Receptacle Type Patents (Class 248/311.2)
  • Patent number: 8047493
    Abstract: A major component includes a horizontally extending first section, a horizontally extending second section, and a central section. The central section has a centerline. A plurality of vertically spaced primary holes is provided in the second section on each side of the centerline. A plurality of vertically spaced secondary holes is provided in the first section on each side of the centerline. A first cord is positioned through the primary and secondary holes on one side of the centerline. A second cord is positioned through the primary and secondary holes on the other side of the centerline. In this manner the major component forms a support. Further in this manner a container is removably held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Larry K. Cohen
  • Patent number: 8042780
    Abstract: A cup holder, especially for a motor vehicle, has a box-like pedestal (12) that has a placement surface (14) on its top, and a box-like cover (16) that is arranged over the pedestal. The side surfaces of the pedestal (12) serve as a guide for the cover (16), the cover having a recess (18) that is concentric with the placement surface (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Wagner, Andreas Weber
  • Patent number: 8038110
    Abstract: An article holding device, for an elevated work platform having a railing configured by a plurality of horizontal bars, includes a body member and at least one bracing member. The body member is adapted to be disposed on the railing and the at least one bracing member is capable of supporting the body member on the elevated work platform. The body member includes a first compartment, a second compartment and a channel unit disposed therebetween. The first compartment and the second compartment include a plurality of adjustable sections configured therein. The first compartment, the second compartment and the channel unit are capable of receiving articles therein. The at least one bracing member is capable of being adjustably positioned between at least two horizontal bars of the plurality of horizontal bars of the railing for supporting the body member on the elevated work platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: William Karl Talbott
  • Patent number: 8033518
    Abstract: An attachment (A) coupled to a belt clip (B) including a rigid beverage holder frame, and a catch and catch release belt or appliance clip device. The beverage holder comprising a free swinging, rigid, cylindrical frame to perpendicularly harbor a beverage container (C) contained within or not an insulated drink container sleeve (E) attaching to belt clip device (B), providing the wearer convenient mobile storage while minimizing tipping spills and further providing the user freedom of either or both hands for other activities or tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Kurt Cameron Schuchman
  • Patent number: 8028850
    Abstract: A self-anchoring beverage container with directional release and attachment capability has a flexible nonporous base member adapted to seal to a reference surface and create a controlled pressure zone. A receptacle assembly is mounted to the base member and includes a beverage holding chamber. A communication channel in the receptacle assembly extends from the controlled pressure zone to an area of ambient pressure. A pressure control device on the receptacle assembly is adapted to alternately close the communication channel to seal the controlled pressure zone and open the communication channel to vent the controlled pressure zone to ambient pressure. The receptacle assembly further includes a grasping portion arranged to be grasped by a user. The pressure control device is operatively connected to the grasping portion for actuation to the open position when a user grasps the grasping portion during normal lifting of the beverage container from the reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Israel Harry Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20110233361
    Abstract: The present invention includes two embodiments of stackable beverage container holders. In each, the beverage container holder comprises an upper cup-like receptacle for receiving a beverage container and one or more lower ground-penetrating members, for being inserted into sand, earth, or turf and thus retaining the product upright, supporting the beverage container. The product is intended to be molded as a single integral piece. The generally cylindrical receptacle may have a slot formed in it to allow reception of a beverage container having a handle, e.g., a coffee mug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Hull
  • Patent number: 8025169
    Abstract: A self-anchoring beverage container with directional release and attachment capability has a flexible nonporous base member adapted to seal to a reference surface and create a controlled pressure zone. A receptacle assembly is mounted to the base member and includes a beverage holding chamber. A communication channel in the receptacle assembly extends from the controlled pressure zone to an area of ambient pressure. A pressure control device on the receptacle assembly is adapted to alternately close the communication channel to seal the controlled pressure zone and open the communication channel to vent the controlled pressure zone to ambient pressure. The receptacle assembly further includes a grasping portion arranged to be grasped by a user. The pressure control device is operatively connected to the grasping portion for actuation to the open position when a user grasps the grasping portion during normal lifting of the beverage container from the reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Israel Harry Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8015943
    Abstract: A travel bowl assembly for traveling in a vehicle including a bowl member divided into a snack section and a cup holder section. A cup holder, cup holder insert extends downward from a bottom of the bowl member. The cup holder insert can be integrated or removably attached to the bowl. A pliant adapter can be integrated or removably attached to the cup holder insert. The pliant adapter utilizes flexible winglets for compensating between dimensional differences between the cup holder insert and a receiving cup holder. The pliant adapter is formed having a tapered sleeve for sliding the adapter onto a tapered sidewall of the cup holder insert. A lid can be provided, sealing the snack section of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: L J S Sales, LLC
    Inventors: Loren J. Samuelson, Nancy J. Cribb
  • Publication number: 20110210221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixture for objects for providing a secure, space-saving, individually customizable and clearly arranged retaining system for the objects, such as vials and the like, such as for storage and/or transport of the same, wherein at least the holding device for holding at least one object can be attached to the fixture and wherein furthermore fastening means are designed on the fixture in order to fasten the fixture to a frame or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Stephan Mulzer
  • Publication number: 20110210220
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a frame to receive a storage device and a cushion fixed to a rear end of the frame. A number of protrusions extend from an outer side of the cushion away from the frame, to protect the storage device and the frame from vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEN-TANG PENG, XIN-HU GONG, GAO-LIANG XIA
  • Publication number: 20110204194
    Abstract: A beverage container receptacle adapted for installation relative to fixed first and second structures. The receptacle includes a container-holding first part having a container rest and a periphery that defines a void in which is received a portion of the fixed first structure that extends along a first axis. The periphery at least partially surrounds the first axis, and the receptacle is supported by the first structure when it is installed relative thereto. The receptacle also includes a receptacle-retaining second part slidably positioned relative to the first part. The second part is adapted for movement relative to the first structure received in the void and toward engagement with the second structure. The receptacle is adapted for being supported against angular movement in at least one direction about the first axis through the engagement of the second part with the second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin W. Downs
  • Patent number: 8001671
    Abstract: A method for using an insulated holder is provided. The holder includes first and second polarized magnetic materials positioned at the sleeve portion. The first and second polarized magnetic materials each have first and second poles, the first pole of the first polarized magnetic material being positioned opposite and adjacent to the second pole of the second magnetic material and the second pole of the first polarized magnetic material being positioned opposite and adjacent to the first pole of the second magnetic material. The holder is placed adjacent to and in contact with said mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Jed D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7980517
    Abstract: A neutral field tray includes an attachment portion for removably attaching the tray to a mayo stand, a base coupled to the attachment portion, two sidewalls extending upward from opposite sides of the base, a distal endwall extending upward from a distal end of the base, a cover extending between the sidewalls above the base adjacent the distal endwall, and support for positioning a single instrument above the base with a distal end of the instrument underneath the cover and a proximal end of the instrument elevated relative to the distal end of the instrument. A method is also provided for using the neutral field tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: SurgiSure, LLC
    Inventors: Mark P. Zoland, Joseph Iraci
  • Patent number: 7959121
    Abstract: An adjustable cup holder incorporates an elongated clamp assembly and cup support assembly. The clamp assembly has a proximal end and a distal clamping end. The cup support assembly is connected at the proximal end of the clamp assembly, and comprises a body portion and a pair of arcuate cup-encircling arms having respective spaced-apart free ends. A pivot pin enables pivot adjustment of the cup support assembly at the proximal end of the clamp assembly, such that the cup support assembly is movable between a desired in-use position depending from the clamp assembly, and a folded stowed position beside the clamp assembly. In the stowed position, the clamp assembly passes between the spaced-apart free ends of the cup-encircling arms and into an area defined between the cup-encircling arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Drink Clip, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Barnes, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110133611
    Abstract: A dental care storage unit for storing dental hygiene products comprising: a mounting plate, where said mounting provides a means to mount the storage unit; a shelf, where the shelf horizontally extends from the mounting plate; and a plurality of storage compartments extending along the length of the shelf. The plurality of storage compartments may include a compartment for at least a toothpaste dispenser, a toothbrush holder, a mouthwash dispenser, a cup holder and a floss dispenser. The cup holder may be capable of storing and dispensing a plurality of cups. In one exemplary embodiment, the shelf includes a semi-circular configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: LYDIA CLARKE, STACY STERLING
  • Patent number: 7938375
    Abstract: A collapsible pen holder installed within a surface of an object, including an automobile dashboard or briefcase, secures and retains a pen within a cylindrical sleeve slidably engaged within a cylindrical mounting frame member, exposing a pen cap of the pen. The pen is placed within the cylindrical sleeve which is then pushed into the mounting frame member until the cylindrical sleeve is retained within the mounting frame member by a locking mechanism, exposing only an end of the pen cap. To remove the pen from the pen holder, the end of the pen head is depressed, releasing the locking mechanism and ejecting the cylindrical sleeve from the mounting frame member, projecting the cylindrical sleeve from the surface by a spring mechanism allowing the pen to be removed from the cylindrical sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Casey Massegee
  • Patent number: 7926776
    Abstract: A bracket for use on an ultrasound transducer to releasably mount at least one 3D tracking sensor on the transducer. Each sensor has a pair of axially aligned pins projecting outward from its body. The bracket includes at least one socket having a pair of spaced-apart wall portions, each of which includes a slot arranged to receive a respective one of the pins of the sensor when the sensor is in a first position. From this position the sensor's body can be rotated to a second position, whereupon the spaced apart wall portions releasably engage (snap-fit about) a portion of the body of the sensor to deter the accidental displacement of the sensor with respect to the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: CIVCO Medical Instruments Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Craig J. Cermak
  • Publication number: 20110084189
    Abstract: A drink holder which is readily attached to a vertical wall or the like surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Clayton Robert Noyes
  • Patent number: 7922022
    Abstract: A hanging condiment container holder is provided including a clip portion for removably attaching the holder to an upper portion of a food package, a loop portion for receiving a condiment container, and an extension wall extending between the clip portion and the loop portion. The clip portion may be contoured to the shape of the upper edge or lip of a food package such as a cup. Various clip portions may be employed for removably attaching the hanging condiment container holder to a food package such as a cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: CPC Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Ciarrocchi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7918429
    Abstract: A horizontal fuel tank support system for efficiently supporting a propane tank above the ground. The horizontal fuel tank support system generally includes a support pad including an internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity extends throughout the support pad and wherein the support pad is comprised of an elongated configuration, a platform defining at least a portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the platform extends along a longitudinal axis of the elongated support pad, and an internal ribbing structure extending within the internal cavity and beneath the platform. The internal ribbing structure includes a plurality of outer ribbing portions and an inner ribbing portion, wherein the inner ribbing portion is connected between the plurality of outer ribbing portions. The inner ribbing portion is comprised of a less dense structure than the plurality of outer ribbing portions to distribute the weight of the propane tank directly below the legs of the propane tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce Kleespie
  • Patent number: 7909299
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, for example a beverage can has a first support in the form of a ring and a second support projecting into the ring, which supports are, for the purpose of raising and lowering, pivotally mounted on a common axis and connected in terms of drive so that, when the second support is pivoted, the first support is moved along with it. A locking element for the first support is unlocked as a result of pivoting the second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Falk Schaal
  • Publication number: 20110056252
    Abstract: A security device for a closure leaf such as a door or window comprises: a link member extending between a portion of said security device located on said closure leaf to which said link member is attached, in use, and a portion of said security device located adjacent to said closure leaf to which said link member is attached, in use; whereby said link member restrains the opening of said closure leaf beyond a predetermined degree; a canister of pressurised substance; a canister holder for securing said canister on a support structure; whereby said canister is in a position for spraying a subject in the vicinity of said closure leaf; and an actuator which engages said link member and which applies pressure to said canister when pressure is exerted on said closure leaf beyond a predetermined level; whereby said canister sprays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Robert David Simpson
  • Patent number: 7897088
    Abstract: A beverage container holder is disclosed which includes a magnet within the sleeve of a beverage container holder. The beverage container holder, along with any beverage container placed in the beverage container holder, may be mounted on any mounting surface having an associated ferrous material. The beverage container holder is held in place due to the force of the magnetic interaction between the magnet and the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Elward-Louis Joint Venture LLP
    Inventor: Jed Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7896303
    Abstract: A container holder includes a holder body, a supporting member, an actuator, and a switch. The supporting member is disposed movably to the holder body. The holder body demarcates an accommodation space for accommodating or holding a container therein partially. The actuator includes a first actuating unit, being made of a ferromagnet, and a second actuating unit, being made of an electromagnet. Moreover, one of the actuator's first actuating unit and second actuating unit is fixed to the holder body, and the other one of the actuator's first actuating unit and second actuating unit is fixed to the supporting member. The switch turns on and off the actuator's second actuating unit to have the electromagnet produce and lose an electromagnetic force. The resulting electromagnetic force moves the supporting member to come in and/or come out of the holder body's accommodation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Aya Yamamoto, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 7891318
    Abstract: A pet food/beverage dispensing apparatus includes; a vertical positioning member configured to at least partially surround at least one substantially vertical fixing member, a height extending portion coupled to the vertical positioning member via a refastenable connector, and a dish receptacle which is configured to retain a dish and is coupled to the height extending portion, wherein the vertical positioning member and the height extending portion are configured to substantially fix the dish receptacle in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen Wilson
  • Patent number: 7891623
    Abstract: A stowable cup holder tray assembly is provided for a vehicle having an interior floor structure. The cup holder assembly includes a stowage compartment having a bottom portion with a plurality of opposing sidewalls extending therefrom and defining a stowage volume. The stowage compartment is mounted substantially adjacent to the interior floor structure. A cover member is hinged to one of said plurality of opposing sidewalls and operates to substantially close said stowage volume. A cup holder tray member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowage volume is sufficiently configured to receive said cup holder tray member when in said stowed position. A vehicle incorporating the disclosed cup holder tray assembly is also provided. The cup holder tray assembly is configured to be sufficiently close to the floor when in the stowed position to provide limited barriers within the interior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michel E. Haddad, Steven E. Morris
  • Patent number: 7878472
    Abstract: A system for removably restraining an object in a vehicle includes a housing for attachment to a structure of the vehicle and at least one holder coupled to the housing for movement between an access position and a restraint position. An extensible member has a first end operably engaging the holder and a second end coupled to a retractor device. The retractor device is coupled to the housing and locks the extensible member when the vehicle experiences an event involving a rapid change in position, speed or acceleration, so that the holder is movable to the access position during absence of the event and the holder is locked in the restraint position during the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: James Roger Lackore
  • Patent number: 7874535
    Abstract: A cup holder includes a box-shaped body having a holder opening at the top, a supporting arm, an urging element urging the supporting arm to come inward into the holder opening of the box-shaped body, an engaging element engages temporarily the supporting arm at a retreated position, an enabling/disabling element enabling the urging action of the urging element and disabling the engagement action of the engaging element by a pressing force resulting from a container, a fixing element, and a releasing element. The fixing element includes a mechanical mechanism, which fixes the supporting arm to bring it into contact with the container. The releasing element includes a mechanical mechanism, which releases the supporting arm from the fixing action of the fixing element upon taking out the container, and enables the supporting arm to come outward out of the holder opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Ogura
  • Patent number: 7871050
    Abstract: An adjustable tray assembly for engaging a cupholder in a vehicle comprises a tray having a plurality of cuts to form an aperture; and a frustum adapter having a downwardly tapered cylindrical shape, wherein the frustum adapter defines a first cavity for removably receiving an inserted beverage container, and wherein the adapter is removably inserted in the aperture and in the cupholder to bind the tray in place, and wherein the tray is substantially perpendicular with respect to a central axis of the cupholder and is capable of supporting various items, including food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Marc I. Epstein
  • Patent number: 7866620
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container, such as, for example, a beverage can, which is intended for installation in a motor car, has pivotable and spring-actuated holding jaws pivotally mounted by a knife-edge bearing. As a result, a pivot axis close to the inner side of the container receptacle is possible, which facilitates pressing outward of the holding jaws by insertion of the beverage container. In addition, it allows snap-mounting of the holding jaws from below by of a spring tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hartwig Kaemmer
  • Publication number: 20110001026
    Abstract: A bracket for securing an electrical box to a support comprising a base, a first flange extending downwardly from a first portion of the base, a second flange extending downwardly from a second portion of the base wherein the base is positioned between the first and second flanges, a first tooth positioned on the first flange and extending inwardly toward the second flange, and a second tooth positioned on the first flange adjacent to the first tooth and extending inwardly toward the second flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: EGS Electrical Group LLC
    Inventors: Vinaya Kubsad, Pawan Vishwakarma, Bill Leber, Carlos J. Ylagan
  • Patent number: 7861993
    Abstract: A cup holder, wherein the cup holder comprises a well adapted to receive a beverage container through an open top of the well. The cup holder also includes a sealing unit having a ring seal secured to the well adjacent to the open top of the well. The ring seal engages the container when the container is disposed in the well to cooperate with the well in providing a substantially closed and sealed chamber resistant to heat transfer to or from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Alison Hansen, Christopher R Reynolds, Mark A Kelly
  • Patent number: 7845506
    Abstract: An improved bottle, retaining device and associated elements for carrying items is disclosed. The retaining device is adapted for holding a container (or containers) or other items; the retaining device being adapted to affix the container by way of the retaining device to a person or a personal item so ready access is provided for the held container/item. The improved foundation/retaining device portion has means of retaining a bottle, container or other item and means of attaching the foundation/retaining device portion onto a user's body or other article or being. The bottle, container or fluid carrying portion is adapted for mating engagement with the retaining device. There are also disclosed a number of desirable optional features of the novel invention which can be used in combination with the disclosed retaining device and associated container or the like, or alone—the features in combinations together, alone, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Keith Stratton Willows, Antonio Carlos Del Rosario, June Angus
  • Publication number: 20100288801
    Abstract: One design embodiment of a holder for a container which may be comprised of a connector band (44) that connects to holder band eye brackets (31), in which strap bolts (40) that are held in place by strap bolt heads (41) and strap bolt nuts (42) retain fastener straps (35) that connect through release buckles (39) to fasteners (36, 38). The container may be attached to the user or a host device using a variety of easily configurable methods, as required by the intended use, including but no limited to the use of fasteners with integrated strap adjusters (36) or fasteners that attach the holder to belts, straps or webbing, by the use of fasteners (38) which include direct attachment points to integrated release buckles (39). The design embodiment allows easy attachment, use and deployment of containers in a variety of environmental conditions and situational uses, including but not limited to the carrying of gas supplies for underwater divers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: William Messner
  • Publication number: 20100258268
    Abstract: A temperature adjustable cup holder having a memory card readable function includes a base and a cover mounted on the base. The base has a fan device received therein. A fin radiator is mounted on the fan device. A controlling chip is contactingly mounted on the fin radiator. The fan device electrically connected to the controlling chip. The cover has a cup seat disposed thereon. The cup seat contacted with the controlling chip. The cover has a connecting port and a switch disposed on a side thereof. A memory card reader is pivotally received in the base. The memory card reader has multiple sockets disposed thereon for connecting to different standards of memory cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: HSIN-JEN LI
  • Patent number: 7806379
    Abstract: A holder for a liquid container includes a frame body and a resilient holding ring. The frame body includes a container-holder having a substantially C-shaped surrounding wall that defines a container-receiving space and that has inner and outer surfaces, and two spaced-apart free ends. The resilient holding ring is molded over the frame body, and includes an inner lining layer covering the inner surface of the surrounding wall and extending from one of the free ends to the other one of the free ends, and a bridge portion bridging the free ends of the surrounding wall, being stretchable between the free ends, and directly connected to the inner lining layer. The bridge portion and the inner lining layer form a ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Co-Union Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 7802767
    Abstract: A holding device for storing sundry items has a base body with a receiver in form of a cupholder and is associated with an insert member which can be inserted into the receiver of the base body, and the insert member has a holding recess by which opposing segments are separated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Fischer Automotive Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Falk Schaal, Jochen Bisinger
  • Patent number: 7802763
    Abstract: A topping tool assembly comprises a bag support defining a tapered receptacle having an open bag receiving end and an open dispensing end narrower than the bag receiving end, a mounting bracket fixed to the bag support, and an anchor bracket, wherein the mounting bracket and the anchor bracket are adapted such that the mounting bracket removably mounts onto the anchor bracket. The topping tool assembly is installed in a kitchen or other food preparation area by attaching the anchor bracket to a suitable supporting surface, and it receives and supports a pastry bag in a generally vertical orientation such that a top of the pastry bag is exposed through the bag receiving end of the bag support and a bottom decorative tip of the pastry bag protrudes from the bottom dispensing end of the bag support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Rich Products Corporation
    Inventors: James Faller, Christopher V. Tirone, Gerald Oehman
  • Publication number: 20100236414
    Abstract: The support (3) comprises a first resting surface (13) and a second resting surface (7), which can be set on top of one another at different heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Patrizio Frigeri, Marco Marchi
  • Publication number: 20100230570
    Abstract: A height adjustable container system which includes a container through which at least one elongated, inner supporting member extends. The supporting member is secured at one end to a mounting system consisting of a ceiling mount and corresponding U-bracket/bolt combination. In one embodiment of the invention, an elongated inner supporting member is telescopically located within an elongated outer supporting member. A spring biased press button or mechanical stop component extending from the inner supporting member allows the outer supporting member on which the container is mounted to be vertically lowered, so that when the container is used as a planter, the plants in the container can be watered and when the container is a bird feeder, bird food can be added to the feeder. By simply pushing the container upward along the supporting member, the container is again elevated and locked in its elevated, suspended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Peter S. Vosbikian, Robert Petner
  • Publication number: 20100230571
    Abstract: A container holder for an automotive vehicle includes a relief space configured within an exterior portion of a load-carrying automotive structure, such as a pickup truck box rail, and a generally cup-shaped insert extending within the relief space and supported by the load-carrying structure. Because the present container holder is mounted externally in the vehicle, it is readily accessible to personnel outside the vehicle's passenger compartment, such as people working on the ground around a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Sharkey, Michael John Kowalski
  • Patent number: 7794000
    Abstract: In an operating member (2) disposed in a cabin and manually operated by the occupant of a seat and an interior device (8) such as a cup holder allowing its position to be changed with a movable mechanism disposed near the seat, the operating member (2) possesses a detecting sensor (51) for detecting a starting time of a manual operation of the operating member (2) by a hand, and a movable mechanism (25) automatically changes the interior device to a position not to interfere with the manual operation of the operating member in response to the detection signal of the detecting sensor (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Takahide Ichimaru
  • Patent number: 7793904
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage holder assembly. In some embodiments, a beverage holder assembly may comprise a clamp device comprising a screw for tightening a first arm and a second arm to attach the clamp device to a structure. The screw may comprise a head having parallel sides. The beverage holder assembly may comprise a beverage housing to support a beverage container. The beverage housing may define a track to receive the head of the screw. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Michael G. Scarton, Eric M. Prado, Erik R. Mertens
  • Patent number: 7793905
    Abstract: The presently claimed invention discloses a portable beverage container holder that can be used by an end user during travel to hold beverages and other types of items. The portable beverage container can be used in conjunction with a laptop computer or other type of planar surface and can be folded up when not in use to minimize its size during storage. The device also includes a means for clamping to a laptop computer and other planar surface that minimizes damage to the laptop computer and enables an end user to quickly clamp and unclamp the device during transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: William Harold Merritt, Jeffrey A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7789265
    Abstract: A cup holder with a securing mechanism for use in a vehicular cup holder for receiving and securing different sized cups. The cup holder includes a cylindrical opening defined by a cylindrical wall and bottom wall, tab openings formed in the cylindrical wall, tabs projecting through the openings, and a biasing device for biasing the tabs. The tabs are attached to the cup holder so as to be movable in a horizontal direction and to be rotatable in a vertical direction about a central pivot point. The tabs are biased so as to project fully into the cylindrical opening and to be in a non-pivoted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christian Kearney, Tadashi Yoda
  • Patent number: 7784759
    Abstract: An insulated beverage holder formed from neoprene and including a seal located at the upper opening of the housing. The seal can extend above the housing and can include an upper insertion portion and a lower sealing portion. The insertion portion helps ease the insertion of a beverage container into the holder and the sealing portion produces a watertight seal of the holder to the beverage container. An ice and water mixture can be placed into the holder prior to inserting the beverage container to provide cooling of the beverage while it is being consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Edwin B. Farrell
  • Publication number: 20100200720
    Abstract: A holder for a beverage container has a container receptacle for insertion of the beverage container, a holding jaw which is mounted so as to be movable a short distance into the container receptacle, and a spring element which urges the holding jaw into the container receptacle. The holder has a simple construction and is economical to produce, since the spring element, together with the holding jaw, is in the form of a mountable unit and the spring element consists of a synthetic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Hartwig Kaemmer
  • Publication number: 20100193654
    Abstract: A container holder includes a cylindrical opening, having a side wall with a movable section which extends between a raised position, completing a cylindrical support for a container, and a lowered position providing a notch for receiving a handle of a cup. In one embodiment, a pair of adjacent cup holders are provided with a movable section extending between them. In a preferred embodiment, the movable section includes a push-push latch such that it can be pressed downwardly and remain in a retracted position for use with a handle-including container and, upon pushing a second time, is raised to accommodate a cylindrical container. In another embodiment, a damper mechanism is provided to control the motion of the movable section. In yet another embodiment of the invention, a peripheral seal near the movable section is provided to reduce or eliminate the effect of any fluid spilled on the control mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Mclaughlin, Steve Norman Bazinski
  • Patent number: 7766294
    Abstract: A holder for supporting a beverage container against an automobile air conditioner/heater grill includes a housing having a base for holding a beverage container bottom, and open top surrounding the beverage container sides, an open back and upstanding sidewalls inner connecting the base and the open top. Sidewalls include an open front for enabling passage of air therethrough and circulation of air around the container sides. A pair of spaced apart ribs extending vertically between the base and the top across the open back and a slidable element disposed between the ribs enable vertical positioning of the housing in front of the grill. Arms, separate from the housing, are provided for engaging the grill and including an interconnecting portion for removably engaging a slidable/deflecting element. An elastic member spanning the housing open back and a pair of spaced apart hooks attached thereto enable attachment of the holder to the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Werner K. Schimmeyer
  • Patent number: RE41624
    Abstract: A bracket is used for mounting onto the standard of a stadium or theater seat. The bracket can be bolted in place at the same time as seat backs are bolted onto the seat standard. The bracket has latches that permit a drink cupholder to be installed by sliding the cupholder along mating guides in one direction. The latches engage complementary latch portions on the drink cupholder to prevent removal of the drink cupholder. The drink cupholder has a wall that mates to the bracket, and includes skirt walls that cover the bolts used for attaching the bracket and the seat backs to the seat standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Caddy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter W. A. Bergin