US5775488A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermometer holder and adjustment tool
Assignee: Lifetime Brands Inc
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Filing: 1996-09-11
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Granted: 1998-07-07
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Expires: 2016-09-11
Abstract
Abstract A pocket tube device (10) provides a support for retaining and protecting a probe-type thermometer (30) and a device for adjustment or calibration thereof. The device includes a central bore (14) adapted to closely receive and protect a tube or probe (52) of the thermometer, and abuts at one end the transverse indicator case (32) of the thermometer. The device preferably includes an external shirt-pocket clip (20) at one end and a cross-bore (26) at the other end adapted to receive the probe of the thermometer when the latter is placed therein for adjustment purposes. Wrench flats (60) extend adjacent the cross-bore and form an external socket on the device for receivable engagement with an adjustment member (58) on the underside of the indicator case. The pocket tube device serves to provide a leveraged adjustment between relatively rotatable portions of the thermometer case and thus between a pointer indicator (84) and indicia on a dial plate (48). Grippers are provided in the central bore and cross-bore for releasably retaining the thermometer probe in each of the bores when positioned therein.
Inventors
- 👤 Earl D. Vaught
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 00:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01K; G01K1/00; G01K1/08; G01K15/00; G01K5/00; G01K5/48; G01K5/56; G01K5/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A device for adjusting a probe-type thermometer which has a probe portion, an adjustment member and a dial portion which is movable relative to the probe portion and the adjustment member in order to adjust the thermometer said device comprising: a cylindrical member having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface being defined by a generally longitudinal bore in said cylindrical member, said bore being sized for accepting the probe portion of the thermometer, whereby the thermometer may be stored within said cylindrical member, said cylindrical member also having a transverse opening therein, said transverse opening also being sized for accepting the probe portion of the thermometer, and adjustment member receiving means, adjacent said transverse opening, for receiving the adjustment member of the thermometer and for preventing rotational movement of the adjustment member relative to said cylindrical member whereby a user can easily adjust the thermometer by rotating the dial portion of the thermometer relative to said cylindrical member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
162 words
A device for adjusting a probe-type thermometer which has a probe portion, an adjustment member and a dial portion which is movable relative to the probe portion and the adjustment member in order to adjust the thermometer said device comprising: a cylindrical member having an exterior surface and an interior surface, said interior surface being defined by a generally longitudinal bore in said cylindrical member, said bore being sized for accepting the probe portion of the thermometer, whereby the thermometer may be stored within said cylindrical member, said cylindrical member also having a transverse opening therein, said transverse opening also being sized for accepting the probe portion of the thermometer, and adjustment member receiving means, adjacent said transverse opening, for receiving the adjustment member of the thermometer and for preventing rotational movement of the adjustment member relative to said cylindrical member whereby a user can easily adjust the thermometer by rotating the dial portion of the thermometer relative to said cylindrical member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said transverse opening includes a cross-bore adjacent one end of said cylindrical member and said adjustment member receiving means includes at least two walls adjacent said cross-bore.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said walls are disposed generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said cylindrical member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said walls include two pairs of walls axially spaced on the periphery of said cylindrical member, each of said pair of walls being arranged to form a substantially vee-shaped configuration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising first gripping means for releasably gripping the probe portion of the thermometer when the probe portion of the thermometer is positioned in said transverse opening of said cylindrical member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device as set forth in claim 5 wherein said first gripping means comprises offset surfaces of said cylindrical member forming said transverse opening, spaced to provide a slidable interference fit for the probe portion of the thermometer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device as set forth in claim 5 further comprising second gripping means for releasably gripping the probe portion of the thermometer when the probe portion of the thermometer is positioned in the generally longitudinal bore of said cylindrical member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
A device as set forth in claim 7 wherein said second gripping means comprises axially-extended, radially inwardly directed projections supported on said interior surface of said cylindrical member, said projections adapted to resiliently engage the probe portion of the thermometer and provide an interference fit therewith.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device as set forth in claim 7 further comprising a pocket clip disposed on said exterior surface of said cylindrical member, whereby said clip is enabled to releasably hold said cylindrical member in a shirt pocket of a user.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-07-06 | 2002-01-05 | 2002-07-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-07-06 | 2006-01-05 | 2006-07-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-07-06 | 2010-01-05 | 2010-07-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |