Of Sheet Material Patents (Class 248/174)
  • Patent number: 11871858
    Abstract: The foldable shelf system comprises one or more unfolded sheets that may be folded to form a shelf system. The shelf system may be mounted on a wall and may be operable to display a publication and a token. The publication may be displayed while held in a vertical orientation. The token may be displayed while resting on a shelf. As non-limiting examples, the publication may be a comic book, a magazine such as a sports magazine, a journal, or a photograph. The token may be an action figure, autographed memorabilia such as an autographed baseball, or an award such as a trophy or a ribbon. The display of the publication and the token together on the shelf system may suggest an association between the publication and the token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: Dustin Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 11498016
    Abstract: A child's toy transformable between a book position and a ball position, including a pair of end covers which each have round outer surfaces and planar inner cover surfaces, and a plurality of disc-shaped pages that have opposed circular planar surfaces with viewable indicia thereon. At least one flexible hinge in operative connection with each end cover and each page. In the ball position, the planar inner cover surfaces are in opposed facing relation and the plurality of disc-shaped pages are in abutting sandwiched relation therebetween. A releasable clasp may be engaged to hold the covers and pages in the ball position so the toy is readily rollable, and the clasp may be released to transform the toy to the book position in which the end covers are disposed away from one another and pages are individually movable to view indicia thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: BENDON, INC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Charles Cole
  • Patent number: 11028895
    Abstract: An impact mitigating assembly includes an elongate member formed from a plurality of triangulated cylindrical origami (TCO) unit cells that exhibit coupled rotational and axial motion. The unit cells include an end portion and a tubular member fixed to the end portion. The tubular member has a plurality of concave sides. Each side has a first triangular portion and a second triangular portion sharing an elastic connecting edge with the second triangular portion. The first triangular portion also shares an angled upright edge with the second triangular portion of an adjacent side. Compressing the tubular member longitudinally causes the connecting edge and the angled upright edge to elastically deform, for example by stretching, and causes the second end of the tubular member to rotate with respect to the first end of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Jinkyu Yang, Hiromi Yasuda
  • Patent number: 10945565
    Abstract: A towel having three pockets which are configured to slip over the handle bars on fitness and exercise equipment. The towel covers the entirety of the handle bars and is removable, washable and reusable. The towel is made of an absorbent material and can be easily removed and used for wiping face and body during exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Swan Athletic, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore Kasten
  • Patent number: 10806059
    Abstract: The shield bracket refers to a shield bracket of open enclosure (2) delimited by a support structure (1) equipped with a main wall of support (3) and a containment structure (4), which is prepared to receive and serve as a support for communication devices (100), such as cell phones; the entire structure (1) or at least its walls of side screen (5), which are projected beyond the open enclosure (2), are structured in aluminum and therefore constitute barriers to the emission of electromagnetic waves coming from the devices (100) which support. Thus, this limits the emission zone (Z1) of these electromagnetic waves issued by the device of communication (100) and creates a wide area of the protection zone (Z2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: David Cabarcos
  • Patent number: 10634464
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a shooting target with improved portability and safety over existing devices. The target uses a pin system for storing the legs, which are easily removed and used to form a base. In addition, accessories are described for a shooting target system and method such as a wheel base, side targets, a swinging “dueling target” system, and “popper” side targets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Alex Babcock
  • Patent number: 10595641
    Abstract: An easily storable, flat neck support device for sleeping is described herein. The neck support device consists of flat, rigid panels in geometric shapes enclosed in a fabric. The fabric has fasteners. The shapes are arranged so that the folding of the fabric allows the fasteners to hold the shapes in place, forming a structure the holds a user's head in place to allow for rest or sleep, for instance when traveling on an airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Kim Tat
  • Patent number: 10264880
    Abstract: A furniture and display system (1) having right side structure (2) and left side structure (1) that may be configured to be used as a chair or display in a retail setting. A rear panel (4, 10) of at least one of the two side structures has two panels which form a space to allow the rear panel of a corresponding side structure to be inserted therein to form an elongated shelf or seat. The design of the two pieces allows the side structures to be nested and/or placed together in multiple configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Robert J. Koutny
  • Patent number: 10182649
    Abstract: A stand for supporting a portable device has a first panel for supporting the device, a second panel hinged so as to be pivotable relative to the first panel about a first hinge axis and an angle setting leg hinged so as to be pivotable relative to the first panel or the second panel about a second hinge axis and having a free end releasably connectable to the other one of the first panel and the second panel at a distance from the first hinge axis for setting an angle between the first panel and the second panel. A flexible attachment flap projects from and extends along at least a portion of at least one edge of the first panel. The flap has an attachment surface for attachment to a bottom surface of or attached to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: OAHWIP B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Thomas Lambertus van Hooft, Tristan Margareth Raphael Petronella Frencken
  • Patent number: 10172285
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for evaluating agricultural material which comprises, in one embodiment, a housing having a passage in or through an interior of the housing with an inlet for receiving agricultural material and an outlet for outputting the agricultural material. The system further comprises a wall opening in a wall of the passage. An imaging device having a lens is located inward from a border of the imaging device. The imaging device is pivotally mounted for rotation with respect to a housing such that in a closed state the border of the imaging device rests on, engages or interlocks the wall opening of the housing, and in an open state the border exposes the wall opening and an interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignees: Carnegie Mellon University, Deere & Company
    Inventors: Victor S. Sierra, Tarik Loukili, Aaron J. Bruns, John M. Hageman, Herman Herman, Vladimir A. Altman, Jaime W. Bourne
  • Patent number: 10151710
    Abstract: A portable industrial radiography apparatus is provided for radiographic non-destructive testing. The portable industrial radiography apparatus includes a support frame, an upright support member attached to the support frame, an elongate lift arm including a first end and a second end, wherein the elongate lift arm is pivotally attached to the upright support member adjacent the second end of the lift arm, an x-ray tube attached to the first end of the elongate lift arm, and a linear actuator positioned between the support frame and the lift arm for manipulating a position of the x-ray tube attached to the first end of the elongate lift arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Pellechia
  • Patent number: 10117537
    Abstract: Many forms of Christmas tree stand, for use with real (i.e. cut) Christmas trees are known, such as those that may be filled with water to prolong the life of the tree. The present invention relates to a Christmas tree stand, and a method of maintaining a Christmas tree in a substantially upright position, and includes a reservoir 3 with retaining parts 9 at upper and lower ends thereof, and an outer container into which the reservoir is configured to be securable, the container configured to substantially conceal the reservoir and having a base larger than the reservoir. This prevents damage to floor surfaces (such as carpets and tiles) and prevents accidental contact by passers-by with difficult-to-see legs and/or arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Watson
  • Patent number: 10008138
    Abstract: Self-erectable displays and methods of making such self-erectable displays are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a shroud including a first shroud panel, a second shroud panel coupled to the first shroud panel, and an interior formed between the first shroud panel and the second shroud panel; a support disposed in the interior of the shroud, the support including a first tongue and a second tongue, the first tongue to extend through a first aperture of the support, the second tongue to extend through a second aperture of the support, the first and second tongues to extend in opposing directions; and a biasing member coupled to the support to cause a portion of the first shroud panel to separate from a portion of the second shroud panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
    Inventor: Travis P. Bonifas
  • Patent number: 9990007
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stand device that enables a portable information device to be set at a desired upright angle easily and smoothly, and a stand-equipped portable information device including the stand device. The stand device includes: a guide rail facing a back surface of a chassis of the portable information device; and a bendable stand plate having a first end attached to the chassis and a second end opposite to the first end. A slide member disposed at the second end is slidably engaged with the guide rail. The stand plate includes a crease that extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the guide rail, and is disposed between the first end and the second end so that when the slide member slides, the stand plate is bent at the crease and is brought into contact with or separated from the back surface of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihito Nakagaki
  • Patent number: 9961968
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved sleeve for a key fob with Radio Frequency (RF) blocking features to block undesired communications with the key fob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: David E Mulcahy
  • Patent number: 9918545
    Abstract: A stand for a portable device such as a laptop computer or a tablet computer has a first panel, a second panel hinged to the first panel for supporting the first panel and an angle setting tongue hinged to the first panel or the second panel and connectable to the other one of these panels for setting an angle between these panels. First and second panel members of a first layer define the first and second panels and are attached to a relatively flexible second layer. Portions of the angle setting tongue opposite parts of the first layer when the stand is in a flat folded transport position, are free from material of the first layer. A method for manufacturing such a stand is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: BakkerElkhuizen Innovations B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Thomas Lambertus van Hooft, Tristan Margareth Raphael Petronella Frencken
  • Patent number: 9832355
    Abstract: An image-reading auxiliary apparatus includes a housing that shields a medium from environmental light, an external device holding unit that holds an external device that captures an image of the medium, a light source that illuminates the medium, an illuminance sensor that detects whether the external device is held by the external device holding unit, a housing control unit that controls the light source so as not to emit light when the illuminance sensor detects that the external device is not held by the external device holding unit, and an opening/closing interlocking switch that activates the housing control unit to start to control the light source when the housing is opened from a folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: PFU LIMITED
    Inventor: Toshiichi Idonuma
  • Patent number: 9818316
    Abstract: A sliding information device for placement and sliding on an even and flat supporting surface wherein the device comprises a baseplate with a flat and even bottom surface and an upright element, fastened to its top surface by means of a base that enables elastic bending of the element back and forth from an unloaded rest position A to a loaded oblique position B and a method for manufacturing it comprising the cutting of a series of segments from an elastically bendable substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CREA N.V.
    Inventor: Sammy Lasseel
  • Patent number: 9756963
    Abstract: A baby crib includes a plurality of panels coupled together and having a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels. The side panels are oriented generally parallel relative to one another with each side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The pair of end panels include a first end panel slidably mounted to the side panels proximate the first side edges and a second end panel slidably mounted to the side panels proximate the second side edges. A plurality of support members are detachably coupled to the pair of side panels and are able to support a platform. Each support member is coupled to the side panels in one of a plurality of height positions. The plurality of support members are designed to support a mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Ruben Bien-Willner
  • Patent number: 9452878
    Abstract: A footwear customization kit includes a stand for supporting an article of footwear that has a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated, and a steaming bag. The stand may include first and second members that can be assembled to support the article of footwear in the steaming bag over a steam environment by engaging an outer periphery of a steaming vessel. The first member may include a first center projection, a first lower central surface, and engaging slots formed in the first lower central surface. The second member may include a second center projection, a second lower central surface, a pair of second shoulders, third and fourth arms disposed above the second lower central surface, and receiving slots formed in upper surfaces of the second shoulders. The first and second members may be attached by interlocking engagement of the engaging slots and the receiving slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Alexandre Baudouin, William M. Dieter, James Molyneux
  • Patent number: 9080859
    Abstract: A housing including a base and cover has an open space that is open to the atmosphere and a closed space that is closed to the atmosphere. The open space contains a laser having a low operating temperature. The closed space contains a heat generating element and the like, which have higher operating temperatures than the laser. The heat generating element is in close contact with the base, which also serves as a heatsink, so that the heat generating element is cooled. Most parts of a motor, which is a heat generating member, are disposed in the closed space. A fan is diagonally disposed with respect to side surfaces of the heat generating element, which has a rectangular shape and flat side surfaces, so as to efficiently blow air toward the heat generating element disposed in the closed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Mikio Oshima, Mitsuhiro Matsuzaki, Hiroyuki Maezawa
  • Patent number: 9038979
    Abstract: A multifunctional case is configured for receiving or supporting a portable electronic device. The case includes a first layer and a second layer. The second layer is connected to the first layer by the edges. A receiving space is formed between the first and second layers for receiving the portable electronic device. The second layer is provided with a base portion, a main supporting portion, two side supporting portions and two remaining portions are formed on the second layer. The two side supporting portions and the remaining portions are symmetrically positioned at two sides of the main supporting portion. When the case is folded up as a support, the main supporting portion is angled with the base portion. The remaining portions are stacked on the base portion. The side supporting portions are perpendicular to the remaining portions and the main supporting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Houng Lu, Hsin-Yung Yang, Ching-Min Lin, Tzu-Cheng Yu
  • Patent number: 9004433
    Abstract: A folding support device and methods for constructing and using the same are provided by the present invention. A foldable support member contains a series of hinge sections and support and stress limiting members. Construction is provided enabling the device to safely collapse and stow while traveling, but to unfold and provide a gripping tension on both a support member and a support device in a reliable manner. Force analysis is provided securing the item in an upright way via a force transfer generated by the supported weight itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: John A. Krieger
  • Patent number: 8979043
    Abstract: This application discloses a bracket device used for mounting outdoor solar lighting on various types of surfaces, including but not limited to block walls, chain link fences, wooden fences and flat walls or for holding outdoor solar lighting devices as stand-alone fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Florman
  • Publication number: 20150034781
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable foldable cradle. A rear plate is rotatably coupled to the front plate to enable the rear plate to be unfolded from the front plate. A support mechanism is in between the front plate and the rear plate in which a first end of the support mechanism is hinged to a cradling unit configured to support an electronic device thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Dalwon KIM, Ilkwon KIM, Seungtae RYU, Yonghoon JIN
  • Patent number: 8944260
    Abstract: A free-standing display fixture includes a main body having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right side panel, a center panel and a left side panel. Each of the left side panel, the center panel and the right side panel include interior surfaces and the interior surfaces of the left side panel and the right side panel face each other. Located between and coupled to left side panel and right panel are a plurality of uniquely arranged display components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Laura L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8844733
    Abstract: An inventive dish support assembly utilizes slots in a pair of panels to support dinnerware including a plate or dish. The dish support assembly may include a third member support which supports the pair of panels pivotably. The third member support may be supported by the pair of panels and another support structure. A set of equations define the most preferable shapes of the slots including an upper curved surface opposite a lower generally straighter surface with consideration of several sources of relaxation from a geometric description of the most preferable shapes. To insure a conforming capture of the supported structures, the respective slots or cut-outs may be covered with a resilient covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Isaac Waksul
  • Patent number: 8733031
    Abstract: An attachment member for securing a structural building component (e.g., joist) to a support pedestal of an elevated building surface assembly. The attachment member includes a central portion and at least one joist support arm attached to the central portion. The central portion includes one or more features that allow it to be secured to a support pedestal, and the at least one support arm includes engagement flaps that can be attached to a structural building component to secure the structural building component to the attachment members, and hence to the support pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: United Construction Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Knight, III, William E. Kugler, Scott Wilson
  • Patent number: 8708139
    Abstract: Transportation packaging may be used to ship or transport a product, such as an electronic device. The transportation packaging may be reused subsequent to the transport of the product by removing a shape defined by a pattern included on the transportation packaging, assembling or altering a portion of the removed pattern, and engaging the assembled pattern with the product. In a particular embodiment, the assembled pattern may provide a usability surface for at least one peripheral device to be used with the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Roger Cox, ZhenDe Fu, Lei R Li
  • Patent number: 8590188
    Abstract: An information presenting device. The device is arranged to be capable of assuming a first flattened configuration, for transport or storage, and of assuming a second extended and hence self-supporting configuration. The device comprises at least two panels joined together along the respective edges of at least two of the panels such that the device, having assumed the second configuration, forms a hollow cylinder, and at least one locking member, arranged between the panels 4, for continuously adjustable locking of the device in the first or second configuration, the locking member comprising a first part and a second part, the first part being slidably connected to the second part and the locking member being self-locking by a friction band coupling formed between contact surfaces of the first part and the second part of the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mizelda AB
    Inventor: Jani Mirsch
  • Patent number: 8579241
    Abstract: A footwear customization kit is disclosed. The kit comprises a container including an article of footwear, a stand, a steaming bag and a set of instructions. The article of footwear includes a customizable portion that can be deformed when heated. The stand and the steaming bag can be used to heat the article of footwear in a steam environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Alexandre Baudouin, William M. Dieter
  • Patent number: 8540091
    Abstract: A blank for a rack with at least one shelf designed as a starting plate with at least one bending region in the form a number of segments and openings. The starting plate includes a number of elements which each have a side extending along a bending region while the other sides of the element are free whereby the rack is quickly and easily formed by bending these elements about their bending regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Teddy Kristensen
  • Patent number: 8540084
    Abstract: An interlocking assembly of two generally rectangular panel pairs hinged to each other with one edge of each of the panels including a plurality of recess cut-outs aligned adjacent matching cut-outs in an adjacent edge of the other panel of the respective panel pair in which dishes can be engaged in a cantilevered manner. A telescoping handle extends across the two generally rectangular panel pairs to select the degree of the hinged articulation between the panels of the two generally rectangular panel pairs. To insure a conforming capture of the dishes the respective cut-outs may be covered with a resilient covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Isaac Waksul
  • Patent number: 8540083
    Abstract: An interlocking assembly of two generally rectangular panels with one of each of their edges aligned proximately to each other at a generally orthogonal engagement, each of the panels including a plurality of matching recess cut-outs in the adjacent edges in which dishes can be engaged in a cantilevered manner. Each of the cut-outs is shaped to include a convex curvature in its lower edge which is opposed by a spaced, generally matching convolution in the upper edge to serve respectively as a large diameter fulcrum to cooperate with an off-set periphery engaging opposing surface between which the dish is captured. To insure a conforming capture the cut-out edges may be covered with a resilient covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Isaac Waksul
  • Patent number: 8424829
    Abstract: A holder is for supporting a portable electronic device, including a foldable layer, a supporting assembly attached to the layer. When the holder is unfolded, the supporting assembly can be maintained in a two-dimensional structure. When the holder is folded, the supporting assembly forms a three-dimensional structure that will not collapse under a weight of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Houng Lu, Hsin-Yung Yang, Ching-Min Lin, Tzu-Cheng Yu
  • Publication number: 20130026329
    Abstract: A collapsible, lightweight, easily portable stand for supporting a portable electronic device such as an iPhone, iPad, cell phone, or ebook reader, that allows the user to view what is displayed on the device without supporting it with his hand. The stand alternates easily between a collapsed state which is compact and easy to transport, and an open position that permits convenient viewing. The stand comprises a front panel, two side panels, a back panel, and a bottom panel. The back and front panel can selectively attach and unattach. The bottom panel can selectively mate with the front panel for smaller devices, or the back panel for larger devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Ron Lane, Richard Kligman, Robert Pettiford
  • Patent number: 8360384
    Abstract: A collapsible support device for a mobile device, incorporating a composite member that can be selectively transitioned between an intermediate state, a tilted state and collapsed state. The composite member includes at least one rigid layer coupled to a malleable layer, and a first plurality of hinge elements that facilitate transition between the above states, the hinge elements including the malleable layer and substantially excluding the rigid layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: XFX Creation Inc.
    Inventors: Cezanne-Simon Farris-Gilbert, Arjun Adamson-Mohan
  • Patent number: 8322664
    Abstract: A support device is provided for supporting one or more objects above a ground surface. The device includes a QO body portion and location means associated with the body portion to allow location and/or engagement of one or more objects with the device in use. The body portion has at least one compartment defined therein for containing strengthening means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgeshire Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Robert Booth
  • Publication number: 20120211613
    Abstract: A foldable holder includes a foldable cover, a supporting assembly attached to the cover. When the holder is unfolded, the supporting assembly is maintained in a substantially planar form. When the holder is folded, the supporting assembly form a three-dimensional structure that will not collapse under a weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsin-Yung YANG, Li-Houng LU, Ching-Min LIN, Tzu-Cheng YU
  • Publication number: 20120211631
    Abstract: A holder is for supporting a portable electronic device, including a foldable layer, a supporting assembly attached to the layer. When the holder is unfolded, the supporting assembly can be maintained in a two-dimensional structure. When the holder is folded, the supporting assembly forms a three-dimensional structure that will not collapse under a weight of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Houng LU, Hsin-Yung YANG, Ching-Min LIN, Tzu-Cheng YU
  • Patent number: 8246001
    Abstract: A portable electronic device is disclosed. The portable electronic device includes a main body and a supporting member rotatably connected to the main body. The main body defines a chamber for receiving detachable elements of the portable electronic device therein. The supporting member includes a number of supporting sheets which can be folded or unfolded relatively to each other. The folded supporting member is configured for covering the chamber of the main body, and the unfolded supporting member is configured for supporting the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Jui Huang
  • Patent number: 8167255
    Abstract: “HINGE WITH ELASTIC ELEMENT AND TAB ADAPTED IN CARDBOARD DISPLAY STANDS FOR ASSEMBLY, FLATTENING AND AUTOMATIC SET-UP SYSTEMS”, formed from a cardboard plate (1) with creases (2), (3) and (4) which mark the swinging segments (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10), forming a hinge (14) to be applied to display stands (such as display shelf, display-box, totem and other similar objects obtained from the central cardboard cutting and creasing design), operating through tension imposed by the elastic loop (15) anchored into the cuts (17) of a beveled tab (16) internal or posterior, positioned in the junction points of the adjacent walls (P) of the display stand (D). The hinge (14) works in clamping system, closing itself strongly tensioned during the display stand (D) flattening, for piling, transportation and delivery to the client, secured in an envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Chung Kwo Tzuo
  • Patent number: 8052103
    Abstract: A product assembly includes a substantially planar product and a support wedge. The support wedge is formed separately from the substantially planar product and includes a base, two sidewalls, and two internal walls. The two sidewalls each extend from opposite sides of the base and converge toward one another as they extend away from the base. The two internal walls each extend from a side of one of the two sidewalls opposite the base. The two internal walls are substantially parallel to and spaced from one another to define a slot between the two internal walls. The substantially planar product is positioned within the slot and is held in place due to compression applied to the substantially planar product by the two internal walls. Other products, assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon R. Ferraro, Alexander D. Ellendson, Timothy M. Magner
  • Patent number: 8028453
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for displaying a card via a decorative figurine, or similar device, equipped with one or more card retention mechanisms. In one embodiment, the retention mechanisms are arranged in a V shape to allow a card placed therein to be retained in a partially open state. In another embodiment, upper projections may be included to provide further stability to the retained card. In some embodiments, the apparatus is in the form of a quadruped, the retention mechanisms are integral to or coupled to the quadruped's legs, and the upper projections are in the form of the quadruped's arms. In another embodiment, a tent-style card is held between upper and lower retention mechanisms. In another embodiment, the card is permanently adhered to the figurine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Hold That Thought, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony A. Fornataro
  • Patent number: 8009414
    Abstract: The present invention includes flat-panel type display section (11), main body (12) which supports this flat-panel type display section (11), angle adjustment mechanism (13) for adjusting an inclination angle to a perpendicular direction of a display surface of flat-panel type display section (11), and shelf member (14) on which an article is to be placed. Then, as for shelf member (14), one end of the shelf member is provided near an upper edge of flat-panel type display section (11), and the other end of the shelf member is supported by main body (12). According to the present invention, since supporting plate (22) of shelf member (11) is supported by main body (12), shelf member (14) is not moved in connection with flat-panel type display section (11) when the display angle of flat-panel type display section (11) is adjusted by angle adjustment mechanism (13), and hence, the article is stably placed on shelf member (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Personal Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Ishida, Masato Suzuki, Syuji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7997548
    Abstract: A shifter mounting bracket assembly is disclosed which can include an L-shaped flange body and an extension body extending from the L-shaped flange body. The extension body can include a first opening defined by at least one C-shaped extension portion and a second opening defined by the at least one C-shaped extension portion. The openings and C-shaped extension portions can be configured to provide a stress zone that is deformable when impact forces are applied to the shifter assembly. The extension body can have an L-shape and can be connected to the shifter assembly, while the L-shaped flange body is connected to the interior of the vehicle to hold the shifter assembly in place in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sugiyama, Alan Cheung
  • Patent number: 7931157
    Abstract: Display bins for sheet goods which are easily assembled and disassembled are formed of bottom panels, front and rear display panels for holding sheet goods at suitable angles from the vertical for display. The front and rear display panels can be removably attached to both the bottom panel and at least two support brackets for use. All the components can be separated and stacked in a flat package for shipment or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: John A. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 7861865
    Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a packaging assembly for both economical and safe shipping, display and advertising of a plurality of products, comprising a plurality of products stacked upon a pallet and a plurality of side panels affixed to the pallet. Each side panel can be folded into an upper position in order to enclose the plurality of products during shipment of the packaging assembly and each side panel can also be folded into a lower position in order to hide the pallet and to advertise the plurality of products during display of the packaging assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Timely Inventions, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrie Green
  • Patent number: 7774964
    Abstract: The support comprises at least one sheet (2) of a substantially rigid and foldable material having a display face (3), elastic return and constraint bands (44) for making the display face of the sheet convex, and a plurality of inserts (18-20) for keeping the display face of the sheet in the convex state, opposing the elastic constraint bands, and exerting their force in a discretely distributed way along the display face of the sheet. The inserts (18-20) have a length equal to the distance between the two lateral edges (8, 9) of the sheet (2), in its convex state, the sheet being extended by two sets of lateral tabs (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) intended to form two sets of dihedrals for receiving the inserts, the elastic bands (44) interacting with the inserts and the tabs (12-17) and exerting, in addition to their horizontal constraint force, vertical forces in opposite directions (49, 50) to keep the inserts at the correct height in the convex state of the display face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Francois L'Hôtel
  • Patent number: 7739816
    Abstract: A method for stably and easily exhibiting a flat plate-like article such as a flat exhibited article so as to be easily observed and less turned over and the flat plate-like article stably and simply exhibitable so as to be easily observed and less turned over and manufacturable at low cost. The flat plate-like article comprises two or more flat plate-like members and one or more connection parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Ferric Inc.
    Inventor: Akira Kowatari