Patents Examined by Erin Smith
  • Patent number: 7883067
    Abstract: A ceiling mounting system configured to provide height and viewing angle adjustment for a flat panel display mounted thereon. An adapter plate attaches to at least one rear surface of a flat panel display. A tube, at a first end, is pivotally attached to the adapter plate, while the tube, at a second end is attached to a ceiling decoupler. The ceiling decoupler has integrated therein, a return to zero mechanism configured to withstand impact to the ceiling mounting system and/or flat panel display, and return to a default position once the impact is released. Various related media components can also be secured to the adapter plate, while the tube, in conjunction with the adapter plate allows for cable and cord routing and management. A back cover slidably engages the adapter plate to hide the rear of the flat panel display and any related media components, cables, and cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Peerless Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Duane Walters, Matthew William Stifal
  • Patent number: 7883070
    Abstract: A device installed at the base of a vertical post used to stabilize the post in an upright vertical plumb condition and prevent the post from leaning. The device is comprised of a flat base (1) manufactured in two halves so that when placed together has a geometric shape opening (3) of the same size of the post the device is to be installed around. The device base contains multiple secondary penetrations (2) of the cross-sectional shape of the anchoring stakes (9) to be used. The device is installed at the post base (8) by placing the two halves around the post and joining together at along a common line (5). The two halves are affixed together using a mending plate (7) and screws (6) or other type methods not shown. The anchoring stakes (9) are then inserted through the secondary penetrations (2) to affix the device to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Schroeder, David Arthur Heyden
  • Patent number: 7883066
    Abstract: A corner bracket system for hanging objects at the junction of two walls, such as in the corner of a room, and a method for using the same. The system comprises a wall bracket, a mounting bracket, and a slide pin. The wall bracket and mounting bracket each have a plurality of complementary, transverse support members that are readily engageable and are securable using the slide pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: K & B Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Wiese
  • Patent number: 7878474
    Abstract: A stand for propping up an instrument is provided, the stand having an open and a close position. The stand includes a body having a support end for resting on a surface and a coupling end for attaching to the instrument casing. The stand further includes at least one coupling arm at the coupling end, the coupling arm having contours about multiple axis. The contours undergo elastic deformation when the stand is coupled with the instrument casing, such that the elastic deformation causes the stand to match contours of the instrument casing when the stand is in the close position with respect to the instrument casing. The elastic deformation further supplies a force that assists the stand in movement of the stand between the open position and the close position. The contours also allow the stand to non-destructibly detach from the instrument casing during a hyper-extended open stand operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Richer, Brian Aikins
  • Patent number: 7874536
    Abstract: An angle ceiling bracket, hanger or support which is specially designed for use with sloped ceilings of the type found in attics or the second or third stories of residences or related building structures. The design is such that it has virtually universal application for any type or angle of sloped ceiling so that a new bracket need not be designed for various ceiling work sites. The hanger design is contemplated for use with closet clothes hanger rods and has many other possible uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: David O. Groover
  • Patent number: 7871048
    Abstract: A television mounting system includes a wall plate, at least one monitor arm mountable on the wall plate, and a locking element permanently connected with the wall plate and being movable between an unlocked position for enabling dismounting of the at least one monitor arm from the wall plate and a locked position for preventing dismounting of the at least one monitor arm from the wall plate. The locking element may be pivotally attached to the wall plate for pivoting between the unlocked and locked positions. The at least one monitor arm cannot be removed from the wall plate when the locking element is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bell'O International Corp.
    Inventors: Steven J. Sculler, Michael P. Zambelli, Jimmy An, In-Young Jang
  • Patent number: 7871051
    Abstract: A document holder is provided for a vehicle such as a cart, and especially a shopping cart having a back panel. The document holder includes a writing portion and a bracket portion. A securing member is provided at the writing portion to secure a piece of paper such as a grocery list or coupons. Preferably, the bracket portion has a forward bracket member spaced from a rearward bracket member to define a channel for receiving an upper portion of the back panel to support the holder. The securing member may be configured to hold a writing instrument. An advertisement holder may be positioned on the holder to hold and protect advertisements, store announcements, pictures, or the like while also providing a writing surface thereon. In a preferred embodiment, a document holder includes a flexible, resilient frame or bumper, and/or a two-piece bracket portion for attachment to a shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: ABS Studio LLC
    Inventors: Amy Youngblood Schuermann, Brian Stier Schuermann, Anthony Honerkamp, Geoff Ficke, Nancy Ficke, Richard D. Harrington
  • Patent number: 7866611
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a cable to a surface is presented. The bracket restricts lateral and longitudinal movement of a cable while enabling rotational movement. The bracket may be mounted to a first surface so that the cable may be inserted into a second surface. The bracket generally includes a mounting portion, first and second flanges, and an arm. To reduce longitudinal movement of the cable, the cable is inserted through the first flange and fixedly coupled to a ferrule, which is coupled between the second flange and the notch of the arm. To restrict lateral movement of the cable, a first flange includes a tab that when in a raised position, enables the cable to be inserted through the first flange. After which, the tab is lowered to reduce the size of the aperture. The bracket may also include a cap that is fixedly removable from the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Metropolitan Air Technology
    Inventors: John E. Hollender, James J. Schmidt, II, Keith D. Alsberg
  • Patent number: 7866622
    Abstract: An in-wall mount for supporting an electronic display from a wall. The in-wall mount includes a wall interface structure, a display interface structure, and an extensible arm assembly. The display interface structure is selectively outwardly shiftable relative to the wall interface structure between a first position wherein the display interface structure is proximate the wall interface structure and a second position wherein the display interface structure is spaced apart from the wall interface structure, the display interface structure rising vertically relative to the wall interface structure as the display interface structure is shifted from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Milestone AV Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jay Dittmer
  • Patent number: 7866621
    Abstract: A system for mounting a flat panel television or display to a surface such as a wall. A base plate is configured to operatively connect to a surface, while an adapter plate is configured to operatively connect to a display device. A plurality of connecting arms are used to operatively connect the base plate to the adapter plate. Each of the plurality of connecting arms includes a base plate engagement portion slidably engageable with slots in the base plate and an adapter plate engagement portion operatively connected to the adapter plate. Movement of the base plate engagement portions within the base plate's slots results in a translational movement of the adapter plate relative to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Peerless Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Walters
  • Patent number: 7861998
    Abstract: An adjustable supporting device for a display panel includes: a coupling seat connected pivotally to a supporting seat mounted on a supporting surface; a mounting frame coupled to the display panel and connected pivotally to the coupling seat; a torsion spring having a first end engaging the mounting frame, and a second end opposite to the first end and engaging movably the coupling seat, and operable to provide a torsional force for supporting an assembly of the mounting frame and the display panel at a desired orientation relative to the coupling seat; and an adjusting member disposed movably in the coupling seat, abutting against the second end of the torsion spring, and operable so as to adjust the torsional force provided by the torsion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 7861991
    Abstract: An attachment apparatus for securing a portable multimedia device to an infant stroller or perambulator that is fully adjustable. The apparatus is connected to the stroller's side support arms by frame clamp mechanisms. An adjustable support arm structure, comprised of a telescopic second arm assembly pivotally attached thereto a telescopic first arm assembly, is attached to the frame clamp mechanisms. A tray assembly removably affixed to a latitudinal adjustment plate is releasably attached to an upper portion of said adjustable support arm structure supports and secures the portable multimedia device. A tilting mechanism at the releasable attachment point adjusts the viewing angle, and latitudinal adjustment is accomplished by manually adjusting the tray assembly in an axial direction with respect to the latitudinal adjustment plate via an adjustment knob and guide. When not in use, the entire apparatus can be detached and stowed to the tray assembly via stowing clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michelle Sylvertooth-Jackson
  • Patent number: 7857272
    Abstract: This invention provides a holder for an imaging probe that attaches to a flexible arm, which accommodates a variety of sizes and shapes of probes, is lightweight and allows for easy attachment and detachment of probes. The probe holder includes a pair of confronting clamp plates that include clamping jaws for holding a probe or other item at their distal end. The distal ends of the plates can include elastomeric pads that conform to the shape of the probe being gripped. The proximal end of each plate includes a hemispherical well that engages a ball on a base member to define a highly flexible ball joint. This ball joint allows for easy fine adjustment of probe alignment, rotation and tilting, while frictionally maintaining the set position. A variety of alternate alignment and movement-limiting components can be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Wellan Medical Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine M. Hickey, Aaron M. Gjerde, James H. Bleck, Leslie Scenna
  • Patent number: 7850136
    Abstract: Mounting brackets for mounting microphones, lights, video, audio and photographic tools and accessories utilized in the audio/video industry to a variety of support structures or fixtures. This invention provides quick and effective attachment of numerous audio/video devices and other paraphernalia onto a wide variety of fixtures. Convenient clamping and mounting mechanisms are disclosed, as well as a kit of such mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Quicklip LLC
    Inventor: Clive Russell
  • Patent number: 7845605
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting various audio devices to a flat panel display employing mounting holes disposed on a rearward face of the panel of the flat panel display that are otherwise normally employed to couple a support of the flat panel display to the panel of the flat panel display, wherein a hub supporting rods that in turn support the audio devices is coupled to the rearward face of the panel with the aid of those holes, and wherein the hub and rods together convey electrical signals between at least one of the audio devices and at least one cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Douglass Burge
  • Patent number: 7834851
    Abstract: A new computer mouse is disclosed to prevent strain injuries to the hand and wrist and prevent or alleviate the symptoms associated with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) for those who are repetitive users of computer mouse devices. The mouse is designed to leave the carpal tunnel of a user of the mouse substantially open, thus precluding tunnel narrowing and the symptoms resulting therefrom. The mouse is also designed to maximize comfort of the user, alleviate wrist bend associated with use of the mouse, and is adaptable to different size hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Senduzy Corp.
    Inventors: Wlodzimierz Fidali, Robert T. Logan
  • Patent number: 7832702
    Abstract: An article hanging system includes both a hanging tool and an attachment such as a pole. The hanging tool can be used individually or as part of the system and has a handle, a hanging arm, and an article hanger. The handle, adjacent its handle attaching end, is configured for removably attaching with a pole adjacent its pole attaching end. The hanging arm attaches the handle and the article hanger attaches the hanger arm. The handle also has a wall end for remaining stationary at a wall position, and the pole has a floor end for remaining stationary at a floor position on a floor in order that a hanging article may be displayed at a wall hanging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: William Shuford Yates
  • Patent number: 7827757
    Abstract: A bracket system for assembling playground equipment includes a plurality of deck support brackets, at least two vertical frame brackets, at least two horizontal frame brackets, a swing bracket, and at least two ladder brackets. The deck support brackets secure horizontal deck support beams to vertical frame beams at first points along the vertical frame beams. The vertical frame brackets attach to at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at second points above the first points. The at least two horizontal frame brackets fix at least one horizontal frame beam to the at least two adjacent vertical frame beams at the second points; the horizontal frame brackets and the vertical frame brackets interconnect. The swing bracket fastens a swing support beam to the at least one horizontal frame beam at a third point along the at least one horizontal frame beam. The at least two ladder brackets connect a ladder to one of the horizontal deck support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Playcore Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Gadd, Giovanni Piccione
  • Patent number: 7823851
    Abstract: A planar member for forming a hook device includes two side hinge lines and an intermediate hinge line formed in the planar member for forming two side segments and two intermediate segments, and a cut line formed in each of the intermediate segments for separating each intermediate segment into a support portion and a suspension portion, the suspension portions of the intermediate segments are foldable relative to each other and inclined relative to each other and foldable relative to the side segments for forming a three-dimensional suspension hook, the planar member is foldable to a reel for storing and transportation purposes and is quickly folded into the hook device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Meng Feng Huang
    Inventor: Guanjen Chen
  • Patent number: 7819367
    Abstract: A boom stand is constructed from a base, extensible stand, pivotal boom support, and boom. The base has arcuately segmented massive anchors that form a perimeter. The arcuately segmented massive anchors are shaped and sized to fit within the perimeter of like bases, to decrease minimum distances between stands during storage or close use, while still providing stability. Over-center clamps provided on the extensible stand are extruded to include unitary cord guides, and are engaged with tube ends to prevent rotation or accidental removal. The pivotal boom support incorporates a disc and elastomeric pads to provide superior locking and vibration reduction, and utilizes in alternative embodiments perimeter and central over-center clamps which further enhance the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Roberts, John S. Titus, James F. Jenné