Including Pawl And Ratchet, Mating Serrations, Rack And Pinion, Or Gear Patents (Class 248/292.12)
  • Patent number: 11898793
    Abstract: A vertical displacement stopping system includes a sliding guide mechanism, a locking mechanism and a bearing mechanism. The locking mechanism, having positioning holes, includes positioning pins, telescopic mechanisms, and a handle located at a front portion of the bearing mechanism, wherein the handle is connected with the positioning pins through transmission parts, respectively. Each of the telescopic mechanisms includes a housing having a chamber, a movable block located within the chamber, and a reset spring located between a top portion of the movable block and the housing, wherein each of the transmission parts is connected with each of the positioning pins through the movable block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: WUXI HAIDAER PRECISION SLIDES CO., LTD
    Inventors: Xinglong Xu, Haiwen Zhang, Lian Zou, Kai Dai, Feng Qian, Qiang Ji
  • Patent number: 11864654
    Abstract: A desktop workspace that adjusts vertically includes a work surface platform, a base configured to sit on an existing platform, such as a desk, a height adjustable mechanism including at least one set of arms that connect at a pivot point(s) creating a scissoring motion to raise and lower the said work surface platform to various heights. A locking and unlocking mechanism may connect to the height adjustable mechanism. In some cases, the apparatus includes an adjustable mechanism to support items such as a keyboard. In some cases, the apparatus includes elements to raise items such as a monitor to an additional height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Office Kick, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Mark Poniatowski
  • Patent number: 11839280
    Abstract: A suitcase tray assembly includes a suitcase has a pair of tracks each is integrated into an outer wall of the suitcase. A tray is slidably integrated into the tracks and the tray is positionable in a stored position having the tray resting against the outer wall of the suitcase. The tray is positionable in a deployed position having the tray resting on the suitcase to support food items or a laptop computer. A cup holder is integrated into the outer wall of the suitcase and the cup holder is positionable in a stored position having the cup holder resting against the outer wall of the suitcase. The cup holder is positionable in a deployed position having the cup holder extending laterally away from the suitcase to support a beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Inventor: Fia Tuiono
  • Patent number: 11730088
    Abstract: A convertible, plant securement device intended for nurseries and horticulturalists to secure potted and non-potted plants and trees from tipping over as well as securing their watering lines. The device may be used with a vertical ground stake such as a section of steel rebar wherein it has a horizontal hook that catches over the edge of a pot to secure it to the ground. Alternatively, it may be rotated 90 degrees and secured to a trellis wire and then strapped around the stock or trunk of a tree to keep it vertical and upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventors: Tate Koenig, Chad Sobella
  • Patent number: 11598480
    Abstract: A mounting fixture for mounting a sensor housing to a mounting surface includes: a clamp jaw having a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part of the clamp jaw each including a polygonal recess and being attachable to each other such that a recess of the first part of the clamp jaw and a recess of the second part of the clamp jaw together form an essentially hexagonal recess. The first part and the second part of the clamp jaw are attachable to each other by at least one fastening element so as to fixate the sensor housing in the essentially hexagonal recess. At least one of the first part and second part of the clamp jaw includes a mounting element for mounting the mounting fixture to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: TURCK INC.
    Inventors: Dieter Becher, Bruno Gries
  • Patent number: 11577793
    Abstract: A tilting vehicle includes a frame and a front wheel coupled to the frame. A rear wheel is coupled to the frame and positioned rearward of the front wheel in a longitudinal direction. A seating area includes at least one seat positioned to support a rider between the front wheel and the rear wheel. A gyroscopic rider assist device is provided within an enclosure behind the seating area and above the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Brendelson, Mason del Rosario, Sean Karagianes, Sean Lowen, Michael Searing, Ben Smith, Paul Titchener
  • Patent number: 11424534
    Abstract: Provided is a stand-type portable antenna that adjusts elevation and azimuth with a single motor. The stand-type portable antenna has a waterproof structure in a form with the antenna opened, minimizing the size of a protective cover further accommodating an elevation driving range of the antenna. The elevation drive structure is independent from vibrations incurred by the azimuth adjustment of the antenna, thereby forming a structure in which a backlash between axes of the antenna is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: WIWORLD CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chan Goo Park
  • Patent number: 11300244
    Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a display device having a stand mounting wall in an outer covering of the display device. The display device may further include a stand receptacle within the stand mounting wall. The stand receptacle having receptacle walls partially protruding from the stand mounting wall of the outer covering. Each of the receptacle walls may include a first end along an outer surface of the stand mounting wall. The first ends of the receptacle walls forming a first opening of the stand receptacle. Each of the receptacle walls may further include a second end forming a second opening of the stand receptacle. The display device may further include a receptacle covering movably disposed within the stand receptacle to conceal the first opening of stand receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Tien Liang Chung
  • Patent number: 11234885
    Abstract: A limb support comprises a spar, a limb rest, and a coupler. The spar is configured to be supported from a patient support apparatus and adjustable relative to the patient support and has a longitudinal axis. The coupler includes a release that is selectively actuable to release locking mechanisms to permit adjustment of the limb rest relative to the spar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Allen Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Lane, II, Joshua J. Moriarty, David C. Newkirk, Neal Wiggermann, David J. Hitchcock, Zachary S. Theoharidis, Jessica Pimental, Michael Diodato, Michael Nordling, Hung Nguyen, Martin Haenel
  • Patent number: 11147420
    Abstract: An infant bathing assembly for bathing an infant includes a mounting unit that may be coupled to a vertical support surface. The mounting unit may have a shower head extended therethrough. A bathing unit is removably coupled to the mounting unit. The bathing unit may contain an infant thereby facilitating the infant to be bathed with the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Arnoldo Martinez
  • Patent number: 10674842
    Abstract: A mirror bracket is provided for supporting a mirror in deployed and stowed positions. The mirror bracket includes: a base; a mirror arm pivotally mounted on the base and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position; a first sloped surface of the mirror arm corresponding to the deployed position; a second sloped surface of the mirror arm corresponding to the stowed position; a pin movably mounted on the base and having a tapered end formed thereon, the pin located proximate to the mirror arm such that the pin contacts the first sloped surface when the mirror arm is in the deployed position and such that the pin contacts the second sloped surface when the mirror arm is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventors: Logan Atkins, Mark Idles, William Matthew Reid, Jeff Bohanan
  • Patent number: 10411442
    Abstract: A bracket comprises a first bracket configured to hold-down an assembly in place and release the assembly when the assembly is to be removed. The assembly has first and/or second holes. The first bracket includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first major flat surface with a first hole that is configured to receive a first fastener. The first arm has a first end and a second end. The second arm is coupled to the second end of the first arm. The second arm has a first opening that is configured to receive a tool to bend the second arm for deforming the first bracket in a way that releases the assembly. The second arm has a second major flat surface disposed transverse to the first major flat surface of the first arm. The second arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the second arm has a first nail feature to be inserted into one of the first and/or second holes of the assembly to hold-down the assembly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: Gustavo Cortes Rico
  • Patent number: 9380195
    Abstract: A camera module includes a solid-state image sensing device having a light receiving surface on which a plurality of pixels are provided, and a lens disposed above the solid-state image sensing device and configured to direct light into each of the pixels of the solid-state image sensing device. The lens includes at least one convex portion on a surface facing the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensing device, and the light receiving surface of the solid-state image sensing device is curved so that chief rays of the light directed by the lens are incident on the respective pixels at substantially the same angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nagata, Katsuo Iwata, Ninao Sato, Takayuki Ogasahara
  • Patent number: 9113708
    Abstract: A supporting device is provided, which includes: a supporting arm having a gas spring and used for a display to be disposed thereon; a base for the supporting arm to be pivotally connected thereto; and an adjusting unit. The adjusting unit includes a worm disposed to the base and rotatable around its own axis; a shaft disposed to the base and separated from the worm; a worm wheel disposed around the shaft; and a connecting board having a fixing end fixed to the worm wheel and a pivot end pivotally connected to the gas spring. The pivot end and the shaft define a central line. Therefore, the worm is rotated to cause the worm wheel to rotate so as to cause the connecting board to pivot around the shaft, thereby adjusting the angle between the central line and the gas spring and hence the tilting angle of the gas spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: SYNCMOLD ENTERPRISE CORP.
    Inventors: Yung-Hsiang Yang, Juei-Hsien Wang
  • Patent number: 9096286
    Abstract: A saddle rear rack for a bicycle contains a body, a connector, and two coupling sets. The body is in a frame shape and includes an accommodating cavity, two tabs, and two polygonal recesses. The connector is fixed between the two tabs and includes two hanging bars for hanging the connector on two stems of a bottom end of a saddle, and the connector also includes two toothed notches. Each coupling set includes a fixing element, a limiting element, and a screw bolt. The fixing element a polygonal surrounding section for corresponding to each polygonal recess and a toothed surrounding section for inserting into and engaging with each toothed notch. The limiting element has a circular disc and a circular peg corresponding to the toothed surrounding section of the fixing element, and the screw bolt is screwed with and unscrewed from the fixing element and the limiting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Po-Chien Lin
  • Patent number: 9085229
    Abstract: A fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank to contain fuel therein, and a carrier assembly disposed in the fuel tank. The carrier assembly includes a plurality of application-specific fuel system products, a carrier common to a plurality of different fuel tank assemblies to carry the products, and a plurality of common components to mount the products with respect to the carrier in application-specific positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Giuseppe A. Gattozzi, Harald Knueppel, Ted J. Latouf, James R. Osborne, Christopher K. Quick, Steve L. Toth
  • Patent number: 9027895
    Abstract: A portable support for supporting equipment above a surface having an opening to a subsurface space. The support includes a head, an elevator on the head, and legs connected to the head for supporting the head above the surface. Each of the legs has a foot for engaging the surface when supporting the head above the surface. The support also includes an elongate rod vertically mounted on the elevator for movement between a raised position, in which an upper end of the rod extends above the head, and a lowered position, in which a lower end of the rod extends below the feet of the legs to extend into the subsurface space. The support includes an instrument platform positionable on the lower end of the rod when in the lowered position to support the equipment in the subsurface space when the rod is in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: SECO Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hunter, James M. Copeland, Christopher James McNeill
  • Patent number: 9016645
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly has first and second mounting portions. The first mounting portion has an engagement arm with an adjustable end having first engagement teeth disposed about a first axis of rotation. The end portion has an adjustable second portion rotatable about the first axis of rotation, and having second engagement teeth that intermesh with the first engagement teeth to retain the second portion in an adjustable pan-position. The second portion has third engagement teeth disposed about a second axis of rotation angularly offset from the first axis of rotation. A second mounting portion is adjustably attached at an attachment portion to the first mounting portion, and the attachment portion has fourth engagement teeth disposed about the second axis of rotation that intermesh with the third engagement teeth to retain the second mounting portion is a selected tilt position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: QSC Audio Products, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Neil Simpson, Bernard Francis Hawkins, Yasushi Richard Shimabukuro, Jason Delarm, Douglas William Teulie, Alex Aranda
  • Patent number: 8967569
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure. A main hinge of the structure is installed with a stop mechanism, so when an object to be supported is placed at a higher location while being in an unfolding state, the object to be supported is restrained from being rotated from a vertical state to a horizontal folding state, thereby preventing falling due to the unstable gravity center; when a connection unit is folded towards a base, an upper end of a first auxiliary connection member links the stop mechanism to rotate for gradually altering the stopping location, so the object to be supported is enabled to be horizontally folded; as such, the object to be supported can be maintained in a stable state during the folding process, thereby preventing the occurrence of falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Tsun Hsu
  • Patent number: 8960618
    Abstract: A detachable hanger and a supporting stand with the detachable hanger are disclosed. The supporting stand includes a mount, a support member, an object-fixing structure, and the detachable hanger. The support member is disposed on the mount and includes an engagement structure. The object-fixing structure is disposed on the support member for fixing an object. The detachable hanger includes a hanger part and an engagement part. The engagement part is connected to the hanger part and engaged with the engagement structure in a rotary way. Thereby, the detachable hanger can be detached for storage of the supporting stand; when the supporting stand needs to be used again, the detachable hanger can be engaged onto the support member simply and firmly. Therefore, the invention solves the problem of the inconvenient storage for a conventional supporting stand with an undetachable hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: BenQ Corporation
    Inventor: Wei-Chieh Chen
  • Publication number: 20150041604
    Abstract: A sensor holder for a sensor for object detection includes: an installation unit for the sensor; a holding frame on which the installation unit is pivotably held; and an adjustment shaft mounted on the holding frame, the adjustment shaft having a guidance contour which proceeds helically around the adjustment shaft and is in engagement with a guidance element of the installation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Matthias Dihlmann
  • Patent number: 8944396
    Abstract: A torsion adjusting structure, which is installed on a shaft and a carrying member pivoted on the shaft, includes a gear, a pair of friction washers, and a linkage assembly. The shaft passes through the gear and the friction washers respectively abutted on two opposite surfaces of the gear. The linkage assembly installed on the carrying member has an engaging portion. The linkage assembly is adjusted between an engaging position and a separating position. When the linkage assembly is at the engaging position, the engaging portion engages with the gear for enabling rotation of the carrying member to rotate the gear to rub the friction washers, thereby providing the carrying member with an additional torsion. When the linkage assembly is at the separating position, the engaging portion separates from the gear for maintaining the relative position between the gear and the friction washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shu-Hua Mau, Yue-Wen Jiang
  • Patent number: 8925878
    Abstract: A support structure for tablet display apparatus includes a support member and a connection assembly. The support member has a first end section and a second end section opposite to the first end section. The first end section is connected with the connection assembly via an angle adjustment seat, whereby the connection assembly can be rotated or tilted relative to the angle adjustment seat and located. The connection assembly is formed with a receiving space for receiving a tablet display apparatus. The second end section of the support member is pivotally connected with a base seat. Accordingly, the tablet display apparatus can be rotated and tilted by different angles and supported in an inclined position in adaptation to different situations and requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: First Dome Corporation
    Inventors: An Szu Hsu, Chien Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8899537
    Abstract: A supporting device for an electronic device includes a supporting base, a guiding element, an adjusting element, and a latching assembly. The supporting base includes a sleeve portion. The adjusting element includes a first body and an adjusting portion. The adjusting portion is mounted on the sleeve portion. The adjusting portion defines a plurality of adjusting holes. The guiding element defines two latching grooves and is sleeved on the adjusting portion. The latching assembly includes a button, an adjusting rod, and a biasing element. The button is inserted into the coupling portion. The adjusting rod includes a fixing portion and a latching portion. The fixing portion is fixed with the button. The latching portion is latched with the adjusting holes. The biasing element resists the button and the sleeve portion. The button is capable of driving the adjusting rod to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Ming Kuan, Ming-Chien Chiu
  • Patent number: 8857612
    Abstract: A length adjustable chain carrying device includes a base member having a fixed length. First and second adjustment members are positioned on an upper surface of the base member and configured to move linearly thereon. An actuator is rotatably mounted to the base member upper surface and situated intermediate the first and second adjustment members, the actuator being operatively coupled to the first and second adjustment members and configured to move the first and second adjustment members in opposite linear directions along the base upper surface when actuated. The chain carrying device includes first and second chain holding members coupled to distal ends of the first and second adjustment members, respectively. Each first and second chain holding member includes an upstanding cylindrical configuration defining a plurality of slots configured to receive a chain thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Bradley G. Crank, Melissa A. Crank
  • Patent number: 8844887
    Abstract: A two-part roof hook is described, which has a base part (1) and a hook part (2) which can be connected to the base part (1) and which has a connecting element (6) on its end (4) for mounting an assembly. The base part (1) is a cut-off portion (X) of an angle section, one angle leg (8) of which is provided with connecting elements (7) for making a connection to the roof substructure. A section wall (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the section is arranged within the angle between the two angle legs (8, 9), which section wall includes an obtuse angle (?) jointly with the angle leg area of the connecting elements (7), serves as a support surface for the end (3) of the hook part (2), and can be connected to the end (3) of the hook part (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: HatiCon GmbH
    Inventor: Gido Genschorek
  • Patent number: 8801320
    Abstract: A joint device connects a first and second members and allows pivotal motion of one or both members. The joint device includes a housing having a slide surface and a guide surface. First and second rotating members are supported for rotation by the housing to pivot one or both members. A slide member carrying a spring is supported for movement on the slide surface with rotation of the rotating members. The spring is coupled to the first rotating member, and has an arm arranged for movement along the guide surface as the slide member moves along the slide surface. The spring member imparts a bias torque on the first rotating member, where the bias torque magnitude changes as the slide member moves along the slide surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Koncept Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Ng
  • Patent number: 8789801
    Abstract: A symmetrical, balanced receptacle for storing, displaying or transporting goods, materials, people, plants or animals is suspended from a double-axis gimbal mounted on a framework. The receptacle is attached to the gimbal by adjustable bearings and a locking mechanism holds the receptacle in various positions, tilted forward or back, and swiveled to one side or the other. When the receptacle is unlocked, gravity holds it level, which is especially useful when the device is used to hold or transport cargo on sloping ground, turbulent water or shifting air currents. The framework may be stationary or attached to a wheeled vehicle, water craft, aircraft or other means of transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Alfred Thomas Newman
  • Patent number: 8782853
    Abstract: A rotating mechanism for rotatably connecting a first main body with a second main body includes a main gear connected to the first main body, a pair of auxiliary gears connected to the second main body, and a connecting piece. The connecting piece includes a connecting part and a positioning part perpendicularly extending from a middle of the connecting part. The positioning part is located between the pair of auxiliary gears with two opposite ends of the positioning part rotatably connected to the pair of auxiliary gears correspondingly. An end of the connecting part away from the positioning part is connected to the main gear to allow the main gear to contact with the auxiliary gears. The first teeth engage with the second teeth to make the first main body rotate relatively about the second main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai-Qian Ge
  • Patent number: 8746650
    Abstract: An apparatus that securely supports and displays for adjustable viewing of portable electronic devices where the apparatus can be frictionally engaged into any accessible material seam as well as being supportable on flat surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Santo R. Curatolo, Giorgio Curatolo
  • Patent number: 8746641
    Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to a mounting assembly for mounting an antenna unit or other device. The mounting assembly includes at least one bracket and at least one retaining assembly. The bracket can be movably positioned at multiple orientation angles with respect to a surface. The bracket includes a latching edge that defines multiple recesses. Each of the recesses corresponds to one of the orientation angles. The retaining assembly is positioned adjacent to the bracket. The retaining assembly includes at least one protrusion that can engage one of the recesses to form a latching connection between the bracket and the retaining assembly. The latching connection can retain the bracket at an orientation angle corresponding to the engaged recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fackler
  • Patent number: 8727292
    Abstract: An angle adjustment device, include a fixed portion; a movable portion; a connection portion which rotatably connects the movable portion to the fixed portion; and an elastic member which is arranged between the movable portion and the fixed portion and restricts rotational movement of the movable portion with kinetic friction generated between the movable portion and the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignees: NEC Access Technica, Ltd., NEC Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Namie Sugiyama, Keisuke Hatomi
  • Patent number: 8726814
    Abstract: A convertible work station is operable to convert between an operating configuration and a storage configuration. The work station comprises: right and left base shoulder elements; right and left horizontal base members for supporting the work station on a surface, pivotally connected to the shoulder elements and constrained to pivot along a horizontal plane and lockable in position relative to the shoulder elements; right and left first support members spaced apart from each other and having first and second ends and the support members being pivotally connected to the respective right and left shoulder elements at their first ends and constrained to pivot in one direction. The support members are lockable in position relative to the shoulder elements. A work station component is pivotally connected to the second ends of the right and left support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Salvatore Matteo
  • Patent number: 8651349
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment device by means of which, in use, an object is attached to a roof rack which is or at least can be connected to roof rails of a car, comprising a housing, at least two movable jaws extending to outside the housing, which jaws engage round a roof rack in use, and actuating means provided with an operating element for moving said at least two jaws together, wherein the actuating means are designed to translate the jaws and comprise at least one rack, which rack is engaged when the operating element is operated. The invention further relates to a combination of a roof rack and such an attachment device and to a combination of an object to be attached to a roof rack and such an attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hapro International B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Meissner, Joost Marinus Van Rooijen, Oscar Toetenel
  • Patent number: 8651436
    Abstract: A holding device has an elastic locking piece having an extending part extending to the outside from a locking claw part. The contact part of an unlocking operating piece contacts the outside of the extending part to reduce the unlocking force of the unlocking operating piece. A sawtooth-form part is in a locked state when a locking piece of an elastic locking piece enters the sawtooth-form part. The elastic locking piece has the extending part extending outside from the locking claw part. The unlocking operating piece has a contact part for contacting with the extending part. The contact part contacts the outside of the extending part when the unlocking operating piece is pressed, the locking claw part of the elastic locking piece is ejected from the indented part of the sawtooth-form part by the contact, and the locked state between the sawtooth-form part and the locking claw part is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 8649161
    Abstract: An on-vehicle display apparatus includes a motor, a gear train, a threaded rod, a slider screwed to the threaded rod, and a display main body rotatably connected to the slider. The lead angle of the threaded rod is set greater than the friction angle thereof. The gear train includes first and second gears facing each other. Protrusions provided on one of the first and second gears are fitted in recesses provided in the other. A spring member elastically urges the first gear toward the second gear. A detection sensor detects the size of an external force on the basis of the displacement of the first gear against the spring member in the axial direction. The motor is controlled on the basis of the detection result of the detection sensor such that the display main body is moved away from the external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazunari Kato
  • Publication number: 20130320168
    Abstract: A mounting bracket having upper and lower portions, secure and transport portable tubular metal animal corrals along the outside of an animal trailer or other overland vehicle, and wherein the upper portion is mounted on one of the sides of the animal trailer or overland vehicle, and is capable of supporting a portion of the tubular metal portable animal enclosure, and wherein the lower portion is mounted in spaced relation relative to the upper portion, and is further operable to receive, and releasably clamp into place, another portion of the tubular metal portable animal enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Samuel R. Peacemaker, Luke A. Kresek, Landon D. Becker, Tyrel D. Becker, Benjamin R. Peacemaker, Zachary J. Peacemaker
  • Patent number: 8584320
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism and a clamshell device thereof are disclosed. The hinge mechanism includes a base, an axial portion, and a magnetic ring. The base is a metal material and has a pivot portion. The axial portion is pivoted to the pivot portion and can rotate with respect to the base, wherein the axial portion has at least one guiding groove. The magnetic ring is connected to the axial portion and adjacent to the base. The magnetic ring has at least one guiding portion used for sliding along the least one guiding groove. When the axial portion is rotating with respect to the base, the magnetic ring separates from the base and moving along the least one guiding groove by the at least one guiding portion. When the axial portion stops rotating, the magnetic ring attracts to connect to the base by a magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Yu-Wei Lin
  • Patent number: 8579246
    Abstract: An angle adjusting stand contains two bases, each including a hole, at least one limiting aperture, an engaging portion, and plural first locking faces; two adjusting devices, each including a holder, a spring, a bolt, and a nut; two supporting posts, each including a first contacting portion, a second contacting portion, and a connecting portion coupled; at lease one middle post including a top and a bottom horizontal sections, wherein the top horizontal section includes two sides, one of which includes a first extension to retain with the first slot and another of which includes a first recess to retain with the first pillar, the bottom horizontal section includes two sides, one of which includes a second extension to retain with the second slot and another of which includes a second recess to retain with the second pillar so that the middle post is connected between the two supporting posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Chun Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 8496098
    Abstract: A manual seat height adjuster mechanism for a seat of a vehicle includes a freewheel brake mechanism having a rotatable output pinion to engage and rotate an adjustment component of the seat to adjust a height of the seat and a locking mechanism selectively engagable and disengageable with the freewheel brake mechanism to allow the height of the seat to be adjusted and to prevent the height of the seat from moving once the height has been adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: CRH North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ioan Napau, Mircea Napau, Mike Chapa, Robert James Bachula
  • Publication number: 20130153723
    Abstract: A handpiece holder, which provides easy access to a medical, dental, or industrial handpiece, is replaceable and rotatable to hold handpieces in different angled positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CAO Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack R. Nichols, Douglas Beattie, JR., Zhaohui Lin, Densen Cao
  • Patent number: 8464987
    Abstract: An adjustable conduit clamp to secure a conduit to a structure has a clampback and a strap that interfits therewith. The clampback has sidewalls configured to be placed against a structure and a portion of each sidewall configured to support a conduit. A first spacer is positioned between the sidewalls at a first region of the sidewalls and a second spacer positioned between the sidewalls at a second region. A cantilever member extends from the second spacer and is positioned between the first and second sidewalls, the cantilever member having a free end movable relative to the sidewalls and spaced from an end of the first spacer so as to form an opening therebetween for passage of the strap. The strap has a first end portion shaped to contact a conduit and a second end portion dimensioned for passage through the opening in the clampback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. DeCesare, Erik G. Senseney, Joseph M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8413943
    Abstract: A securing device for a tablet device has a main seat, two positioning rods, two first resilient elements, two driving sliders, two sets of holding legs and a lock. The holding legs hold the tablet device. When the lock is locked, the lock is unable to detach from the main seat, and the positioning rods, the driving sliders and the holding legs are unable to move. Consequently, the securing device is unable to detach from the tablet device. Thus, as a cable of the lock is looped around a post, the tablet device is secured at a specific position and is not stolen easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ABA UFO International Corp.
    Inventor: Chi-Yuan Li
  • Patent number: 8376300
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a supporting body, a rotating body assembled with the supporting body and rotating at least between a standard position and a deployed position through an intermediate position, and a biasing device for applying a biasing force to the rotating device in a direction of returning the rotating body to the standard position. A speed switching device changes a rotational speed of the rotating body from the deployed position to the intermediate position different from that from the intermediate position to the standard position in a return rotational movement of the rotating body. The speed switching device includes at least two damping devices; at least two first gears attached to the damping devices for applying damping forces of the damping devices to the rotating body; and at least two second gears formed integrally on the rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventors: Ryuhei Nishida, Keiji Yamaguchi, Takehiko Nemoto
  • Patent number: 8356777
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger has a receiver having a hole arranged to allow mounting of the receiver on a fixed element, and a body opening in the receiver arranged to accept a connector. An adjustable hanger has a mounting having a hole arranged to allow the mounting to be mounted to a fixed element, and a shaft opening, a receiver having a shaft opening, a shaft having a portion insertable into the shaft opening on the mounting such that shaft can move relative to the mounting, and a portion insertable into the shaft opening on the receiver, and a connector arranged to be insertable into a connector opening on the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hammer, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin James Miles, Kim Paul Ramsay
  • Publication number: 20120305726
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a movable member equipped with an operating unit for operating the image forming apparatus, wherein the movable member can be a first state and a second state by changing its position with respect to an main body of the apparatus, and a holding unit configured to hold the movable member, wherein the direction in which the operating unit is depressed in order to operate the image forming apparatus is the direction in which the movable member is depressed when the position of the movable member is changed from the first state to the second state, and wherein the holding unit holds the movable member so that the requisite force for changing the movable member from the first state to the second state is larger than the requisite force for changing the movable member from the second state to the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori Hashimoto, Taisuke Hyodo
  • Patent number: 8317152
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting an electronic device includes a receiving part, a rotating arm, a base, and a locking device. Two opposite ends of the rotating arm are connected to the electronic device and the base. The locking device includes a locking mechanism positioned on the rotating arm, and a locked part positioned on the base. The locking mechanism includes a locking member, an elastic member, and an operating member. The locked part defines a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking member is capable of moving from the locked position to the unlocked position, the elastic member provides an elastic force to keep the locking member in the locked position so that the rotating arm stops moving, the operating member is operable to enable the locking member to overcome the elastic force to move to the unlocked position so that the rotating arm is capable of rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cong-Bing Zhou
  • Patent number: 8276865
    Abstract: A holding device includes a holder, a connecting body, and a base. The base has a first meshing portion. The connecting body is disposed between the holder and the base, and it has a pivotal element, a limiting portion, and a second meshing portion. The second meshing portion is disposed on the limiting portion. Two ends of a surface of the pivotal element are pivotally connected with the base and the limiting portion, respectively, and thus the base and the limiting portion may rotate relative to the pivotal element. When the limiting portion rotates relative to the pivotal element, the second meshing portion is meshed with or detached from the first meshing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Ting-Fang Hsieh, Chun-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 8262053
    Abstract: A supporting apparatus includes a U-shaped first bracket, a U-shaped second bracket pivotably attached to the first bracket through a connection mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The connection mechanism includes a first gear mounted to the second bracket, and a second gear pivotably mounted to the first bracket and mating with the first gear. The positioning mechanism includes a positioning member slidably attached to the first bracket, a resilient member arranged between the positioning member and the first bracket, and a positioning gear pivotably attached to the first bracket and linked with the second gear. The positioning member includes a positioning pole. When the second bracket is rotated to a desired position relative to the first bracket, the resilient member biases the positioning member, such that the positioning pole engages in the positioning gear to position the second bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiang Zhao
  • Patent number: RE47497
    Abstract: Certain aspects are directed to a mounting assembly for mounting an antenna unit or other device. The mounting assembly includes at least one bracket and at least one retaining assembly. The bracket can be movably positioned at multiple orientation angles with respect to a surface. The bracket includes a latching edge that defines multiple recesses. Each of the recesses corresponds to one of the orientation angles. The retaining assembly is positioned adjacent to the bracket. The retaining assembly includes at least one protrusion that can engage one of the recesses to form a latching connection between the bracket and the retaining assembly. The latching connection can retain the bracket at an orientation angle corresponding to the engaged recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Andrew Wireless Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fackler