Patents Examined by Karen J. Chotkowski
  • Patent number: 5547155
    Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable seat post adaptor assembly used in conjunction with bicycles and like cycles for supporting seats. The adjustable seat post adaptor assembly has an independent adjustment where a rider can adjust the seat in a horizontal direction. The adjustable seat post adaptor assembly also has an easily accessible adjustment for allowing the seat to be independently tilted in a vertical direction. The assembly has a calibration scale for assisting the rider to tell the previously set tilting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Answer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Herting
  • Patent number: 5547158
    Abstract: A seating level adjusting device includes an elevating mechanism attached on a frame of the vehicle seat for raising or lowering the seating level, and a handle assembly separatably connected with the elevating mechanism for manipulating the elevating mechanism. The handle assembly carries an actuating mechanism for actuating the elevating mechanism, a locking mechanism for locking the actuating mechanism, and a releasing mechanism for releasing the lock state of the actuating mechanism. When repairing one of the actuating, locking, and releasing mechanisms, the handle assembly is separated from the elevating mechanism. The repair can be easily accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyo Seat, Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Uchimoto, Hiroshi Monmasu, Toshihiko Tomita, Junsuke Inoue
  • Patent number: 5542497
    Abstract: A ladder level adjusting attachment for a ladder of the type having a pair of generally parallel side rails, a plurality of hollow rungs interconnecting the side rails and a pair of shoes, each located on a bottom end of each side rail. The attachment comprising at least one but typically two independent, identical and height adjustable support assemblies. A structure is for installing the support assembly against the side rail of the ladder. Support assembly can be height adjusted independently to allow the ladder to stand in a level and stationary position, with respect to all uneven floor and ground base conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Witold S. Macyszyn
  • Patent number: 5542552
    Abstract: A display and dispensing rack having a pair of front-to-back slidingly interfitted trays with product pusher which travels front-to-back over both trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: P.O.P. Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Yablans, Anthony Chan
  • Patent number: 5542635
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly and file container assembly include a pair of mounting brackets and a file container which can be easily mounted to a vertical surface such a wall or a file shuttle or cart. The mounting brackets include supporting posts for supporting a file container and through holes for mounting the brackets to a vertical surface. Alternatively, the mounting brackets can be attached to a file shuttle using elongated slots along an edge of the bracket. The slots and posts are located on the brackets to provide a uniform footprint when surface mounting or access to the slots when file shuttle mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Leeco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Smith, Kenneth M. Smith, Scott D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5542640
    Abstract: A device for providing support for drawing media is provided. The device has a first support member, a second support member and one panel having a drawing face. The panel is supported by the first support member and the second support member. The panel has a drawing face oriented upwardly at an angle to the horizontal. The device can include a supply tray for storing drawing supplies. The device can also include a second panel having a drawing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Binney & Smith, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Tarozzi
  • Patent number: 5538216
    Abstract: A support device of a laying vehicle such as a track laying vehicle includes a vehicle pan providing a support surface, the support surface having a central plane, a support shield for engaging the ground, a first guide element hingedly connected between the support shield and the vehicle pan, a first bearing connecting the first guide element to the support shield, a second guide element hingedly connected between the support shield and the vehicle pan, a second bearing connecting the second guide element to the support shield, a first piston-and-cylinder unit connected between the support shield and the vehicle pan, a first piston-and-cylinder unit bearing connecting the first piston-and-cylinder unit to the support shield, a second piston-and-cylinder unit connected between the support shield and the vehicle pan, a second piston-and-cylinder unit bearing connecting the second piston-and-cylinder unit to the support shield, the first bearing, the second bearing, the first piston-and-cylinder unit bearing an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Man Gutehoffnungshutte
    Inventor: Walter Kinzel
  • Patent number: 5538206
    Abstract: The sink support is a simple structural device for mounting under counter tops used in bathrooms, kitchens and other facilities to support a sink. The sink support consists of a cross member with a mounting bracket at each end. The brackets are designed to rest on the top edge of the vertical element supporting the counter top. This is typically the cabinet structure under the counter top. With two brackets so mounted, the sink may rest on the sink supports on the sink edges when the sink is placed relative to the cutout formed in the typical counter top. Adjustment screws are provided in the cross member to provide for aligning the sink with the counter top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Steven B. Sather
  • Patent number: 5538215
    Abstract: A siderail socket or clamp for mounting a support rod of a surgical accessory on the siderail of a medical table comprises a frame defining first and second channels for receiving the siderail and the support rod, respectively; a first actuator for actuating the support rod along a path of travel transverse to an extension of the second channel and a second actuator extending into the first channel. The second actuator is moveable transversely to the path of travel in response to actuation of the support rod along the path of travel for actuating the siderail transversely to an extension of the first channel. The movement of the second actuator transversely to the path of travel of the support rod in the second channel permits the siderail socket to grip the siderail across two perpendicular dimensions, thereby reducing the "play" of the socket relative to the siderail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventor: David P. Hosey
  • Patent number: 5535976
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a card holder. The holder is useable, for example, to sit on a table in a restaurant and display the menu, drink lists, advertising, and the like. The holder has a stand which detachably receives a clip holding cards. The holder has a tamper resistant appearance but the clip is easily removable from the stand to replace or change the cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Albert H. Gruneisen, III
  • Patent number: 5535975
    Abstract: A cushion which can be removably attached to rigid, planar supports is disclosed according to the preferred teachings of the present invention including a flexible insulator removably received within a flexible bag-like covering. The insulator in its preferred form includes first and second reflective layers sandwiching sealed, multiple air cell material. The cushion has a size and shape complementary to the top surface of the support and can be removably held thereon by fasteners which in the preferred form are VELCRO.RTM. fasteners secured to the bottom surface of the covering and the top surface of the support such as by double-sided adhesive tape whereby the cushion is located intermediate the support and the user kneeling, laying or otherwise supported thereon. Flexible abrasive strips are further secured to the bottom surface of the covering and intermediate the fasteners to prevent slipping of the cushion upon the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Walter B. Scott
  • Patent number: 5533697
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mouse pad with a hole formed through the mouse pad to selectively retain a beverage container proximate the mouse pad. An insert may be inserted into the hole to function as a coaster for the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignees: Mark A. Krull, James R. Fletcher
    Inventors: James R. Fletcher, Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 5533631
    Abstract: A composite printed circuit card guide and holding device including a rigid, U-shaped support member which slidably receives a printed circuit card engaging means is provided with slots adjacent the ends thereof for receiving the respective ends of the engaging means in order to inhibit relative movement between the support member and the engaging means. The interengagement of the ends of the engaging means and the support means also provides an obstruction-free entry into the card guide and holding device for enabling the smooth sliding entry of a printed circuit card into the subject device. In addition, the opposite end walls of the U-shaped support member are tapered to afford easy access to mounting holes provided in the base of the support member for facilitating mounting of the composite device to a cage or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Unitrack Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Marchetti
  • Patent number: 5533701
    Abstract: A bracket for stabilizing a cylindrical compressed air tank suitable for scuba diving against a bulkhead of a boat, the bracket having an operating position where the bracket arms are extended perpendicular to the boat bulkhead for firmly holding a cylindrical tank in place while it rests on its base and pivotal arms that move downwardly flush with the bulkhead and parallel to in an out-of-the-way position when the bracket is not in use. The bracket is comprised of two identical components which can be interlocked together adjustably longitudinally in length to accommodate compressed air tanks of different diameters. Each bracket component has two separate pieces that have an interlocking hinge, both pieces of which can be molded so that the entire bracket can be fabricated at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Robert D. Trank
  • Patent number: 5529269
    Abstract: A cable harness laying device for fastening on a laying shelf to position a cable harness. The cable harness laying device comprises at least two columns fastened to the laying shelf and extending from the laying shelf, a bridge spaced from the laying shelf and extending between the columns, a generally elongated holding finger disposed on each of the columns and extending away from the laying shelf beyond the bridge, the holding fingers each being movable relative to their respective column in the direction of their elongation, a generally U-shaped channel defined by the holding fingers and the bridge, wherein the channel houses the cable harness, and a spring connection for each of the holding fingers biasing the holding fingers away from the bridge to a use position, the holding fingers being movable relative to their respective column away from the use against the bias of the spring connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Paul Hellermann GmbH
    Inventor: Viktor Kurmis
  • Patent number: 5529270
    Abstract: A folding collapsible stand mounting device including a frame tube and a stand tube pivotably connected together by two symmetrical connecting plates, and a sliding lock moved along the frame tube for locking the stand tube in the operative position, wherein the sliding lock has a transverse locating rod and an end cap which are respectively engaged with the connecting plates and the frame tube to hold down the stand tube when the stand tube is turned to the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Lausan C. H. Liu
  • Patent number: 5529192
    Abstract: A display fixture system for holding and displaying merchandise for sale comprises:a) a first substantially flat display panel having a front face, two side edges, a top end and a bottom end;b) a pair of side walls integral with the first panel side edges and extending from the top end to the bottom end of the first display panel and each of the side walls extending perpendicularly and rearwardly of the first display panel from a respective side edge;c) a pair of strengthening strips provided in the first panel and which are proximate respective side walls, each of the strengthening strips projecting outwardly of the panel front face and being integral therewith. The strengthening strips each extending from the top to the bottom end of the display panel;d) devices for removably attaching to the first display panel front face a merchandise shelf hook or the like for holding and displaying the merchandise; ande) a device for holding the display panel system in an substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventors: Ella B. Conen, Tzvi J. Broner
  • Patent number: 5526898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to leg extension assembly comprising an outer sleeve member having a box leg member disposed therein, a telescopically collapsible inner leg member slidably mounted within said sleeve member, means for connecting said box leg member to said inner leg member, said means including a spring element which biases the inner leg member away from the box leg, and locking means for locking said inner leg at a selected extended length. The leg extension assembly may be incorporated into a leg element, or in the alternative, may be attached or otherwise affixed to an existing leg, such as an existing leg of, for example, a ladder, scaffold, sawhorse, table or chair by any means well known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Allen Clark
  • Patent number: 5527008
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a cupholder comprising a drawer slidably mounted within a housing for movement between a stored position and a use position. The drawer has a semicircular recess in combination with an arm to form a cup retaining area. The arm is biased away from the drawer. In the stored position, the drawer is retained within the housing and the arm abuts the interior of the housing. In the use position, the arm is biased away from the drawer to its outermost position to form the largest size cup retaining area. The arm can be pivoted inward toward the drawer and locked in discrete positions by a ratchet to form cup retaining areas of decreasing size to accommodate different size containers. Once the arm is pivoted beyond the smallest size cup retaining area, the arm is automatically biased outwardly to its outermost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Lescoa, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Schutter, Kelly A. Lancaster, Gregory M. Ejsmont
  • Patent number: 5527007
    Abstract: A CDU hanger mount assembly and hanger is provided. The mount assembly and hanger allows the CDU to be supported by an object for supporting the CDU while the connecting point between the hanger mount and the pivot end of the hanger may be selectively moved from a point midway between the front and back of the CDU top toward the back of the CDU. This allows the CDU to be less displaced from the vertical upon displacing contact with an object such as a bedframe piece. The hanger and hanger mount assembly allows the alignment of the indicia on the CDU with the top surface of the material collected in the CDU to be a more accurate representation of the actual volume of material collected in the CDU. The mount assembly and hanger may also be used with medical devices other than CDUs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventor: Eugene E. Weilbacher