By Vacuum Patents (Class 248/205.5)
  • Patent number: 7007908
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved sucking disk type hanging pole which comprises a protruded shaft on top and a rubber sucking disk on bottom, a stand with a connecting sleeve on top and a shell plate on bottom, a flexible hanging pole and a retaining base for coupling a retained object; wherein the disk body of the stand is smaller than the rubber sucking disk; a through hole is disposed at the center and interconnected to a bar-shaped sliding groove; a spring disposed in the through hole props a protruded cylindrical shaft of the sucking disk body is; a pivotal axle rod of the protruded cylindrical shaft passes through a sliding groove and pivotally connects with a latch member, and the board latch member at its periphery comprises a cam edge for contacting and supporting a shell plate of the stand, so that the cam edge pushes the shell plate to move back and forth by turning the latch member in order to drive the protruded pole together by the spring to loosen the rubber sucking disk and allow th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Wen-Feng Tsay
  • Patent number: 6991200
    Abstract: A holder for supporting a cleaning utensil is disclosed. The holder includes a support platform that is sized and configured to receive and support at least a portion of the cleaning utensil. The holder also includes a drainage conductor that is situated and arranged proximate a front edge of the support platform. A retaining arrangement is provided integral with the support platform. The retaining arrangement is configured to constrain the cleaning utensil within the holder, such that fluid can be readily drained from the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Ralph P. Stillman
  • Patent number: 6966530
    Abstract: An end securing device for a telescopic tube includes a vacuum sucker made up of a suction cup, a retaining piece, a control piece, and an activation piece to be mounted to both ends of a telescopic tube thereof respectively wherein the suction cup has a driven post protruding at one side of a conic suction space to be engaged with the retaining piece thereby, and the retaining piece has a registration column and a central through hole in sleeve engagement with a coupling groove of the control piece. The driven post of the suction cup led through an engaging through hole of the control piece is securely screwed up to a linkage rod of the activation piece thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu
  • Patent number: 6962314
    Abstract: A holder includes a base having a disk and a combination seat, an elastic plate mounted on the disk and having a protruding elastic portion, a sucker mounted on a bottom of the disk and having a shaft extended through the through hole of the disk and the slot of the elastic plate, and an actuating handle having an enlarged head pivotally mounted on the shaft and urged on the elastic portion of the elastic plate. Thus, the holder is assembled and disassembled easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user mounting the holder. In addition, the holder is assembled rigidly and stably, so that the holder will not become loosened during a long-term utilization, thereby facilitating the user using the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Luh Da Industry Corp.
    Inventor: Fu-Lu Hsu
  • Patent number: 6942188
    Abstract: A hanging pole with a sucking disk including a sucking disk body with a threaded shaft on top and a rubber sucking disk on bottom, a compression stand with connecting sleeve on top and a shell plate on bottom, and a pole that connects to the connecting sleeve of the compression stand. The shell plate is smaller than the rubber-sucking disk. A through hole is on the center of the shell plate and leads to the slot hole on the middle of the compression stand; an adjustable threaded nut is inside the slot hole; the threaded shaft of the sucking disk body passes through the through hole of the compression stand and screws with the adjustable threaded nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventors: Wen-Feng Tsay, Ta-Shuo Chang
  • Patent number: 6942190
    Abstract: A sucker assembly includes a sucker, a clamping unit, a housing, and an adjusting rotation cover. Thus, the sucker assembly that can be fixed on the wall rapidly and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user operating the sucker assembly. In addition, the sucker assembly can be used to suspend a hanging rod which has two ends each pressed by the press member of the clamping unit, so that the hanging rod is positioned by the sucker assembly, thereby preventing the hanging rod from detaching from the sucker assembly during the working process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Tung Hsien Lu
  • Patent number: 6932306
    Abstract: A suction device having a suction cup; a pulling bar, the pulling bar having a first end coupled to the suction cup and an opposed second end; a cover having a spiral guiding ring, the spiral guiding ring having a flange on an inner surface; a spiral guiding cap having a rib, the spiral guiding cap being rotatably coupled to the spiral guiding ring so that the flange moves along the rib when the spiral guiding cap is rotated and a locking cap coupled to the second end of the pulling bar, the locking cap having a head positionable against the spiral guiding cap; wherein the spiral guiding cap is turned less than 360 degrees to reach a fully engaged condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Den Jun Zou, Hung Wen Wu
  • Patent number: 6913232
    Abstract: In an article support system including a housing with a base defining a cavity, a suction disc supported in the cavity so as to delimit the cavity, and a mechanism for actuating the suction disc so as to create a vacuum between the suction disc and a smooth support surface, the housing includes at its end opposite the base an article support plate with engagement claws for engaging a particular article, and a mounting plate is provided for connection to a support surface, which has a smooth surface for mounting the device selectively thereon by way of the suction disc or on a clamp support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Herbert Richter
  • Patent number: 6895642
    Abstract: A multiple-function hanging and fastening device has multiple functions of an attracting magnet, a sucking sucker and a tightening screw, characterized in that, at least one side of the device has a magnet and a rubber sucker, for selective sucking on to a computer, electrical appliance, decorated wall surface, a metal panel of a car or a piece of furniture, a glass panel or a smooth plate, and selectively, a magnet and a rubber sucker are installed on a same side to increase its suction performance, and the outside or structural body of the casing is provided with a screw hole permitting the insertion of a screw to fasten onto an ordinary wall surface, and, one of accessories, including a hanging hook, a Velcro band, a wire bundling band and a multiple-function gripping palm figure, can be combined onto the main unit to extend its range of applications, obviously, its structure and applications have multiple functions and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Yea Yen Huang
  • Patent number: 6854412
    Abstract: A suction device includes a suction cell formed to include a cup having an open end and a stem extending from a side of the cup opposite from the open end. A control system is connected to the stem and arranged to form a partial vacuum in the cup such that the cup is attached to the substrate. The control system may include an actuator and a strain sensor connected to the stem. The actuator preferably includes a length of a material that includes a shape memory alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Billy Courson, John Shelburne, John Mittleman
  • Patent number: 6824000
    Abstract: A suction cup is mounted to each end of the tension rod by a mounting part. The mounting part has a body with a cylindrical recess to receive the rod end and a circular end part with a planar end surface with an opening. The enlarged hemispherical head portion of the suction cup is received in the opening such that the cup portion of the suction cup is proximate the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Ex-Cell Home Fashions, Inc.
    Inventor: David Samelson
  • Patent number: 6814335
    Abstract: A durable holder assembly having improved mechanical and aesthetic qualities to hold heavy objects. The securing member, such as a suction cup, for the assembly is formed via injection molding and serves to secure the assembly to a vertical surface. A holding member, such as a hook, is integrally formed within the securing member and extends downwardly from a head portion of the securing member for holding other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Immerman
  • Publication number: 20040211867
    Abstract: A suction cup assembly including a suction cup member and a rigid backing platform with bracing structures. The suction cup member has a concave side, convex side, and an outer edge, and is fabricated from generally pliable material. The backing platform is attached to the convex side of the suction cup member at a fused contact area. The backing platform includes a central portion and a plurality of bracing structures (such as outriggers, polygonal corners, and the like) extending outwardly and downwardly from the central portion and over the concave side of the suction cup member toward the outer edge of the suction cup member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick W. Doyle
  • Patent number: 6808090
    Abstract: A container and support for supporting the container on a wall or other vertical structure. The support has a flexible disk housed within a rigid shell having central opening. A stem protrudes from the disk through the shell opening. A handle is movably coupled to a distal portion of the stem to move between a first and a second position. The movement from the first to the second position causes a force on the stem distorting the flexible disk causing a supporting vacuum between the disk and any contiguous wall. The handle includes an edge for engaging a cooperating portion of a container when the handle is in the second position. The container has a tubular body with a closed bottom and an open top through which any contents of the container can be dispensed. A closure secured to the open top controls the dispensing of the container contents. The tubular body of the container includes a pocket having at least one rim shaped to cooperate with the handle to hold the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Oeyvind Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6749165
    Abstract: A durable holder assembly having improved mechanical and aesthetic qualities to hold heavy objects. The support portion for the assembly is formed via injection molding. The support portion contains on one side a structure for securing the hook to a surface such as a magnet, an adhesive, a suction cup, Velcro or a mechanical device such as an over-the-door bracket. The structure that secures the holder assembly to a surface is integrally formed with the support portion therein. A holding member, such as a hook, is also integrally formed with the support portion and extends downwardly from the support portion for supporting objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Immerman
  • Patent number: 6745987
    Abstract: A device for selectively immobilizing a container, such as a container containing a cosmetic product, on a surface may include a sleeve having a free edge defining an opening for mounting the device on the container. One end of the device remote from the free edge may form a perforated bottom, a peripheral edge of which may form a lip configured to be pressed in sealed manner onto the surface. In collaboration with a portion of the container, the device may form a suction cavity to thereby selectively immobilize the container on the surface. The perforated bottom may optionally define at least one opening, where the at least one opening may extend away from the geometric center of the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventors: Guilhem Rousselet, Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 6736278
    Abstract: A rack comprises an article-holding piece and a support structure for supporting the article-holding piece on a wall surface. The support structure comprises a suction cup by which the support structure is fastened at the inner end onto the wall surface. The support structure further comprises a support rod, a rotary ring, and a fastening block. The support rod is provided with an axial through hole in which a threaded rod of the suction cup is received. The rotary ring is rotatably engaged with the outer end of the support rod to facilitate the locating of the article-holding piece on the support rod. The fastening block is rotatably engaged with the threaded rod of the suction cup for adjusting the suction force of the suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Chang
  • Publication number: 20040079848
    Abstract: A suction device having a suction cup; a pulling bar, the pulling bar having a first end coupled to the suction cup and an opposed second end; a cover having a spiral guiding ring, the spiral guiding ring having a flange on an inner surface; a spiral guiding cap having a rib, the spiral guiding cap being rotatably coupled to the spiral guiding ring so that the flange moves along the rib when the spiral guiding cap is rotated and a locking cap coupled to the second end of the pulling bar, the locking cap having a head positionable against the spiral guiding cap; wherein the spiral guiding cap is turned less than 360 degrees to reach a fully engaged condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Hung Wen Wu, De Jun Zou
  • Publication number: 20040021045
    Abstract: A holder for supporting a cleaning utensil is disclosed. The holder includes a support platform that is sized and configured to receive and support at least a portion of the cleaning utensil. The holder also includes a drainage conductor that is situated and arranged proximate a front edge of the support platform. A retaining arrangement is provided integral with the support platform. The retaining arrangement is configured to constrain the cleaning utensil within the holder, such that fluid can be readily drained from the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Ralph P. Stillman
  • Patent number: 6663077
    Abstract: The invention provides a sucker structure comprising a sucker body made from flexible materials including a base portion having a central blind hole being of a T-shaped cross-section; a rim portion having an annular projection, a recess and a flat outmost edge; and a declining intermediate portion connected between the base portion and the rim portion, wherein the recess is located between the projection and the declining intermediate portion; a supporting disk including an annular edge portion comprising a first annular groove for engaging the annular projection of the sucker body therein and a second annular groove outside of the first annular groove; a sealing filler engaged with the semi-circular groove; a threaded rod including a rod body with a male thread thereon and an flange at one end thereof, wherein the flange is inserted into the central blind hole of the base portion of the sucker body and formed as an integral with the sucker body; and an adjusting nut member engaged with the threaded rod by a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dejun Zou
  • Patent number: 6663064
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removably mounting an electronic device to a surface and for positioning the device with respect to the surface. The apparatus includes a cradle securable to the electronic device and a pivot link, which has a first end and a second end. The first end being pivotally coupled to the cradle. The apparatus also includes a support having a mounting pedestal coupled thereto. The second end of the pivot link is pivotally coupled to the support. The apparatus has a base which has a lower face that can be coupled to the surface and an upper face. The upper face has a receiving slot for the pedestal, the slot having a shoulder extending thereabove to engage the pedestal. The slot further has an open end to allow the pedestal to be moved within the slot. The base further includes a releasable locking arm having a retaining ridge located in line with the open end of the slot to selectively hold the pedestal within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Garmin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Minelli, Dale R. Langner, Brian Schoenfish, John B. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 6651831
    Abstract: A suction cup is mounted to each end of the tension rod by a mounting part. The mounting part has a body with a cylindrical recess to receive the rod end and a circular end part with a planar end surface with an opening. The enlarged hemispherical head portion of the suction cup is received in the opening such that the cup portion of the suction cup is proximate the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ex-Cell Home Fashions, Inc.
    Inventor: David Samelson
  • Patent number: 6619604
    Abstract: A holder for supporting a cleaning utensil is disclosed. The holder includes a support platform that is sized and configured to receive and support at least a portion of the cleaning utensil. The holder also includes a drainage conductor that is situated and arranged proximate a front edge of the support platform. A retaining arrangement is provided integral with the support platform. The retaining arrangement is configured to constrain the cleaning utensil within the holder, such that fluid can be readily drained from the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ralph P. Stillman
  • Patent number: 6609689
    Abstract: A wall mountable assembly such as a wall mountable towel ring or the like includes a base part and an object support part extending from the base part. The base part is formed from a wall attachment member and a cover member which fits over the wall attachment member. The wall attachment member has an arm which extends through the cover member and which secures by a pivot connection to a cam member at the inner end of the object support part of the assembly. The object support part is swingable from a non-use to a use position relative to the base part to cause the cam member to move between a loose and a tight fitting with respect to the cover of the base part. The assembly further includes a locking member which releasably secures to the cam member and which blocks the cam member from moving away from the tight fitting holding all of the components of the assembly tightly secured to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Nystrom Group Inc.
    Inventor: David Knapp
  • Patent number: 6596374
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for removably securing a wide variety of objects to different surfaces utilizing a partial vacuum. The device includes flexible material comprising one or more opening(s), wherein each opening is capable of forming a continuous seal with a portion of an object and the remaining material is capable of forming a continuous seal with a surface. The size of the opening and the size of the material can vary within the constraints that adequate material remains surrounding the opening to enable a continuous seal to be formed with a surface when an object is inserted into the opening. The device is used by inserting an object into an opening, thereby forming a continuous seal between the object and the opening and pressing the device against a surface, displacing air to create a partial vacuum in a manner that causes a continuous seal to form between the flexible material and the attachment surface, thereby removably securing the object to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: 3849953 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Adjeleian
  • Patent number: 6588718
    Abstract: A resilient suction cup includes a body having an outer lip and a centrally located stem. The stem includes a substantially bell shaped stop and a plurality of expandable bellows. When the suction cup is positioned on an object, a vacuum source withdraws air from a cavity formed by the body. As the air is withdrawn by the vacuum source, the plurality of bellows collapse, and the outer lip forms a tight seal against the object. As the plurality of bellows collapse, the lower surface of the stop contacts the plurality of bellows, which further pushes against an upper surface of body, preventing the suction cup from being over-compressed while the vacuum source withdraws air from the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Syron Engineering & Manufacturing, L.L.C.
    Inventor: James R. Kalb
  • Patent number: 6572063
    Abstract: A bracket for removably supporting a dental floss container on a support surface is a one-piece plastic member having a back wall, a pair of spaced side walls with inturned end flanges and a bottom wall which form a pocket therebetween for slidably receiving and supporting the container therein. A pair of tapered ribs extend along the back wall for tilting an upper portion of the container forward to facilitate opening of a container lid. An adhesive strip on the back wall attaches the bracket to the support surface. In a second bracket embodiment a first part of a tongue and groove connection is formed on the front surface of the bracket and is adapted to mate with a second part of the tongue and groove connection formed on a back wall of the dental floss container to removably mount the container on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Floss Today Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce J. Gitelman, Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 6554241
    Abstract: A vacuum device for attaching an object to a surface, comprising a body fixable to the object and a piston connected to the body along a first sealing contour, thereby defining with the body a first chamber. The piston has a protruding sealing lip adapted to contact the surface along a second sealing contour, thereby defining with the surface a second chamber. The two chambers are connected to a source of vacuum, and are preferably in fluid communication with each other. The piston is movable with respect to the body by the action of the vacuum in the first chamber and/or by an external force due to the contact of the sealing lip with the surface. The sealing lip is urged to the surface by a first sealing force due to the action of the vacuum in the second chamber. The vacuum device further comprises a spring connected to the piston and the body so as to deform when the piston moves with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Smart Robotics
    Inventor: Nadav Leshem
  • Patent number: 6550735
    Abstract: A sucker-type suspension structure includes a sucker, a sucker cover, and a suspension hook. The sucker has an outer wall provided with a pull plate which has a distal end formed with a rod passage hole for passage of a pivot rod. The sucker cover is mounted on the outer wall of the sucker, and has a center formed with a plate passage hole for passage of the pull plate of the sucker. The suspension hook has a top formed with a U-shaped plate receiving space for receiving the pull plate of the sucker. The plate receiving space of the suspension hook has two side walls each having a first section formed with a rod passage hole for passage of the pivot rod, and a second section formed with a cover press lug rested on an outer wall of the sucker cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Zhi-Yuan Zheng
  • Patent number: 6511031
    Abstract: A removable docking station (20) disposed on a coffee mug or liquid container (22) for increasing surface stability and, when separated, to allow use of the coffee mug or liquid container in a vehicle cup holder. The docking station includes an integral flat base (24) with a cavity (28) on the inside and a number of partial female threads (34) protruding outwardly from vertical walls (30) formed in the cavity. The base is snapped onto the coffee mug or liquid container forming its integral substructure. A docking station body (36) having a bottom larger in surface area than the flat base is configured to mate with the flat base on the container. This body has a top recess (42) with a raised pedestal (46) inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 6502794
    Abstract: A hanger device includes a suction cup, a faceplate, and a rotary operating member. The suction cup includes a disc portion, an externally threaded post, and a peripheral flange. The externally threaded post extends rearwardly from a rear side of the disc portion. The faceplate is disposed to rest against the rear side of the disc portion, and has an intermediate part formed with a through-hole for allowing the externally threaded post to pass therethrough. The rotary operating member is formed with an internally threaded hole, and engages threadedly the externally threaded post so as to enable the rotary operating member to urge the faceplate toward the suction cup, thereby securing the suction cup on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Tzu-Kuang Ting
  • Patent number: 6502355
    Abstract: A storm cover for protecting a building's exterior glass includes a resiliently rigid protective storm panel connected directly to the glass so as to substantially cover the glass surface. The protective storm panel is connected to the glass by shock absorbing connectors positioned to hold the panel on the glass and spaced apart therefrom, to substantially protect the glass from impact by distributing the force of an impact. The protective storm panel is made of a substantially resiliently rigid material such as wood, plastic, or light gauge metal, and the exterior glass is preferably a glass window or glass door. The protective storm panel may be sized so as to overlap a frame surrounding the window or door to thereby provide added protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Albert Bori
  • Publication number: 20020190170
    Abstract: A hanger device includes a suction cup, a faceplate, and a rotary operating member. The suction cup includes a disc portion, an externally threaded post, and a peripheral flange. The externally threaded post extends rearwardly from a rear side of the disc portion. The faceplate is disposed to rest against the rear side of the disc portion, and has an intermediate part formed with a through-hole for allowing the externally threaded post to pass therethrough. The rotary operating member is formed with an internally threaded hole, and engages threadedly the externally threaded post so as to enable the rotary operating member to urge the faceplate toward the suction cup, thereby securing the suction cup on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tzu-Kuang Ting
  • Publication number: 20020185575
    Abstract: A resilient suction cup includes a body having an outer lip and a centrally located stem. The stem includes a substantially bell shaped stop and a plurality of expandable bellows. When the suction cup is positioned on an object, a vacuum source withdraws air from a cavity formed by the body. As the air is withdrawn by the vacuum source, the plurality of bellows collapse, and the outer lip forms a tight seal against the object. As the plurality of bellows collapse, the lower surface of the stop contacts the plurality of bellows, which further pushes against an upper surface of body, preventing the suction cup from being over-compressed while the vacuum source withdraws air from the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: James R. Kalb
  • Publication number: 20020175250
    Abstract: A fixation seat comprises a profiling member, a suction cup, a spring, and an adjustment member. The profiling member has an annular groove and a center through hole. The suction cup has an annular protrusion and a threaded rod fastened therewith. The suction cup is joined with the profiling member such that the annular protrusion of the suction cup is received in the annular groove of the profiling member, and that the threaded rod is put through the center through hole of the profiling member. The spring is fitted over the threaded rod. The adjustment member has a threaded through hole by which the adjustment member is rotatably engaged with the threaded rod. As the adjustment member is turned on the threaded rod to compress the spring, the suction cup is caused by tension to attach firmly to wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Bing-Tson Lian
  • Patent number: 6457693
    Abstract: A suction pad for attracting a workpiece having an opening at is central portion (for example, CD-R) comprises a holding section having engaging members formed in an integrated manner, and an attracting section for attracting the workpiece, wherein the attracting section includes support members which are defined therein with chambers and aspiration holes communicating with the chambers and which are provided with expansion and contraction mechanisms, and an annular attracting member having a groove which is formed on an attracting surface for attracting the workpiece, the aspiration holes communicate with the groove, and the holding section and the attracting section are integrated into one unit by the aid of disengagement-preventive mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Masayoshi Yamamoto, Yasuhisa Ueki
  • Patent number: 6457686
    Abstract: A handheld dryer support device for supporting a handheld electric dryer at various angles without the user having to use one's hands. The handheld dryer support device includes a base member being adapted to be securely mounted to a structure; and also includes an arm assembly being pivotally mounted to the base member and including a plurality of elongate tubular members; and further includes a dryer support member being removably and securely attached to the arm assembly for supporting a handheld dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Barbara A. Hill
  • Publication number: 20020125392
    Abstract: A device for holding shower accessories has an attaching element formed as a vacuum attaching element and having an axis, the attaching element being attachable to a surface in a plurality of positions by turning the attaching element around its axis, a holding element connected with the attaching element and pivotable between an operative position in which one end of the holding element applies a pressure on the attaching element and causes the attaching element to be vacuum attached to the surface and an inoperative position in which the holding element is turned relative to the attaching element from the operative position, the holding element having another end which is opposite to the end applying pressure to the attaching element, the opposite end being provided with a tubular channel having a second axis extending transversely to the first axis of the attaching element and formed so as to receive a shower accessory turnably around the second axis, so that the shower accessory can be spatially oriented
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Eli Zhadanov, Sam Zhadanov
  • Publication number: 20020113181
    Abstract: The invention provides a sucker structure comprising a sucker body made from flexible materials including a base portion having a central blind hole being of a T-shaped cross-section; a rim portion having an annular projection, a recess and a flat outmost edge; and a declining intermediate portion connected between the base portion and the rim portion, wherein the recess is located between the projection and the declining intermediate portion; a supporting disk including an annular edge portion comprising a first annular groove for engaging the annular projection of the sucker body therein and a second annular groove outside of the first annular groove; a sealing filler engaged with the semi-circular groove; a threaded rod including a rod body with a male thread thereon and an flange at one end thereof, wherein the flange is inserted into the central blind hole of the base portion of the sucker body and formed as an integral with the sucker body; and an adjusting nut member engaged with the threaded rod by a
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Dejun Zou
  • Patent number: 6405983
    Abstract: A device for attaching a laminar object such as a poster to a wall includes a plate having a rear face which is attachable to a wall and a boss which protrudes from a front face of the plate. The plate may include a layer of ferromagnetic material such as steel and may be attached to the wall by a plastic holding composite, a nail or pin or by adhesive. A hole may then be punched in a corner of a poster or other laminar object and that hole is placed over the boss which then supports the poster from the wall. A keeper which is may be made from a rubberized magnetic material and includes a through hole which is approximately the same size as the boss, is placed over the plate to retain the poster in place. Further weak magnetic attraction between the retainer and the ferromagnetic plate or an interference fit helps keep the retainer attached over the boss and retain the poster on the wall except in drafty conditions where the keeper releases the poster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jozef Goj
  • Patent number: 6402104
    Abstract: A selected one of several bathroom accessories each having a different utilitarian front, such as a toothbrush holder, soap dish or the like, and a common uniform T-shape base which tracks in a T-shape recess of a suction cup support, wherein a position of movement of a crank which operates the suction cup is used to advantage to contribute to facilitating the attaching and detaching of the T-shape base and recess, and their uniform configuration results in interchangeability therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Lee Smith
  • Patent number: 6385793
    Abstract: A tub cover support device for preventing the collapsing of a tub cover. The tub cover support device includes a foot for positioning on the bottom wall of a tub. A pipe is generally hollow and has an open first end and open second end. A coupler is attached to the foot and removably couples the first end of the pipe to the foot. A support portion is removably coupled to the second end of the pipe. The support portion has a pair of bars extending outward horizontally with respect to a vertical orientation of the pipe when the support portion is coupled to the second end of the pipe. A bottom surface of a cover abuts the support portion when the cover is positioned over an open top side of the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Sanddal
  • Patent number: 6370722
    Abstract: A wall mounted back-scrubbing and massaging apparatus has a wall mounting plate which is bonded to a rubber sheet having a plurality of suction cups, thereby allowing the wall mounting plate to be removably attachable to a wall surface. A sponge mounting box is mounted on the wall mounting plate by a lip. Opposite the lip, the sponge mounting box provides a base and a peripheral edge, which together form a sponge mounting surface. In a first embodiment, the base and the peripheral edge removably engage a sponge. A plurality of outwardly extending fingers integral with the base, penetrate the sponge, further securing the sponge onto the base. The sponge is thus supported in spaced relationship with respect to the wall surface by the sponge mounting box so as to be in a position for convenient scrubbing of a person's skin when brought into contact with the sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: David Duckworth
  • Patent number: 6349445
    Abstract: A toothbrush which has a brush head to which is mounted an elongated handle. At the free end of the handle is mounted a suction cup mounting device. The handle is integrally attached to the suction cup at the peripheral edge of the suction cup so that when the toothbrush is removed from a vertical surface on which it is attached by merely canting of the handle will result in breaking of the seal of the suction cup facilitating its disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: Spencer L. Mackay, Scott E. Winslow
  • Patent number: 6318689
    Abstract: A container holder for securing to a mounting surface and for receiving and retaining a container includes an elongate lash member having first lash member end and a second lash member end; a first lash member attachment mechanism secured to the first lash member end; a second lash member attachment mechanism secured to the second lash member end; and a container receiving pouch structure suspended substantially vertically from the horizontal elastic retaining lash. The lash member preferably is formed of elastic material, so that the lash member can be stretched to fit around and resiliently engage containers of various sizes, and to pull the container against the mounting surface, enhancing container support by increasing friction between the mounting surface and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Albert Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6318685
    Abstract: An adhering element (10) has a sucker (12) made of an elastomeric plastic and a connecting element (14) made of a more rigid plastic. The connecting element (14), which has a flange border (24), is connected non-releasably to the sucker (12) by virtue of the two parts (12), (14) being produced preferably by two-component injection moulding. This increases the stability of the adhering element (10), in particular when the latter is connected to an elongate object, for example a self-supporting toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Beat Huber
  • Patent number: 6308923
    Abstract: A suction support assembly includes a deformable membrane connected to a fulcrum displaceable by a lever which is formed with a cam surface pivotal between engaging and disengaging position. The lever is displaceable to the engaging position of the suction support assembly, wherein it contacts only the suction cover, and has an enlarged end portion adapted to lengthen a hanging surface that receives a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Herman S. Howard
  • Publication number: 20010020668
    Abstract: A hair dryer holder for adjustably holding a hair dryer, comprising a base for attaching the hair dryer holder to a surface; an extension member including a bottom portion fixed to the base and an arm member extending from the base; and a cup member coupled to the arm member. The holder also includes a ball member disposed between the cup member and a plate member for rotation therein, the ball member is configured for coupling to a nozzle of a hair dryer such that the nozzle can be positioned by the ball member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Anne Marie Thomas, Andrew P. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6257535
    Abstract: An adjustable microphone mounting assembly includes a hook plate for hooking on the pocket, the belt, etc., a vacuum mount fixedly secured to the hook plate at one end for securing the hook plate to a flat surface by a vacuum suction force, an adjustment plate slidably supported on the hook plate and locked by a lock screw, and a clamp fixedly fastened to the adjustment plate at one end to hold a microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Yoga Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Panding Jaing
  • Patent number: 6234435
    Abstract: A sucking disk support comprises a base and a sucking disk in front of the base wherein base includes a cone-shaped body with rear side attached to a sleeve. The sleeve has a front end attached to body, a central engagement portion on front end. A rear post of sucking disk is received in sleeve. Press protruded actuation member to engage head portion thereof with the rear of engagement portion such that a push forward force is exerted on sucking disk by base for pushing sucking disk to strongly adhere to a fixed object through a spring biased therebetwen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Ta Kuang Yeh