Cushioned Support Structure Patents (Class 220/632)
  • Patent number: 10065848
    Abstract: A portable CO2 based cooler and beverage dispensing system for pressurizing and cooling beverage tanks, comprises a vibration-absorbing portable shell with a snap on removable tray for holding beverage containers and ice-cream-recesses, two growler-vibration-absorbing circular springs molded on the shell bottom for absorbing vibration from transportation and for holding and separating two beverage tanks, a tank-vibration-absorbing circular spring molded on the shell bottom for absorbing vibration from transportation and for holding a pressurized tank, a clamping system for clamping on and stabilizing two beverage growlers and a pressurized tank for transportation, two multi-height spigots, two height-adjustable telescopic posts, and a retractable height-adjustable spigot-locking handle attached the two posts and having two spigot-locking receptacles molded thereon for locking and adjusting the multi-height spigots to multiple different heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Inventor: Dee Volin
  • Patent number: 9603488
    Abstract: A blade and bearing assembly for a jug having a lower aperture defined by a throat. The assembly comprising: a head element and a base element; a shaft being rotatable mounted within the assembly, the shaft passing though the head element for receiving a blade element; wherein, in use, the head element and the base element are brought into clamping engagement with respect to the jug for retaining the assembly in the throat of the jug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Greg Upston, Brendan John Foxlee
  • Patent number: 9149155
    Abstract: The cooking vessel (50) has a bottom (56) and rotary blade driving means (32) inside a vessel wall (51), and is suitable for working on a support plate (2) of a cooking hob (1) having rotary blade driving means (32) to rotate a lower magnetic coupling member (5). The vessel includes an upper magnetic coupling member (54) connected to the blades (53) and arranged close to an upper surface of said support plate (2) when the vessel (50) is on the plate. The vessel comprises a support element (55) below said bottom (56) of the vessel (51) for resting on the support plate (2), said support element (55) having a coefficient of friction with respect to the support plate (2) low enough to allow the sliding and self-centering of the cooking vessel (50) due to the effect of said lower magnetic coupling member (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTRODOMESTICOS TAURUS, SL
    Inventors: Josep Alet Vidal, Lluis Trench Roca
  • Publication number: 20150136765
    Abstract: A stackable bulk bin container having shock absorbing elements is provided. The bulk bin container includes a base portion and four collapsible sidewalls. The base includes feet extending downward. The feet are connected by stringers forming four corner portions. Shock absorbing elements are positioned proximate the corner portions in the base of the container. The shock absorbing elements absorb energy from impacts when the container is stacked on like containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Joachim Banik
  • Patent number: 8844752
    Abstract: A food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein at least the first surface or each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope; an adapter for a conventional food plate comprising a graduated, optionally flexible, rim, which, upon attachment to the food plate, causes the food-bearing side of the food plate to have a slope; a method of making a food plate; and a method of making an adapter for a conventional food plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Seth Sirota, Michele Sirota
  • Patent number: 8714403
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an antiskid container (30) from a container (20) made of a ceramic or glass material, including a bottom wall (21) intended to be in contact with a flat support, the bottom wall including at least one antiskid pattern (28), the pattern including two grooves (25) delimiting at least one projection (24), the method including the following steps: an antiskid material (34) in a fluid state is applied onto the antiskid pattern (28) so as to cover the projection at least partially, the antiskid material is caused to solidify so as to form an antiskid coating (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Pillivuyt
    Inventor: Christophe Amprimo
  • Publication number: 20140048532
    Abstract: A water storage tank is formed by a plurality of curved wall sections adapted to be secured together to form a circular tank. A ground mat is placed on the ground and extends outwardly of the tank wall. A plurality of hold down members are placed at the inside juncture of the tank wall and ground mat. A flooring sheet overlaps the ground mat and extends up and over the side wall of the tank and is clamped to an upper portion of the wall. A tubular fitting extends through a lower portion of the side wall to provide an inlet and outlet for water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Jerry W. Noles, JR., Dudley J. Perio, JR., Colton P. Bruegman, Jon J. Butler
  • Publication number: 20130341340
    Abstract: A plate cover assembly includes at least one portion that is removably securable onto a plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Philip Rafnson, Carol Lozinski
  • Patent number: 8520474
    Abstract: The protective case includes a back cover (2) and a cover (3), which are provided to fit together. The case further includes a flange (6), inserted in the back cover and held laterally by the edge (4), and an elastically deformable stake (7), which is for immobilizing a plate-shaped part pierced with an aperture (11). The stake is mounted on the top surface of the flange and it is inserted into the aperture of the plate-shaped part. The bottom surface of the cover (3) further carries a projecting portion (8) that presses against the stake when the case is closed, so as to increase the external diameter of the stake and jam it in the aperture of the plate-shaped part. Elastic means (9) are also provided for returning the flange (6) in the direction of the cover (3) so as to hold the stake (7) jammed in the aperture in the plate-shaped part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Montres Breguet S.A.
    Inventors: Stéphane Cadau, Pascal Bourret
  • Patent number: 8490823
    Abstract: A reversible food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope, and wherein the bottom of the slope of the first surface is on the opposite end of the plate from the bottom of the slope of the second surface; and a method of making a reversible food plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Seth Sirota, Michele Sirota
  • Patent number: 8464897
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that facilitate producing and using an attachable, replaceable skid pad on a receptacle are presented. A skid pad can be created using a desired material(s), wherein the skid pad can be desirably shaped to conform with a bottom edge of a receptacle so that the skid pad can be desirably attached to the bottom edge of the receptacle and so that the outer surface of the skid pad can be desirably used to pull or drag the receptacle across a wide variety of surfaces, including soft or malleable surfaces. The skid pad can be attached to the receptacle using screws to attach it to, using a desired adhesive to attach it to, or by being snapped onto, a bottom region of the receptacle. The skid pad is removable from the receptacle when desired (e.g., when worn) and can be replaced with another skid pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Incredible Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted E. Bloom
  • Patent number: 8276782
    Abstract: A cushioning structure includes a main body and two first cushioning elements. The first cushioning elements clip two ends of the main body, respectively, to form a containing space. Each of the first cushioning elements has two symmetrical cushioning portions for sandwiching the main body. Each of the cushioning portions has an inclined plane extending inward from an edge of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Pegatron Corporation
    Inventor: Tsung Han Liu
  • Patent number: 8181804
    Abstract: A blow-molded plastic container comprising a base portion having a flexible standing ring radially extending therefrom. The flexible standing ring is disposed about a lowest most portion of the container and operable to support the container on a surface. The flexible standing ring defines an annular groove thereabout that collapses in response to internal vacuum forces and/or external loading forces. The container further comprises a body portion that extends from an upper portion to the base, such that the upper portion, the body portion and the base cooperate to define a receptacle chamber within the container into which product can be filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventor: Michael T. Lane
  • Patent number: 7959345
    Abstract: A holder and system for mixing a volume of material within a closed container in a mixing machine. Holders and systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may permit mixing of fluids in containers that are otherwise ill-suited for conventional mixing machines. The holder may include a receptacle or bucket into which a first insert or adapter is placed to receive and hold one end of the closed container. A second insert may also be inserted into the bucket to receive and hold a second end of the closed container. The bucket may include a tapered inner sidewall surface and one or both adapters may include side surfaces that generally conform to the sidewall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilken Benjamin, II
  • Patent number: 7829819
    Abstract: A method for securing a component to a tank includes forming the tank having a wall of multiple layers of polymer material with an opening in the wall, outer layers of polymer, and an inner layer of polymer having an inner surface whose color is dark relative to a natural color of the outer layers. The component is formed with a mounting surface of polymer. The tube wall opening is used to install the component in the tank such that the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. Energy is transmitted onto an area of a surface of the tank wall where the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. The transmitted energy is use to produce a weld between the mounting surface and the tank wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph DeMaria, Stanley Lank, James Potter, Mark W. Plansinis, Mark A. Harris, Michael J. Boehk
  • Patent number: 7798352
    Abstract: A packaging device includes a bottom plate and a mounting plate arranged above the bottom plate at a specific distance form the bottom plate. An article to be transported is placed on the mounting plate. A cushioning member is arranged in a space between the bottom plate and the mounting plate. The cushioning member protects the article from shocks. A reinforcing unit is arranged on the bottom plate in the space between the bottom plate and the mounting plate so that support members of the article rest on the reinforcing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Moku Naruishi, Tsuyoshi Abe, Satoshi Ishihara, Sakae Ishikawa, Hideyuki Goda, Tomoaki Arai, Noriyuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7784638
    Abstract: A glass dish suitable for use in cooking applications is provided. The glass dish comprises a substantially homogenous glass body, a channel formed in a bottom surface of the glass body and a silicone support. The channel has an open end and an inner surface comprised of a substantially planar bottom wall, an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall. The channel has a predetermined depth Do, and an open end of the channel has a predetermined width Wo. The silicone support is comprised of a protruding extent and an interior extent. The interior extent is disposed within the channel and directly contacts a portion of the inner surface and is adhered to the inner surface of the channel by chemical adhesion. The protruding extent protrudes beyond the open end of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Kishbaugh, William R. Pfaff, Mark P. Cooley
  • Publication number: 20100108697
    Abstract: The protective case includes a back cover (2) and a cover (3), which are provided to fit together. The case further includes a flange (6), inserted in the back cover and held laterally by the edge (4), and an elastically deformable stake (7), which is for immobilising a plate-shaped part pierced with an aperture (11). The stake is mounted on the top surface of the flange and it is inserted into the aperture of the plate-shaped part. The bottom surface of the cover (3) further carries a projecting portion (8) that presses against the stake when the case is closed, so as to increase the external diameter of the stake and jam it in the aperture of the plate-shaped part. Elastic means (9) are also provided for returning the flange (6) in the direction of the cover (3) so as to hold the stake (7) jammed in the aperture in the plate-shaped part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MONTRES BREGUET SA
    Inventors: Stéphane Cadau, Pascal Bourret
  • Patent number: 7637388
    Abstract: A bowl includes non-slip means and spoon-assisted food conglomeration means. In a preferred embodiment, the bowl is transparent. Non-slip means may include a weight structure, a non-slip material affixed to the bowl bottom either substantially continuously covering the bottom or substantially discontinuously covering the bottom. Spoon-assisted food conglomeration means may include a sloped bottom, a substantially spoon-shaped locus, a steep rim, or an inward-curving rim. The bowl may further include spillage reduction means. Spillage reduction means may include an abrupt taper terminus, a steep rim, an inward-curving rim, or a chamfered or rounded bowl vertex. Alternatively the bowl may comprise a sloped bottom terminating in a substantially spoon-shaped locus and further comprise non-slip means. In alternate embodiments the bowl may further comprise spillage reduction means or be characterized by a substantial transparent region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Baby Dipper LLC
    Inventors: Barbara McNew Schantz, Hans Gregory Schantz, Patrick Allan McNew
  • Publication number: 20080190943
    Abstract: A method for securing a component to a tank includes forming the tank having a wall of multiple layers of polymer material with an opening in the wall, outer layers of polymer, and an inner layer of polymer having an inner surface whose color is dark relative to a natural color of the outer layers. The component is formed with a mounting surface of polymer. The tube wall opening is used to install the component in the tank such that the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. Energy is transmitted onto an area of a surface of the tank wall where the mounting surface contacts the inner surface. The transmitted energy is use to produce a weld between the mounting surface and the tank wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph DeMaria, Stanley Lank, James Potter, Mark W. Plansinis, Mark A. Harris, Michael J. Boehk
  • Publication number: 20080149646
    Abstract: A package box including an outer box and at least two cushions disposed symmetrically in the outer box is provided. The cushion includes a rectangular bottom plate, two long side plates, two short side plates and at least two container structures. The long side plates are connected perpendicularly with long sides of the bottom plate. The short side plates are connected perpendicularly with short sides of the bottom plate. The container structures are disposed in a region surrounded by the bottom plate, the long side plates and the short side plates. Each container structure has a concave. The concaves join to form a containing space. A plate material of the cushion is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Chieh Liang
  • Patent number: 7350665
    Abstract: Disclosed are a device for protecting a container and a container equipped therewith. The container is, in particular, a container made of composite material intended to contain a fluid under pressure, and having a cylindrical side wall and rounded ends forming a dome. The device includes a shell made of a puncture-resistant material, shaped to envelope at least the entirety of the dome of the container, delimiting a space between an interior face of the shell and an exterior face of the wall of the container, and a compressible element capable of deadening a knock or impact, disposed in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Claude Leon Hembert
  • Patent number: 7134577
    Abstract: A plastic lined metallic liquid soap dispenser (20) is formed consisting of a hollow metallic bottle (22) having a threaded neck, (24) and a plurality of separate metallic parts such as a bottom (26). A discrete plastic insert (38) is disposed within the hollow of the bottle (22), for isolating the metallic bottle from liquid soap stored within the dispenser to preclude a chemical reaction and/or contamination thereof if the metallic bottle is in intimate contact with liquid soap or the like. Connection means, in the form of threads or the like, join the bottle separate parts together around the plastic insert. Bottle access and closure means, including a hand pump (44), are attached to the threaded neck permitting the liquid within the plastic insert to be easily dispensed and to enclose the liquid for storage when not required for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Satish Verma
  • Patent number: 7090092
    Abstract: A clothes hamper includes a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the container. A plurality of guides is attached to an inner surface of the peripheral wall. Each of the guides is vertically orientated. A panel is positioned in the container. The panel has a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral edge. The panel is mounted on the plurality of guides such that the panel may be selectively moved between the bottom wall and the upper edge. At least one biasing member is mounted in the container for biasing the panel away from the bottom wall. The panel moves downwardly as additional clothes are positioned on the panel and the panel moves upwardly as clothes are removed from the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventors: Sylvester Roebuck, Jr., Gary Roebuck
  • Patent number: 6726047
    Abstract: A resilient vacuum relief valve 52 is urged tightly on the lid stem 44 engaging the lid bottom 42 while encircling the vent 46 preventing air passage through the vent 46. The vacuum relief valve 52 is also formed of a pliable, resilient thermoplastic such as silicon and is in an inverted hat shape or dish shape as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and includes a circumferential outwardly extending rim 54 on top that has sufficient resilience to deform when exposed to negative pressure. This arrangement provides an air tight seal when the lid 38 is inserted into the canister body 22 and while it remains stationary, however, when the lid 38 is pulled upwardly, negative pressure within the canister 20 is created, forcing the valve 52 to break its seal and relieve the newly created vacuum within the canister 20 allowing it to be easier to dislodge the lid 38 and preventing dispersal of powdered contents out of the canister 20 during lid removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Publication number: 20040035873
    Abstract: An LP gas tank is adapted to permit it to be safely moved across concrete floors and rocky ground that may contain flint or other hard siliceous material that can generate sparks if struck with a metal, such as steel. The tank is capable of storing the gas under pressure. In addition to a pressure regulator and valve for filling and emptying, the tank also includes a base support. The base support usually is a steel or aluminum base ring. If the tank is dropped on or slid along the floor, it may cause a spark that can trigger a fire or explosion in the presence of gaseous vapors. This problem is solved by either replacing the metal base support with a non-metallic or a non-spark producing metal support, or covering the bottom edge with a suitable non-metallic material, such as an elastomer or a polymer, which will prevent sparking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Willard Worden
    Inventor: Charles J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6662963
    Abstract: A vessel including a vessel body formed of metal and having an approximately cylindrical wall, a bottom and a cover, and a plastic ring provided at each of opposite ends of the vessel body and extending radially beyond the vessel body, with at least one of the plastic rings including a flange ring, a shaped ring which abuts a section of the vessel body, and an intermediate ring which connects the flange ring with the shaped ring and has a neck portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Schäfer Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Meike, Hans H. Reichmann
  • Publication number: 20030034349
    Abstract: A mud pan for holding a small portable supply of joint compound includes a high-friction coating such as polyurethane, coating the exterior surface of the bottom wall and a lower portion of the exterior surfaces of the front side wall, the rear side wall, the left-hand end wall and the right-hand end wall. The high-friction coating is a two part polyurethane and, in an alternative embodiment, a large number of rubber particles homogeneously distributed. The polyurethane is sprayed onto the surfaces to be covered while in a liquid state. The lower one-fourth or one half of the front and rear side walls and end walls are covered, as is the entire surface of the bottom wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Robert W. Frey
  • Patent number: 6520369
    Abstract: A drinking vessel includes an open top end; a bottom end; a side wall that extends from beyond the bottom end, and forming a peripheral edge, to the top end; and a non-slip member overmolded onto the bottom end, inward of the peripheral edge and extending below the peripheral edge, supporting the drinking vessel and inhibiting slippage of the vessel on a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Walter S. Cytacki
  • Patent number: 6454123
    Abstract: A stabilizing caddy for a pressurized gas container includes a base and a housing upstanding from the base. The housing has a cavity defined by a continuous side wall with an upper rim distant from the base and a longitudinal axis extending transverse of the base. The continuous side wall of the housing cavity is uniformly snugly supportively receptive of an outer surface of the pressurized gas container when the pressurized gas container is slidably received therein such that a longitudinal axis of the gas container is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The dimension of the housing at the upper rim transverse of the longitudinal axis is substantially less than that of the base. In one embodiment, the housing is substantially conical in shape. In other embodiments, the housing may alternatively be of solid material or of thin wall construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: John D. Ritson
  • Patent number: 6315120
    Abstract: A portable tray includes a formed plastic receptacle including various compartments with a circumferential retainer ring cooperating with a flexible bag that is filled with bag fill material to provide a tray assembly which can be fitted on an uneven surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Tally, Peter A. Siemen
  • Patent number: 6152018
    Abstract: A tea making device includes a bottle for receiving and making tea, a base having an open top for receiving the bottle and having a downward extending peripheral wall. A pad has a peripheral groove for receiving the peripheral wall of the base. The peripheral wall of the base includes a size greater than the bottle for stably supporting the bottle in place. A seat is secured between the bottle and the base and has one or more ribs engaged with the bottle and has a latch device for securing the seat to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Chuan Jang Yeh
  • Patent number: 5941381
    Abstract: A Utility Carry All for transporting numerous spray bottles in connection with a fluid handling or transporting central container having a handle positioned for balanced transport. The Utility Carry All includes a number of bottle neck size adapter inserts that fit into numerous longitudinal bottle mount openings positioned along the sides of the central transporting container and allow a user to insert a specific adapter size for a particular size spray bottle neck size. The adapter inserts snap into place and can be removed or changed to different bottle sizes. The utility carry all is provided with numerous bottle neck adapters so that the carry all can be customized by the user to carry desired bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Richard L. James
  • Patent number: 5860559
    Abstract: A heat insulative cup holder includes a cup-like holder base, a plurality of springy retaining members fastened to lugs inside the holder base for holding down a cup in the holder base by, and an anti-skid rubber packing ring mounted in an outside annular groove on the holder base for supporting it on a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Ming Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 5823334
    Abstract: A compact disc coaster includes a soft, substantially non-scratching material on an upper surface which is adapted to receive a compact disc. Specifically, the compact disc coaster is adapted to receive a compact disc by including a recess which is substantially the size and shape of a compact disc. A user places a compact disc in the compact disc coaster by simply dropping the compact disc into the recess. Since the compact disc is not slid into position, the underside of the compact disc is not slid along any material for any appreciable distance. Accordingly, dirt or particles in the recess of the compact disc coaster do not scratch the underside of the compact disc and therefore do no cause data errors in the compact disc. The compact disc coaster includes a relatively high-friction bottom surface which prevents slippage of the compact disc coaster from a relatively flat surface on which the compact disc coaster is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Chandra D. Giovanni
  • Patent number: 5813638
    Abstract: A supporting assembly for a mixing bowl is provided including a support having first and second opposing edges and at least one open end defining an interior space. First and second holding members are provided, each holding member covering at least a portion of an associated edge of the support. The holding members are constructed and arranged such that when the supporting assembly is disposed with the first holding member in contact with a planar surface and a mixing bowl is at least partially disposed in the interior space with the second holding member contacting a peripheral surface of the mixing bowl, friction between the mixing bowl and the second holding member and between the planar surface and the first holding member holds the bowl stationary with respect to the planar surface when contents of the mixing bowl are mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: David F. Morris
    Inventor: David F. Morris
  • Patent number: 5806410
    Abstract: An improved footed cooking utensil is provided whereby the cooking utensil may be removed from a hot oven and placed directly on a counter-top or other surface without the need for a hot pad, cutting board, or similar device. The cooking utensil of the present invention includes foot supports which suspend the lower surface of the cooking utensil above the counter-top thereby eliminating contact between the counter-top and hot metal. The low heat capacity footings do not retain heat and any heat absorbed during the baking process is quickly dissipated upon removal of the utensil from the oven. One or more footings may be applied to metal cookware, ceramic cookware or cookware fabricated from other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Newell Operating Co.
    Inventors: Jay Z. Muchin, Todd W. Kroscher
  • Patent number: 5711451
    Abstract: A concrete liquid storage tank is supported by only three support points which rest upon a slab in permanent installation, which prevents twist forces being applied to the concrete shell of the tank in the event of vertical differential movement of portions of the slab under the support points, which prevents cracking of the concrete shell and leakage of contents to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Norman W. Gavin
  • Patent number: 5680929
    Abstract: A soap dish is provided in which the bottom of the dish is impervious and slopes downwardly at an angle of at least 3.degree. to a front drainage discharge zone, having a lip extending downwardly below the support plane of the dish so that, in use, it extends into a sink, basin or bath. Soap support formations, conveniently rearwardly extending ribs, extend upwardly from the bottom and define at the upper ends a soap support plane inclined rearwardly towards the rear wall and spaced upwardly from the bottom. The rear wall has forwardly projecting stops, conveniently formed as extensions of soap supporting ribs to prevent direct contact between a cake of soap and the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Von Seidel
  • Patent number: 5657871
    Abstract: A container (11), such as a beer keg or the like, includes a metallic top surface (14) and a metallic bottom surface (17) with metallic cylindrical sidewalls (15,18) extending therebetween. A metallic cylindrical top skirt (20) extends upwardly from and surrounds the top surface (14) while a metallic cylindrical bottom skirt (21) extends downwardly from and surrounds the bottom surface (17). An elastomeric ring (10) is positioned between the bottom surface (17) and the bottom skirt (21) and includes an annular foot (33) which extends downwardly below the bottom skirt (21). The foot (33) is thus adapted to rest on the ground and the ring (10) absorbs the shock of a drop to thereby protect the container (11) from damage. An outer diameter of the foot (33) is adapted to fit within the inner diameter of the top skirt (20) so that the container (11) may be stacked on a like container (11A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Spartanburg Steel Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Waters, Larry D. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 5644976
    Abstract: An improved footed cooking utensil is provided whereby the cooking utensil may be removed from a hot oven and placed directly on a counter-top or other surface without the need for a hot pad, cutting board, or similar device. The cooking utensil of the present invention includes foot supports which suspend the lower surface of the cooking utensil above the counter-top thereby eliminating contact between the counter-top and hot metal. The low heat capacity footings do not retain heat and any heat absorbed during the baking process is quickly dissipated upon removal of the utensil from the oven. One or more footings may be applied to metal cookware, ceramic cookware or cookware fabricated from other materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Jay Z. Muchin, Todd Kroscher
  • Patent number: 5634617
    Abstract: A supporting assembly for a mixing bowl is provided including a support having first and second opposing edges and at least one open end defining an interior space. First and second holding members are provided, each holding member covering at least a portion of an associated edge of the support. The holding members are constructed and arranged such that when the supporting assembly is disposed with the first holding member in contact with a planar surface and a mixing bowl is at least partially disposed in the interior space with the second holding member contacting a peripheral surface of the mixing bowl, friction between the mixing bowl and the second holding member and between the planar surface and the first holding member holds the bowl stationary with respect to the planar surface when contents of the mixing bowl are mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: David F. Morris
  • Patent number: 5584345
    Abstract: A safety ring for an end of a fire extinguisher is characterized by an underlying portion adjacent the lowermost end of the extinguisher. Flange portions extend upwardly from the underlying portion about the lowermost end of the extinguisher, to protect same and to enhance the retention of the ring on said extinguisher. The ring has a preferably U-shaped cross-section, and alternatively or additionally may be retained in operative protective relationship with the extinguisher by an adhesive substance or the like. Sloping upper edges of the flange portions provide desirable benefits, including reducing the risk of inadvertent dislodgment of the ring from the extinguisher and reducing the collection of water, dirt and the like on the edge of the flange. One or more holes may be provided in the ring to permit drainage of fluids and to permit easier cleaning of the ring. Hose-retaining means may be integrally provided with the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Rick Joy
  • Patent number: 5477977
    Abstract: A thin-walled metal container is formed with a bottom wall which is substantially flat and connected to a container side wall through a curved wall portion located at the periphery of the flat bottom wall. A stacking support member is attached to the lower surface of the bottom wall to define a rest surface for supporting the container on a horizontal surface, The stacking support member is made of foam material to prevent `sweating` of the container on a table surface while also minimizing scratching, Other non-metallic materials may function as the stacking support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: Daniel F. Cudzik
  • Patent number: 5469985
    Abstract: The container of the present invention includes a rubber protector. The rubber protector is annularly fitted to at least one of an upper end wall and a lower end wall of the container body and extends over the outer peripheral region of the end wall. The end wall is formed with an annular stepped portion by cold working and a radial protruded portion so that work-hardening of the stainless steel is formed to increase the strength of the end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignees: Fujitechno Ltd., Suntory Limited
    Inventors: Kazuo Furuichi, Tatsuya Gomi
  • Patent number: 5454477
    Abstract: A storage trunk for storing and transporting lighting equipment is constructed using a rotationally molded cross linked polyethylene plastic. The storage trunk is comprised of an enclosure body and a separately removable lid. The lid may be secured to the enclosure body by means of a plurality of latches. The interior of the enclosure body may be molded as a generally open rectangular region or may include molded features for receiving and supporting specific lighting instruments within its interior. The hollow walls of the molded enclosure body are filled with polyurethane foam for reinforcing the walls and damping their movement. A perforated metal stiffening frame is molded into the base of the enclosure body during the molding process for added strength. The underside of the enclosure body provides a plurality of casters for easy movement. The storage trunk features a unitized, seamless construction having no fasteners or external reinforcements to leak, snag other objects, or fall off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Bornhorst, Edwin B. Dangerfield, James Maddux, III, Timothy D. Stacy, Timothy W. Terleski
  • Patent number: 5251780
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for collection of refuse comprising a container body defining an interior receiving area and having a first end defining an access opening into the interior receiving area. A second end of the container body is closed and has a region which is exposed to excessive wear during use. The container also has at least one wear resistent element removably and replaceably attached to the container body over at least a portion of the wear region to form a primary wear surface, thereby protecting the wear region and extending the useful life of the apparatus. The wear resistent element may be formed of plastic and may be a glass filled nylon plastic. The second end of the container body may have a corner with the wear region comprising the corner. The wear resistent element may be attached to the container body adjacent the corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Zarn, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman C. Lee
  • Patent number: 5169023
    Abstract: A mixing bowl of generally arcuate configuration and including laterally spaced stabilizing ribs extending along the outer surface thereof between the base and a mouth-defining rim. The ribs, upon an inclination of the bowl, continuously define a laterally extending support plane. The interior of the bowl is of a hard smooth material while the exterior thereof is of a non-slip friction-enhancing material. The open mouth of the bowl is surrounded by an outwardly flaring rim with a grip-enhancing undersurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob Heiberg, Stig Lillelund, Robert H. C. M. Daenen
  • Patent number: 5158193
    Abstract: An anti-slip structure for cups comprising an annular groove in the cup bottom wall, an outer annular anti-slip band made of an elastic material and an inner fixing ring fixed together securely in said annular groove so as to make said outer anti-slip band extend a little down beyond the cup bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Tzung-Wen Chen