The aperture may have a constriction to prevent the key ring sliding along its length, therefore preventing the key becoming accidentally engaged in the slot in someone's pocket. A second slot is provided, crossing the elongate slot and perpendicular to it, to accommodate the part of the key ring nearest to the key. In addition to its use to turn a key, the elongate slot may also be used to engage with the ring pull on a can, and the tool body used to lever the ring pull, opening the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen N. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7114233
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the separation and removal of an engine cover from a sealing surface on an engine. The engine cover puller may reduce or eliminate the deformation of an engine cover during its removal and allows for its potential reuse. In addition, the engine cover puller may reduce or eliminate the damage to the sealing surfaces between the engine cover and the engine that may occur during an engine cover removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry Lynn Wyrick, Billy Wayne Overman, Bruce Moore
  • Patent number: 6966100
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and device for supporting a tool (16, 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E 16F, 16G or 16H) or display item (16J) on the rim (17, 47A or 87) of a container (18, 47, 87A or 88), a support bracket (36), a support rod (45 or 45B, or a flat surface (9). The support (12, 12B, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, or 92) extends from the handle (13, 38, 43, 53, 63, 77, or 83) of the tool or the joining leg (93) of the universal support hanger and has an aperture (16, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G, 14H or 16J) with a sloping line (14, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14G, 14H or 14J). The sloping line creates a variable sized aperture. The internal surface of the variable sized aperture is in contact with the rim of the container, support bracket or upper support rod thereby securing the tool or universal support hanger in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence Julius Sonne
  • Patent number: 6918150
    Abstract: A combined nutcracker and bottle opener, including an element usable for holding and cracking the hard outer shell of a nut and also for holding and twisting a cap from a bottle, and an element for prying a cap from a bottle, which can have an outer shape resembling the lower torso and legs of a human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Paul P. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6874187
    Abstract: An opener and tool for breaking medical containers, such as, for example, ampoules that includes an elongated handle which has a first end and a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge, and an opener which defines an opening extending into the upper edge at the first end and further defining a flexible cantilevered arm. The opener and tool has at least one arcuate pocket for gripping containers of different sizes between sides of the opening, holding the container and breaking a tip of the container to remove a liquid therefrom for further use with powdered components to produce a mix. The opener and tool also includes a spatula disposed at the second end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Stryker Instruments
    Inventors: Christopher M. Tague, Kris D. Eager
  • Patent number: 6865761
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening a container, mixing the contents contained in the container, and cleaning the container by removing its contents using a single tool. In removing the contents, the tool has a sharpened edge with a radial curvature for scraping the sides of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Warner Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David Henke, Steven Thompson
  • Patent number: 6851147
    Abstract: A combination money clip and bottle cap opener is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald C. Abrahall
  • Patent number: 6836920
    Abstract: A pop-top can lip cleaner is compact in size, the cleaning element being generally “Y”-shaped, having a central portion from which an easily gripped handle extends upward and outward relative to the can top and rim, a generally horizontal inner leg portion having a lower side conforming with the top of and peripheral groove of the can, and a generally vertical depending leg portion extending downward along the outer lip of the can, the inner and vertical legs intersecting at the rim of the can. The inventive lip cleaner is provided with a disposable, pre-moistened towelette dispenser for dispensing towelettes of an appropriate size for use with the cleaning element. The handle may take the general form of a wedge, making it useful for opening the pop-top can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy P. Scannell
  • Patent number: 6829800
    Abstract: A bucket grasp tool keeps a bucket from spinning while mixing viscous fluid, such as drywall compound, in the bucket with a mechanical mixer and can also open bucket lids. The bucket grasp for spin resistant mixing is an assembly made up of two parts: a grasp part and a foot pressure part, which may have a surface grip portion. The grasp part is of a semi-circular shape and is made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The foot pressure part is of a smooth curved or straight shape and is made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The grasp part and the foot pressure part are integral, preferably both parts being formed from the same piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip J. Roebuck
  • Patent number: 6823553
    Abstract: A paintbrush and can opener combination includes an elongated handle that has a first end and a second end. The second end includes an elongated forward edge. A plurality of bristles is attached to and extends away from the forward edge. An elongated plate has an attached end and a free end. The attached end is positioned within the handle and attached thereto such that the plate extends outwardly from the first end of the handle. The plate has a bend therein positioned generally between the free end and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred E. Paredes
  • Publication number: 20040168259
    Abstract: A maraca is formed with a handle having a bottle opener therein. A group transverse groove is provided in the handle which has a bottom surface, a first side surface, and second side surface. A metal tool is mounted in the handle to extend along the first side surface, and to extend from the first side surface toward the second side surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040163193
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a paint brush is adapted for opening a paint can. The paint brush comprises a handle having a built-in tip opposite the brush's bristles and substantially thinner in at least one dimension normal to the brush's axis than portions of the handle intended to be gripped by the user. The tip is thin enough to fit in a gap between a lip disposed along an outer circumference of a lid of the paint can and an upper edge of a container of the paint can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Scott R. Stafford
  • Patent number: 6775869
    Abstract: A maraca is formed with a handle having a bottle opener therein. A transverse groove is provided in the handle which has a bottom surface, a first side surface, and second side surface. A metal tool is mounted in the handle to extend along the first side surface, and to extend from the first side surface toward the second side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040083552
    Abstract: A combination money clip and bottle cap opener is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald C. Abrahall
  • Patent number: 6682084
    Abstract: A dolly for transporting material containers including a base having a pair of wheels attached thereto. A handle is removably attached to the base and has a seal and plug removal wrench fixedly attached near one end thereof. A second plug removal wrench is fixedly attached near the opposite end of the handle. A tilting lever is fixedly secured to the handle, whereby a portion of the material container is raised with the tilting lever, and the base is positioned underneath the material container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Vestil Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: D. Tom Webster, R. Andy Link
  • Patent number: 6679138
    Abstract: Bottle cap removal device with an opening therein to receive a bottle cap, including a top and a base which combine to provide an envelope for the bottle cap removal device and including an annular member and a surface opposed to the annular member operative to apply increased gripping forces on the bottle cap upon relative rotation between the annular member and bottle cap, thereby efficiently removing the bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Start, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Battles, Paul Decesare
  • Publication number: 20030208850
    Abstract: A monomer cracker and tool for breaking ampoules that includes an elongated handle which has a first end and a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge, and an opener which defines an opening extending into the upper edge at the first end and further defining a flexible cantilevered arm. The opener has at least one arcuate pocket for gripping containers of different sizes between sides of the opening, holding the container and breaking a tip of the container to remove a liquid therefrom for further use with powdered components to produce a mix. The tool also includes a spatula disposed at the second end of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher M. Tague, Kris D. Eager
  • Patent number: 6640369
    Abstract: A painter's tool having multiple tool elements of a paint brush comb, a paint roller scraper, a scraper blade, and a container cover remover. One end of the tool has a hook for suspending the tool from a horizontal support and to thereby support a paint can suspended from the tool. The tool can be made of one material, and it is preferably rigid throughout its entirety and presents a handle for maneuvering the tool in its multi-functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: William A. Malvasio
  • Patent number: 6598297
    Abstract: A combination food preparation and handling tool comprises a handled main blade body, a turning hook, and a pair of legs protruding from the main blade body. In the preferred embodiment, the turning hook is integrally formed from an extended and pointed tip of the main blade body formed into the desired shape and bent at an angle to the main blade body. One edge of the main blade body is preferably arcuate in shape and sharpened to form a primary cutting edge. The legs can form a bottle de-capper and a secondary cutting edge. The preferred arrangement of the main blade body, the turning hook and the legs forms a likeness of a legged animal, such as an alligator. Further enhancement of the animal appearance may be had through etchings or engravings on the main blade body to represent other features of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Shane Michael Matt
  • Publication number: 20030110572
    Abstract: A multi-purpose opener made of a bent, rigid member. At one end of the opener, a blade is formed for the opening of such things as shellfish and envelopes. The opener is dimensioned to conveniently fit within the palm of the hand of user providing a firm grasp during the opening. At the other end of the opener is a bar spaced apart from the end of the rigid member. The bar, which is used to remove a beverage cap, is dimensioned to fit beneath the edge of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Dupre Percival
  • Publication number: 20030106158
    Abstract: A bucket grasp tool keeps a bucket from spinning while mixing viscous fluid, such as drywall compound, in the bucket with a mechanical mixer and can also open bucket lids. The bucket grasp for spin resistant mixing is an assembly made up of two parts: a grasp part and a foot pressure part, which may have a surface grip portion. The grasp part is of a semi-circular shape and is made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The foot pressure part is of a smooth curved or straight shape and is made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The grasp part and the foot pressure part are integral, preferably both parts being formed from the same piece of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Phillip J. Roebuck
  • Publication number: 20030097717
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening a container, mixing the contents contained in the container, and cleaning the container by removing its contents using a single tool. In removing the contents, the tool has a sharpened edge with a radial curvature for scraping the sides of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Warner Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David Henke, Steven Thompson
  • Patent number: 6544030
    Abstract: A lighter and bottle opener combination for supplying a user of a lighter with a convenient bottle opener. The lighter and bottle opener combination includes a housing having a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends. The housing has a chamber therein. A fuel is located in the chamber. A lighting assembly for igniting the fuel and producing a flame is in communication with the chamber. The lighting assembly is attached to the second end of the housing. The first end of the housing has an arcuate slot therein defining a bottle cap engaging portion of the housing. The slot may be positioned against a bottle and the housing biased against a bottle cap on the bottle such that the bottle cap is removed from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jason A. Evers
  • Publication number: 20020166176
    Abstract: A maraca is formed with a handle having a bottle opener therein. A group transverse groove is provided in the handle which has a bottom surface, a first side surface, and second side surface. A metal tool is mounted in the handle to extend along the first side surface, and to extend from the first side surface toward the second side surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne Cohen
  • Patent number: 6389632
    Abstract: As an article of manufacture a computer mouse cleaning tool is formed by an elongated rod-like body having one converging end portion terminating in a transverse concave radius of a selected dimension. The other end portion of the rod is flattened and bifurcated to form spanner wrench flats for removing the ball retainer and the ball of a computer mouse and cleaning debris off mouse housing components with the radius end portion of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas P. Bergman
  • Patent number: 6360391
    Abstract: A utility belt buckle device for removing caps from bottles. The utility belt buckle device includes a base portion and a cover portion. The cover portion has an aperture therein. The aperture is elongate. A hinge assembly hingedly couples the cover portion to the base portion. A locking assembly releasably locks the cover portion in the closed position. The locking assembly includes a slot, which extends through base portion. A latch is fixedly coupled to the cover portion. The latch is positioned such that the latch may extend through the slot when the cover portion is abutted against the base portion. An actuating means selectively holds and releases the latch from the slot. A coupling means removably couples the base portion to a user. The coupling means comprises a strap having the strap has a first end and a second end and a coupling assembly fixedly mounted on the base portion for removably coupling the first and second ends of the strap to the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Quorosh W. Goodall
  • Patent number: 6360444
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening containers and reducing waste from containers are described. The apparatus includes an opener device and a puncture device. The opener device facilitates the removal of a lid from a container without damaging the lid or the containers. The puncture device is capable of creating one or more holes in the container channel of the container to allow liquid trapped in the container channel to drain back into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: Steven P. Fluhr, David M. Evjen, Don Noren
  • Patent number: 6295897
    Abstract: A hand tool comprising at least three variously-sized sockets for use with nuts and bolts on skateboards is described. The multi-socket hand tool comprises a rod having a first rod end and a second rod end; a first socket head mounted to the first rod end, the first socket head defining a first socket, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axis of the first socket and the longitudinal axis of the rod is between about 95° and about 135°; and second and third socket heads mounted to the second rod end, the second and third socket heads defining second and third sockets, respectively. The hand tool may, optionally, further include means for removing a bottle cap so that the tool can additionally function as a bottle opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Tum Yeto, Inc.
    Inventors: Tod Swank, Matthew J. Barker, Joshua Z. Beagle
  • Patent number: 6289542
    Abstract: An electronic device controlling and bottle opening device, having a handle portion for grasping; a top portion of the handle portion having a keypad; a rear portion behind the top portion and having an aperture; and a bottle opening device fixedly displaced within the aperture. The bottle opening device has a bottle opening top portion for engagement with the rear portion of the device; an optional substantially centrally defined dimpled extension; and a pair of downwardly displaced extension portions depending from the top portion for engagement of the edge of a bottle cap for opening, and for leveraging the bottle cap by grasping the handle portion. The device can be used by leveraging by upward pulling against the bottle cap or by downward pushing against the bottle cap. The downwardly displaced extension portions are preferably substantially curvilinear or linear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: David Dignam
  • Patent number: 6276013
    Abstract: A multi-purpose beverage can top cleaner and tab lifter device comprises a circular sponge insert for cleaning the can top rim and an inclined semicircular wedge for raising a lift-tab to open the drinking port simultaneously in one circular motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventors: Randall Mace Hansen, Tammy Sue Riggins
  • Patent number: 6263761
    Abstract: An opener for several different types of pill bottle caps and closures. In the preferred embodiment, the opener is molded as one piece of strong, flexible plastic material that can be repeatedly bent without failing. The opener has the shape of an arch, with a thin section at the top of this arch that acts as a hinge and return spring for the two legs of the arch, which are thicker in section and act as handles to react the forces applied by the user's band. The inside of each handle has a curved surface with teeth on its inside face to grip the outside of a bottle cap. The inside surface of each handle also has a triangular shaped lug that applies a downward force on the top of a bottle cap, and also applies an upward wedge force to pry a bottle cap free. At the bottom of each handle is a second curved surface, as viewed from below, which also has teeth for gripping the outside of a bottle cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: John C. Ryder
  • Patent number: 6196086
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foil cutter (12) and such a cutter in combination with a corkscrew (2) and/or a crown cap opener (35). The foil cutter (12) comprises an annular casing (16, 17) having a passage (14) extending axially therethrough and adapted to accommodate the neck of a wine bottle, and a pair of cutting members (22) having cutting edges (23) mounted in the casing so that each extends or is movable to extend into the passage in a plane normal to the axis, one or more of the cutting edges (23) or a guide member (50) aligned therewith being movable relative to the casing radially inwardly of the passage so as to ensure that both cutting edges engage a bottle neck located in the passage. Preferably a push member (25) is connected to each movable member and extends to the outside of the casing for pressing the associated movable member inwardly, and biasing means (27) resists such inward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Dual Limited
    Inventor: Leslie Alexander Gort-Barten
  • Patent number: 6185778
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a computer mouse having a cavity for housing a sphere and a plurality of internal components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body having a first end and a second end, the body having a handle portion disposed proximate the first end and a cleaning portion disposed proximate the second end, the cleaning portion having a width dimension which is slightly larger than the diameter of the computer mouse sphere and having a surface which includes a number of resilient, deformable hooks. The cleaning portion is inserted into the cavity of the computer mouse and rotated, thereby causing the number of hooks to remove debris from the internal components of the computer mouse. The apparatus further includes a retaining ring removal device which facilitates the removal of a retaining ring of the computer mouse, the retaining ring removal device being disposed at the first end of the body, and an interior cavity which facilitates the storage of accessories within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Ornstedt
  • Patent number: 6185772
    Abstract: A belt with a fastener wherein one ring of the fastener is adapted for use as a bottle opener. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener comprises a first ring and a second ring, the first ring having a nub and being attached to a front surface of the strip of material, wherein the first ring is adapted to open bottles by grasping a portion of a bottle cap with the ring and applying upward pressure under the bottle cap with the nub. To fasten the belt, the second end of the strip is adapted to be threaded through the second and first rings and re-threaded through the second ring. In a another preferred embodiment, the fastener may further include a third ring such that the second end of the strip is adapted to be threaded through the third, second and first rings and re-threaded through the second and third ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas P. Bates
  • Patent number: 6170894
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a glass pane lifter apparatus includes a hollow handle which includes an access opening, an elbow member that includes a first elbow end that connects to the access opening of the hollow handle, and a suction cup unit that is connected to the elbow member. The suction cup includes a suction release tab. The elbow member is a right-angled elbow. The hollow handle includes a finger reception contoured region. A chisel member is connected to the hollow handle. The chisel member projects from the hollow handle at an end of the hollow handle opposite to the access opening. A container of lubricant retainable inside the hollow handle. In addition, a glass cutter is retainable inside the hollow handle. The glass pane lifter apparatus and the contained glass cutter and/or container of lubricant provide a kit for maintenance of fire extinguishers retained in fire extinguisher enclosures that include glass panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Rhonda Baker, Carl Spelic
  • Patent number: 6142769
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool including an elongated body portion. A plurality of tools are coupled with respect to the elongated body portion. The plurality of tools includes a serrated blade, a cork screw, a retractable pen, a refillable lighter, a bottle opener, and a flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Trevor Lee Walker
  • Patent number: 6105200
    Abstract: A can cleaning device having a main body and front edge, and a wall depending from the main body along the front edge for use with a disposable moist towelette to clean and sanitize a top surface and a tight circumferential groove on the top of a pop top beverage can. The can cleaning device is guided into place on top of the moist towelette, forcing a portion of the moist towelette into the tight groove on the top of the can, rotating the can cleaning device relative to the can effects cleaning and sanitizing or disinfecting of the top surface and groove on the can. The can cleaning device may be attached to a counter top, vending machine, vending cart, store counter, cooler, refrigeration unit, serving cart or similar place for storing or dispensing pop top beverage cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Byron W. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6098497
    Abstract: A bottle opening device worn on the user's hand or wrist. The bottle opener includes a round member having interior ridges and grooves for mating with a twist-off bottle cap, a slidable hook for removing a pry-off bottle cap, and a magnet for retaining the bottle cap. The bottle opener may include a watch, a sound emitter such as an alarm, and a light, possibly to assist with reading the watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Chantale Larose
  • Patent number: 6041460
    Abstract: A tool for opening typical commercially available five gallon plastic buckets having a placement handle and placement end, cutting handle, cutting end, and a razor blade where the placement end is aligned with the bucket lid and the razor blade cuts through the plastic of the lid when pressure is applied to the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Cholewinski
  • Patent number: 6014785
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-purpose tool which comprises a paint brush having a bristle portion, a ferrule removable from the bristle portion, and a handle removable from the ferrule. When a cap at the free end of the handle is pivoted open, a pry blade is provided for removing a paint can lid. When the handle is removed from the ferrule, a reversible screwdriver inserted within a bore in the handle is provided for turning screws. When the ferrule is removed from the bristle portion, a scraper blade attached to the ferrule is provided for scraping a surface in preparation for painting. A belt mounted holster in also provided for permitting the user to carry the tool on his person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventors: David W. Punch, Shirley Ann Punch
  • Patent number: 5996169
    Abstract: A can cleaning device for cleaning the top surface and groove of pop top cans. The can cleaning device comprises a main body having a front edge and a perpendicular wall depending from the main body along the front edge wherein the perpendicular wall and front edge have a curvature substantially equal to the radial curvature of the circumferential groove on the top of a beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Byron W. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5950504
    Abstract: A pipettor attachable microcentrifuge tube opener adapted to fit on a common pipettor, allowing the user to open a microcentrifuge tube without the need to open the tube solely by hand or through use of an additional instrument. Alternatively, the features of the microcentrifuge tube opener may be integrated into an originally manufactured pipettor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: James A. Italia
  • Patent number: 5933892
    Abstract: A multipurpose bottle cap launcher (14) comprising a body member (16). An assembly (18) in the body member (16) is for shooting a bottle cap (20) therefrom for recreational target practice. A structure (22) in the body member (16) is for removing a bottle cap (20) from a bottle (24), which can be held and manipulated by a hand (26) of a person (28). A facility (30) in the body member (16) is for holding at least one key (32) thereon, to prevent loss of the at least one key (32), so that it can be used by the person (28) to unlock locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Steve Tramontano