Vertically Adjustable Patents (Class 211/117)
  • Patent number: 11878931
    Abstract: A window manufacturing system includes a first wire, a second wire spaced apart from the first wire, a controller moving the first wire up and down and the second wire up and down, and a load carrier connected to the first wire and the second wire. Window substrates are disposed on the load carrier. The controller moves the first wire and the second wire in opposite directions to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyo-Seop Kim, Hyoungsuk Roh, Yong-Kyun Sim, Min-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 11751685
    Abstract: A storage system is described, having a rectangular platform adapted to be raised and lowered. The platform includes a top surface configured to support one or more items to be stored, a bottom surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The system also includes a first bracket, with an upper portion attached to the first side of the platform and a lower portion extending below the bottom surface. The lower portion of this first bracket is shaped in such a way as to provide a first surface on which a portion of an additional item rests. The system also includes a second bracket, likewise with an upper portion attached to the second side of the platform and a lower portion extending below the bottom surface. The lower portion of the second bracket is also shaped in such a way as to provide a second surface on which a portion of the additional item rests. In this way, the first and second brackets cooperate to support the additional item below the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Douglas Mecham, Scott Skousen
  • Patent number: 11484117
    Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a pully system, a moveable platform, X-bars, a lowering and lifting means and attachment elements. The platform includes at least one support tray and side and end platform supports. The pully system includes at least one pully, a lowering and raising mechanism and at least one rope or cable, where the rope or cable is attached to at least one pully support. The lowering and lifting means turns the lowering and raising mechanism such that the rope or cable moves over pullies in the pully system to raise and lower the platform of the storage apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: CEILING STORAGE AND MORE INC.
    Inventors: Dwayne Dunseath, Dylan M. Dunseath, Gary Romig, Jim Yacksyzn
  • Patent number: 10897992
    Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a support beam defining a beam axis and adapted to be coupled to a surface. The support beam has first and second beam ends a plurality of mounting positions between the beam ends. The storage apparatus further includes a support structure abutting and being supported by the support beam, an alignment device attached to the support beam, and a cable having a first cable end adapted to be attached to the surface and a second cable end removably attached to the support beam at a selected mounting position. The cable is coupled to the alignment device to align the second cable end with the support beam and the selected mounting position, and is movable along the alignment device to move the second cable end from the selected mounting position to another mounting position for adjusting the support structure relative to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: NewAge Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Vandenham, Mitch Harder, Margaret Shatara
  • Patent number: 10830389
    Abstract: A storage system for items such as surfboards, kayaks, paddleboards, skies, and other similar items is comprised of one or more storage devices that are secured to a ceiling joist, and which have a vertical portion that extends toward the floor. The storage devices have arm portions that extend from near the bottom of the devices on which one would place the item to be stored. The arm portions are at an angle from the vertical portion sufficient to hold the item to be stored in place, but sufficiently shallow to minimize the space needed to accommodate the item. In most useful embodiments, two storage devices are used together and the item to be stored spans the two devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Spire LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Gordon
  • Patent number: 10252895
    Abstract: A solar array lifting assembly and method. The device and method use a support pole, a pole bracket for supporting a solar array made up of a frame and solar panels, a pole bracket securing mechanism for securing the pole bracket at a predetermined height, and a lifting assembly for lifting the pole bracket and solar array along the support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Travis Jordan
  • Patent number: 10093453
    Abstract: An improved hanging baskets array that tilts down on one side to expose contents offers a method for clustering the baskets to maximize storage capacity within a given amount of space, while improving utility. Including a plurality of vertically mounted baskets pivotally set in a support framework made with a treble of flexible material. The plurality of clustered baskets attached to the flexible material by a number of preferred connectors can be lowered simultaneously by activation of a common cord lock and pulley mechanism joined by a chord to a support chain attached at the front of the baskets. One embodiment of the array uses a graduated series of circular baskets. A second embodiment of the array has a series of oval baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Lee Taylor
  • Patent number: 10053125
    Abstract: A cart transportation assembly includes a frame including at least one upright and a top rail supported by the upright(s). The top rail includes a main body portion, an actuation rod, and at least one cart latch coupled to the actuation rod. The actuation rod is movable relative to the main body portion to transition the cart latch(es) between release and restrain positions. A platform provides structural support for the frame and includes a deck for supporting at least one cart. The cart latch(es), when in the release position, is/are adapted to allow movement of the at least one cart on the deck of the platform. The cart latch(es), when in the restrain position, is/are adapted to restrain movement of the at least one cart on the deck of the platform by pulling the at least one cart towards and against or in close proximity to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Clinton Reges, David Hickman, Daniel Magoto
  • Patent number: 9790065
    Abstract: A solar array lifting assembly and method. The device and method use a support pole, a pole bracket for supporting a solar array made up of a frame and solar panels, a pole bracket securing mechanism for securing the pole bracket at a predetermined height, and a lifting assembly for lifting the pole bracket and solar array along the support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Travis Jordan
  • Patent number: 9737140
    Abstract: A household object storage system for storing objects in an elevated position within a building. The household object storage system includes a platform and a lift system. The platform has a surface upon which at least one household object may be placed. The lift system includes at least one platform attachment, at least one building attachment, a winch and a rope. The at least one platform attachment is attachable to the platform. The at least one building attachment is attachable to the building. The winch is attachable to the building. The rope operably engages the platform attachment, the building attachment and the winch so that the winch may be used to move the platform between a lower configuration and an elevated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Michael A. Bondi
  • Patent number: 9572427
    Abstract: A motorized home storage system can be mounted to any type of ceiling for storing items off the ground. The motorized home storage system is designed to make use of unused ceiling space, allowing homeowners to store their items overhead and out of the way and create additional storage in homes. The system is designed for large and heavy items that can be easily stored due to the two tube motors. Tube motors can allow a storage platform to be lowered for easy access, loading, and unloading. Additionally, tube motors can allow the storage platform to be raised to the ceiling in order to be completely out of the way and off the ground. The system can include legs attached to the platform which can unsnap to turn the platform into a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: LFK ENGINEERING LLC
    Inventor: Lutz Friedrich Klooth
  • Patent number: 9420881
    Abstract: A retractable shelving system is described. In one example, the retractable shelving system includes a lower shelf, a floating frame, vertical guide frames, a top frame, a motor, a sensor frame and electronic operation including remote control and sensors. In another example a cabinet is included for housing the shelving system in the attic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Wayne Hyward Reid, Quinn Thomas Reid
  • Patent number: 9185971
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to shelving systems and methods that are adaptable to a number of applications, including building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems, shelving units for holding children's games and toys, closet organizers with hangers and shelves, storage systems in a garage or workshop, storage shelves over a garage door, and as a shelving unit for audio and visual equipment. The shelving unit includes a means for attachment to an overhead member, such as a steel beam, wood rafter, wood joist, wood beam, or ceiling, a generally J or L shaped bar, the ability to raise or lower the J or L shaped bar to provide for storage at different heights, an extension member removably coupled to the J or L bar, and wherein the extension member has a length that provides for storage space of different widths. In another aspect, an inverted shelving stand is provided. In still a further aspect, a U shaped swiveling hanging unit is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Quick-Sling, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 8985350
    Abstract: A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports via recesses on the segments. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Parallax Group International, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Thrush, John Grimm
  • Patent number: 8960624
    Abstract: A medical device mounting system is disclosed for connecting a medical device suite to ceiling support structure. The system includes a plurality of portions connected to form a box beam structure that has high strength and high rigidity to withstand substantial bending loads associated with heavy medical device suites. The system includes a structure connection portion for engaging ceiling structure, a central mounting panel portion, and a base plate portion for engaging the medical device suite at or above the ceiling panel level. The mounting panel portion includes multiple mounting panels formed into a box beam shape. The base plate portion forms an egg-crate structure. The structure connection portion includes a plurality of tubular members that connect to longitudinal members of the mounting panel portion, and a plurality of plate portions that facilitate fixation of the assembly to ceiling structure. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond E. Szkola, Joseph W. Jun, Eric Anthony Mihal, Rick Paul, Michael Robert Baker, Terry Lee Strunk, Robert W. Reel
  • Patent number: 8893899
    Abstract: A bicycle storage system for prominently displaying the features of a bicycle, the system including two or more ceiling-mounted swag hooks, disposed to detachably hold a load transfer bar, the load transfer bar being capable of holding two or more cable loops, which can be attached or detached, and which can descend vertically and hold a cradle in multiple locations. One or more of the cable loops can include a turnbuckle or other length-adjustor, so that the relative lengths of the cables can be adjusted, so that a rake of a bicycle part can be adjusted with respect to level. Adjusting the rake of the bicycle part can have the effect of allowing the bicycle front wheel to use gravity to maintain it aligned with the rest of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Frederick Hund
  • Patent number: 8851306
    Abstract: A concealable storage rack for mounting to an underside of the shelf includes a mounting bracket, a swing mechanism and a plate member. The storage rack hangidly supports containers having a readily extending flange. The mounting bracket is mounted to the underside of the shelf. The plate member includes a generally planar top surface having a plurality of apertures formed therein to hangidly support the containers. The plate member is pivotably attached to the mounting bracket by the swing mechanism for movement between a storage position in which the plate member is positioned adjacent to the mounting bracket and a use position in which the plate member is spaced apart from the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Coffee Keepers LLC
    Inventors: Steven Michael Joseph Spurr, Elizabeth Mary Spurr
  • Patent number: 8814108
    Abstract: A product display system includes a hanger support member and one or more product hangers. The hanger support member includes a web having opposite first and second sides. A plurality of receiving apertures extend through the web from the first side to the second side. Each product hanger includes body having an outboard side opposite an inboard side, a product support member extending from the outboard side of the body, and one or more brackets extending from the inboard side for mounting in the receiving apertures. The brackets and the receiving apertures are arranged such that one product hanger may be secured to the first side of the web and a second product hanger may be secured to the second side of the web, wherein the second product hanger is aligned directly opposite the first product hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: David Bernstein
  • Publication number: 20140151315
    Abstract: An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. Overhead rack system is designed to make use of a garage's previously unused ceiling space, allowing home owners to store their items overhead and out of the way. The system is ideally configured for storing large or heavy items that otherwise can quickly fill a garage's available floor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Todd Mansor
  • Publication number: 20140138334
    Abstract: An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. Overhead rack system is designed to make use of a garage's previously unused ceiling space, allowing home owners to store their items overhead and out of the way. The system is ideally configured for storing large or heavy items that otherwise can quickly fill a garage's available floor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Todd Mansor
  • Patent number: 8672146
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable combination neckwear and jewelry storage device comprised of a head rail assembly, a jewelry rail assembly, and a plurality of neckwear rods operatively connected together such that jewelry rail assembly and the plurality of neckwear rods vertically adjust with respect to the head rail assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas L. Cole
  • Patent number: 8657130
    Abstract: A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports via recesses on the segments. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Parallax Group International, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Thrush, John Grimm
  • Patent number: 8651294
    Abstract: An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. The overhead rack system includes a first and second adjustable mounting track and a support surface having a number of side rails connected together by a plurality of rail connectors. The first and second adjustable mounting tracks are adjustable relative to the ceiling mount such that the space between the ceiling and the support surface as well as the overall length of the side rails may be adjusted by the user according to the intended space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Todd Mansor, Jeff Moffat
  • Patent number: 8567738
    Abstract: An IV hanger providing a portable adjustable hanging attachment for conventional intravenous equipment comprises an attachment method, a pulley system, and a hanging bracket. The attachment method comprises a plurality of attachment means for attaching the apparatus to an elevated structure. The attachment method is integrally connected to a pulley system which allows a user to selectively adjust the height of the hanging bracket relative to the frame. The hanging bracket provides a plurality of attachment hooks for support of IV equipment. The apparatus is particularly adapted for veterinary field calls where ground-based support system are prone to damage or disturbance by animal patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: James Adair
  • Publication number: 20130264300
    Abstract: An overhead organizer is disclosed that is used to store items. The overhead organizer according to the invention takes advantage of little-used space near a ceiling to store items. The overhead organizer includes a ceiling mounted unit that is configured to be coupled to a ceiling, a storage unit that holds items to be stored, and one or more than one retractable extender which retractably couples the storage unit to the ceiling mounted unit. The one or more than one retractable extender is retracted and extended with a retractor mechanism. The retractor mechanism can be a double spool constant torque spring. The retractor mechanism extends or retracts the one or more than one retractable extender to adjust the distance between the storage unit and the ceiling. In some embodiments the retractor mechanism is controlled using a wireless remote control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: James M. Shaffer, Yuselys Corzo, Charles Lord
  • Patent number: 8511486
    Abstract: An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. Overhead rack system is designed to make use of a garage's previously unused ceiling space, allowing home owners to store their items overhead and out of the way. The system is ideally configured for storing large or heavy items that otherwise can quickly fill a garage's available floor space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Todd Mansor
  • Patent number: 8468745
    Abstract: A lifting and storage mechanism for storing a component in a garage using the energy of a powered garage door opening and closing system is disclosed. The lifting and storage mechanism includes a pulley system for raising and lowering the stored components and a latching mechanism having a spring latch for securing the components in a stored condition. In order to lower the stored components from a storage position, an operator initiates manual release of the spring latch or activation of an electromechanical release combined with activation of the motor of the powered garage door opening and closing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Blane A. Krause
  • Patent number: 8371458
    Abstract: A ceiling rack includes a pair of transverse beams parallel to each other, at least one mesh unit and at least four supporting units. Each transverse beam has a side wall and a U-shaped hook body, and an assembly groove having an opening on a top surface thereof is formed therebetween. The mesh unit has a U-shaped end body at two opposite end portions thereof, which is assembled in the assembly groove and engaged with the U-shaped hook body. The supporting units are assembled between the side walls of the two opposite end portions of the transverse beam and the ceiling. With the U-shaped end body, the U-shaped hook body and the assembly groove, the mesh unit can be assembled in the assembly groove and engaged with the U-shaped hook body without any locking element, thereby providing the convenience of assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Clair Home Products Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Yu
  • Publication number: 20120181240
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to shelving systems and methods that are adaptable to a number of applications, including building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) systems, shelving units for holding children's games and toys, closet organizers with hangers and shelves, storage systems in a garage or workshop, storage shelves over a garage door, and as a shelving unit for audio and visual equipment. The shelving unit includes a means for attachment to an overhead member, such as a steel beam, wood rafter, wood joist, wood beam, or ceiling, a generally J or L shaped bar, the ability to raise or lower the J or L shaped bar to provide for storage at different heights, an extension member removably coupled to the J or L bar, and wherein the extension member has a length that provides for storage space of different widths. In another aspect, an inverted shelving stand is provided. In still a further aspect, a U shaped swiveling hanging unit is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: QUICK-SLING, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Crowley
  • Patent number: 8210370
    Abstract: The present articulating overhead storage device is used to support and store articles such as athletic equipment, sporting goods, clothing, tools upon or in a modular article holder releaseably connected to a spine articularly fixed to an overhead surface. The spine can be move between a generally horizontal and a generally vertical position. In another embodiment, the spine is detachable from the overhead surface and releasably attached to a floor stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Lance Botkin
  • Patent number: 8163103
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided in which heights of basket(s) of a rack assembly may be easily changed. The dishwasher may include a frame configured to be inserted into and withdraw from a washing tub and plurality of basket positioning device configured to receive and support basket(s) at different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gap Su Shin, Nung Seo Park, Yong Jin Choi, Young Hwan Park, Jae Won Chang
  • Patent number: 8162159
    Abstract: The modular garage storage system includes a geared retraction system that allows a storage platform of the modular garage storage system to be lowered for easy access to loading and loading the storage platform, and that allows the storage platform to be raised up to be completely out of the way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8066131
    Abstract: An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. The overhead rack system includes a first and second adjustable mounting track and a support surface having a number of side rails connected together by a plurality of rail connectors. The first and second adjustable mounting tracks are adjustable relative to the ceiling mount such that the space between the ceiling and the support surface as well as the overall length of the side rails may be adjusted by the user according to the intended space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Todd Mansor, Jeff Moffat
  • Publication number: 20110198307
    Abstract: An overhead rack system is provided that may be mounted to the ceiling of a structure such as a garage for storing items in an organized manner off the floor. The overhead rack system includes a first and second adjustable mounting track and a support surface having a number of side rails connected together by a plurality of rail connectors. The first and second adjustable mounting tracks are adjustable relative to the ceiling mount such that the space between the ceiling and the support surface as well as the overall length of the side rails may be adjusted by the user according to the intended space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Todd Mansor, Jeff Moffat
  • Patent number: 7959019
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a suspended cable support system is provided. The suspended cable support system includes a plurality of suspension rods; and at least one cable tray. Each cable tray includes a pair of stringer elements, wherein each stringer element is configured for connection to at least one suspension rod; and a channel section depending from the pair of stringer elements. The channel section defines a passageway for supporting runs of cable thereon. The channel section includes a plurality of riser portions connected to the pair of stringer elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Patent number: 7810793
    Abstract: A pulley actuator implements a motor to drive a screw and a guide rod to relatively expand or retract while utilizing one flexible rope and two pulleys to drive three telescoped tubes to relatively expand or retract move correspondingly. The pulley actuator has a simplified structure as compared with the known devices and is easy to fabricate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventors: Hsin-An Chiang, Jin-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20100224581
    Abstract: The framework for drying clothes is disclosed. The clothes drying frame comprises a main pulley frame, a secondary pulley frame, a suspension cable and a clothes-drying pole, the main pulley frame and the secondary pulley frame being mounted to the bottom surface of the floor, and the main pulley frame including a rolling roller pivotally mounted within a housing, the housing mounted at the lower lateral side of the rolling roller being provided with a press roller without an axle, and the suspension cable positioned between the rolling roller and the pressing roller and two suspension members are positioned at the lower end of the suspension cable, and the clothes-drying pole being placed between the two suspension members. The space of the spaced-apart-ring prevents the suspension cable from entangling with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: WEN-CHANG HSIEN
  • Patent number: 7780049
    Abstract: An easy to use notebook computer support system which will fit virtually any notebook or laptop computer. It has comfortable shoulder pads and allows access to all ports (front, back and side). In particular, it allows access data ports, power ports as well as disk drives. Significantly, the system according to the invention comprises only straps and little strap hardware so that it can fold up and fit into any type of laptop carrying case. Unlike other supports, the present invention does not block the ventilation fan(s) on the bottom of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: James Baranoski
  • Patent number: 7770869
    Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Publication number: 20100018937
    Abstract: A basket tote includes a basket and a hanging portion vertically slidably attached to the basket. The hanging portion has a grip portion and extending portions extending from the grip portion, and is stretchable with respect to the basket. The basket includes a handle portion for storing and supporting the hanging portion. The handle portion has two holes on a top portion thereof so that the extending portions slide in the holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: IRIS USA, INC.
    Inventors: Mamoru Goto, Masatsugu Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 7641062
    Abstract: A wire gripper having a gripping mechanism capable of gripping two wires at a desirable position thereof for suspending a heavy article without a rotation of the article around an axis of each wire is provided. The wire gripper (1) has an inner sleeve (10) and an outer sleeve (40). The inner sleeve (10) is formed with two wire-insertion bores (11) and two pairs of ball-set bores (21), each bore open at both the wire-insertion bores and an outer surface of the inner sleeve. And, the inner sleeve (10) has a tapered outer surface formed at a portion where the ball-set bores are formed. A spring 60 biases the inner sleeve (10) so that the tapered outer surface of the inner sleeve (10) contacts the tapered inner surface (41a) of the outer sleeve (40). Large-diameter balls (31) and small-diameter balls (31) are received in the ball-set bores (21) and protrude partially into the wire-insertion bores (11) so as to press the wire with three balls in the four balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: A.G.K. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20090250418
    Abstract: A retail system includes a rack assembly and a cover. The rack assembly has a stand that is adapted to rest on a substantially horizontal surface, where the stand is formed of a plurality of tubular members. The rack assembly also has a mounting frame that is substantially rectangular in shape and supported in a substantially vertical position by the stand. The cover includes a base portion that is formed by a combination of a first shell and a second shell that is complementary to the first shell, the base portion defining a hollow, substantially box-like structure that is supported in a substantially vertically position by the rack assembly and covers at least a portion of the mounting frame. The cover also includes a stack portion defining a hollow, substantially box-like structure that is adapted to slide over the mounting frame and mount atop the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David H. Cheney, James S. LaRue
  • Patent number: 7597203
    Abstract: A storage system generally comprising of one or more storage containers which form an array of storage containers for storing items and which include at least four edges. “Containers” within the context of this application is meant to encompass any four-edged container including boxes, bins, and/or totes. Each storage system is generally comprised of at least one storage unit which consists of at least one rail-type unit having a first and second end which attaches to a ceiling or wall, creating a hanging apparatus. Each rail-type unit consists of one or more parallel support rails; one or more inner adjacently parallel reinforcement rods that allow said rail-type unit to be attached to a ceiling or wall and one or more outer parallel reinforcement rods that provide stability and rigidity to said rail-type unit. Each parallel support rails are coupled to the inner and outer parallel reinforcement rods by a plurality of inverted u-shaped like brackets which provide stability and rigidity to the rail-type unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Victor Jasniy
  • Patent number: 7588232
    Abstract: A synchronous actuator comprises a telescopic cylinder assembly having at least three pivotally connected cylinders, a drive assembly and a driven assembly. The drive assembly is connected to two adjacent cylinders. The driven assembly is connected to three adjacent cylinders. With the drive assembly and the driven assembly, the cylinders of the telescopic cylinder assembly can be extended or retracted synchronously in axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Wei, Jin-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20090184077
    Abstract: A versatile styling station includes a product retainer, a pair of straps coupled to the product retainer and an attachment mechanism associated with the product retainer and the straps. The attachment mechanism connects the styling station to a corresponding base, comprising a chair back, an armrest or a door. The straps slidingly adjust to level the product retainer after connection of the styling station to the base. The corresponding attachment mechanism may comprise an adjustable hook or a pair of looped extensions formed from the straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Curet, Randa Squillacote
  • Patent number: 7520288
    Abstract: An industrial washing machine for manufactured parts includes a cabinet with a support mounted in it to hold parts to be washed at any desired height to facilitate loading and unloading, and to permit the machine to hold parts of different sizes and shapes to increase its utility. A manifold in the cabinet sprays hot washing liquid on the parts, and includes a centrally located port so washing liquid can be sprayed longitudinally along the axis of rotation, and radially outwardly from the center of the cabinet. The load of parts being washed is supported by the manifold. A door with an adjustable latch seals the washer during the washing operation. A filtration system removes contaminants from the washing liquid, which is recycled for additional cleaning of parts. A pressure relief valve and a vent permit gas to flow from the cabinet when the pressure in the cabinet is at one value, and impedes flow of gas from the cabinet when the pressure is at a lower value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Laurence M. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7494110
    Abstract: An arrangement for raising and lowering relative light weight objects from a ground position to a high storage position. A bracket is secured to the high storage position and supports a vertical rotatable shaft, with a pair of horizontal reels and an automatic lock position. A rod is detachably attached to the shaft and extends horizontally downwardly to the ground position. Rotation of the shaft around its central axis causes rotation of the reels. The reels are affixed to two lines which extend generally horizontally from the reels, with the free ends of the lines extending over spaced pulleys and extending downwardly for attachment to the ground level. Rotation of the shaft allows raising and lowering of the object. A spring loaded mechanism associated with the shaft causes automatic locking of the reels in any position, and locks the reels upon raising to the high storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Harken, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Lob, Paul G. Vanden Heuvel
  • Patent number: 7480448
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of suspended materials as a backdrop for photography or stage productions. The suspended materials may be stored on a spool device. Such spool devices may include tubes or spindles constructed of metal, of cardboard, of plastic or other lightweight and inexpensive materials. The spool device may also include means for attaching the tube or spindle to a lifting device. Such attachment means may include a pair of interconnectable coupling devices, one fixed to the spool and the second attached to the lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Gary D. Clegg
  • Publication number: 20080264884
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel device for organizing objects containing at least one aperture there through and an accompanying efficient method for storing the objects using the device. In one of its embodiments, this invention comprises an elongated strand comprising a first end and a second end, a support member integral with or attached to the first end, and a retention member integral with or attached to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Randolph E. Felder
  • Publication number: 20080245755
    Abstract: The modular garage storage system includes a geared retraction system that allows a storage platform of the modular garage storage system to be lowered for easy access to loading and loading the storage platform, and that allows the storage platform to be raised up to be completely out of the way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter