Abstract: Devices and related methods for, among other things, maintaining the warp/weft threads of a backing layer of material (e.g., fabric) in a fixed orientation while being sewed are described and provided.

Abstract: A cookware rack configured for supporting a cookware set has a lower support section, an intermediate support section, and an upper support section spaced apart from each other by a plurality of posts. Each of the intermediate support section and the upper support section has a pair of longitudinal sides connected to a pair of lateral sides. Each longitudinal side of the intermediate support section and the upper support section has a recessed portion that is offset from end portions connected to opposing ends of the recessed portion. The lower support section has a pair of longitudinal sides connected to a pair of lateral sides and at least one intermediate side connected to the pair of longitudinal sides.

Abstract: Illumination assembly for providing a Christmas tree impression, comprising at least two bands which in a set up condition of the illumination assembly, seen in side view of the illumination assembly, bound a triangular area. At least one string of lights extends zigzag in the associated triangular area and is connected via light string fastening elements with the bands. With the aid of band fastening elements and top fastening means, the bands are positioned and kept in a tensed condition relative to a fixed external object, such as a pole, a wall, a door and/or a tree. The illumination assembly is arranged to be brought from a packaged condition to the set up condition and vice versa.

Abstract: A multi level rack apparatus for holding elongated items upright for storage includes a rack frame having an “X” shaped profile defined by four arms which extend out from a center portion. A structural exterior is formed from a top support level, an side wall, and a base support level, and extends across each of the arms. Disposed inside the rack frame is a lower support level which is parallel to and positioned between the top support level and base support level and a vertical support post which helps maintain the relative position of the support levels from the center portion. A plurality of sets of holding sections are disposed in each of the support levels, with each set aligned between the support levels such that an elongated item can be held upright in place by one set of holding sections.

Abstract: A foldable caddy is usable to store containers, for example condiment bottles, in an inverted orientation. In this manner, speed of dispensing is improved and waste is reduced. The caddy is foldable via a scissoring movement to open for use and to close for storage or transport.

Abstract: A portable clothesline assembly is provided for facilitating hanging of clothes at a selectable location. The assembly includes a first stand, a second stand, and a scissor arm having a first end coupled to the first stand and a second end coupled to the second stand. A first boom arm coupled to the first stand and a second boom arm coupled to the second stand. A line is coupled to and extends between the first boom arm and the second boom arm.

Abstract: A rack for holding articles includes a plurality of sets of vertical battens, a plurality of sets of horizontal battens that are clamped together with the plurality of sets of vertical battens, a long connecting screw piece that extends through each set of horizontal and vertical battens, and a supplementary connecting screw that connects the front horizontal batten and the front vertical batten. The screw piece defines a pivot axis for folding the battens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bracket for a collapsible frame. The bracket has a frame holding recess configured to receive and/or releasably secure a portion of a frame of a structure therein and an arm holding recess configured to receive and/or releasably secure a portion of an arm of a structure therein. The body has an axis around which an arm fixed to the bracket can turn, with respect to a frame held by the bracket, between an open position and closed position. The body has a tab or formation configured in the arm holding region to inhibit movement of an arm located in the bracket between an open position and closed position. The bracket has a brace releasably attached to the body and configured to further inhibit movement of an arm located in the bracket. The invention also relates to a structure having such a bracket.

Abstract: A collapsible storage rack includes multiple rack members and a linkage assembly. At least one of the rack members includes a laterally extending body and a storage element that projects in a forward direction from the body. The rack members are shiftable along an upright extension direction and are shiftable relative to each other into and out of a collapsed condition. The linkage assembly shiftably interconnects the rack members and permits shifting movement of the rack members into and out of the collapsed condition.

Abstract: The adjustable, collapsible clothes rack is easily portable due to the telescopic fit of the leg inserts within the legs and the slideable cross bar insert within the cross bar. Additionally, the pivoted fastening of the legs to the cross bar assembly provides for a further compact state. The expandable and retractable features of the apparatus provide for fit to a variety of surfaces. The rubberized leg insert stoppers and the suction cups provide for apparatus position retention on a given surface. Further, the suction cups are pivoted and thereby even allow for the cups to be removably attached to a wall or other surface at and angle to the positioning of the leg inserts.

Abstract: A laundry rack is provides having a plurality of scissor linkages formed by pairs of inner and outer legs with each leg having an upper and lower end, with each pair of legs having aligned bores through which each pair of legs are rotationally connected. Each scissor linkage having aligned bores through which cross-members can be connected to join two scissor linkages to form at least a first end frame having at least an upper and lower linkage, and at least two scissor linkages being joinable to form a second end frame having at least an upper and lower linkage. Each end frame having respective first and second elongated latch members. The latch member each having first and second opposing ends that are laterally offset from each other. The first end being rotatably connected to an upper end of the inner leg on the upper scissor linkage and located on an outer side of that upper end.

Abstract: A foldable rack includes at least two segments rotatably coupled to one another such that the foldable rack can achieve a folded configuration and an operational configuration, the folded configuration being more compact than the operational position. The rack can be configured to support musical instruments such as cymbals, drums and the like and provide for adjustability of their positions while maintaining a clear and uncluttered appearance by concealing any electrical cabling involved.

Abstract: A collapsible food holding system for holding and supporting food during preparation, cleaning or cooking. The collapsible food holding system has an inner frame assembly, and an outer frame assembly pivotably connected to the inner frame assembly via a hinge. The inner frame assembly has an enclosed configuration, and the outer frame assembly has a substantially U-shaped configuration with a tool end located at each free end thereof. The inner and outer frame assemblies each have a hinge pivotably engagable with each other. The tool ends are adapted to retain a food item on the outer frame assembly or between the inner and outer frame assemblies. The outer frame assembly is sized to receive the inner frame assembly in its interior when the inner frame assembly is pivoted about the hinge.

Abstract: A connecting member for connecting a plurality of frame elements. The connecting member has a core section having a width and two supporting members for supporting frame elements extending in different directions from the connecting member. The connecting member has at least one additional member for supporting a further frame element. The or each additional supporting member is pivotally connected to the core section and moveable between a first position in which the additional supporting member lies within the width of the core section and a second position in which a frame element supported by the additional support will extend in a direction generally perpendicular to a frame element supported by a supporting element of the core section.

Abstract: A rack for holding articles includes a plurality of sets of vertical battens, a plurality of sets of horizontal battens that are clamped together with the plurality of sets of vertical battens, a long connecting screw piece that extends through each set of horizontal and vertical battens, and a supplementary connecting screw that connects the front horizontal batten and the front vertical batten. The screw piece defines a pivot axis for folding the battens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for collecting, sorting, counting and consolidating an unorganized pool of solid or semi-solid articles such as pills for dispensation. Specifically, the articles are extracted from inside a bin using attraction points on a transport substrate and sorted into containers in finite quantities. The system consists of several components, preferably including a torque source, a counter and a vacuum source, which are uniquely integrated onto a single end-effector to reduce cost and redundancy by servicing several bins. Further, the system presents a method of attracting and carrying pills using negative vacuum pressure, gravity and centrifugal force. This centrifugal force holds articles to the local attraction points and is provided by the spinning of the transport substrate. Pills are collected from the bin or plenum at the local attraction points, counted, cleaved from the local attraction points and guided to a container or vial.

Abstract: An adjustable display board system comprises a display board, first and second grippers, first and second racks, and a handle. The first and second grippers are coupled to the display and include a plurality of teeth. The first and second racks are mounted to a rigid structure and include a plurality of teeth generally greater than the number of teeth of the first and second grippers. The teeth of the first and second grippers mesh with the teeth of the first and second racks to maintain the vertical position of the display board. The handle is pushed to disengage the grippers from the racks and allow vertical motion of the display board. The adjustable display board system also comprises a display board, a linear actuator unit, and one or more pivot arms. The linear actuator unit includes a movable actuator rod and is coupled to the one or more pivot arms, which in turn is coupled to the display board. Motion of the actuator rod is converted to raising and lowering of the display board.

Abstract: A device and method for assisting in the removal of fluid, such as water, and related moisture from a bladder of a fluid storage device, such as a personal hydration pack or reservoir, is disclosed. The device has a three-dimensional structure or profile so that, when inserted within the bladder, the bladder is held in an open configuration or position, which allows any water or fluid to drain out and allows evaporation to the atmosphere of moisture to occur through the port of the bladder used to fill the device. In one form, the device has an insertion section having portions of elongated structure having a smaller size than the opening so that the insertion section can be fed into the bladder, and the overall insertion section has a profile larger than the opening so that the bladder is held open.

Abstract: A collapsible foldable rack includes left and right scissors-type frames with dowel rods extending between the scissors-type frames. The dowel rods are attached to inner arms of the scissors-type frame by brackets that allow the rods to rotate relative to the frame. The brackets on one side of the frame allow the rods to rotate in one direction, whereas the brackets on the opposite frame member allow the rods to rotate in the opposite direction. The brackets also space the rods relative to each other to prevent adjacent rods from interfering with each other when the structure is folded. The device both collapses into a rectangular structure and then folds upon itself to provide a very compact structure for storage and reduce freight costs.

Abstract: A knockdown magazine and book rack kit, comprising: a pair of prefabricated wooden magazine and book racks constructed of a plurality of substantially J shaped channels for holding books and magazines therein, a pair of wooden substantially symmetrical hexagonal shaped opposing side panels substantially perpendicularly removably fastened to the pair of prefabricated wooden magazine and book racks one to the other, a laterally directed substantially E shaped channel member receiving uppermost portions of the pair of prefabricated wooden magazine and book racks therein, the laterally directed substantially E shaped channel member having opposing ends removably fastened to the wooden substantially symmetrical hexagonal shaped opposing side panels and holding the uppermost portions of the pair of prefabricated wooden magazine and book racks in place, and comprising nesting and interleaving the pair of prefabricated wooden magazine and book racks within a shipping container to shipping volume and size and decrease

Abstract: A drain rack for countertop mounted sinks that extends over the width of the sink, is foldable in scissor fashion, includes notches for holding small dishes as well as bars for standard sizes, and netting for utensils.

Abstract: A rack that is easily stored and used and on which a plurality of bags can be placed for drying. The rack is X-shaped and includes a plurality of bars each of which has a pad on the distal end thereof over which a bag is placed. The X-shape of the rack makes the rack self-supporting. The bars cross each other at a central location on each bar and the intersection is flexible so the rack can be closed for storage.

Abstract: A collapsible foldable rack includes left and right scissors-type frames with dowel rods extending between the scissors-type frames. The dowel rods are attached to inner arms of the scissors-type frame by brackets that allow the rods to rotate relative to the frame. The brackets on one side of the frame allow the rods to rotate in one direction, whereas the brackets on the opposite frame member allow the rods to rotate in the opposite direction. The brackets also space the rods relative to each other to prevent adjacent rods from interfering with each other when the structure is folded. The device both collapses into a rectangular structure and then folds upon itself to provide a very compact structure for storage and reduce freight costs.

Abstract: A structure of a display rack which includes a plurality of main beams, connecting sockets, diagonal support beams, and extension sockets, characterized in that the main beam is of pre-defined length, the connecting socket is movable along the main beam, the diagonal support beam is installed in slots formed by the fins of the connecting sockets, and the slots are used for the attachment of face plates.

Abstract: A folding frame construction for use as a clothers airer or drier comprises at least a first pair of U-shaped frames (10, 12) which are pivotally interconnected for folding about a first axis and which form the lowermost tier when in use, and a second pair of U-shaped frames (14, 16) which are pivotally interconnected for folding about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis and are pivotally connected to respective frames (10, 12) of the first pair so as to form a second tier during use, each frame (10, 12, 14, 16) comprising a pair of spaced side limbs (22) and the pivotal connections being made between the side limbs (22) of the various frames (10, 12, 14, 16) in such a way that the pairs of frames are in substantially parallel relation with each other when the frame construction is in the storage position.

Abstract: A first section of a rack includes a first lower wire bend, a second lower wire bend, a first upper wire bend, and a second upper wire bend. The first section also includes a first pivot coupling into which is received a first end of each of the first and second lower wire bends and into which is received a first end of each of the first and second upper wire bends. The first section also includes a second pivot coupling into which is received a second end of each of the first and second lower wire bends and into which is received a second end of each of the first and second upper wire bends.

Abstract: A collapsible two tier support as for use in camping dishwashing is formed by four uprights connected by pivoted cross brace sets and having a fabric panel defining on upper support connected to the tops. Additional cross brace sets support a second fabric panel at a lower level adjacent the uprights. The entire assemblage is collapsible by pivoting action of the cross brace members.

Abstract: A support for high-voltage or medium-voltage electrical plant comprises four columns placed on a support surface and connected in pairs by crossmember assemblies. The columns are each articulated to rotate about a first horizontal axis at their end resting on the support surface and about a second horizontal axis on a top crossmember at their other end. The first and second axes are parallel. Two opposite crossmember assemblies allow the two columns connected by one or the other of these two assemblies to move in a stable manner in their rotation plane.

Abstract: A collapsible clothesline apparatus 10 is disclosed which includes a base member 12. The base member 12 is provided with a plurality of wheels 18 coupled thereto for moving the base member 12 from one location to another. Additionally the base member 12 includes a plurality of apertures 14 formed therein which allows excess water to flow to a removable drip pan 16. The apparatus 10 also includes pole members 20, 22, 24 and 26 supported between the base member 12 and a clothes supporting member 52. The pole members 20, 22, 24 and 26 are provided to allow the clothes supporting member to be raised to a predetermined upright position and be lowered to a folded position as desired.

Abstract: A collapsible tire stand is comprised of a frame and said frame preferably made up of a pair of U-shaped members each comprised of a base segment and toward each ends of the base segment extends a supporting member extending perpendicularity therefrom and between each pairs of supporting members are nesting strips into which tires are meant to nest and each of the nesting strips are positioned in pair, one pair being located adjacent the distal tip of the supporting members and a second pair positioned in a spaced relationship proximal to the base segment to allow the tire mounted thereon to remain in a spaced relationship relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A collapsible clothesline apparatus 10 is provided which includes a base member 12. The base member 12 is provided with a plurality of wheels 18 coupled thereto for moving the base member 12 from one location to another. Additionally the base member 12 includes a plurality of apertures 14 formed therein which allows excess water to flow to a removable drip pan 16. The apparatus 10 also includes pole members 20, 22, 24 and 26 supported between the base member 12 and a clothes supporting member 52. The pole members 20, 22, 24 and 26 are provided to allow the clothes supporting member to be raised to a predetermined upright position and be lowered to a folded position as desired.

Abstract: A multi-purpose support structure comprises at least four retractable erection tubes and a set of two scissors type connecting rods provided between two abutted erection tubes alternatively pivoted at their centers with the upper and the lower ends of each erection tube being pivoted to the cross connecting rods to form a rectangular frame, the frame may be connected to another one by means of T-shaped pivoting holders to incorporate fixing members to hold in position a piece of canvas on the top surface of the frame or insertion of a container to provide a rack or an accommodation space to receive objects.

Abstract: A laundry drying rack has an elongate member having an opening. The laundry drying rack further has a connecting rod having a connecting rod distal end. In an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry drying rack is further provided with an end connector having a resilient pronged end and a post end. A tubular coupling is further provided having a coupling distal end, an opposing coupling proximal end, and an internal ridge formed circumferentially therein. The coupling proximal end receives the connecting rod distal end. The coupling distal end receives the resilient pronged end which the internal ridge for rotatable engagement of the tubular coupling thereabout. In another embodiment of present invention, the laundry drying rack further has a cylindrical connector which has an external groove which engages an elastic retaining ring for connecting the elongate leg member and the connecting rod.

Abstract: A system for transformation of memory device addresses between different memory device topologies, each topology having its address space, providing the use of minimum memory space and time required for storage and computing defect data and also the flexibility of approach which allows mapping of memory device divided into an arbitrary number of tiles, each tile having different mapping scheme from a wide spectrum of mapping classes.

Abstract: An expandable structure adapted to convert from a collapsed position to an expanded position, wherein a plurality of parallel rods are mounted to pivotally interconnected links, each of which has a plurality of bores asymmetrically spaced from one another. The structure in its collapsed position is generally flat and can be conveniently stored. The structure can be expanded into an arch-shaped structure. The structure can be used as a portable drying rack, or may be used in other product applications.

Abstract: A bag dryer including a plurality of elongated dowels with each dowel having an exterior end, an interior end and a hole radially positioned therethrough with a common distance from the interior end; a pair of generally rectangular base portions with each base having an interior edge with a plurality of holes therein, an exterior edge for placement upon a recipient surface, and a pair of short end walls and a pair of long side walls therebetween, each hole capable of being in receipt of the interior end of each dowel; and a plurality of rivets for positioning through each hole of each dowel joining the dowels forming dowel pairs, the dowel pairs being in an open position when each base portion being placed on the recipient surface and capable of receipt of a bag over each exterior end of each dowel of the dowel pairs.

Abstract: A rack that may readily be installed in the trunk or cargo compartment of a vehicle, the rack including at least one raised horizontal bar from which one can suspend in a row several loaded plastic-film grocery bags so that the bags then rest on the floor of the trunk or cargo compartment in an upright position with their mouths closed. The plastic film bag has an open mouth and is provided with a pair of upwardly-extending handle loops integral with the opposing sides of the bag. The raised bar has a series of hooks anchored thereon at spaced positions, each hook being formed of a resilient spring wire having a U-shaped bend therein that defines a dilatable clamp. When the loaded grocery bag is carried in one hand by a shopper by its handle loops, the loops then bunch together to form a tail. This tail is pushed into the dilatable clamp of a hook on the bar.

Abstract: An adjustable height training hurdle is provided for which allows variation of the height of the hurdle from near ground level up to regulation height. A slip gear is utilized to create a scissor action of the hurdle legs thus offering incremental adjustment of the hurdle height.

Abstract: A two tier, rolling and folding table has a top planar platform (1) supported at one end by a U shaped first leg assembly (7) connected to the platform by fixed pivots and supported at another end by a pair of legs (11) of a second leg assembly connected to the platform by a sliding pivot bar (12) that slides in guide slots (13) and latches in an open position. The legs of first and second leg assemblies mutually and pivotally intersect intermediate their ends. A bottom planar platform (2) with handle is supported at one end by fixed pivot connections to the U shaped leg assembly, and at another end by fixed pivot connections to the parallel members (23) of a wheeled leg assembly (20) carrying a pair of wheels. The legs (11) connected to the sliding bar (12) pass freely through slots (26) in the bottom platform and pivotally connect to the vertical members (23) of the wheeled leg assembly to lock the wheels in an open position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining articles such as automotive body parts, appliance body parts, tools, windows, masonry supplies and equipment, panelling, roofing material, and the like in an appropriate position for receiving service such as reconditioning, measuring, cutting, sanding, painting and the like. This apparatus selectively collapses for storage or shipment, and selectively opens to provide an easel-like support frame as well as multiple horizontally disposed support frames for servicing such articles.

Abstract: A portable compactly stored cord rack and carrier assembly is set forth. A flexible wood carrier formed of canvas or leather-like material is provided with opposed handles at terminal ends thereof and supportably enables transport of firewood whereby the accompanying foldable rack provides cradled support thereof. Said rack comprises a scissor-like pair of pivoted framework members formed with flexible strap elements securing opposed horizontal structural portions for support and reinforcement of the firewood carrier.

Abstract: Clothes airer of the type having a pair of hinged frames each with a pair of legs joined by a beam, the legs being pivoted between their upper and lower ends so that the frames can fold or unfold between retracted and in-use positions, there being struts spaced from one another along each beam which will receive clothes pegs for carrying clothes requiring airing or drying when stretched between the beams, and a retracting line with a releasable line lock joining the beams and being adjustable for length so as to adjust the distance between the beams.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard stand is formed of a pair of elongated leg tubes that are pivotally connected together to form an X-shape which is arranged in an upright position. Horizontally arranged, parallel tubes are secured to the upper and lower ends of the leg tubes to form upper support and lower foot tubes. The support and foot tubes are arranged off-center relative to the axis of the leg tubes so that they extend forwardly, towards a user location, a considerably greater distance than they extend rearwardly. A resilient, foam plastic sleeve is placed upon and substantially covers each of the upper, support tubes opposite extension portions. A resilient, ring-like collar, which is higher than the support upper surfaces, are positioned upon the opposite ends of the support tubes so that a generally flat keyboard may be rested upon the sleeve covered support tubes and laterally restrained between the end collars.

Abstract: A foldable utility cart is disclosed having first and second pairs of support legs (4, 6) at opposite sides thereof. The support legs (4, 6) are pivotal coupled at mid-sections (14, 16) so as to selectively diverge and converge into free standing and storage positions. The mid-sections (14, 16) have incut channels (24, 38) transversely disposed to each other and which interfit to being the pivotally connected legs (4, 6) into a common plane. Internal side walls (26, 28, or 40, 42) defining the incut channel of one leg mid-section brace against the top and bottom surfaces of the opposite leg mid-section. The side walls (26, 28 or 40, 42) are angularly profiled to limit and lock the pivotal rotation of the opposite leg at the free standing and storage angular positions. A shelf (12) is further provided which breaks upward at its mid-section into half sections (56, 58) which overlap along the break to lock the shelf (12) in a horizontal configuration.

Abstract: A dryer for drip dry type of clothing. The dryer has a horizontal screen, on which clothing to be dried can be placed, supported by two parallel rails, which are fastened to the tops of two pair of legs which have pivots to permit the dryer to be folded into a compact storage position. When in use, the area bounded by the feet is much smaller, about 40 percent of the width and 50 percent of the length, than the area of the screen.As a fraction of the length of the leg from the bottom of the leg, the pivots are about one fourth and the leg bend, inward about 30 degrees, starts at about one third. This makes the dryer low in height when used, and makes the angle the legs make with the screen small, so screen tension increases with load keeping the screen quite flat. When the dryer is stored, the location of the pivots and the bend of the legs provides clearance so the screen is not squeezed. The feet are spaced apart in the stored position so the dryer can be stored upright.

Abstract: A free-standing combination rotisserie and shish kebab accessory is provided which includes a three-walled box having a pair of wire frame members such that the two end walls fold flat for storage when the side wall is removed. A motor driven spit can be adpated for use as either a rotisserie or a shish kebab dependent on the use of meat supporting holders or skewer supporting wire wheels.

Abstract: A crockery and glassware stand (a dish and glassrack) for supporting plates and glassware after washing-up, comprises two generally rectangular identical frame parts hinged together about a longitudinal extending hinge or pivot axis so that they can be closed together or opened to form an X-shaped structure. Each frame portion above the hinge or pivot axis has parallel ribs extending vertically to the hinge axis and defining insertion slots for plates or the like, said insertion slots of the two frame parts being substantially in alignment. Each lower frame portion has end formations which are interconnected by a member having primary drainage openings and a supporting base at the lower margin disposed substantially perpendicularly to the interconnecting member and having undulations providing upwardly open recesses forming compartments for glassware.

Abstract: A portable drying rack is provided which comprises frames of unitary construction for hanging articles and support members for supporting the rack in an upright position. The support members are pivotably attached to the frames to permit the drying rack to be collapsed for storage. The pivotable attachment between the frames and support members is accomplished by means also of unitary construction. The unitary construction employed throughout the present invention allows a light-weight drying rack to be formed utilizing inexpensive injection molded plastic. Additionally, because of the unitary construction, the number of components forming the rack is decreased over the prior art.

Abstract: A file folder support rack for suspending in an upright, readily accessible orientation legal-size file folders or regular-size file folders of the type having support hooks on the corners includes two aligned, yet spaced apart offset X-shaped end frame members and four side rails extending between corresponding corners of the end frame members. The various side rails each have an edge portion which is sized and positioned suitably to receive the support hooks of the file folders and wherein the distance of separation between one pair of side rails is approximately 15 inches and the distance of separation between the opposite pair of side rails is approximately 12 inches. Each end frame member includes two arm portions which are substantially flat yet contoured and reinforced so as to abuttingly engage each other such that when said support rack is unfolded into the offset X-shaped configuration, the frame is an upright and free-standing structure.

Abstract: A support assembly primarily designed to support clothes lines in an attended fashion and generally between the primary or permanent supports located at opposite ends of the clothes lines. A line engaging support bar includes a plurality of line attachment means which supportingly engage each of a plurality of parallel arranged lines wherein the support bar is disposed in a supported fashion by two support elements pivotally interconnected to one another wherein each of the elements are structured to have the longitudinal dimension variable which in turn allows variance of the height of the support assembly and accordingly the amount of support offered to the plurality of clothes lines and causing an adjustable variance in the space between the clothes lines and the ground or other surface.