Stand Or Base Patents (Class 248/519)
  • Patent number: 7347400
    Abstract: A stand for holding a rod-shaped unit, particularly a Christmas tree, comprises a foot part, a seating region for the tree trunk, said seating region being located on the foot part, several holding elements, which are supported around an axis of symmetry of the stand and which are pivotable against spring force out of an open position into a holding position, their pivoting planes intersecting approximately in the axis of symmetry, and at least one flexible force transfer element, particularly a steel cable, which can be actuated by means of a tensioning device and which can be loaded in tension and which engages around the holding elements and which, when tightened, causes the holding elements to pivot towards the axis of symmetry into the holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Krinner Innovation GmbH
    Inventors: Gunther Thurner, Martin Thurner
  • Publication number: 20080061211
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a lockable, adjustable pole support rail allowing a user to adjust a mounted pole to vertical on sloping terrain. The apparatus has multiple embodiments and useful applications, in that it can be attached to a vehicle's hitch receiver, or can be self-supporting utilizing fold-out stabilizing or attachable legs, for example. In addition, the apparatus may include wheels, thus permitting ease of transport to or from a vehicle. The pole can be deployed with a range of attachments or devices depending on the application. Exemplary applications include a photography camera, a surveillance camera, an infra-red camera, an antenna, loudspeakers, lighting equipment, signage, weather monitoring equipment, inspection equipment, and detection equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Paul C. Madsen
  • Patent number: 7331139
    Abstract: A collapsible fishing pole holder that provides enhanced performance characteristics for holding multiple fishing poles. A collapsible fishing pole holder includes an adjustable vertical member and horizontal member having a plurality of adjustable clamps, a panel member, an indicator for alerting user of a line catch and an attachment member for securing holder to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Washington Moses
  • Patent number: 7246781
    Abstract: A stand for supporting a vibrator/massaging device provides a swiveling and pivoting relationship through a ball joint connection between the massaging device and the base stand. The base stand comprises a suction cup bottom which enables attachment to a variety of flat surfaces. The stand has a receptacle for receiving a shaft end of the massaging device in a snug fit, and has a slot in its side wall for receiving an electrical cord for the massaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nanma Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Simon Sui Man Nam
  • Patent number: 7246782
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a temporary spread footing for supporting a variety of different vertically extending structures. The apparatus includes a frame with a top and bottom. The frame can have a substantial space or void in between the top and bottom into which weights or devices can be placed. A connection on top of the base removably connects to the structure to be supported. Outriggers could also be used to substantially increase the overturning moment resistance of the base. The outriggers can be removable or retractable so that for transportation, the base has minimum dimensions. The method includes pre-determining the needed weight and overturning moment resistance for a particular application and transporting the base to the site and thereafter adding weight and adjusting outriggers to match the pre-determined needed overturning moment resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, David M. Crookham, James A. Whitson, Thomas A. Stone, Gregory N. Kubbe, Walter R. Tippett
  • Patent number: 7219873
    Abstract: A support base for supporting a structural pole is provided. The support base includes a frame having an internal cavity for housing hardware, such as a speaker assembly, that is associated with the corresponding structural pole. The frame is generally open laterally thereabout for permitting access to the internal cavity. A footing region of the support base secures the frame to an underlying support surface and a platform atop the frame receives the structural pole thereon. The frame is sized to receive an ornamental protective cover thereabout for enhancing the aesthetic perspective of the base and for protecting the hardware within the frame internal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald Paul Harwood
  • Patent number: 7216839
    Abstract: A water injection rack base for a mast is formed of two semi-bases connected together by hinges, at the top surfaces of the two semi-bases being provided 1-2 water injection holes, on the joint face of the two semi-bases and on the central position being provided semi-cylindrical concaves, thereby forming holes on the top surface for inserting a mast when the two semi-bases are pulled open. This invention is of foldable-type, when in use, it can be easily pulled open, without need of being connected by bolts. The water injection hole is concealed, thereby preventing dusts and litters from entering into the bases, and making this invention novel in appearance. This invention has water discharge holes with easy water discharge, thus reducing labour intensity for workers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Sun Xiaoqiu
  • Patent number: 7213869
    Abstract: A hold down may include a weight associated with a coupling mechanism that is configured to removably couple to a foot of an awning support arm assembly. An RV awning and hold down system may include: an awning assembly having at least one support arm assembly disconnected from a side of an RV; and at least one hold down comprising a weight associated with a coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism removably coupled to a foot of the at least one support arm assembly. A method for holding an RV awning assembly in position may include: disconnecting at least one support arm assembly of the awning assembly from a side of an RV; and removably coupling a foot of at least one support arm assembly to a coupling mechanism associated with a weight of a hold down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Robert N. McClellan
  • Patent number: 7195222
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flanged connector and base receptacle for receiving posts of the of the standard types used to support roadside signs. A female socket of the receptacle is provided with multiple cross sectional shapes and/or sizes to securely and removably receive one of two or more different shapes and/or sizes of standard support posts. The base is readily attachable to the end of a length of bare post using a simple mechanical attachment. The invention includes a system of providing a breakaway joint which is easily installed as a retrofit to existing solid posts with minimal modification of such a post the post. The invention also simplifies service of a post which has been damaged in use. It is particularly adaptable to use with breakaway sign post systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Clifford M. Dent
  • Patent number: 7188821
    Abstract: Described is a removable assembly for use on a fixed surface. The assembly includes a post having a base (42) and an attachment assembly (8). The attachment assembly includes a base plate (10) and a magnet assembly (12), both capable of carrying a magnetic current. The magnet assembly includes a housing (20) and a magnet (22) disposed within the housing. To use, the magnet assembly is placed adjacent the base plate, the magnetic forces attracting and holding them together. The magnet is positioned apart from the base plate while the housing contacts the base plate to form the magnet circuit. An attachment plate (30) is connected to the housing upper wall adjacent its outer surface. The attachment plate includes one or more outwardly projecting attachment bolts (26). As assembled, the bolts engage corresponding openings (48) in the post base (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Pacific Cascade Parking Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7168437
    Abstract: An apparatus for anchoring a device or for carrying articles on a device includes a ring structure and at least one container attached to the ring structure. The ring structure includes a container holder and a shaft holder. The at least one container is attached to the ring structure via the container holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Barbara Bigford
  • Patent number: 7156357
    Abstract: A patio umbrella support apparatus can be engaged by the mast of a patio umbrella to permit the positioning of the patio umbrella at desired, selected positions on a patio deck built with deck planks spaced apart by a conventional gap. The umbrella support apparatus is formed with an upright support member affixed to a pair of opposing horizontal support flanges that ride on top of the deck surface. A generally vertical anchoring fin is affixed to the support flanges and upright support member to fit within the conventional gap between deck planks. The anchoring fin and the horizontal flanges provide positional stability for the patio umbrella and permit flexibility in the location of the umbrella on the deck. A notch formed in the anchoring fin can receive a deck support cross beam and further limit movement of the umbrella support apparatus relative to the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: William M. Kocur
  • Patent number: 7140586
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of holding an object in cooperation with a cup holder of a vehicle comprises a support (110), a post (120) coupled to the support, and a base (130). The post has a first end (221) and a second end (222), and the base is capable of receiving the first end of the post. The base is sized to fit within the cup holder of the vehicle. A distance between the support and the base may be adjusted, and an angle between the support and the post may also be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Belkin Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Duncan Seil, Ernesto Quinteros, Vijendra Nalwad
  • Patent number: 7137608
    Abstract: A unique collapsible apparatus for supporting an article; the apparatus has at least a first, second, and third leg assembly, an upper end of each leg assembly pivotally secured to extend from an upper support member in a generally symmetrical fashion. A lower end of each leg assembly pivotally secured to extend from a lower support member (which may be in the shape of a collar). Each leg assembly has a unique hinge-fitting interconnecting a first and second elongated subassembly; a hinge-fitting may comprise a first and second extension pivotally enjoined. Each hinge-fitting permits a pivot range of rotation; preferably, this pivot range may be up to 90-degrees, up to 170-degrees, or just under 180-degrees. The elongated subassemblies may each be comprised of a plurality of telescoping tubular sections adapted for interlock. The telescoping tubular sections of an elongated subassembly may be sized for interchangeability with telescoping tubular sections of another elongated subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Kevin E. Willey
  • Patent number: 7137228
    Abstract: A protective cover for a column base connector having a lower portion set in a body of concrete and an upper portion in the form of spaced-apart, upstanding, first and second flanges extending upwardly from an upper surface of the body of concrete, each one of the first and second flanges defining a respective one of first and second flange bolt holes for use in bolting a column to the column base connector. The protective cover takes the form of an inverted pot having a lower edge and a size such that the inverted pot fits over the upper portion of the column base connector with the lower edge atop an upper surface of the body of concrete. The inverted pot includes a first side that defines a first cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the first flange bolt hole, and a second side of the inverted pot opposite the first side that defines a second cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the second flange bolt hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: David F. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7131622
    Abstract: The Christmas tree stand of this invention includes a lateral segment of the bottom end of a vertical post, and an upwardly projecting wedge adjacent the outer end of the lateral segment is arranged to penetrate the bottom end of a Christmas tree to secure the latter against lateral displacement relative to the post and against rotation about the axis of the tree. The wedge is formed as a triangular shaped member and is secured to the lateral extension of the post, as by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: John H. Davis
  • Patent number: 7111815
    Abstract: A base support for supporting a post or other upright in a generally upright position includes an elongated base member having a wider portion intermediate its length containing a mounting hole for receipt of an end portion of the post or other upright. A carrying handle may be provided on a side wall of the base member adjacent one end of the wider intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Plastic Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Mettler, Gregory H. Brown
  • Patent number: 7021598
    Abstract: The present invention provides a revolving stand for supporting the trunk of a decorative display for circular rotation and includes a rotational unit in which the display can be received and formed of an outer casing with an open top and a turntable assembly, both of which are supported by a base that is semi-permanently associated with the rotational unit to position the unit in an elevated condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Boto (Licenses) Limited
    Inventor: Cheung Chong Kao
  • Patent number: 6993868
    Abstract: An adjustable tree stand for holding a tree trunk to position a tree in a substantially vertical position, the tree stand comprised of a generally cylindrical-shaped base member having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end adapted to be supported by a floor, a generally dish-shaped member is designed to be received by and supported by the top end of the cylindrical base member, a portion of the dish-shaped member is adapted to swivel in the top end of the cylindrical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Albert L. Hronyetz
  • Patent number: 6988700
    Abstract: An anchor bracket for post having the possibility of offering from four to twelve anchor fastening points meant for anchoring a variety of types of mechanical fasteners depending upon the surface material upon which it is to be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Victor Cote
  • Patent number: 6986496
    Abstract: A portable post support provided with a body to be supported on a horizontal surface, an upwardly opening body chamber and a top portion having a central vertical support opening there through, and one or more separate openings spaced from the central opening for receiving flowable ballast material into body chamber, body top securable to said body and means for securing a post to the body bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventors: Evan D. Roberts, legal representative, Keith Vander Woude
  • Patent number: 6983560
    Abstract: A collapsible fishing accessory apparatus including an accessory support having a plurality of accessory stations and a base. The accessory support collapsibly attaches to the base allowing a user to move the accessory support from a collapsed position to an operational position. Additionally, the fishing accessory apparatus dimensionally adjusts for use in various boat and shore fishing situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Charles H. Williams
  • Patent number: 6938871
    Abstract: A novel support pole design that is both stable and easily removable in an outdoor environment. The support pole is universally adaptable for use with flags, umbrellas, or other objects requiring support to an elevated position relative to the ground. A key feature of the present invention is the means that anchors the present invention to the ground. This means includes a small locking pin that maintains a large flat base in close coupling with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Warren Merrill Carlson
  • Patent number: 6905110
    Abstract: A modular railing system supports a plurality of rails in vertically-spaced configuration. The railing system includes a plurality of baluster units arranged between rail sets to support the rails. The baluster units include a plurality of rail supports grouped into double barrel support pairs or single barrel support pairs. The baluster units may include a short section of kick rail, and longer sections of kick rail may extend between adjacent baluster units. Also, additional rails may be joined to the modular railing system using baluster extensions or extender bars. A stair rail adjuster may be used, particularly when railing staircases, to permit adjustment of the relative vertical height of one end of a rail. To attach rails and balusters to stair treads, a finished-stair-tread adapter may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Alexander Brown
  • Patent number: 6898882
    Abstract: A signboard device exhibiting information regarding roads, buildings or street names is disclosed. The device includes a post having a plurality of fitting grooves at its outer surface; a base joined to a concrete foundation, the base having a post-seating stepped recesses comprised of two concentric recesses; a post cover unit comprised a lower cover, a cylindrical intermediate cover and an upper cover; a signboard unit comprised of a signboard frame assembly and a pair of signboards attached to the stepped lines of the signboard frame assembly; and a stopper for fixing the signboard frame assembly to the post. The device enables one or more signboards to be easily installed on a post, and has excellent structural strength and an adaptable appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Hanyang Frame Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6895982
    Abstract: Carrying bucket that can be converted to a support stand for an umbrella. A 5 and ½ gallon bucket having a rotatable handle can be used to carry supplies such as towels, food and beverages from one remote location such as an automobile parking lot to a beach location. At the beach location, the bucket is placed on a ground surface where an umbrella stand can be attached to the bucket so that the bucket functions as an above ground ballast anchor to support the umbrella in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Alan Shaw
  • Patent number: 6892717
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved arrow holder that facilitates the arrow/bow combination user's ability to carry a nocked arrow safely on the bow by pre-positioning the arrow for a quicker shot while keeping the arrow safely away from the user's body. The device of this invention comprises a single piece device made of neoprene rubber or other adequate material with a self-adhesive backing. The device of this invention not only permits the hunter to carry the arrow safely, in a semi-cocked position, but is also permits the hunter to get full draw on the bow in three (3) short, simple and efficient steps. The hunter requires less movement to operate the bow/arrow combination while never losing eye contact with his or her target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Albert M. Polanco, Albert R. Polanco, Cliff Macias
  • Patent number: 6889953
    Abstract: An umbrella stand includes means defining a cavity, a mast receiving means operatively associated with the cavity-defining means, a bladder received within the cavity and comprised of a material which will retain ballast, and ballast contained within the bladder. When an umbrella mast is inserted into the mast receiving means and the umbrella is raised, the ballast weighs down the cavity-defining means so as to maintain the umbrella in a generally upright condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Southern Sales & Marketing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 6886296
    Abstract: A wooden post protective sleeve including a collar having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a surrounding side wall. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving the lower end of the wooden post therein. The surrounding side wall has a plurality of apertures therethrough downwardly of the open upper end. The apertures are dimensioned for receiving wood screws therethrough for engaging the lower end of the wooden post. The closed lower end has a plurality of drainage apertures therethrough. The drainage apertures include a central aperture and four peripheral apertures. The collar is fabricated of plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Michael John, Sharianne John
  • Patent number: 6877708
    Abstract: A stand for clamping rod-shaped parts has a foot part with a base plate and a seating region, which is formed by a wall contour with individual wall regions. The rod-shaped part is inserted with its lower end into the opening of the seating region and initially fixed by means of an arbor. Pivotable holding elements are placed against the rod-shaped part by means of a tensioning device. The holding elements are actuated by the tensioning device, which has a tensioning lever, a drum and a housing. A flexible connecting element, which pulls the holding element inward into the clamping position, is pulled together by means of the tensioning device. In order to introduce forces gently, the ends of the flexible connecting part are guided from the holding elements to the tensioning device in a special guiding block, which consists of a material which can be subjected to higher loads than can the material of the remaining foot part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Krinner Innovation GmbH
    Inventor: Guenther Thurner
  • Patent number: 6869058
    Abstract: A base assembly for a sunshade includes a base having a recessed portion defined in an upper side thereof, allowing additional weight to be removably inserted into the recessed portion. The base further includes a tubular portion for receiving a lower end of a post of a sunshade. A spacer is preferably attached to an underside of the base for keeping the base at a level above ground. The tubular portion of the base may include a threaded section. A sleeve has a threaded section for threadedly engaging the threaded section of the tubular portion of the base, with the lower end of the post being received in the lower end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Benson Tung
  • Patent number: 6863253
    Abstract: A support base for distributing a concentrated load over a contact surface is disclosed. The support base includes a body formed of moldable polymeric material having a top surface and a generally planar bottom surface. At least one recess is integrally formed in the top surface for receiving a support member. The support member transfers the concentrated load to the planar body. Furthermore, at least one through bore is provided in the support base, and the through bore extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the support base for receiving a fastener. The through bore has a shaft portion and a relatively oversized cavity portion adjacent to the bottom surface for receiving fasteners such as nuts for securing bolts, as well as, bolt heads of different sizes and configurations. The support base has many advantages over the prior art for example, the base may be attached to different interface bracketry without be modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Valentz Family Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Arthur J. Valentz, John E. Nemazi
  • Patent number: 6827321
    Abstract: A wheeled tree stand apparatus for allowing the moving of a tree such as a Christmas tree to facilitate the decorating thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew J. Murren, Petra A. Murren
  • Publication number: 20040211876
    Abstract: An anchor bracket for post having the possibility of offering from four to twelve anchor fastening points meant for anchoring a variety of types of mechanical fasteners depending upon the surface material upon which it is to be installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Victor Cote
  • Publication number: 20040211877
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a temporary spread footing for supporting a variety of different vertically extending structures. The apparatus includes a frame with a top and bottom. The frame can have a substantial space or void in between the top and bottom into which weights or devices can be placed. A connection on top of the base removably connects to the structure to be supported. Outriggers could also be used to substantially increase the overturning moment resistance of the base. The outriggers can be removable or retractable so that for transportation, the base has minimum dimensions. The method includes pre-determining the needed weight and overturning moment resistance for a particular application and transporting the base to the site and thereafter adding weight and adjusting outriggers to match the pre-determined needed overturning moment resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joe P. Crookham, David M. Crookham, James A. Whitson, Thomas A. Stone, Gregory N. Kubbe, Walter R. Tippett
  • Publication number: 20040195487
    Abstract: An umbrella stand includes means defining a cavity, a mast receiving means operatively associated with the cavity-defining means, a bladder received within the cavity and comprised of a material which will retain ballast, and ballast contained within the bladder. When an umbrella mast is inserted into the mast receiving means and the umbrella is raised, the ballast weighs down the cavity-defining means so as to maintain the umbrella in a generally upright condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Harbaugh
  • Patent number: 6786017
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention employ a modular room including a plurality of modular room components (e.g., anchor assemblies, upright assemblies, etc.). These anchor assemblies and upright assemblies can take different forms permitting assembly of a modular room or modular structure in different manners, and in some cases provide for interchangeable interior and exterior wall panels and components. In some embodiments, a bracket assembly is coupled to an substantially vertical elongated upright for improved strength and stability. Preferably, the anchor assembly has a base plate with at least one edge at an angle with respect to the rest of the base plate for additional strength. If desired, the vertical position of the upright with respect to the base plate can be adjusted. In some embodiments, one or more overhead trusses are used to stabilize the walls of a modular room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Steven C. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040155169
    Abstract: A flag holder, either free-standing or attached to a surface. The commemorative memorial flag holder is designed to easily adhere to cemetery monuments. The commemorative flag holder may have double stick adhesive on the back to adhere to cemetery monuments. The commemorative memorial flag holder with a flat bottom is made for foot-stones or to be placed on the base of cemetery monuments. The commemorative memorial flag holder with a flat bottom may have a double stick adhesive on the bottom to adhere to foot-stones or the base of cemetery monuments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Venick
  • Publication number: 20040129854
    Abstract: A foot support for profiled sections has a base member; a receptacle for the profiled section arranged in the base member; and several tensioning levers having a horizontal pivot axis and arranged about an axis of symmetry. The tensioning levers are pivotable between a rest position and a clamping position about the horizontal pivot axis. The tensioning levers have a lower lever arm positioned below the horizontal axis and an upper lever arm positioned above the horizontal pivot axis. A foot-actuated actuating element that acts on a force-transmitting element, acting on the tensioning levers for moving them into the clamping position, is provided. The force-transmitting element is a vertically adjustable ring that, when carrying out a downward movement, contacts the lower lever arms of the tensioning levers such that the lower lever arms are pivoted outwardly and the upper lever arms are pivoted inwardly into the clamping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Hans-Jorg Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6755311
    Abstract: A stand stores long-handled garden tools. The tools are removed from the stand to be used. The stand is unusually compact and permits a plurality of garden tools to be stored in close proximity to one another. The distal end of a garden tool is slidably received by a sleeve formed in the stand. The sleeve is shaped to contact the distal end of the tool and maintain the tool in a substantially vertical orientation while permitting the tool to generate a force which forces the stand against the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Berry
  • Publication number: 20040108439
    Abstract: A patio umbrella base has a base housing having an aluminum upper wall configured to define an interior space. The umbrella base further includes at least one cast iron piece positioned inside the interior space, and an aluminum seal provided over the cast iron piece(s) and securing the cast iron piece(s) to the upper wall. The aluminum seal can be provided by pouring molten aluminum over the cast iron piece(s) in a manner which completely covers the cast iron piece(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-An Ma
  • Publication number: 20040099782
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved holding device for receiving pole-shaped objects, especially trees, Christmas trees for example. The inventive device has the following characteristics: at least one component of the holding elements (4-4c; 104-104c) and the swivel axes (7-7c; 114-114c) associated thereto can be moved towards and away from the axis of symmetry and/or central axis (115), and the holding elements (4-4c; 104-104c) and the swivel axis or tilting axis (7-7c; 114-114c) associated thereto can be moved by means of the clamping device (2; 102), against the force of a spring device (10; 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Rainer Schulz
  • Patent number: 6739567
    Abstract: Described is a removable assembly for use on a fixed surface. The assembly includes a post having a base (42) and an attachment assembly (8). The attachment assembly includes a base plate (10) and a magnet assembly (12), both capable of carrying a magnetic current. The magnet assembly includes a housing (20) and a magnet (22) disposed within the housing. To use, the magnet assembly is placed adjacent the base plate, the magnetic forces attracting and holding them together. The magnet is positioned apart from the base plate while the housing contacts the base plate to form the magnet circuit. An attachment plate (30) is connected to the housing upper wall adjacent its outer surface. The attachment plate includes one or more outwardly projecting attachment bolts (26). As assembled, the bolts engage corresponding openings (48) in the post base (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Cascade Parking Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Curtis
  • Patent number: 6739566
    Abstract: A revolving support stand for an ornamental display including a base having a housing and a trunk holder that is seated in the top opening of the base and includes a pair of electrical outlets. An electrical motor is located in one side of the base and provides a drive for gear teeth located on the trunk holder to rotate the trunk holder with respect to the base. A bearing race is centrally positioned in the base so that a bottom portion of the trunk holder is seated on the race, which serves as a truss bearing to overcome axial loads applied on the housing by the ornamental display supported by the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Boto (Licenses) Limited
    Inventor: Cheung Chong Kao
  • Patent number: 6729089
    Abstract: A one-piece post anchor for securing a post to a support structure including four identically shaped side members, each member comprising a curvilinear planar member having a concave shape extending from a top edge outwardly to a bottom-edge. The four side members are positioned in a rectangular pattern with the top edges forming a rectangular opening, and the bottom edges forming a rectangularly-shaped base. The base has a cross-sectional area greater than the cross-sectional area of the rectangular opening. Further, four identically shaped interior members are positioned in a rectangular pattern within the rectangular opening to form a rectangular channel through the post anchor. A plurality of support flanges are fastened to each interior member and corresponding side member for additional structural support. Openings are provided in each side member to receive a screw for mounting the post anchor to a post and to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Spragg
  • Publication number: 20040069922
    Abstract: The invention relates to sunshade base. It is an assembled sunshade base comprising an erecting tubular member and a base member. The base member further includes a ground frame having cross-bar being surrounded by a wall to form plurality of cavities for accommodating a ballast member. The ballast member consists of many individual containers filled with ballast materials such as water or sand. The erecting tubular member for receiving a pole of sunshade or large umbrella is uprightly secured on the base. There is a cover detachly secured on the upper surface of the base. Most of the parts is detachable and can be quickly assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Weidan Wu
  • Patent number: 6712330
    Abstract: A support pole including a base having a hollow shaft secured thereto. The base is attached to the footing and includes a plate portion having a generally cylindrical portion extending upwardly therefrom. The bottom surface of the plate portion has a cut-out portion formed therein which communicates with the central opening formed in the base. A hollow shaft is inserted into the central opening in the base so that the lower end thereof is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the plate portion. The shaft is secured to the base by a weldment in the cut-away portion. The shaft is also secured to the base by means of an enlarged diameter portion or protrusion formed in the shaft immediately above the upper end of the base. The base may also be comprised of a flat plate portion without the cylindrical portion. Further, the base may have a square portion extending upwardly therefrom to accommodate a square pole. If a square pole is being used, the central opening in the base plate will be square.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Armand A. Damiano
  • Publication number: 20040056169
    Abstract: An umbrella stand includes means defining a cavity, a mast receiving means operatively associated with the cavity-defining means, a bladder received within the cavity and comprised of a material which will retain ballast, and ballast contained within the bladder. When an umbrella mast is inserted into the mast receiving means and the umbrella is raised, the ballast weighs down the cavity-defining means so as to maintain the umbrella in a generally upright condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Harbaugh
  • Publication number: 20040031902
    Abstract: Support apparatus including a base, a receptacle for receiving an object, and a plurality of spaced apart buttresses connected to the base and to the receptacle, the buttresses mounting the receptacle perpendicularly with respect to the base and spaced outwardly therefrom to cause force received by the receptacle from supporting the object to be transferred and distributed to different portions of the base by the buttresses. The support may be grounded to ground supported objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Universal Support Systems LLC
    Inventor: Wilman E. Davis
  • Publication number: 20040026594
    Abstract: A mobile Christmas tree stand apparatus comprised of three components, a Christmas tree stand body (1) a plurality of removable wheels (2) and a removable handle; wherein the Christmas tree stand body is attached to the removable wheels (2) and the removable handle (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Deborah Lynn Lee