Stand, Foot Or Prop Patents (Class 248/688)
  • Patent number: 6170113
    Abstract: The invention concerns a toothbrush (10) with bristles (12) at the top and a handle (14) including a structure for maintaining the brush in a vertical storage position, characterized in that the brush handle (14) is longitudinally divided in its upper part into at least two branches (16,18,20) articulated between an open position for storage wherein the free ends (22,24,26) of the branches (16,18,20), mutually spaced, form support points for the brush (10) on a horizontal surface, and a closed position wherein the branches are brought together for the toothbrush (10) to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Sanofi-Synthelabo
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Cornu, Veronique Malcourant
  • Patent number: 6145801
    Abstract: A folding instrument case stand attachable to the instrument case to support the case in an upright, tilted position. The stand is particularly adaptable for use with a stringed instrument case, for example a guitar case. The stand has spring loaded diverging legs that are pivotal relative to a central frame between a folded and an extended position. Straps extend from tie down plates mounted on the central frame to secure the base of the instrument case to the stand. The spring loaded legs can be latched to the central frame in the folded configuration. When the legs are in the folded configuration the stand can be transported with the instrument case. The case and stand can also be used as a temporary support for the musical instrument with the case opened and with the frame in an extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Marion K. Herring, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6131872
    Abstract: A device placable on a surface for positioning an article for viewing utilizing a base member. The base member includes a first portion and an angularly attached second portion. The first portion and second portions are capable of rotating about an axis. The first portion includes a biasing weight which causes projection of the second portion of the base member outwardly. The second portion of the base member includes a protuberance which extends from the surface of the second portion of the base member. A bracket is held by the first portion of the base member and extends to the vicinity of the protuberance. The article engages and disengage by rocking the base member about the axis causing the bracket either to contact the protuberance and or to separate from the protuberance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Alan Ford
  • Patent number: 6115249
    Abstract: A stand for a portable personal computer including a base including a front side, a back side, a right side, a left side, and a bottom surface. The stand includes at least one stand member interconnectable with the base. The at least one stand member is positionable in a deployed position and a stowed position. In the deployed position the at least one stand member supports at least one portion of the bottom surface of the base at an elevated level with respect to a surface that the portable personal computer is supported by. The at least one stand member engages a surface of the base in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Mario Cipolla, George Liang-Tai Chiu
  • Patent number: 6098952
    Abstract: The laptop computer support is for use in supporting a laptop computer on a top of a desk adjacent an edge of the desk. The laptop computer support supports the laptop computer such that a front end of the laptop computer extends past the edge of the desk to a position just above the lap of an individual sitting at the desk. The laptop computer support has a plate member for engaging a bottom surface of the computer supporting the computer. A flange is fixed at the front end of the plate member and extends laterally across at least a portion of the plate member projecting outwards from the top surface of the plate member. The flange engages the front end of the laptop computer and prevents the computer from sliding forwards and off of the laptop computer support. A leg is connected to the plate member and supports the plate member on the desk top at one of a plurality of angles to the top of the desk, and at least one foot member engages the top of the desk adjacent the edge of the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Robb Tonn
  • Patent number: 6097595
    Abstract: An automatically deploying and retracting leg for a portable personal computer including a base and a display. At least one leg is arranged in the base and moves downwardly as it is deployed. At least one deploying mechanism is interconnected with the at least one leg and the display so as to cause the at least one leg to deploy and retract upon moving the display respectively between and open and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Mario Cipolla
  • Patent number: 6076223
    Abstract: A self-standing toothbrush having a cup-shaped member disposed of on its base is disclosed. The cup-shaped member substantially enhances the stability of the toothbrush when it is disposed in an upright position relative to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Dair, Daniel J. Formosa
  • Patent number: 6070809
    Abstract: A novel stand and support for gravity-fed spray guns wherein the spray gun is mounted to the present invention securely and placed in a substantially upright position. The stand is conformed to allow for the unobstructed passage of an attached air hose and further conformed to rest on the user's arm if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Keith Price
  • Patent number: 6042182
    Abstract: An infant carrier base including a frame having a head edge and a foot edge and side edges with an upper surface and a lower surface. The base has a cylindrical aperture formed vertically through the carrier and female threads extending radially inwardly with respect to the aperture. A cylindrical adjustment rod is provided with male threads extending radially outwardly along the length thereof. A dial is secured with respect to the upper end of the cylindrical adjustment rod and a levelling foot is secured with respect to the lower end of the adjustment rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Geis, Joseph J. Kelly, Herman Shie, Richard Scarpa
  • Patent number: 6042080
    Abstract: A mount or rest for a camera, firearm, spotting scope, sextant, or other optical or aiming device comprises a magnetic base for attachment to magnetically attractable surface, such as the a surface of a vehicle, a post extending vertically from the base, a tube telescopically received within the post, and a means for mounting an aiming device comprising a stem telescopically received within the tube. In another aspect, a system for supporting an aiming device is disclosed wherein a base unit is provided that allows for the use of the magnetic stand on a nonmagnetically attractable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventors: Thomas Jefferson Shepherd, Daniel Richard Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6014829
    Abstract: A light box having a pair of retractable flat legs that fit into shallow depressions in the rear surface of the housing for the light box and are pivotable from a storage position wherein they are substantially entirely within the depression and a functional position wherein they project out from the housing and can serve to help support the light box on a flat surface with its translucent surface exposed to the side. The legs, when in the functional position, are helped to be held in place by close fitting adjacent edge wells of the depression and are resiliently bendable so as to be able to be moved between the storage and active positions by being flexibly bent outward by the user and rotated over the non-depression or raised portions of the rear surface and yet snap back into either depressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Morrison Timing Screw Company
    Inventors: Nick Wilson, Frank Thibideau
  • Patent number: 6016248
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus which comprises a main body in a flat, plane box shape, a flat input section provided on the front surface of the main body, a stand, provided on the rear surface of the main body, having two or more tilting positions relative to the main body where it is preferable that the stand has a retracted position wherein the stand falls down into the rear surface of the main body, a first tilt position where the main body in-clines at a relatively small angle to a desk surface, and a second tilt position where the main body inclines at a relatively large angle to the desk surface. In the first tilting position, the main body is inclined slightly toward the front relative to the desk surface. With the main body thus positioned, it is easy to manipulate a pen held against the input face of the input section. In the second tilt position, the main body is held almost upright relative to the desk surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Anzai, Nariaki Mieki, Yoshinari Toyosato
  • Patent number: 6003831
    Abstract: A stand for removably securing a housing of an electrical instrument to another structure. The stand has a support arm connected to the housing, with a free end movable with respect to the housing. A grip element is connected to the arm and is movable over a range of positions along the arm. The grip element has a resilient spring portion biased toward a neutral position near the arm, and the spring portion is movable to a flexed position away from the arm. Thus, the instrument may be secured to a structure by biasing the spring portion against a portion of the structure, often by capturing part of the structure between the spring and the housing, or between the spring and the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher R. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6003260
    Abstract: A photograph frame assembly includes a rectangular photograph frame, a rectangular back plate secured to the photograph frame, and a supporting member which is retained on the back plate by a retainer. The retainer extends through the back plate to couple with the supporting member, thereby retaining the supporting member on the back plate in such a manner that the supporting member can rotate freely on the back plate. The supporting member supports the back plate in an inclined position, and can be folded on the back plate. Preferably, the supporting member includes a plate body having a horizontal bottom side and a coupling upper end portion, a unitary plastic fixed element fixed on the coupling upper end portion, and a unitary plastic movable element mounted movably on the fixed element. The movable element is coupled with the retainer, and is rotatable synchronously with the retainer on the back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Fanthing Electrical Corp.
    Inventor: Tung-Ming Chang
  • Patent number: 5996956
    Abstract: A mounting platform for holding and operating an electronic device having a plurality of activatable controls. The mounting platform includes a platform member having a front mounting surface, a plurality of tab members extending from the platform member to removably secure the electronic device to the front mounting surface, and a stylus assembly attached to the platform member. The stylus assembly includes a guide wall having a guide surface with a plurality of detente recesses formed thereon, a stylus member slidably mounted relative to the guide surface and having a stylus arm that opposes and is movable toward the front mounting surface, and a spring connected to the stylus member that includes a detente engagement tab which is slidable along the guide surface for selective engagement with the detente recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Shawver
  • Patent number: 5971350
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the height of at least a part of an item or article, for example a home appliance such as a refrigerator, dishwasher or laundry washing machine. The device includes two parts and is adapted to replace at least a front foot of the item. A first part of the device is an enlarged diameter thumb wheel which is rotated by a user. The thumb wheel is held within a captive nut within the appliance thus rotation of the thumb wheel increases or decreases the height of the appliance from the floor. The second part of the device is a disk which is held captive within the thumb wheel but which is in contact with the floor. The materials selected and the geometry of the mating surfaces of the two components is chosen such that a low co-efficient of friction is produced between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventor: Stephen McLay McCutcheon
  • Patent number: 5960889
    Abstract: A soil tiller is provided including a hand held, portable frame having a handle. Also included is a drive assembly having a power source mounted within the frame and a motor for rotating upon the receipt of power from the power source. Next provided is at least one tine assembly rotatable with respect to the frame and further connected to the motor for rotating coincidentally therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Dan McLaren
  • Patent number: 5934774
    Abstract: A chassis cover of a host unit, which has a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation, includes a side cover and a stabilizing stand. The side cover has outer peripheral edges and a cavity. The stand is movable between a closed position and an open position and is coupled to the side cover. The stand fits within the cavity in the side cover to form a substantially contiguous surface when the host unit is in the horizontal orientation and the stand is in the closed position. The stand projects beyond the outer peripheral edges of the side cover in a direction transverse to the depth of the host unit to stabilize the host unit in the vertical orientation resting on the side cover when the stand is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Toshiba America Information System, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gordon Wu, Robert Dennis Brunner, Tina Zimmerman, Sung Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 5921516
    Abstract: A footing structure including a plurality of recess holes at a bottom side of a hub, each recess hole having two springy retaining pieces at two opposite sides, and a plurality of metal receptacles respectively mounted in the recess holes and holding a respective magnetic element therein, each metal receptacle having two flanges extended from two opposite side notches thereof and respectively forced into engagement with the springy retaining pieces of the corresponding recess hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Accton Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Chia-Wei Ho
  • Patent number: 5906350
    Abstract: A suspension rack includes a suspension plate having a first side, a second side, and two end portions each defining a hole and an L-shaped cavity located adjacent to the hole. A U-shaped supporting bracket is mounted on the first side of the suspension plate and includes a vertical arm, two side arms each extending from the vertical arm to the suspension plate, and two extensions each extending from an associated side arm to abut on the first side of the suspension plate. Two snapping members each include an enlarged head abutting on an associated extension, a shank slidably received in a bore defined in each of the two extensions and in the hole of an associated end portion of the suspension plate, and an enlarged abutting edge abutting on the second side of the suspension plate. Two L-shaped resilient hook portions each extend from an associated extension and are each detachably received in the L-shaped cavity of the suspension plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Jui-Chien Kao
  • Patent number: 5890696
    Abstract: An adjuster 10 includes a magnet block 20 which is able to turn on and off the magnetic force with a switch 21. A leg 40 is coupled through a bracket 30 to the magnet block 20 with a screw 41. With the attractive surface 22 of the magnet block 20 in close contact with the bottom surface 4a of the base 4 of a copying machine 1, the switch 21 is turned on to magnetically attach the magnet block 10 to the bottom surface 4a of the base 4 of the copying machine 1. A flange 42 is turned to move the leg 40 towards the floor F with the aid of the screw 41 until a pad 43, which is the bottom of the leg 40, is brought into contact with the floor F, thereby to eliminate the vibration of the copying machine. The magnetic force of the magnet block 20 is turned on and off merely by operating the switch 21, so that the adjuster is attached to or removed from the copying machine with ease. When it is required to move the copying machine, the adjuster is removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junichi Ozawa
  • Patent number: 5878984
    Abstract: A foot for an article of furniture having a groove. The foot includes a base, at least one side wall extending upwardly from the base and at least one T-shaped projection being positioned on the side wall. The projection is received by the groove of the article of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Grieser, Richard A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5875516
    Abstract: A splashguard and support accessary for a toothbrush available in six shapes being constructed as one piece of injected molded flexable plastic with a central aperture passing therethrough. A support collar is molded into the guard surrounding the aperture on both surfaces thereby yielding greated stability of position for the guard when placed onto the toothbrush handle. The guard is easily installed onto the toothrush by wetting the handle with water then aligning the aperture and pressing the guard over the bottom end of the toothbrush handle and sliding the guard forward to the neck area approximately 11/2 inches below the bristles. The guard when properly positioned prevents toothpaste dentifrice from running down onto the handle; prohibits people from swallowing the toothbrush or gagging; suspends the toothbrush in the air so the bristles will not touch a counter top nor a toothbrush rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: John D. Blue
  • Patent number: 5873471
    Abstract: A golf support is provided having a first vertical post with a flared and sharpened end driven into the ground, the upper end of which post is pivotally connected with a club support bar which can rotate from a folded position along the post to an open position that extends horizontally. In the open position, the club support bar can support one or more golf clubs leaned against it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: George J. Ruggeri
  • Patent number: 5868374
    Abstract: A push broom stand includes an elongated tubular body having a bent shape. The body includes a receiving section configured to removably receive the handle of a push broom, an extending section oriented at an angle to the receiving section, and a support section oriented at an angle to the extending section. The device is hollow so as to define a sleeve configured to snugly fit around the handle of a broom. A slot extends through at least a portion of the body so that a broom handle may be snapped through the slot into the sleeve. The push broom stand is installed onto the lower end of the broom handle of a push broom to thereby support the push broom in an upright position when the broom is not in use. The push broom stand is also configured to be able to hang the broom from an elevated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Steve Lomando
  • Patent number: 5823504
    Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for installing angle of appliances includes a first leg part rotatably mounted at one end portion to a bottom part of an appliance for supporting the appliance at a first installing position as rotated by a predetermined angle from a position being in parallel to the bottom part with the other end portion engaged with an installing plane, and a second leg part rotatably mounted at one end portion to the other end portion of the first leg part for supporting the appliance at a second installing position together with the first leg part in the first installing position, as rotated by a predetermined angle from a position opposing in parallel the first leg part with the other end portion engaged with the installing plane. The appliance can be thus adjusted in two stages in installing angle with respect to the installing plane, without impairing its appearances, but with the operability and observability of functions effectively improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Nitsuko Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Kuwajima
  • Patent number: 5820217
    Abstract: A furniture glide system for a furniture piece having a horizontal lower support member includes a pair of opposed outwardly facing indentations on the lower support member and a glide. The glide is generally channel-shaped with a pair of opposed, inwardly projecting bosses. When the glide is installed on the furniture piece, it retains the furniture piece lower support member in the channel and the shoulders of the indentations engage corresponding surfaces on the bosses to secure the glide against axial travel and rotation about the lower support member. The sidewalls of the glide may be notched above the bosses for receiving a shoulder which projects outwardly from the indentation in the lower support member. The sidewalls and end walls of the glide may be angled to impart stability and to facilitate sliding of the furniture piece over floor surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Paul W. Horner, Roger A. Babcock
  • Patent number: 5794913
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting vertical type apparatus such as computer mainframes includes a plurality of inter-linking feet. The feet mounted onto the bottom side of the housing and are rotatable through a certain angle. The feet are provided with respective gears which are engageable to allow symmetrical movement. Each foot is provided with a plurality of elastic elements with protrudent blocks matching corresponding positioning apertures on the bottom side of the housing to effectively support the housing. The feet may be extended to firmly support the housing to prevent it from falling down. They may also be turned to conceal below the housing when not in use so as to facilitate storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Hsin Chien Ho
  • Patent number: 5782704
    Abstract: A device for supporting a golf club includes a generally rigid and elongate support member for providing an angular support for a golf club to be supported. A rubber shaft clamp with a channel for receiving and gripping a shaft portion of a golf club is attached to a first end of the support member while a cross member is attached generally perpendicularly to a second end of the support member for providing lateral support for the support device and the golf club when they are coupled together. A spring clip permits attachment of the support device to a golf bag. The spring clip also detachably retains a ball mark repair tool. A spike wrench is formed integrally with a first end of the cross member while a cleaning brush is coupled to a second end of the cross member. A portion of the support member is surrounded by a rubber sleeve to provide an improved grip on the support device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventors: Sean D. Tetler, Christopher P. Tetler
  • Patent number: 5762250
    Abstract: A convertible carrying case and work platform for small electronic devices, particularly notebook computers, which is adapted to be used as a carrying case for the electronic device as well as a work platform. The carrying case has a case structure which holds the electronic device and a flexible top cover portion capable of forming a rolled portion that elevates the case structure when the case is supported in the wearer's lap and used when the wearer is sitting. The top cover, or a releasable bottom piece, may be rolled to form a rolled portion for use as an elevating device in sitting work platform position. A strap arrangement for the case permits a wearer to support the case over his shoulder to transport the device, or to position the case in a generally horizontal position in front of and against the abdominal area of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Truckin' Movers Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas David Carlton, Sherry McLean McQuage
  • Patent number: 5749637
    Abstract: A computer chassis with an affixed support assembly on one side, wherein the computer chassis is configurable between desktop and tower configurations. The chassis includes a first side which corresponds to the lower side of a desktop-type chassis and a second side which corresponds to the lower side of a tower-type chassis. The support assembly is attached to the second side and includes at least one selectively extendible support member. The support member is selectively extendible between a first, retracted position wherein it forms a relatively unobtrusive and aesthetic side surface and a second, extended position where it forms a broad supporting base for the chassis when placed on its second side in the manner of a tower platform. Methods and apparatus are also described by which a computer system can be converted between a desktop platform and a tower platform quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert L. McMahan, Maureen Martinez
  • Patent number: 5732928
    Abstract: A computer keyboard stand includes a base and a support. The base is coupled to a bottom of a computer keyboard by a screw. The base has two side walls each having a plurality of apertures laterally defined in a greater portion of its length from a first end of an inner face thereof and a bore defined adjacent to a second end of the inner face. The support includes a first wing and a second wing hinged to the first wing. The first wing has a pair of arms laterally extending out from opposite sides of a free end thereof to pivotally extend into the bores of the base. The second wing has a pair of limbs laterally protruding out from a free end thereof to retainably engage with one pair of the plurality of apertures. The computer keyboard stand provide an incremental, multi-level angle adjusting function to the computer keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Behavior Tech Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Joe Chang
  • Patent number: 5709362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to semi-trailer support legs. In order to avoid damage to trailer support legs by failure to raise the legs when the trailer is coupled to a towing unit for movement, the present invention provides a pivotal foot at the end of the support leg and an actuator for controlling pivotal movement of the foot between a raised position providing sufficient clearance for normal operation and a deployed position for supporting the trailer on uncoupling of the towing unit. More particularly raising and lowering of the pivotal foot is controlled automatically on coupling and uncoupling respectively of the towing unit and trailer.A particularly convenient arrangement results where actuation of the foot is responsive to the connection and disconnection of a control line between the towing and trailer units. More particularly still, the control line is the emergency brake line which would be connected as a matter of course. The actuator is supplied from a branch off said emergency brake line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Pandoro Limited
    Inventors: Martin Robert Clarke, Philip Pye, Norman Zoltan Wignall
  • Patent number: 5704582
    Abstract: A support block for use with other similar support blocks to support a die in an elevated position above a factory floor. Each support block comprises a body having a horizontal top surface for supporting a flange extending laterally outwardly from the bottom of the die. A vertical rod is slidably received in a central bore of the body and has a head on the upper end. The rod is disposed in a notch in the bottom flange of the die and a spring in the body urges the rod down to clamp the flange between the top surface of the body and a washer under the head of the rod. The rod has a spacer between the head and the top surface of the body to maintain a minimum spaced relation between the head of the rod and the top surface of the body. The support block is tethered to an anchor on the die by an elongated flexible linear member which is of sufficient length to enable the support block to be positioned under the die flange with its rod in one of the notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Golembiewski, Bary St. Clair, John Kamon
  • Patent number: 5664758
    Abstract: An extendable strut device supports a reed woodwind musical instrument, such as an oboe, clarinet, English horn or straight saxophone, to substantially relieve the weight on the musician's thumb and hand, thereby avoiding muscle fatigue and strain and repetitive motion injuries, without limiting the position, flexibility or maneuverability of the instrument and without inducing other unnatural or restrictive posture or feel requirements in the instrument. The strut device comprises an attachment component having a connection mechanism adapted to connect pivotally to the thumbrest without interfering with the conventional placement and position of the musician's thumb on the thumbrest, and an elongated monopod component having an upper end connected to the attachment component and having a lower opposite end adapted to contact the seating facility upon which the musician is seated while playing the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Leland B. Smith
  • Patent number: 5653417
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting and then maintaining the leveling support of an assembly relative to the surface upon which that assembly has been placed. The apparatus can be locked or maintained in place to prevent the loosening of the adjustment if the assembly is moved. The apparatus is comprised of an elastomeric material molded concentrically around a threaded stud to form a foot; a plurality of longitudinal grooves on the interior wall of the foot; a plurality of longitudinal ridges on the outside surface of an extension from the base section of the assembly; and, a threaded insert within the extension that can mate with the threaded stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher DeBarber, Gerald C. Freeman, Edward R. Soldi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5641147
    Abstract: A support head for a monopod mount is disclosed which is especially useful for attachment to outdoor sporting goods such as firearms, spotting scopes, binoculars, bows and cameras. The head is formed from a base portion which attaches to the sporting good and a support leg mounting portion which pivotally attaches to the base portion. Preferably, the support leg mounting portion is provided with a quick release for the support leg and is mounted to the base portion so that it can be frictionally affixed in the desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Louis Thomas Pena
  • Patent number: 5620163
    Abstract: A supporting clip device for associating with a housing or a leather case of a mobile telephone or pager. The clip device includes a clip member and a foldable/stretchable support member which can be pivoted from the clip member through a certain angle so as to support the mobile telephone or pager at a position 45 degrees inclined to a plane surface for achieving better signal receiving ability and appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Ko-Lee Wu
  • Patent number: 5605310
    Abstract: In the case of a device for supporting a container, in particular a golf bag, the supporting device is designed integrally with the container in that an annular retaining means (2) with supporting legs (4) articulated thereon is provided, the retaining means (2) forming part of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: MS-Trade Handels-GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Jungkind
  • Patent number: 5603480
    Abstract: A keyboard stand mounting structure including a keyboard shell, which a big recessed hole at the back side and two small recessed hole spaced by the big recessed hole, two small stands respectively pivoted to the back side of the keyboard shell and turned between the collapsed position received in the small recessed hole and the operative position to support the keyboard shell in a first tilted position, and a big stand pivoted to the back side of the keyboard shell and turned between the collapsed position received in the big recessed hole and the operative position to support the keyboard in a second tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Chen
  • Patent number: 5597144
    Abstract: A golf bag stand which can support a golf bag carrying golf equipment in an inclined position while it is at rest. A hinge block comprising a pair of T-shaped holes firmly holds support rods inserted therein. The support rods are unfolded in the form of a tripod and are firmly held within said holes so as to bear the heavy weight of the golf bag. A V-shaped connecting rod and a resilient means are provided for serving to spread the supporting rods when in use and for pulling them into a carrying position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Soeng-Yeol Lee
  • Patent number: 5577704
    Abstract: An enclosure with a horizontal axis of rotation near the base of the enclosure, plus an adjustable foot to form a three-point support. The adjustable foot can be moved in a circle around a horizontal axis of rotation, thereby providing a range of stable positions. The adjustment mechanism includes a detent and matching depressions to allow certain fixed adjustments which will not slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Susanne M. Pierce, Andrew T. Liu, John A. Howard
  • Patent number: 5575450
    Abstract: A monitor tilting device capable of tilting the monitor using one hand. In an embodiment, the device comprises a cabinet bottom having a tilting opening at its rear lower surface, a monitor tilting member rotatably downwardly received in the tilting opening, a sliding washer rotatably receiving the upper section of the tilting member, and a torsion spring member elastically supporting the tilting member for supporting a tiled position of the monitor. In another embdiment, the device comprises a bracket integrally formed on the bottom surface of the monitor and a tilting member rotatably engaged with this bracket. In a further embodiment, the device comprises a monitor stand having a sliding depression, a sliding washer slidably coupled to an insert member of the sliding depression, and a bottom surface of the monitor fixedly coupled to the sliding washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Inkel Corporation
    Inventor: Nam-soo Lee
  • Patent number: 5566915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monopod, particularly for cameras, with improved stability. A prop section is hinged at one end to a leg at a point between its ends to enable pivotal movement in a plane parallel to the leg of the stand, between a transport position folded in against the leg of the stand and an extended operating position. A base plate is hinged to the other end of the prop section for pivotal movement in a plane coinciding with the pivotal plane of the prop section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Lars Hansare
  • Patent number: 5553471
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a two-wheeled motorcycle having a center stand; the locking mechanism in one embodiment including a key lock with a cylinder that is connected to a cam that displaces a locking pin to engage a pivotal sleeve that connects the center stand to the frame of the motorcycle such that when the lock is engaged, the pin extends to an aligned hole on the center stand when the center stand is displaced to its operable position. When the center stand is locked, the motorcycle cannot be moved. An embodiment includes a bracket unit for securement to a leg of the stand, having a pivotal detent arm and a lock for locking the detent arm in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: William D. Hanners
  • Patent number: 5547162
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a screw-on device that attaches to an archery bow and enables the bow to stand in a vertical position in relation to the ground. The archery bow stand attaches to a standard bushing on an archery bow and is made of an elongated body with a retractable leg. The retractable leg is positioned in a groove along the elongated body and is connected to the body by a spring pin. By extending the retractable leg of the bow stand, a bow can be placed in a free standing vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventors: Eugene R. Sobolewski, David M. Roskos
  • Patent number: 5546271
    Abstract: An adjustable keyboard support device is provided having a tubular bearing element (1), secured to a housing bottom (5) of a keyboard. A generally L-shaped stand (2) is provided with two bearing pins (3, 4) which fit respectively into tube ends of the bearing element. The stand includes two U-brackets (6, 7) placed perpendicularly to one another. The two jointly pivotable U-brackets (6, 7) of different lengths. A locking element (8) extends from one of the U-brackets, engaging in the bearing element (1) for fixing the position in one of the two inclination angle settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Gut, Franz Wandinger
  • Patent number: 5520365
    Abstract: An integrally molded engine block head support member having a retainer portion insertable into a bolt hole of an engine head and a foot portion which bears against the engine head block confronting surface to temporarily support the head so as to prevent damage to it. A method of using a plurality of such support members is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Fel-Pro Incorporated
    Inventor: John R. Gurnig
  • Patent number: 5516064
    Abstract: A fold-away golf bag stand including three mounting frames fixed to a golf bag at different elevations, two legs bilaterally pivoted to the top mounting frame and having a respective lug near the top, a spring connected between the lugs of the legs, two slides respectively mounted around and moved along the legs, two links respectively pivotally connected between the intermediate mounting frame and the slides, and a supporting frame having two opposite ends respectively pivotally connected to the lugs of the legs and a middle part releasably fastened to a hook on the bottom mounting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Chi-Chung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5503361
    Abstract: An adjustable stand device for mounting a personal computer of the notebook or pen-input type having a folding display device wherein said display device is pushed by a pen when data is inputted thereinto comprises: a base 1 for fixing the rear side of said display device by means of a screw; a backboard 2 which can be rotated to an optional angle on a fulcrum 12 which is provided on the end of said base 1; and an angle adjustment mechanism for setting an angle between said base 1 and said backboard 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kan-O, Masashi Odagiri