Vertical Pivots Patents (Class 248/167)
  • Patent number: 11800943
    Abstract: Quality modular dinnerware set that expands to multiple configurations for a variety of hosting/serving/dining needs. Basic plates can be used to bake, serve, display, and/or cook for small or large parties. Each plate/unit has a flippable or foldable design so that every piece can be used in more than one way. The plates then can be used on its own, as well as in the microwave, oven, or over a fire, and then paired with any of the wooden accessories to create a personalized tablescape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: CHAPTER CERAMICS
    Inventor: Janet Kwak
  • Patent number: 11737563
    Abstract: A foldable seat comprises a vertically extending support arrangement, a seat member and a pivot assembly. The vertically extending support arrangement has a vertical axis and a horizontal plane and comprises opposite top and bottom ends along the vertical axis, and a geometric outer perimeter in the horizontal plane having a perimeter size. The seat member is mounted to the top end of the vertically extending support arrangement. The pivot assembly is mounted to the vertically extending support arrangement for pivoting about a pivot axis parallel to the vertical axis. Pivoting the pivot assembly provides for moving the vertically extending support arrangement between folded and unfolded positions respectively decreasing and increasing the perimeter size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Charles Kay
  • Patent number: 11702790
    Abstract: A laundry treatment apparatus including a plurality of swivel casters. Two of the swivel casters are braked swivel casters. One of the swivel casters other than the braked swivel casters is a vertically adjustable swivel caster. The braked swivel casters restrain translational movement of the laundry treatment apparatus across a floor. The vertically adjustable swivel caster can help fix the position of the laundry treatment apparatus so as to restrain rocking and twisting of the laundry treatment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf, Scott Eugene Mizer, Mark Neil Howdyshell
  • Patent number: 11672719
    Abstract: A collapsible casket viewing barrier includes a first transparent shield pivotally connected to a second transparent shield. The transparent shields are disposed within supporting frames that are connected via one or more hinges. Each supporting frame includes attached support legs, which may be telescopically adjustable and include wheels for easy transport. The first supporting frame and the second supporting frame are configured to move between a deployed configuration for use and a collapsed configuration for storage. When deployed during a funeral service, the collapsible casket viewing barrier can be positioned adjacent a casket such that the longer first transparent shield extends lengthwise along the casket while the shorter second transparent shield extends perpendicularly along the upper end of the casket. The casket is shielded in a way that allows individuals to view the deceased while reducing the transmission of germs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Jesus Vega, Jason De Leon
  • Patent number: 11623818
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a trash bag retaining apparatus and system that secures a trash bag inside a trash receptacle and enables a sliding motion for subsequent removal of the secured trash bag. In particular, the apparatus includes a proximal end insertable into a support arm of a trash receptacle. The distal end includes a slide stop in addition to an abutment face that abuts the support arm upon insertion of the proximal end into the support arm. The abutment face is sized and shaped to match a size and shape of the support arm. Further, the distal end also includes one or more surfaces defining an inlet, positioned between the slide stop and the abutment face, where the trash bag retaining apparatus can secure a portion of the trash bag to the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: THE CLOROX COMPANY
    Inventors: Sarah A. Kuhl, Timothy P. Mui, Reema Shalan
  • Patent number: 11619339
    Abstract: A supporting device for supporting a display is provided. The supporting device includes an upright, a slider, a bearing module, a driving module, a transfer module, and a control module. The slider is slidably disposed in the upright, and partially extending outward from the upright. The bearing module includes a bearing board and a supporting element. The bearing board bears the display, and the supporting element is connected to the slider. The transfer module is connected between the driving module and the bearing board. The control module is electrically connected to the driving module, and controls the driving module to drive the transfer module to make the bearing board rotate about the normal axis and relative to the supporting element, and the display changes between a portrait state and a landscape state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SYNCMOLD ENTERPRISE CORP.
    Inventors: Yi-Xin Lee, Chuan-Min Chung, Wen-Chen Liu
  • Patent number: 11583111
    Abstract: A portable display stand for the display of merchandise having a hinged vertical support panel subassembly, including top and bottom panel segments, to reduce size and promote portability. Slideable pin locks slide out from a disengaged position and lock in the engaged position, to stabilize the top and bottom panel segments relative to each other, for assembly. A central post with attachment rings allows for attachment of 2, 3, or 4 support panel subassemblies arranged radially around the central post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: SPECIALTY STORE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Weinstein, Evan Finke
  • Patent number: 11357318
    Abstract: A folding table or work surface configurable between an assembled configuration and a bundled configuration. The folding table generally includes a body with one or more collapsible sidewalls, one or more shelves, and a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: PROCESS4, INC.
    Inventor: Curtis Taylor
  • Patent number: 11317743
    Abstract: A bracket assembly adapted to be removably coupled to a railing at a first side and hold a portion of a container at a second side can comprise a lower section and an upper section removably coupled to the lower section. The upper section can be a bent strip that forms a receptacle to receive the portion of the container, and the lower section can include a body in the form of a second bent strip, and a fixed connection post extending from an upper surface of the body to interface with an opening in the connection interface of the upper section to removably couple the upper section to the lower section via the at least one fastener. The platform section can include a first step and a second step each extending from the connection interface to respective ones of the retaining arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Sam S. Saman
  • Patent number: 11297935
    Abstract: A collapsible table (100) comprising: a central strut (106); at least three legs (112) in communication with the central strut (106); and a table top (104) supportable by the central strut (106) and legs (112); wherein a plurality of the legs (112) are pivotally connected to the central strut (106); the collapsible table (100) having a first state and a second state wherein, in the first state, each pivotally connected leg (112) is pivotally extended for supporting the table top (104) perpendicular to the legs (112) and in the second state the pivotally connected legs (112) are pivotally retracted such that each pivotally connected leg (112) is closer to parallel with the central strut (106), the table top (104) fitting within a space (124) defined on three sides by the central strut (106) and legs (112).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Craster Ltd.
    Inventor: Tim Rundle
  • Patent number: 11168735
    Abstract: A swivel ball head mount embodying the invention includes a swivel ball and a housing and a push button operated clamping mechanism coupled between the ball and the housing to control their relative movement. The clamping mechanism may include a gearing arrangement or a spring arrangement producing a mechanical advantage enabling the push button mechanism to operate the clamping mechanism using a single finger. Swivel ball head mount embodying the invention are adapted to have a camera mounted on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventors: Larry J Tiefenbrunn, Merin Swasey
  • Patent number: 11034186
    Abstract: A pumpkin display system including a plurality of legs, a central hub and a pumpkin. The central hub has a plurality of apertures formed therein. Each of the apertures is adapted to receive an end of one of the legs to form a pumpkin display. The pumpkin is placed onto and is supported by the pumpkin display to form the pumpkin display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph Prebil
  • Patent number: 10969657
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-leg stand, for photography and the like comprising a vertical main tube, a supporting structure for the vertical main tube comprising a plurality of legs connected to the bottom portion of said vertical main tube and including a plurality of lockable collars rotatably secured around the outer circumference of the vertical main tube and a leg rigidly secured to each of the lockable collars; each leg extends horizontally outwardly from one of the collars and including an outer end portion extending downwardly. At least one of the downwardly extending end portions, comprises a secondary tubular member having an opening at each end designed to securely hold a replaceable member; the replaceable member extends downwardly from the lower end opening thus providing further support for the stand. The stand can thus support either multiple lights or a combination of lights and reflectors or other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Savage Universal Corporation
    Inventor: Bo Christensen
  • Patent number: 10874258
    Abstract: A cake pan inversion tool includes first and second leg members having first and second head portions and first and second body portions extending away from the first and second head portions, respectively. The second leg member is pivotally coupled to the first leg member at a pivot point displaced from terminal edges of the first and second head portions, respectively. A compression spring extends between inner surfaces of the first and second body portions that biases the first and second body portions away from one another. The first and second head portions, together, form a head section that is pivotally movable between an insert configuration at which the head portions bear against one another in preparation for insertion into a center void of the cake pan and a deployed configuration at which the head portions are displaced outwardly capturing the cake pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Anita Etheridge
  • Patent number: 10798888
    Abstract: An adjustable height connection for water irrigation with a base structure, a first pipe, a second pipe and a hose attachment pipe. The first pipe telescopes into the second pipe. The second pipe is attached via a hinge member to the base structure so that it can be folded for compact storage or transport. The hose attachment pipe has a threaded inlet and outlet and is attached perpendicularly to the top of the first pipe. The first pipe includes indentations to allow a treaded locking screw to penetrate the side wall of the second pipe and engage one of the indentations of the first pipe thereby holding it in place. The base structure includes downward facing arrow shaped legs to help secure it to dirt-like ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Leslie Kosla
  • Patent number: 10745930
    Abstract: This invention discloses a tower system in which a telescoping tower with a plurality of tower structures is contained within a rigid transportation container in a substantially horizontal position for transportation, may be extended to a height much greater than its contracted length. The tower may be transported horizontal, repositioned to a vertical position and then the individual tower structures extended and secured via spring pins relative to the adjacent tower structure, the erection of the tower sections may be with external equipment such as a boom truck, or utilizing an internal hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Peak Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Newman
  • Patent number: 10584824
    Abstract: A folding base has a hinge body, and a stand emanates vertically from adjacent a center of the hinge body. A plurality of legs radiate from the hinge body and provide ground contact. Between and pivotally coupling each leg to the hinge body is one of a plurality of torque hinges, so that individual ones of the legs are rotationally coupled to the hinge body through a torque generating member. Preferably the torque required to pivot a leg with respect to the hinge body is greater than that generated solely by lifting a leg from the ground or supporting surface. The torque hinge may also be knurled to permit a secure and permanent press fit to the associated leg and the hinge body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Roberts, David M. Roberts
  • Patent number: 10088096
    Abstract: A portable support apparatus for an electronic device. The portable support apparatus can be connected to an electronic device to provide support. The portable support apparatus has a central portion which has a yolk retainer coupled to a proximal end of a central leg, and a central foot coupled to a distal end of the central leg. The portable support apparatus can also include side-support portions coupled to the central portion. The side support portions can be deployable to form a tripod. The adjustable device receiver can include a ball-connector which is received within a receiving yolk and a tongue coupled to the ball-connector. The tongue can be configured to be insertable into an opening of an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: KENU, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Y. Minn, David E. Yao, Leonard John Duran
  • Patent number: 9878098
    Abstract: The vial holder is a device that is used to support a vial or injectable bottle in a partially inverted position so as to enable a hypodermic needle of a syringe to be inserted without fear of an unintended prick to an end user. The vial holder is further defined with a weighted base that is adapted to lie on a support surface. The weighted base includes a vertical member that rises vertically. A pair of holding armatures extend upwardly and away from the vertical member. The pair of holding armatures radiate away from one another and form “V”. The pair of holding armatures is adapted to support the injectable bottle at a partially inverted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Brett Opland
  • Patent number: 9741325
    Abstract: A foldable floor stand for guitar, comprises supporting rods, whose top ends are intermeshed, and aluminum tubes connecting with bottom ends of the supporting rods to support a guitar; two plastic engagers are set on top of the supporting rods, a rotatable pad apparatus contacting with guitar surface is arranged on side of the plastic engager supporting the guitar. Due to adopting a pad apparatus to make the plastic supporting panel and back face of the guitar contact in surface, frictions are increased and placements of a guitar or other music instruments onto the stand are more stable, more secure, harder to slide and fall. Connecting supporting rods and aluminum tubes moveably, makes it convenient to adjust positions of supporting rods, to adopt different styles of guitars; it is possible to fold supporting rods wholly inside range of aluminum tubes, making it convenient to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: AROMA MUSIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haihua Chen
  • Patent number: 9345630
    Abstract: An upper frame swingable between an inclined posture and a substantially horizontal posture along a trajectory of movement of a four-bar linkage is held in the substantially horizontal posture by a simple operation when necessary. A front link mechanism control gives an external force for pushing down an operation member to thereby control a front link mechanism so as to displace the upper frame rearward while lowering a front side of the upper frame. Since a displacement direction for bringing the upper frame into the substantially horizontal posture and an operation direction for locking the front link mechanism or a rear link mechanism by the operation of the operation member are substantially the same direction, it is possible to perform two movements, the displacement movements to the substantially horizontal posture and the locking movements, only by operating the operation member in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA TOOLING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Oshimo
  • Patent number: 9259081
    Abstract: A furniture line featuring a table which is customizable and suited for confined and irregular spaces such as balconies, decks or outdoors which line can be easily assembled or disassembled essentially by hand and available affordably with a variety of selectable tops, shapes and applications. The table features a skeletal frame arrangement with universal top mounts, selectable curved tubular or rod like legs, at least one and preferably two hub couplers or tubular leg and pedestal base, and optional rotatable or slide on levelers for uneven surfaces. A method and system disclosed provides purchaser customization of the table and complementary ensembles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Attiture LLC
    Inventor: David F. Rassat
  • Patent number: 8708292
    Abstract: A table leg assembly includes an upright leg and two branch legs. The upright leg has two tubes longitudinally extended therefrom. Each tube has a joint member disposed in a lower end thereof. Each branch leg has a cylinder formed at one end thereof. The cylinder is coaxially aligned with the respective tube. The cylinder of the respective branch leg has a ring disposed on a top thereof. The ring has a plurality of positioning grooves defined in an inner periphery thereof. At least one positioning pin passing through the joint member and positioned in one of the positioning grooves of the respective ring so as to restrict the respective branch leg in a certain angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Tuang Hock Koh
  • Publication number: 20130256497
    Abstract: An apparatus to support a device includes a first base; a first support; a first base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the first base and the first support along a first axis of rotation; a first swivel slidably connected to the first support and having a first cut-out adapted to receive a first portion of the device; a second base; a second support; a second base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the second base and the second support along a second axis of rotation; and a second swivel slidably connected to the second support and having a second cut-out adapted to receive a second portion of the device spaced apart from the first portion of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Rambod Radmard
  • Patent number: 8381664
    Abstract: A table (2) of a type which can be moved between storage and in use positions and which is free standing in both positions. The table typically includes at least two legs (12) connected to support arms (16) which are moveable between the two positions and which, when in the in use position engage with a frame member (34) on the underside of a table top via engagers (26, 28) having teeth which secure the leg support arms to the frame member and provide support for the table top (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ABF Europe Limited
    Inventor: Mike Prendergast
  • Patent number: 7984884
    Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree stand comprises a receptacle, at least three equally spaced legs radially extending therefrom, an equal plurality of braces pivotally extending upwards from the legs' lengths, and outer struts and corresponding inner struts that travel a track in the braces' lengths. The legs pivot downwards 90° to collapse the stand for storage. The brace is extendable about a height of the tree trunk so that its claws can engage the trunk at a manually manipulated height. The braces essentially support the trunk upright as opposed to the conventional receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: B.I.G. Ideas, LLC
    Inventor: Vall A. Iliev
  • Publication number: 20100147200
    Abstract: A table assembly (10), including a removable table top (12) having respective generally flat main surfaces (14, 16), and a supporting structure (18) for the table top (12), the supporting structure (18) including at least two frames (20) each having two upright legs (22) connected by at least one substantially horizontal member (24, 26), whereby the table top (12) rests on the upright legs (22). The frames (20) are mutually articulated about a vertical axis (32) by coupling the horizontal members (24, 26) at a position intermediate their respective ends (34, 36), such that the frames (20) pivot about the vertical axis (32) with respect to each other between an expanded position for supporting the table top (12) and a collapsed position for storage. In some forms of the invention, positive engagement between the table top and the supporting structure stabilise the supporting structure in the expanded position and prevents accidental collapsing of the table assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Nicholas Polidoros
  • Patent number: 7594285
    Abstract: A bottom frame assembly for a baby crib includes pairs of first and second bottom frame rods, and a hub unit that includes stationary and rotary seats. The stationary seat is connected to the first bottom frame rods at diametrically opposite positions of the stationary seat. The rotary seat is mounted rotatably on the stationary seat, and is connected to the second bottom frame rods at diametrically opposite positions of the rotary seat. By adjusting the angular orientation of the rotary seat relative to the stationary seat, the angles formed between adjacent ones of the first and second bottom frame rods can be varied so that the bottom frame assembly can suit the specified length-to-width ratio of the baby crib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Zheng-Wen Guo
  • Patent number: 7537186
    Abstract: A work stand comprises a base having top and bottom sides and a tubular support member extending downwardly from said bottom side. Three legs are spaced apart about the support member and have upper ends pivotally attached to the base and lower ends below the support member for engaging an underlying surface to support the base above said surface. A collar is slidable on the tubular support member between upper and lower positions relative to the base, and links between the collar and legs provide for displacing the legs between extended and retracted positions relative to the support member when the collar is moved along the support member. A handle is mounted on the sleeve for displacing the sleeve and thus the legs between the extended and retracted positions thereof and for carrying the stand in the retracted position of the legs. A latch on the base and a keeper provided by the handle interengage in the retracted position of the legs to releasably hold the legs in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Michael H. Putre, Steven K. Morris, Michael P. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 7340859
    Abstract: A planter includes a wire basket having horizontal parallel top rings, bottom rings, and connected vertical wires. Four folding legs each include a top loop rotatably attached to the bottom rings. The legs when in their extended down position each include a short inwardly angled section that nests into the bottom rings for stability. The legs also include an outwardly angled section forming a mid-height detent recess, and a foot. A retainer ring slides downwardly into engagement with all four of the detent recesses to secure the legs in their use positions, which is particularly stable due to the nested relationship with the recesses in the bottom rings. A drip pan, shallow secondary basket and alternative leg-latches are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Palsrok
  • Patent number: 7314207
    Abstract: A stand for supporting one end of an elongate structural member, such as a utility pole, a distance off of the ground includes first and second pairs of legs and a cradle configured to engage a circumference of the elongate structural member. The first and second pairs of legs are movable relative to one another, from a nested configuration to a working configuration. In the nested configuration, the second legs are positioned generally between the first legs so that the stand has a generally flat profile that is convenient for storage and transporting the stand to a work site. The legs can be moved to the working configuration when it is desired to support a utility pole or other elongate structural member thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Tru 2 Form Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Jones
  • Patent number: 7252271
    Abstract: A support for a play apparatus comprising a plurality of legs with each leg having an elongate base member for contacting the ground and an elongate support member arranged substantially perpendicularly to the base member. Each support member is hingably connected to another support member such that the legs are movable between an erected position, in which the support members define an opening for engagement with the play apparatus and the base members extend outwardly from the opening, and a folded position, in which the base members are substantially parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Stephens
  • Patent number: 7243450
    Abstract: A base is provided for use with warning signs and the like. A metal structural framework is fitted to the underside of an elastomeric body in the form of a monolithic slab. Forces from the sign panel are transmitted through the structural framework, which includes a plurality of outwardly radiating legs. Forces are transmitted to the ends of the legs, which preferably are fitted with outwardly extending feet. Force loadings are transmitted through the structural framework rather than the elastomeric body, which provide a ballast for the structural framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventors: Grant D. Dicke, James G. Kokenes, Jeffrey A. Williams
  • Patent number: 7100877
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy Bourke, Dorothy Bourke
  • Patent number: 6879317
    Abstract: A collapsible data entry panel comprises, an upper layer of flexible sheet material having formed keys on its outer surface and conductive areas or contacts on its inner surface, a lower layer of flexible sheet material having conductive circuits or traces on its inner surface, and resilient, flexible frame around the peripheral margins of the sheet material layers that pulls the layers taut so that they are parallel to and spaced apart from one another. Depression of a formed key will cause a corresponding, underlying contact to connect with the conductive trace carried by the lower layer, and thereby complete a circuit representative of the depressed key. The data entry panel of the invention is collapsible to a surface area less than ½ of its extended configuration by twisting the respective ends of the panel in opposite directions, while applying a slight inward pressure. In its collapsed configuration, the panel can readily fit into a shirt pocket or purse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Brian P. Quinn, Gregory C. Borucki, Marino Cecchi
  • Publication number: 20040135043
    Abstract: A reducible support system for supporting various items is presented in various embodiments. A reducible support structure, may comprise an operation element which may be attached to an orthogonal element. Limbs, preferably a tripod may be attached to the operation element and a plug element may provide a slide so that the limbs or tripod may open and collapse easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ultimate Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. Eason
  • Patent number: 6726157
    Abstract: An automatically collapsible prop for propping a golf bag or the like is provided and includes a frame having a top and bottom part. A rack member is fixedly attached to the top part and includes a central guide rail formed between two side tooth members having a number of elongated parallel teeth. A slide mechanism includes a support part guided by the guide rail and a pair of pinion supports. Two pinions are rotatably mounted on the respective pinion supports of the slide mechanism so as to engage the respective side teeth. Two legs are respectively connected to the pinions. A lever rod is fastened to the slide mechanism with one end projecting upward through the support part of the slide mechanism. A coil spring is provided between the support part of the slide mechanism and the top part to normally push the slide mechanism downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Q-Boak Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung-Bun Yoon
  • Patent number: 6641095
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a camera mounting tripod having a hub with three legs hinged at one end thereof to the hub at equi-spaced locations around the hub to swing between a folded condition in which the legs lie alongside one another and an erect position in which the legs diverge from one another. An automatic releasable latching device is provided on one of the legs to engage end housings on the other two legs to hold the legs in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Vitec Group, PLC
    Inventor: Richard Arthur Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20030146354
    Abstract: A telescopic stand is described and comprises at least two legs (2) and, for each leg, at least two elements (5, 6, 7) which are slidable telescopically relative to one another, locking means (12) on each leg (2), the locking means (12) being switchable between a locking condition and a release condition in which relative sliding between the elements of the respective leg (2) is prevented at least in one direction, or is unrestricted, respectively, and the locking means being switched to the release condition in at least one predetermined condition of relative positioning of the legs (2). The locking means comprises respective facing and opposed appendages (24b) which project towards one another from the respective legs (2) and, when pressed against one another, can interact with one another in the release condition when the legs (2) are gathered together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Paolo Speggiorin
  • Patent number: 6598840
    Abstract: A presentation device (1) includes a base (5), with bars (3) plugged together for a flexible stand (2), the stand being connected to the base (5) via a plug connection, and with transverse bars (9, 10) as a holding device for a presentation carrier (6) for connecting the latter to the base (5) and the stand (2). For a quick and easy set-up or dismantling, the base (5) is designed with four elongate foldable feet (14 to 17) which are articulated on an elongate crossmember (11) and are capable of being pivoted out of a folded-up position of rest parallel to the crossmember (11) into an operation position at least essentially at right angles to the crossmember (11) and back again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: BS-Ausstellungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Siegl
  • Patent number: 6572060
    Abstract: An automatically collapsible prop for propping all kinds of loads such as golf bag, knapsack, coolie rack, etc., comprises a first tubular member having an upper end and an open lower end, a second tubular member relatively moveably inserted in the first tubular member so as to slide down by gravity relative to it to protrude from the open lower end of the first tubular member by a predetermined length when lifting the first member in a sloping or vertical position, and a third member rotationally mounted on a fixed shaft attached to the second tubular member so as to pivot relative to the first and second members about the fixed shaft. A first engaging groove is formed in the surface of the first member in the longitudinal direction to allow the second member with the third member to slide relative to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Q-Boak Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung-Bun Yoon
  • Patent number: 6499705
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Liang Tsai
  • Patent number: 6478267
    Abstract: A seat support for supporting a vehicle seat outside the vehicle has a base frame adapted for engagement with a support surface outside the vehicle, a support frame configured to engage with and support the vehicle seat, and a plurality of legs connecting the base frame to the support frame. The legs are vertically adjustable in order to vertically adjust the support frame relative to the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jason P. Whitman, Ian D. Haynes
  • Patent number: 6293512
    Abstract: A collapsible support frame is formed of an inner tube, an outer tube, and a plurality of support legs. The support legs are fastened to the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube is rotatably fitted into the outer tube. The folding and the unfolding of the support legs are attained by turning the inner tube an angle. The inner tube has a hollow interior for holding a Christmas tree, a flag pole, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Ching-Mo Ho
  • Patent number: 6213436
    Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible compact platform for use by hikers and backpackers includes a supporting surface having horizontal adjustability. The platform can be conveniently folded into a compact carrying unit less than 6 ounces in weight and having a fold down or compactability ratio of at least approximately 25 to 1. The supporting surface cooperates with vertical legs that can be adjusted to provide a level supporting surface irrespective of the slope of the underlying ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Hembree Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne A. Hembree
  • Patent number: 6168123
    Abstract: A golf bag with integrally formed, automatically retractable golf bag stand is provided including a golf bag having a rigid open top and a rigid closed bottom with a tubular intermediate portion therebetween. The top is open for the positioning of golf clubs therethrough for support on the bottom and within an interior space of the intermediate. The bag further includes a pivotal foot pivotally coupled to the bottom of the bag. A pair of legs are pivotally coupled with respect to the bag. The legs have lower ends adapted to support the bag in a tripod orientation in association with the bottom of the bag. A pair of actuation rods have upper ends pivotally coupled to the legs and lower ends coupled to the pivotal foot at the bottom of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis Cobi Stein, Chuck Heidenreich
  • Patent number: 6164217
    Abstract: A table movable between an erected in-use position and a substantially flatter position for storage. The table includes a table-top and a frame with supporting legs wherein the table is movable between the erected and substantially flattened conditions with the table-top remaining in contact with the frame. The frame includes a part which is in fixed position relative to the table-top. The table also includes two movable members, each having a leg portion. When in the erected condition, a free end is adjacent to a corner of the table. The leg portions are located on portions of the movable members which protrude outwardly from the side of a plane of a fixed portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mad Design Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Prendergast
  • Patent number: 6141934
    Abstract: A folding frame system includes a roof assembly including at least three pivotably attached strut pairs, adjacent pairs of the at least three pivotably attached strut pairs defining at least three corners of the roof assembly. The roof assembly is movable between a roof assembly closed position in which struts of the at least three strut pairs are disposed parallel to each other and a roof assembly open position in which struts of the at least three strut pairs are locked in non-parallel positions and ends of the struts of each strut pair of the at least three strut pairs define a rectangle. The folding frame system also includes a folding leg assembly disposed at each of the at least three corners of the roof assembly. Each folding leg assembly includes a leg strut assembly. The leg strut assembly includes a top leg strut and a tubular bottom leg strut in which the top leg strut is telescopingly slidable between a top leg strut closed position and a top leg strut open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: World Shelters, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Zeigler
  • Patent number: 6123311
    Abstract: The base assembly is removably received in a hollow end portion of a column which is used to support such things as handles of umbrellas, flag poles or legs of chairs and tables. The assembly includes a plug which is received in the end portion and which has a number of longitudinally extending cavities formed in it. The upper portions of a number of legs are received in the cavities and a plate is bolted to the plug for holding the leg portions in place. Instead of a plug the assembly can have upper and lower plates which are spaced apart from one another. The upper leg portions are received in openings in the plates and are held in place by means of a leg-retaining plate which is bolted to the first two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Edward Trinier
  • Patent number: 6056250
    Abstract: An improved sign stand for flexible traffic control signage is provided which includes a cam assembly for quickly securing a sign to the stand without sacrificing the holding force generated thereby. The sign stand includes a base assembly for temporarily erecting the sign at a desirable location, and an elongated upright extending from the base assembly. A cam assembly is supported by the upright for releasably securing a vertical brace member of a flexible sign. The cam assembly includes a rotatable cam member and a compliant member interdisposed between the cam member and the upright which is operably associated therewith to elastically yield in response to rotation of the cam member, thereby generating a clamping force between the upright and the cam assembly to releasably secure the vertical brace member to the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Marketing Displays International
    Inventors: David U. Hillstrom, Yevgeniy M. Levin, David J. Muir