Coaster Or Caster Cup Patents (Class 248/346.11)
  • Patent number: 7682543
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a weighted mounting platform, the method including: of a first injection moldable material, injection molding a substantially rigid body structure further comprising a substantially central hub with a plurality of legs projecting therefrom and an enlarged mass positioned adjacent to an end portion of at least two or more of the plurality of legs distal from the hub; of a second injection moldable material, injection molding a flexible skin covering at least a portion of the body structure between each enlarged mass and the central hub; and subsequent to the injection molding a flexible skin, freeing the enlarged mass positioned adjacent to an end portion of at least two or more of the plurality of legs for motion relative to the central hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20090266965
    Abstract: A barrier for preventing a crawling pest from climbing up furniture includes a disk which is placed under a furniture leg. A tube surrounds the furniture leg and sits on the disk, and the tube consists of a material which is unscalable by the crawling pest. The inner surface of the tube and/or the portion of the disk surface within the tube can be provided with adhesive to trap the crawling pest if it manages to climb up the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Myrna Gary
  • Patent number: 7562853
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly that is configured for removably supporting storage containers therein at an acute angle with respect to the vertical. The mounting bracket assembly includes a mounting leg for mounting the mounting bracket assembly to a vertical support structure, a support leg, a cross-piece complementary shaped to the upper cross-sectional shape of a storage container, and a support/brace for supporting the bottom of the storage container. The mounting bracket assembly can further include a base from which the mounting leg and support leg extend upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Mazzola
  • Publication number: 20090114791
    Abstract: A cooling coaster device and method for supporting and keeping a cold beverage container cool are provided. The cooling coaster device can include a relatively short, cup-shaped body including a closed bottom and a cylindrical sidewall forming an opening at an end thereof. A sealing ring gasket is integrally formed with the cylindrical sidewall in a vicinity of the opening. The sealing ring gasket can form a narrowest portion of the cup-shaped body and can be capable of forming a water and gas-tight seal when a beverage container is inserted into the cup-shaped body. The cooling coaster device can include a support extending into an interior of the cup-shaped body and forms a stop surface arranged a set distance from the closed bottom. The cooling coaster can be formed as an integral, one-piece structure and can keep the cold beverage container cool while not concealing its labeling and preventing the formation of a condensation ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Ann Mary Alger
  • Publication number: 20090101783
    Abstract: A beverage coaster has a base and a tab disposed to the base. In a descended position, the tab occupies an aperture in the base. In an upright position, the tab is angularly positioned in relation to base of the beverage coaster so as to display an indicia. The indicia can communicate information relating to the condition of the patron, a request of the patron, or a condition of the beverage thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Eugune Howard Luoma
  • Patent number: 7520483
    Abstract: A leveling assembly (2) comprising at least two leveling elements (4, 6) and having an uppermost surface (10) for seating a free-standing object 18. Elements (4, 6) are generally wedge-shaped, have upper (10, 14) and lower (12, 16) surfaces angled to one another (38, 42), are adapted to be placed one on the other and rotated relative to one another in order to vary the angle between the uppermost and lowermost assembly (16) surfaces. The elements (4, 6) may have co-operating guiding means (78, 82) or co-operating connecting means (184, 187) to aid in rotating the elements (4, 6) relative to one another and to resist shifting. In addition, the surfaces (16, 56) of the elements (4, 52) may be adapted with concave or cavity portions (58) in order to allow better seating on a surface (8). Reference markings (22, 28) placed on the elements (4, 6) aid in determining a suitable rotation of the elements (4, 6) relative to one another in order to compensate for a given slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventors: Austin Rand, Ron Aloni, legal representative, Enn Erisalu
  • Publication number: 20090050770
    Abstract: A collapsible caddy, includes a base, a substantially hollow casing on the base, a telescopic boom extending upwardly at an angle from the base or the casing, a generally horizontally extending support bar pivotally connected to the boom and being rotatable thereabout, a generally planar support member connected to the support bar for supporting an object, and an accessory holder extending from the support bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Shmuel B. PERLMAN
  • Patent number: 7484700
    Abstract: An improved leveling device for adjusting the height of a substrate with a leveling device located between the floor and the bottom of the piece of furniture. The leveling device is comprised by a threaded stud which resides in a propel nut. The threaded stud is comprised by a first end, an end cap, and a second end, a leveling surface. The leveling device is inserted into a bore in the bottom of the piece of furniture. The propel nut of the leveling device grips the bore and holds the leveling device in the bore. The oversized end cap with respect to the threaded stud and the propel nut in combination with the bore of the substrate is resistably movable and exerts a force against the bore in the substrate to counter forces exerted against the leveler by the floor when dragging the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Stafast Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Selle
  • Publication number: 20090020676
    Abstract: A combination beverage coaster and sleeve is disclosed. The combination beverage coaster and sleeve is capable of self-adhering to a beverage container, does not require additional adhesives or other materials for purposes of adhering to a beverage container, and may assist a user thereof in identifying the user's beverage from among other beverages in social settings. The combination beverage coaster and sleeve may also be used to display a decorative design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Tim M. Curry
  • Publication number: 20080290650
    Abstract: The inventive support for liquid-containing vessels can be used for kitchen ware, for example for beer mugs. The structural design of said support makes it possible to reduce the support separation forces and to increase the absorbing capacity thereof by means of an additional internal layer. Said support for liquid-containing vessels consists of at least two layers, which are connected to each other and provided with an information carrier arranged therebetween or a piece of information is located on one layer, and is embodied in such a way that it is breakable or disreputable. A break or disrupt line can be provided with notches or perforations or the support can have a thickening area. The layer and/or information carrier can be made from a sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Sergey Valentinovich Valkov
  • Publication number: 20080272261
    Abstract: A multi-layer absorptive coaster includes a bottom layer comprising a waterproof, resilient, slip-resistant material, such as neoprene. Intermediate and top layers comprise fabric with a blend of polyester and cotton. Printing can be applied to the top layer. The material layers are bonded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Morlan
  • Publication number: 20080258031
    Abstract: An absorbent coaster article for insertion into a cup holder that comprises an inner material including one or more layers of a superabsorbent polymeric material, such as a polypropylene microfiber fabric, that is enclosed by a protective outer covering comprising a fabric material effective for the passage of liquids therethrough to be absorbed by the superabsorbent inner material. The outer covering may be sewn to form an inner pocket containing the inner material, or the insert may include an outer ring member joining two halves of the outer material and/or to provide a means to grasp or shape the insert. The coaster article may further include a base member to hold the removable insert and protect the underlying surface from excess moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Candy J. Cleaver, Patrick J. Tharp
  • Publication number: 20080245944
    Abstract: A glide assembly is adapted to be mounted about an existing foot attached to the free end of a leg of a piece of furniture. The glide assembly includes a body defining an exterior surface and a bore extending partially through the body to define a hollow interior, an interior surface, and an open end of the body. An insert assembly is removably mountable about the foot and adapted to be received through the open end and fixedly secured within the hollow interior of the body so as to mount the body about the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: John Chase
  • Patent number: 7431249
    Abstract: An article of furniture (22) having an opening (62) is configured with a support (20) operable to serve as a glide and as a floor surface protector. The support includes a body (40) having a boss (45) with a plurality of collapsible mounting boss sections (65). The boss sections define an axial passage (80, 90) therebetween and extending through the body. When inserted into the opening in the article of furniture, the edge defining the opening moves the boss sections radially inward relative to the edge of the opening toward a collapsed condition. The support further includes a wedge configured to be driven by an applied force into the passage of the body. The driven wedge is configured to move the boss sections apart against the edge of the opening to secure the body member to the article of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy G. Hornberger
  • Publication number: 20080230670
    Abstract: A wheel caster glide receives caster wheels therein and employs wheel engaging members to keep the glide removably engaged with the wheel in absence of sufficient removal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis Healy
  • Publication number: 20080203264
    Abstract: An improved coaster that is cling resistant and simultaneously transportable with a drinking vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Stafford M. Lombard
  • Publication number: 20080185492
    Abstract: A configurable drinking coaster combination includes at least one pair of coasters adapted for individual placement on a furniture surface to protect the furniture from a drinking glass or cup placed on the coaster. Each pair of coasters is configured for interlocking engagement so that the pair of coasters can form a decorative three-dimensional accent piece when the coasters are not in use to support a drinking vessel. In one embodiment, a collection of substantially identically configured coasters have an identical perimeter, such as circular, rectangular or triangular, and each defines a substantially identically sized and arranged slot so that when the coasters are interlockingly engaged at the slots the perimeters of the coasters coincide in the three-dimensional accent piece configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: THE SIMPLE FURNITURE COMPANY
    Inventor: Scott Willy
  • Patent number: 7390550
    Abstract: A beer mat having a compact disc and a beer-mat body, whereby the main surface of the beer-mat body has been provided with a flat recess, whose depth corresponds at least to the thickness of the compact disc, but less than the thickness of the beer-mat body outside of the recess, whereby the compact disc has been inserted into the recess, and with a cover film overspanning the recess and bonded to the main surface of the beer-mat cover outside of the recess, and whereby the perimeter line of the cover film runs outside of the perimeter line of the recess but within the perimeter line of the beer-mat body, so that a ring absorption area is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: DOCdata Germany Berlin Optical Disc GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Weiss
  • Publication number: 20080099650
    Abstract: A coaster device includes a substrate including a brightening agent on its upper surface and a photoluminescent layer on, or impregnated into, the upper surface. The photoluminescent layer on said upper surface absorbs radiant energy and emits radiant energy in the form of light. The substrate is optionally formed from a moisture absorbent material, a moisture resistant material, or a combination thereof. Optionally, a case may be provided to receive and at least partially encase the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Sandra Sax
  • Patent number: 7357270
    Abstract: A container holder, a system for supporting containers and a method for holding containers which allow the containers to be stored and/or displayed are provided. Additionally, the container holder may have a base or arm connected to a first stopper and/or a second stopper. Further, the length of the base may adjust to accommodate a varying number of the containers. Still further, the container holder may accommodate containers having different shapes and sizes. The weight of the containers on the base hold the containers on the base connected between the first stopper and the second stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Mayrose Enterprises, Inc
    Inventor: Tom Mayrose
  • Publication number: 20080083628
    Abstract: Apparatuses for holding soap bars for access by a user. The soap holders have features that lessen the mess common to conventional soap holding at a sink or other usage location. Features shown include absorbent materials for absorbing the soap drippings. The assemblies may preferably have locking features between a grate and dish shell. The assemblies capture and allow disposal or further use of soap drippings which collect in the absorbent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Randy D. Sines
  • Publication number: 20080023610
    Abstract: An absorbent disc designed to be releasably secured proximate the bottom portion of a conventional vehicle beverage holder. The disc further includes a body having a first and second layer. Intermediate the first and second layer is a third layer that is manufactured from absorbent materials. The disc further includes a tab integrally mounted to the circumferential edge that extends upward when the absorbent disc is engaged with the bottom portion of the vehicle cup holder to facilitate the easy removal of the absorbent disc from the beverage holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Donna K. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080017775
    Abstract: A barrier for preventing a crawling pest from climbing up furniture includes a disk which is placed under a furniture leg. A tube surrounds the furniture leg and sits on the disk, and the tube consists of a material which is unscalable by the crawling pest. The inner surface of the tube and/or the portion of the disk surface within the tube can be provided with adhesive to trap the crawling pest if it manages to climb up the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Myrna Gary
  • Patent number: 7249738
    Abstract: A rolling bracket assembly for use in transporting loads of various size and shape. The rolling bracket assembly comprises at least one base assembly. The base assembly is adapted for engagement with at least a portion of an underside of a skid and comprises a wheel assembly adapted to ambulate the load being transported. The bracket assembly may also comprise two base assemblies connected by an elongate connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond Kaczorowski
  • Patent number: 7243889
    Abstract: A holder adapted for mounting on a flush valve housing, said holder including a body having a lower portion and an upper portion; a connector having a side wall forming at least part of the lower portion of said body, said connector dimensioned to engage the flush valve housing and having a flange adapted to make frictional contact therewith; a holder having a side wall forming at least part of the upper portion of said body, said holder providing a receptacle for holding an item; at least a first support forming a division between said connector and said holder to support an item placed in said holder; and one or more threaded fasteners positioned on the lower portion of said body to enhance the frictional contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Augusto Lopez-Torres, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7137603
    Abstract: A desktop electronic device translates on a desktop from a first position to a second position through use of at least one mobility assembly. The mobility assembly(s) may be integral with the desktop electronic device, connected to the desktop electronic device, or integral with a platform that supports the desktop electronic device. The mobility assembly(s) include at least one primary revolving element and optionally includes at least one secondary revolving element in contact therewith. The primary and secondary revolving elements may be spherically or cylindrically shaped in any combination. A spherical primary revolving element allows the desktop electronic device to translate linearly or non-linearly. Brakes or disengaging mechanisms may be combined with the desktop electronic device, mobility assembly(s), or platform to resist or prevent movement of the desktop electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: SolVisions Technologies International
    Inventors: Gary B. Solomon, Mark B. Solomon
  • Patent number: 7128299
    Abstract: A platform has wheels extending below the platform and a generally flat upper surface. A coupling means has a top and a bottom. The bottom is coupled to the platform. A beverage container has a lower region. The lower region is configured for allowing the beverage container to be coupled to top of the intermediate member and to be removed therefrom for the consumption of a beverage therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Donald K. Klotz
  • Patent number: 7017879
    Abstract: A bracket is disclosed for use in open bottom type cabinets, such as file cabinets, which enables caster assemblies and the like to be secured thereto. The bracket is configured to be secured in the corners of an open bottom cabinet. In accordance with the present invention, the bracket provides stiffening of the cabinet as well as a secure surface for securing caster assemblies thereto. The brackets are simply mounted to the corners of the cabinet utilizing, for example, a pair of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hirsh Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Robert Wetterberg, Michael Joseph Stock
  • Patent number: 6964401
    Abstract: A promotional item includes a digital data storage disk adapted for inserting into a player for playback by a recipient. A disk carrier holds the data storage disk. The disk carrier cooperates with the data storage disk to form a novelty beverage coaster adapted for protecting an underlying surface. A moisture-absorbent plug is inserted into a center hole formed with the data storage disk, and is adapted for receiving and, transporting moisture away from a top side of the coaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Sean Kelley, William Tracey Walker
  • Patent number: 6932314
    Abstract: Sleeves for use in systems for supporting platform-like objects on casters and posts and described. The sleeves support caster-and-post junctions and inhibit deformation of the stems of the casters and the ends of posts in directions radially outward from the longitudinal axes of the stems and posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Beijing Trade Exchange, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Patterson, Steven Snyder, Magdalena Kotek
  • Patent number: 6877705
    Abstract: A substantially flat, generally circular coaster made of a material that can absorb and/or prevent transmission of moisture is designed to receive the enlarged base of stemware and to be carried with the stemware, so that the coaster is always in position and ready for use without any handling of the coaster being required by the user after the coaster is initially placed in position on the base of the stemware. The coaster has a bottom portion and a top portion joined at their periphery to define a hollow cavity in which the base of the stemware is received. The top portion is provided with shaped slots or cuts so that the base of the stemware can be inserted through the top portion and into the hollow cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the coaster is made of an attractive fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Nancy Dauer
  • Patent number: 6869052
    Abstract: A floor protector for the legs of a chair or table including an insert receivable in the bottom of the leg which includes a removable floor protector retaining member. A floor protector of a pad of a soft floor protective material is removably mounted in the retaining member having a portion extending downwardly from the retaining member in contact with the floor or the like on which the chair or table is disposed. The pad can be quickly and easily replaced when worn. At least one shim is provided for compensating for the stability of the chair or table legs with respect to the floor on which it sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventors: James Keast, Martin Downen
  • Patent number: 6869055
    Abstract: A urinal drink coaster is a lightweight apparatus with a rigid body member formed from a lightweight, easily molded plastic material forming a cylinder with an interior wall dividing the cylinder in half. There are raised squares which the drink rest on and groves to allow drainage of liquid. The drink coaster is placed over the flushing devise on the urinal. The purpose for this coaster is to secure drinks while in the restroom as well as displaying advertisement on the circumference of the drink coaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Nick Frank Casiello Jr.
  • Patent number: 6840488
    Abstract: A furniture support and carpet protection combination includes a piece of furniture having a furniture structural member supported by a flooring that may have irregularities and a carpet positioned between the furniture structural member and the flooring. The combination also includes a furniture support and carpet protection apparatus for supporting furniture and reducing damage to the underlying carpet. The apparatus includes a plurality of posts and a coaster having a plurality of bores to provide lateral support to the posts. The apparatus further includes a coaster cover positioned to underlie the furniture structural member and overlie the coaster to provide mount support to the furniture structural member and to distribute the weight of the furniture structural member to the plurality of posts. A kit to assemble an apparatus and a method of using an apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Debra K. Ngo, Minh Q. Ngo
  • Patent number: 6834394
    Abstract: A novelty face mask is assembled from one or two coasters and a conventional drinking straw. One embodiment of the coaster is of generally circular shape with a linear slot proximate the outer edge, such slot defining a tab on the coaster that can be inserted into one end of the straw and a peephole strategically located so as to accommodate a user's eye. Two such coasters can be used with one straw, and in this case, both tabs are inserted together into the straw's end. The two coasters will normally be covered with a complementary design such that the assemblage of the coasters and the straw creates a novelty face mask, which may be promotional, celebratory, or of some other theme. A method for assembling such masks and the resulting masks are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20040238711
    Abstract: A furniture support and carpet protection combination includes a piece of furniture having a furniture structural member supported by a flooring that may have irregularities and a carpet positioned between the furniture structural member and the flooring. The combination also includes a furniture support and carpet protection apparatus for supporting furniture and reducing damage to the underlying carpet. The apparatus includes a plurality of posts and a coaster having a plurality of bores to provide lateral support to the posts. The apparatus further includes a coaster cover positioned to underlie the furniture structural member and overlie the coaster to provide mount support to the furniture structural member and to distribute the weight of the furniture structural member to the plurality of posts. A kit to assemble an apparatus and a method of using an apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Debra K. Ngo, Minh Q. Ngo
  • Patent number: 6761340
    Abstract: A leg base for outdoor furniture for fitting on the end of a leg and acting as a boot to permit sliding of the leg and to protect it from damage, and having a wall structure shaped to embrace the leg around its end, a floor secured to the wall structure and, a generally convex lower surface formed on floor, for standing on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: John G. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20040089775
    Abstract: A leg base for outdoor furniture for fitting on the end of a leg and acting as a boot to permit sliding of the leg and to protect it from damage, and having a wall structure shaped to embrace the leg around its end, a floor secured to the wall structure and, a generally convex lower surface formed on floor, for standing on a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: John G. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6719256
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a resilient glide for a chair's leg for minimizing the noise that normally occurs when a chair is moved along a floor. The glide comprises a flexible element with a small contact area against the floor in order to minimize friction. The flexible element comes off from a contact surface for the chair's leg arranged in a sleeve intended to surround the leg and is forming an integral part of said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Produktutveckling I Sverige Hb
    Inventors: Jan Rydell, Tomas Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6715604
    Abstract: A liquid absorbent base for a liquid beverage container used in the Food and Beverage Industry. A liquid absorbent wafer is provided that is secured onto the base of the container. The liquid-absorbent base and beverage container are used in combination as a liquid-absorbent substrate for cleaning up spillage and liquid condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: IPX Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Taylor
  • Patent number: 6702244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for stabilizing cylindrically shaped objects and thereby reducing the occurrences of uncontrolled releases of their contents. With respect to an exemplary embodiment, a stabilization mechanism is presented which comprising a cylindrically shaped barrel, having a first opened end and a second opened end and which is fitted with a plurality of stabilization outriggers. Each of the plurality of outriggers extends from the exterior surface of the barrel, radially outward away from the barrel. The interior diameter of the barrel is sufficient to accept a pressurized cylinder or tank. The outriggers effectively increase the diameter of the base of the cylinder, and so doing, provides an added measurement of stabilization with respect to toppling over from an inadvertent action. In the other exemplary embodiments, as few as three outriggers provide stabilization for the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Eddie Bruce Bock
  • Patent number: 6703110
    Abstract: A non-skid surface for containers having a generally planar base layer with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a surface area. A plurality of bumps are disposed spaced apart over and projecting upward relative to the upper surface over a substantial portion of the surface area of the base layer. The bumps are shaped and arranged to accept a container placed on the non-skid surface such that a support rim of a bottom of the container registers between bumps and rests solely on the upper surface of the base layer. The bumps are shaped and arranged to accept a container in this manner in a plurality of positions over the surface area. A method of forming the non-skid surface can include selecting at least a size and a shape of a first container bottom rim. A plurality of first container rim locations are plotted in a first repeating location pattern of a desired spacing. Each of the plurality of first container rim locations corresponds to the first container bottom rim size and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: David M. Stitchick
  • Patent number: 6695272
    Abstract: The invention is a disk-shaped combination drink coaster and air freshener for a drink holder. The top layer absorbs condensation or liquid spills from a drink container. The disk may have a layer impregnated with an air freshener, which will gradually be released into the vehicle or room. The disk has a plurality of layers designed to absorb liquid spills and prevent liquid spills and the air freshener material from leaving deposits on the bottom of the drink holder. The device may be imprinted with advertising names or symbols. The device has perforations to facilitate tearing off part of the circumference of the disk to reduce its diameter. The disk can also be used in combination with a coaster holder impregnated with air freshener, the weight of which prevents the coaster and air freshener from sticking to the bottom of a liquid container when the container is lifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory Jay Bomgaars, Robert Anthony Terranova
  • Patent number: 6691961
    Abstract: Desktop mobility is provided for a desktop electronic device by at least one mobility assembly to translate the desktop electronic device from a first position to a second position on a desktop. The mobility assembly(s) may be integral with a housing of the desktop electronic device, connected to the desktop electronic device, or combined with a platform used to provide mobility for the desktop electronic device. The mobility assembly(s) include at least one primary revolving member and at least one secondary revolving member in contact therewith. The primary and secondary revolving members may be spherically or cylindrically shaped, independently. The mobility assembly(s) may be selectably engaged with and disengaged from the desktop. Additionally, various braking mechanisms may be selectably applied to restrict movement of the desktop electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: SolVisions Technologies Int'l
    Inventors: Gary B. Solomon, Mark B. Solomon
  • Patent number: 6669153
    Abstract: A foot device for use with furniture which device includes a rigid portion having a body with a first face which contacts the furniture and a second face which is directed towards a floor with low slip material protruding from at least one recess in the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher John Allan
  • Publication number: 20030234331
    Abstract: A furniture glide includes a cylindrical elastomeric body adapted for insertion into a tubular furniture leg. The body has a first end and a second end. An integrally formed bulbous support is positioned at the first end of the body. At least two integrally formed discrete engagement members are positioned at the second end of the body with a centrally positioned gap between the at least two engagement members. Upon insertion of a pressure member into the gap when the second end of the body is positioned within the tubular furniture leg, the at least two engagement members are forced outwardly and into engagement with the tubular furniture leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Clement Ashton O'Leary
  • Patent number: 6659416
    Abstract: A computer keyboard/mouse support apparatus including a keyboard support having three layers which are rigidly sandwiched together is disclosed. The top layer is for supporting a keyboard while the bottom layer is for attachment to a keyboard arm. The center layer has a surface area which is substantially less than that of the top and bottom layers so that it defines a gap in which left and right mouse extensions pivot between extended usable positions and retracted stored positions. In their extended usable positions, the front edges of the keyboard support and the mouse extensions are flush with each other and define an ergonomic curve. The top surface of each mouse extension also preferably frictionally engages the underside surface of the keyboard support so that the extensions are not easily moved by the user when moving a mouse supported on the surface of the extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ergonomic Design Inc
    Inventors: Jack C. Hicks, Randy W. Woods
  • Patent number: 6640488
    Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Ernest H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6626405
    Abstract: A floor protector for the legs of a chair or table including an insert receivable in the bottom of the leg which includes a removable floor protector retaining member. A floor protector of a pad of a soft floor protective material is removably mounted in the retaining member having a portion extending downwardly from the retaining member in contact with the floor or the like on which the chair or table is disposed. The pad can be quickly and easily replaced when worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventors: James Keast, Martin Downen
  • Patent number: 6619608
    Abstract: A promotional coaster has a promotional panel releasably adhered to a coaster panel. The coaster panel has a liquid absorbing upper face and an opposite lower face, which may be provided by an overlaminate barrier layer, that is adhered to an upper face of the promotional panel. Indicia are printed on either or both panels at the interface between them. Thus, when the two panels are joined the promotional indicia is concealed to be revealed fully only after the promotional panel is separated from the coaster panel, which is facilitated by a lift region where the coaster and promotional panels are not joined. The location of the lift region is identified by indicia on the upper face of the coaster panel. A method of promoting a product with the promotional coaster is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventors: Patricia M. Mulvey, Ronald G. Hagen