Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080257889 | CONTAINER ASSEMBLIES WITH BAG ENGAGING MEMBER - A trashcan assembly includes a container having a peripheral wall forming an interior space for receipt of a pliable liner therein. The peripheral wall surrounds and defines an opening in the container. An insert is received within the opening and is secured to the peripheral wall. The insert includes a liner engaging member defining a passageway into the interior space of the container. The liner engaging member includes a plurality of resilient, flexible fingers that are collectively configured to receive and retain a portion of a pliable liner that is extended through the passageway. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257890 | CONTAINER ASSEMBLIES WITH BAG ENGAGING MEMBER - An assembly includes a container having a side opening and an insert located within the side opening. The insert includes a liner retention member that retains a liner that is disposed within the container. The insert also includes a peripheral channel that extends around the insert. A portion of a wall defining the side opening of the container is received within the peripheral channel of the insert such that the insert is secured within the side opening of the container. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257891 | CONTAINER ASSEMBLIES WITH BAG ENGAGING MEMBER - An assembly includes a container having a top rim defining a mouth of the container and an attachment member that is attached to and extends around the rim of the container. The container defines a side opening into an interior of the container from an exterior of the container. The attachment member includes a bag engaging member located in covering relation to the side opening. | 10-23-2008 |
20090038159 | THUMB UTENSIL WITH CUTTING BOARD - An apparatus facilitating a cutting operation includes a knife; and a hand-mountable cutting board utensil. The utensil includes: a cutting board for disposition between the thumb and an index finger of the hand, the cutting board having an exposed cutting surface for orienting toward the index finger and a second surface for orienting toward the thumb; and a retainer having two lateral sides and being configured to receive and releasably retain the thumb along a longitudinal length of the retainer. The cutting board includes portions that extend transversely to a direction defined by the longitudinal length respectively beyond the two lateral sides of the retainer, each portion having exposed, oppositely facing front and back surfaces. | 02-12-2009 |
20090160162 | STROLLER WITH MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS - A stroller for carrying a child in a plurality of configurations includes a frame having a frame base defining a forward-facing direction and a rearward-facing direction and at least two side members attached at opposite sides of the frame base. The stroller further includes a plurality of wheels connected to the frame and a seat arranged generally above a platform attached to the frame and configured for selective rotation, relative to the frame base, about an axis generally perpendicular to the platform. The seat may be selectively rotated between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The seat may further be adapted to be selectively reconfigurable between a seated configuration and a standing configuration. | 06-25-2009 |
20090200902 | PORTABLE WORKSTATION - A portable workstation includes wheels, a tabletop, a generally planar member and a chassis joining the wheels, the tabletop and the planar member. While joined to the wheels and the tabletop by the chassis, the planar member is movable between a protracted position and a retracted position. A majority of the planar member extends above the tabletop in the protracted position, and a majority of the planar member does not extend above the tabletop in the retracted position. | 08-13-2009 |
20100314429 | SENSING RETRACTING LEADING EDGE IN AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER - Dispensing towels includes, using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, (a) the step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and (b) subsequent thereto, the steps of (1) retracting the toweling into the housing the motor assembly; (2) sensing a leading edge of the toweling, using a sensor, while retracting the toweling; and (3) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling using the sensor. The toweling is advanced by the motor assembly such that a line of perforations in the toweling, along which the user tears the toweling, is located downstream of the sensor. | 12-16-2010 |
20110068209 | SENSING RETRACTION OF PERFORATED PAPER TOWELS WITHIN HOUSING AFTER DISPENSING - A towel dispenser includes: a housing for receiving toweling; a motor assembly that causes a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing such that a line of perforations in the toweling along which a user tears the toweling is located downstream of the sensor, and the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended; and a sensor that senses a leading edge of the toweling during retraction of the toweling. The sensor causes the motor assembly to cease retracting the toweling into the housing as a function of the sensing of the leading edge of the toweling. The toweling may be a roll of perforated paper towels. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068210 | LENGTH LEARN SEQUENCE FOR DISPENSING IN AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER - A towel dispenser includes a housing, a sensor, and a motor assembly that causes in response to a hand: a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing a multiple of a predetermined unit length (PUL), optionally plus a further extent that is less than PUL; and then to be retracted. The motor assembly ceases retracting based on sensing the leading edge of the toweling. PUL is set in a length learn sequence by: retracting the toweling until a leading edge of the toweling is sensed; advancing the toweling a preset extended length greater than at least a distance between immediately adjacent lines of perforations in the toweling; retracting the toweling until a leading edge of the toweling is sensed while measuring a length by which the toweling is retracted; and determining the difference between the preset extended length and the measured retracted length. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068211 | DISPENSING PERFORATED PAPER TOWELS FROM TOWELING RECEIVED WITHIN RECESS OF LOADING DOOR - Dispensing towels includes: the step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and subsequent thereto, the step of retracting the toweling into the housing. The housing includes a main body, and a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position, in which the housing is configured to extend toweling there from, and an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein. The loading door serves as a towel carrier and has a curved surface defining a cavity within which a roll of paper towels is received and retained in floating engagement therewith. The roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface when unwinding during said step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068212 | DISPENSER WITH TOWELING RECEIVED WITHIN RECESS OF LOADING DOOR - A towel dispenser includes a housing including a main body; a loading door that is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position, in which the housing is configured to dispense towels there from, and an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein; and a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing while towels are dispensed from the housing. The loading door serves as a towel carrier and has a curved surface defining a cavity configured to receive the roll of paper towels in floating engagement therewith such that the roll of paper towels rolls and slides on the curved surface during unwinding. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068213 | ENGAGING AND DISPLACING DRIVEN ROLLER OF TOWELING DISPENSER BY CLOSING LOADING DOOR - A method of dispensing toweling includes: extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and subsequently retracting the toweling into the housing. The housing includes a main body, a loading door configured to rotate relative to the main body between open and closed positions; and a guide system including a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface. At least one end of the first roller moves such that an axis of rotation of the first roller moves relative to the main body of the housing. Moving the loading door into the closed position after loading toweling within the dispenser results in the first roller being urged into engagement with the second roller when the loading door enters the closed position and the second roller acting on the first roller so as to displace at least one end of the first roller when the loading door enters the closed position. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068214 | MESHING DRIVEN ROLLERS OF TOWEL DISPENSER BY CLOSING LOADING DOOR - A towel dispenser includes a main body; a loading door that rotates relative to the main body between open and closed positions; and a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing while towels are dispensed from the housing. The guide system includes a first roller attached to the main body and having a first toothed surface, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a second toothed surface that is configured to mesh with the first toothed surface. The toothed surfaces of the first roller and the second roller mesh together when the loading door moves into the closed position from the open position and do not preclude the loading door from moving into the closed position from the open position. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068215 | DISPENSING PAPER TOWELS FROM MOUNTED AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER - A method of dispensing towels from toweling with a dispenser includes extending the toweling exterior of a housing of the dispenser for grasping by a user; and subsequent thereto, retracting the toweling into the housing. The housing includes extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extend above a top side of the housing. The method further includes, as a preliminary step, mounting the dispenser to the underside of a fixture, including removing a portion of each extension wall along a score line so as to adjust the distance from the underside of the fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted. The fixture may be a shelf or a cabinet. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068216 | MOUNTED AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER FOR DISPENSING PAPER TOWELS - A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling comprising a roll of paper towels. The housing includes extension walls located proximate opposite exterior sides of the housing that extends above a top side of the housing. Each extension wall includes a weakened line extending parallel to a weakened line of the other extension walls, whereby the extent above the top side at which each extension walls extends may be changed. The extent represents a distance from the underside of a fixture below which the top side of the housing is mounted when the towel dispenser is installed under the fixture. The fixture may be a shelf or cabinet. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068217 | ACCOMMODATING RETRACTION OF EXCESS TOWELING BACK INTO HOUSING OF AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER - A method of dispensing towels from toweling with a dispenser includes: extending the toweling exterior of a housing of the dispenser for grasping by a user; and subsequent thereto, retracting the toweling into the housing. The toweling includes a roll of paper towels and the dispenser is configured to unwind roll of paper towels during extension of toweling from the housing but not rewind the roll of paper towels during subsequent retraction of toweling into the housing. A back side of the housing includes an opening that is configured such that excess toweling gathering within the housing may fall there through as a result of retraction back into the housing of excess toweling dispensed but not taken. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068218 | AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER THAT ACCOMMODATES RETRACTION OF EXCESS TOWELING BACK INTO HOUSING - A towel dispenser includes a housing for receiving toweling. The housing includes: a main body, a loading door, a guide system, and a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from the housing and to cause the toweling to be retracted into the housing after the leading edge has been extended. The loading door is configured to rotate relative to the main body between a closed position, in which the housing is configured to dispense towels there from, and an open position, in which the housing is configured to receive toweling therein. A back side of the housing includes an opening configured to permit excess toweling to fall there through during retraction of the toweling back into the housing by the motor assembly, whereby the towel dispenser accommodates retraction of excess toweling that is extended, but not taken. | 03-24-2011 |
20110068219 | TRANSMISSION ARRANGEMENT IN AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER - A towel dispenser includes a main body; a loading door that rotates relative to the main body between open and closed positions; and a guide system that is configured to guide the toweling within the housing while towels are dispensed from the housing. The guide system includes a first roller attached to the main body and having a toothed surface proximate a first end thereof, and a second roller attached to the loading door and having a toothed surface proximate a first end thereof that is configured to mesh with the toothed surface of the first roller. A transmission connects a motor to a second end of the first roller, the second end of the first roller being opposite the first end of the first roller. | 03-24-2011 |
20120169030 | STROLLER WITH MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS - A stroller for carrying a child in a plurality of configurations includes a frame having a frame base defining a forward-facing direction and a rearward-facing direction and at least two side members attached at opposite sides of the frame base. The stroller further includes a plurality of wheels connected to the frame and a seat arranged generally above a platform attached to the frame and configured for selective rotation, relative to the frame base, about an axis generally perpendicular to the platform. The seat may be selectively rotated between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position. The seat may further be adapted to be selectively reconfigurable between a seated configuration and a standing configuration. | 07-05-2012 |
20120279933 | AUTOLOGOUS SURGICAL BONE COLLECTION AND FILTRATION - Apparatus and methods are disclosed for use during surgical procedures for collecting autologous bone. A preferred bone collection assembly collects bone by compressing blood products away from trapped bone using a press. Such bone collecting assembly is easy and uncomplicated to use, and can be easily integrated into an operation where the need for collection and utilization of autologous bone exists. | 11-08-2012 |
20130053828 | ANTI-CLOG SUCTION TIP APPARATUS AND METHODS - Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. For example, an anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable. | 02-28-2013 |
20130225374 | EXERCISE METHODS AND APPARATUS SIMULATING STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING - An exercise apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongate shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when actually paddleboarding. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225375 | EXERCISE METHODS AND APPARATUS SIMULATING STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING - An exercise apparatus includes a frame; a platform configured to receive a person in a standing position, the platform connected to the frame; a handheld component configured to be held by a person standing on the platform; and an impeller-driven fluid circulation system. Manipulation of the handheld component by a person standing on the platform results in driving of the impeller and circulation of fluid within the fluid circulation system. The platform may rock from side to side, whereby a person standing on the platform must maintain balance while manipulating the handheld component. The handheld component may simulate a paddle and may include an elongate shaft. In this respect, the paddle component is used by a person standing on the platform as if the paddle component were a paddle used in paddleboarding, including manipulating the paddle component through a rowing motion that preferably would be experienced when actually paddleboarding. | 08-29-2013 |
20130284114 | SLOW-PULL DOG LEASH - A leash apparatus includes a housing containing a spool assembly, a spring biased lever arm, and a first tensioning line. The first tensioning line is attached to a first end of the lever arm and wrapped at least once around the spool assembly, and has an opposite end attached to other than the rotatable portion of the spool assembly, such as a fixed location on the leash housing on a mounting of the spool assembly. A surface of the spool assembly slidingly rotates relative to the tensioning line portion that wraps at least once around the spool assembly. A second tensioning line is wound about the spool assembly and extends outside of the housing. The second tensioning line is guided around a wheel attached to a second end of the lever arm located on an opposite side of the lever arm. | 10-31-2013 |
20130306103 | Steam Sponge - The concept is to use a material that is a microwave susceptor as a heat source to provide the energy necessary to instantly turn water into steam. One or more surfaces of susceptor are housed in a steam chamber. When the steam is generated, the pressure built up inside the steam chamber exhausts the steam through an exhaust duct that directs the steam to the cleaning surface. A sponge or other cleaning element is attached to the bottom of the product to allow the user to scrub the cleaning surface. | 11-21-2013 |
20130310233 | TUBULAR EXERCISE DEVICE WITH SELECTIVE FOOT AND ANKLE MOUNTING - An exercise device includes a telescoping body; a handgrip located proximate a first end of the telescoping body; a mounting located proximate a second, opposite end of the telescoping body; and a strap attached to the mounting by which strap the second end of the telescoping body is attachable to a foot or ankle The mounting includes first and second components that are coupled together for rotational movement. The first component is attached to the telescoping body, and the second component is attached to the strap. The first and second components are rotatable between a first configuration, wherein the strap is configured to fasten to a foot, and a second configuration, wherein the step is configured to fasten to an ankle The first and second components may be held together only by a spring so as to permit some play between the first and second components. | 11-21-2013 |
20130319500 | ELECTRICITY-GENERATING FABRIC PANEL UNIT - An electricity-generating fabric panel unit includes a panel of light-collecting fabric and an edge assembly disposed along an edge of the fabric panel and adapted to collect light from the fabric panel and convert it to electricity. | 12-05-2013 |
20130345828 | ARTIFICIAL HAND - An artificial hand includes a palm component having a plurality of finger sockets. A plurality of artificial fingers are received in a snap-fit engagement in the plurality of finger sockets of the palm component. At least one of the plurality of fingers has a locking slide including a plurality of locking teeth and a reverse lock including a locking cam, wherein the locking cam is engaged with the locking teeth to lock the finger in a preferred position. In a feature of the disclosed hand, the artificial finger further comprises a connector attached to the reverse lock, such that a tension applied to the connector through the palm component lifts the locking cam, disengaging the locking cam from the locking teeth of the lock slide. | 12-26-2013 |
20140021287 | AUTOMATIC TOWEL DISPENSER - Dispensing towels includes, using a motor assembly configured to cause a leading edge of the toweling to be extended from a housing of the dispenser and to cause the toweling to be subsequently retracted back into the housing, (a) the step of extending the toweling exterior of the housing for grasping by a user; and (b) subsequent thereto, the steps of (1) retracting the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly; (2) sensing a leading edge of the toweling, using a sensor, while retracting the toweling; and (3) ceasing retracting of the toweling into the housing using the motor assembly as a function of sensing the leading edge of the toweling using the sensor. The toweling is advanced by the motor assembly such that a line of perforations in the toweling, along which the user tears the toweling, is located downstream of the sensor. | 01-23-2014 |
20140232123 | HOSE SUPPORT APPARATUS - A hose support apparatus includes a spine member defining an axis, a handle attached along the spine member and first and second arcuate supports extending downwardly and inwardly from opposite sides of the spine member. The first arcuate support extends from the spine member at a first end thereof and the second arcuate support extends from the spine member at a second end thereof such that the arcuate supports are adapted to support a section of a hose co-axially aligned with the spine member. | 08-21-2014 |