Support Reinforcement Patents (Class 248/903)
  • Patent number: 8967574
    Abstract: Hang tags are provided for mounting on merchandise in a retail setting. The hang tags include a card with a plurality of edges, with a region of reinforcing material located at or adjacent to the top edge of the card, surrounding an aperture through which a fastener is received. The region defines the shape of a pair of intersecting elongated shapes such as ovals or ellipses, thereby positioning the reinforcing material in the locations where it is most needed to prevent theft-based removal of the tag from the merchandise, while omitting reinforcing material from the locations where it is not needed. Also provided is an attachment device, such as an applicator gun, for substantially simultaneously applying the reinforcing material to the tag and fastening the tag to a piece of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Avery Denninson Corporation
    Inventor: Ian J. Forster
  • Patent number: 8939420
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a base and a reinforcing structure. The base comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The reinforcing structure comprises a first reinforcing bead, a second reinforcing bead, a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs. The second ribs radially extend from the first and second reinforcing beads and cross connect with the first ribs, for reinforcing the strength and rigidity of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Xia Liu, Kui-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 8905364
    Abstract: A reinforcement assembly for a spacer fitting for a utility pole comprising a front plate and back plate assembly having a connection aperture located at a top portion of both the front and back plates. The connection apertures may be configured to have substantially the same diameter as an insulator aperture located on the spacer fitting. The connection apertures provide an attachment area for the reinforcement assembly to be attached to the spacer fitting. The reinforcement assembly may be attached to the spacer fitting at an insulator aperture for supporting a strand of insulators and/or transmission lines. The front and back plates also may each include a receiving aperture located at a bottom portion of both plates. The receiving apertures may be used to support insulators and/or transmission wires on a transmission or utility support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: MDU Resources Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas U. Crary, II, Jerome A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8814120
    Abstract: A fuel tank support system for providing a lightweight yet strong structure for supporting propane tanks above a ground surface. The tank support generally includes an elongated support pad having a platform, a base plate connected to the support pad, and a plurality of internal supports connected between the support pad and the base plate. A plurality of pairs of upper retainer rings extends from an underside of the platform to define upper receiver slots, and a plurality of pairs of lower retainer rings extends from an upper side of the base plate to define lower receiver slots. An upper end of each of the internal supports is received by the upper receiver slots and a lower end of each of the internal supports is received by the lower receiver slots. Handles, bottom grooves, and internal ribbing are also used with the tank support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce Kleespie
  • Patent number: 8573550
    Abstract: A safety brace for supporting a radar antenna platform movable to an elevated tilted position by a drive shaft having a movable first member and a second member, wherein the first member is movable toward and away from the second member. The safety brace has an elongated cylindrical tube formed of two separable half tubes. Three spaced apart separable coupling brackets are secured to the half tubes across a seam. When the separable brackets are closed, the half tubes are kept in a closed configuration. Two hinged coupling brackets are secured to the half tubes along the opposite seam. Flanges disposed at each of the ends of the elongated tube are configured to abut against the movable first and second members of the drive shaft. The safety brace has gussets secured between the flanges and adjacent outer surface portions of the half tubes. A safety brace system and a method of operating the safety brace are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Edward T. Bednarz, III, Bryan J. Causer
  • Patent number: 8522642
    Abstract: A mounting assembly which, in one embodiment, is for a pedal assembly including a plate with at least a first mounting bracket including an interior wall which, in one embodiment, defines an aperture and a pair of slots. A sleeve is fitted in the opening and, in one embodiment, is generally U-shaped and includes both an arcuate base and a pair of arms. The base is fitted in the aperture and at least the distal end of the pair of arms is fitted in the pair of slots respectively. The interior wall is configured so that, in one embodiment, a generally circular aperture is defined in the bracket when the sleeve is fitted therein; and, in another embodiment, a generally oval-shaped aperture is defined in the bracket when the sleeve is fitted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Murray Kaijala
  • Patent number: 8516769
    Abstract: A support for a grain bin having an elongated body with a back surface bent to form support surfaces that extend outwardly from the back surface to form a cavity therein. Connected to the elongated body is a base having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The horizontal portion having corners that extend upwardly to form flanges that engage the support surfaces of the elongated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John A. Hanig, Steven E. Sukup
  • Patent number: 8210489
    Abstract: There is provided a frame for holding an electronic device, the frame including an inner member that has a shape of continuous or discontinuous loop, and is made of hollow metal having a closed cross-section; and a plurality of corner reinforcing members that are made of metal and are fixed at positions that cover curved portions of the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kenichi Takehara, Hideaki Sugata, Makoto Yoshioka, Koji Hanya, Koichi Sato, Tatsuya Sakiyama, Kenji Imai
  • Patent number: 8128048
    Abstract: A box holder for mounting a box, such as a tissue box, on a surface is provided. The box includes a wall having a slot formed or pre-formed thereon. The box holder has structure for mounting to a surface, specifically an upper portion having a front edge and a base portion having a fastener to mount the box holder to the surface. The front edge is adaptable for insertion through the slot thereby allowing the box to be mounted on the box holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Pera Odishoo
  • Patent number: 8113479
    Abstract: Telescoping stabilization system comprising a telescoping composite strut body which comprises a lower member pivotally coupled at a lower end to a base, a medial member telescopically received within the lower member, and an upper member telescopically received within the medial member and having an upper end portion releasably coupled to a strut head and having a reinforcement member received within a complementally shaped exterior peripheral recess formed in the upper member adjacent its upper end portion wherein the reinforcement member includes an exterior surface lying substantially flush with an exterior peripheral surface of the upper member for being slideably receivable within the medial member when the telescoping composite strut body is in a collapsed position and wherein the rectangular reinforcement member precludes the strut head from splitting the upper member when the telescoping composite strut body is in an extended position and side loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy E. O'Connell
  • Patent number: 7918429
    Abstract: A horizontal fuel tank support system for efficiently supporting a propane tank above the ground. The horizontal fuel tank support system generally includes a support pad including an internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity extends throughout the support pad and wherein the support pad is comprised of an elongated configuration, a platform defining at least a portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the platform extends along a longitudinal axis of the elongated support pad, and an internal ribbing structure extending within the internal cavity and beneath the platform. The internal ribbing structure includes a plurality of outer ribbing portions and an inner ribbing portion, wherein the inner ribbing portion is connected between the plurality of outer ribbing portions. The inner ribbing portion is comprised of a less dense structure than the plurality of outer ribbing portions to distribute the weight of the propane tank directly below the legs of the propane tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce Kleespie
  • Patent number: 7845610
    Abstract: An adjusting device for a vehicle seat has a sheet metal structure with at least one recess which can be brought into interlocking engagement with a locking element. According to the disclosure, it is provided that the recess is provided with an at least partially encircling bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Uwe Schmale, Jurgen Otto
  • Patent number: 7828260
    Abstract: A support unit is provided for supporting reading material at a selected and convenient angle and height for facilitated viewing. The support unit is deployable between a collapsed and generally flat or two-dimensional non-deployed position, and a deployed position with a support platen at an adjustably selected angle and height for comfortable viewing. In one embodiment, the support platen is pivotally mounted onto a base plate for swinging movement between the non-deployed and deployed positions. In another embodiment, the support platen is pivotally mounted onto an intermediate bracket plate which is in turn pivotally mounted onto the base plate, wherein the bracket plate permits the support platen to be raised or lowered relative to the base plate with the support platen oriented in one of multiple angular settings relative to the bracket plate. The support platen and base plate may respectively incorporate a computer screen and a keyboard/processor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Stephen G. Hauser, B. Richard Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 7753327
    Abstract: A shelf bracket having a ledge and a plurality of side members, the shelf bracket being formed from a blank. The blank has a plurality of side portions, which can be bent downwardly to create the side members. The blank also has a ledge portion which forms the ledge of the shelf bracket. The side portions and the ledge portion of the blank are separated by a plurality of bend lines, to facilitate bending for the formation of the shelf bracket. The blank desirably has a lip portion which can be bent upwardly to form a lip of the shelf bracket. The blank can also have a plurality of stiffener portions which can be bent to create stiffeners in the shelf bracket, and one or more ribs in the side portions to provide strength to the shelf bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Donald W. Wooten
  • Patent number: 7748674
    Abstract: A shelf bracket having a ledge and a plurality of side members, the shelf bracket being formed from a blank. The blank has a plurality of side portions, which can be bent downwardly to create the side members. The blank also has a ledge portion which forms the ledge of the shelf bracket. The side portions and the ledge portion of the blank are separated by a plurality of bend lines, to facilitate bending for the formation of the shelf bracket. The blank desirably has a lip portion which can be bent upwardly to form a lip of the shelf bracket. The blank can also have a plurality of stiffener portions which can be bent to create stiffeners in the shelf bracket, and one or more ribs in the side portions to provide strength to the shelf bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Wooten Metal, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Wooten
  • Patent number: 7744052
    Abstract: A blank for forming a corner shelf bracket having a ledge and a plurality of side members. The blank has a first side portion and a second side portion, which can be bent to create the side members. The blank also has a third side portion created within either the first side portion or the second side portion which can be bent outwardly relative to the first side portion and the second side portion to attach to perpendicular faces of a corner stud support. In addition, the blank has a ledge portion for supporting a load when the blank is converted into a corner shelf bracket and a lip portion which can be bent to form a retaining member. The blank also has a plurality of stiffener portions which can be bent to create added stability when the blank is converted into the corner shelf bracket and attached to the corner stud support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Wooten Metal, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W. Wooten
  • Patent number: 7726620
    Abstract: A vertical fuel tank support system for efficiently supporting a vertical propane tank above the ground. The vertical fuel tank support system generally includes a support pad including an internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity extends throughout the support pad, an inner platform defining a first portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the inner platform is comprised of circular configuration, an outer platform defining a second portion of an upper surface of the elongated support pad, wherein the outer platform is comprised of circular configuration and an internal ribbing structure extending within the internal cavity and beneath the inner platform and the outer platform. The internal ribbing structure includes a first ribbing portion and a second ribbing portion, wherein the first ribbing portion interconnects with the second ribbing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce Kleespie
  • Patent number: 7677000
    Abstract: A post system for a railing, the post system including a railing post, an insert and a post base. The railing post includes an elongated tubular body with first and second ends. The insert may snugly be insertable within the first end of the railing post. The post base may be connectable to the first end of the railing post and may have an inner member and an outer member substantially encasing the inner member. The inner member may be constructed from a first material, while the outer member may be constructed of a second material. The post base may include a base member and a housing member connected to and extending from the base member. The housing member may be adapted to engage the railing post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Peak Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Walker
  • Patent number: 7533508
    Abstract: A connector or clip is provided for connecting a metal stud or other member to a support structure. The connector or clip includes a connecting plate for connecting to the stud or other member. A base plate extends from the connecting plate and is adapted to mount to the support structure. A juncture or fold line is defined between the connecting plate and the base plate. One or more ribs are formed in the base plate and extend generally perpendicular to the juncture. In one embodiment, an upturned edge is formed along one side of the base plate opposite the juncture. Further, a reinforcing member is adapted to be secured to the base plate such that both the base plate and reinforcing member can be secured to an adjacent support surface or structure via a connecting fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The Steel Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. diGirolamo, Michael L. Torres
  • Patent number: 7513754
    Abstract: A motor mount constructed from a single piece of sheet metal. The motor mount contains a band portion and at least three leg portions. The band portion clamps around a motor and the leg portions radiate from the band portion. The leg portions secure the motor to a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: York International Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Michael Clark, Tabraiz Ali Khan
  • Patent number: 7281696
    Abstract: A mounting fitting (3, 5) is made of a metallic plate material, wherein a first mounting panel (7, 14) to be mounted on a casing (1) is defined on one surface, and a second mounting panel (8, 16) to be mounted on an inner panel (2) is defined on the opposite surface. A reinforcing edge (12, 18) is formed by bending at a peripheral edge portion of the mounting fitting (3, 5) such that an edge end thereof faces in the same direction. The reinforcing edge (12, 18) is continuous along the longitudinal direction thereof without any cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Kida, Yoshinao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7258319
    Abstract: A shipping base for washers, dryers, and the like appliances. The base is in the form of a frame having top surfaces of outer parts thereof which are set relatively lower than the top surfaces of relative inner portions of the frame. Sockets are provided at the corners, to grip and receive the feet of the appliance. The sockets having radial ribs that deflect to grip the feet of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Johanson, Keith E. Antal, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7188811
    Abstract: A method for forming rotatable bases for offices chairs characterised by structurally joining together at least two half-shells to form overall a plurality of spokes, each consisting of an elongated box-shaped body, and a central ring into which a column is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Imarc S.p.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Liviero
  • Patent number: 7083151
    Abstract: A laterally-reinforced duct saddle is adapted for hanging a length of horizontal flexible duct from a supporting structure. The duct saddle includes a generally flat, elongated blank adapted for bending around and receiving a portion of the flexible duct. The blank has an intermediate region adapted for engaging the duct in an area of maximum vertical load. A plurality of lateral support ribs are variably spaced-apart from one end of the blank to the other. The ribs are more closely spaced within the intermediate region of the blank to provide maximum resistance against compression of the flexible duct in the area of maximum vertical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: M. Scott Rapp
  • Patent number: 7040590
    Abstract: A single combined holding and carrying apparatus that is both permanently installable as a vehicle holding platform and removably attachable as by a belt to a user's person as a personal carrying apparatus for a cellular telephone or other mobile electronic device. The apparatus is formed of a thin-walled rectangular tube-shaped body molded of a resiliently pliable material, the body being structured with an opening positioned adjacent to one end and a closure adjacent to an opposite end, whereby an interior cavity of the apparatus is formed. The apparatus includes a lip structure formed external to the tube-shaped body and contiguous with the opening; a plurality of pliable fins formed as projections from interior walls of the tube-shaped body; and a pair of spaced-apart fastener apertures formed in one exterior wall of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7007905
    Abstract: A bracket can include an angled member having a first elongate portion engageable with the vertically extending surface allowing the bracket to be supported from the surface, and second elongate portion engageable with a shelf to be supported. An elongate interchangeable cross brace extends between the first and second elongate portions of the angled member. The cross brace can include opposite longitudinal ends releasibly received within the opposing apertures formed in the angled member. The cross brace can include an ornamental appearance and/or indicia including one of a hook, a picture frame, a hollow container, a pumpkin, a football helmet, a soccer ball, a basketball, a baseball, a teddy bear, a baby shoe, a fishing lure, indicia relating to a holiday, a special occasion, a school logo, a team logo, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Richard J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6877710
    Abstract: A vehicular power unit mount structure (33) having a first mounting member (51) for attachment to a power unit and a second mounting member (52) elastically connected to the first mounting member for attachment to a vehicle body includes at least one projection (66) protruding from a flange (62) of the second mounting member (52) toward the vehicle body and located at a position offset from a line connecting centers of attachment holes (64, 64) of the flange to ensure that the flange (62) of the second mounting member (52) and the vehicle body are forced together via the projection (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyahara, Shuji Otake, Nobuo Kubo
  • Patent number: 6857808
    Abstract: The present invention provides a joining structure capable of greatly improving the proof stress and the fatigue property by alleviating the stress concentration and residual stress caused by welding heat at one or both ends of a tabular member. In the present invention, one or both ends 4 of a tabular member 3 such as a reinforcing rib, fixed to the surface of a structural member 1 in the direction of the principal stress of the structural member 1 so as to protrude in the shape of T, is/are bent in a direction deviating from the direction of the principal stress and, by this, the rigidity at the end(s) 4 of the tabular member 3 decreases and the stress concentration is alleviated. It is preferable to bend one or both ends of a tabular member 3 in the shape of an gradual curve and to the extent that each bent end is formed at a right angle to the direction of the principal stress. The tabular member may have the shape of a flat plate, or it may be bent so that it has the shape of U or V as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignees: Nippon Steel Corporation, Yoshimoto Pole Co., Ltd., Inaba Electric Work
    Inventors: Masakazu Sugimoto, Masayuki Okimoto, Tetsumi Kondo, Shiro Kita, Masafumi Higasa
  • Patent number: 6761343
    Abstract: A motor mount constructed from a single piece of sheet metal. The motor mount contains a band portion and at least three leg portions. The band portion clamps around a motor and the leg portions radiate from the band portion. The leg portions secure the motor to a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: York International Corp.
    Inventors: Tony Michael Clark, Tabraiz Ali Khan
  • Patent number: 6745991
    Abstract: A portable tree stand has a lower surface adapted for resting on a substantially level plane and an upper surface comprising a bowl-shaped depression provided with an upstanding rigid pin assembly being located in the bowl depression, with the pin assembly being integral of a central platform component of the bowl inner surface. The sidewalls of the stand extend radially outward to the lower most periphery thereof and present an external conical frustum skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Tree Teck Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh S. Rush
  • Patent number: 6695538
    Abstract: A drainage support/diverter system for use in connection with a perforated pipe drainage system within a drainage trench, comprising a number of drainage support/diverters that create impermeable barriers to moisture flow along the length of the trench outside the perforated pipe, such drainage support/diverters are positioned upon intervals along the drainage trench with their lower ends placed to a depth at least as deep as lowest depth of the drainage trench where each drainage support/diverter is placed, extend laterally at least as wide as the widest point of the drainage trench where each drainage support/diverter is placed and are formed at their upper ends with a recess corresponding to a portion of the diameter of the perforated pipe such that moisture outside the perforated pipe is forced to enter the perforated pipe at the point of each drainage support/diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Edward Coffey
  • Patent number: 6679461
    Abstract: A support device is provided herein and includes a support structure which has a recess therein. The support device optionally further includes a plate which has a depression therein. The plate is disposed on the support structure, where the depression of the plate is disposed at least partially within the recess of the support device. An elongate strut is disposed within the depression of the plate, where the elongate strut is coupled to the plate. A support device optionally includes support structure having a cut out or a recess therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pipe Pier
    Inventor: Patrick A. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6592093
    Abstract: A support base is disclosed for distributing a concentrated load over a generally planar surface. The support base comprises a baseplate formed of a moldable polymeric material having a top surface and a generally planar bottom surface. A tubular sleeve is formed integral with the baseplate and extends from the top surface defining an upper portion and a lower cavity portion. A cap, also formed integral with the baseplate, is oriented at the distal end of the sleeve lower cavity portion, thus defining the cavity height. A through bore is formed through the cap generally coaxial with the cavity. An array of projections, formed integral with the baseplate, extend upward from a top surface of the cap and are spaced around the through bore such that the distal ends of the projections provide a generally planar upper mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Portable Pipe Hangers, L.P.
    Inventor: Arthur J. Valentz
  • Patent number: 6585202
    Abstract: A structural reinforcing member is provided to improve localized stiffness in frames, rails, body cavities or other such areas found in automotive, marine or aviation applications. The reinforcing member includes a frame having a first and second arm extending laterally therefrom. The frame is configured to be securely positioned in the area of interest. A thermally expandable material is disposed on the arms such that a gap is formed between the thermally expandable material of the first arm and the adjacent second arm prior to expansion. A bake process allows the expandable material to expand around the immediate area, thereby providing localized stiffness and support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Natalino Broccardo, Randy T Stratman, Nathan C Burns
  • Patent number: 6494429
    Abstract: A panel support structure for supporting a flat display panel capable of reducing the weight of the panel support structure while a sufficient structural strength is maintained and capable of preventing the display performance of the flat display panel from being lowered by a change in an ambient temperature. A flat display panel is fixedly supported by an X-character shaped supporting member via dampers fitted in the four corners of the flat display panel by the flat panel fixing parts of the supporting member. The supporting member is disposed along diagonal lines extending between the four corners of the flat display panel and has a rectangular cross section whose longer side is directed in the thickness direction of the flat display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisao Tajima
  • Patent number: 6494430
    Abstract: A motor holder includes a motor housing segment, a plurality of radial ribs and a venturi ring segment. The motor housing segment receives and supports the motor. The radial ribs extend radially outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the motor housing segment. The venturi ring segment is connected to radially outer ends of the radial ribs and circumferentially surrounds the motor housing segment. The motor holder further includes a plurality of oblique ribs. Each one of the oblique ribs is arranged between and is connected to each adjacent two radial ribs. Furthermore, each one of the oblique ribs is oblique to a radial direction that extends from the motor housing segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Takakura
  • Publication number: 20020008183
    Abstract: A vehicle seat runner comprising at least one stationary channel section bar whose rear end is engaged snugly in a reinforcing bar made by extruding a light alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick Mallard, Michel Timon
  • Patent number: 6254039
    Abstract: A gutter hanging bracket device includes an elongated body portion adapted to span an open top of a gutter between front and rear sides of the gutter and having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional channel construction, a forward attachment portion merging from a front end of the body portion and adapted to engage with the front side of the gutter, and a rearward attachment portion merging from a rear end of the body portion and adapted for attaching the rear side of the gutter to an adjacent external structure so as to support the body portion in a cantilevered fashion from the external structure and thereby hang the gutter adjacent to the external structure. The forward and rearward attachment portions form extensions of the body member such that the forward and rearward attachment portions both have generally U-shaped cross-sectional channel constructions continuous with that of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond G. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6244558
    Abstract: The present invention describes an improved mounting device or catch intended for mounting mirrors, glass plates or other generally flat objects to walls, doors, cabinets or other appropriate surfaces. The present invention comprises a plastic shell element, similar in appearance to existing mounting devices, but having a recessed means on its back side to accommodate a support plate. The support plate is a preferably metal, generally J-shaped plate that slidably engages the plastic shell to provide much greater structural integrity to the mounting device. In addition to strengthening the basic support structure, the metal plate provides a secondary support means that can retain the supported object even in the event of a failure of the plastic shell, potentially preventing the destruction of the supported object. The improved structural features are accomplished while retaining the aesthetic features and resilient support features of prior-art plastic mounting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Richard A. Castle
  • Patent number: 6241199
    Abstract: A protective insulating sleeve is a two part construction with a pair of mating semi-cylindrical halves. Each semi-cylindrical half includes a semi-cylindrical metal sleeve surrounded by a semi-cylindrical plastic sleeve. The semi-cylindrical plastic sleeve has a groove formed in one exposed surface thereof and extending lengthwise along it. The semi-cylindrical metal sleeve extends outward past the semi-cylindrical plastic sleeve to form a tongue which mates with the groove in the other mating semi-cylindrical half such that the mated halves can be inserted into a bore in a stud or joist to receive a pipe or conduit extending through that stud or joist. Cushioning ribs are provided to dampen noise emanating from the pipe or conduit. The interlocked protective insulating sleeve thus serves the plural function of supporting and insulating the pipe or conduit and surrounding it with the metal sleeve to protect it from penetration by nails, screws or other fasteners driven into the stud or joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Sioux Chief Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 6171540
    Abstract: An angle bracket having a base leg and a perpendicular leg and are connected by a plurality of reinforcing ribs is disclosed. The reinforcing ribs have a partially parabolic outer edge. The angle bracket may be assembled to a tool base to support a tool element in a spaced relationship. The angle bracket is manufactured by an injection molding process wherein high strength polymer resin and fiber reinforcing materials such as glass fiber or carbon fiber may be molded to form an angle bracket in a single molding step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Eagle Technology & Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Shigenari Ibaragi
  • Patent number: 6134100
    Abstract: The encapsulation (1) of a gas-insulated switchgear assembly is supported at both ends (7, 9) on a foundation (11). To this end, mounting device (12) are provided at the first end (7) and are anchored in the foundation (11) such that they cannot move. At the second end (9), the mounting device (13) are designed such that they can move with respect to the foundation (11), in the longitudinal direction of the encapsulation (1). This avoids mechanical stresses in the assembly. A force absorbing member is also provided at the first end (7), which transmits horizontal forces from the encapsulation (1) to the foundation (11), and thus relieves the load on the mounting device (12, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Heinz Hageli, Markus Vestner, Martin Zurcher
  • Patent number: 6074327
    Abstract: A climbing hold for mounting on a front face of a climbing wall with a fastener. The climbing hold includes a hold body and a reinforcing sleeve. The hold body has an exterior portion adapted to support a climber and a substantially planar mounting face adapted to engage the front face of the climbing wall. The reinforcing sleeve is secured within the hold body and has first and second ends with an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough adapted to accommodate the fastener for mounting the climbing hold to the climbing wall. The reinforcing sleeve substantially isolates the hold body from fastening forces that result from mounting the climbing hold to the climbing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott Franklin
  • Patent number: 6027088
    Abstract: A steering column support bracket includes a molded plastic frame having a pair of laterally spaced apart side braces, a front brace interconnecting the front ends of the side braces, and an intermediate brace located between the front and rear ends of the side braces. An X-shaped truss has legs extending diagonally between the side braces and between the intermediate brace and the rear ends of the side braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis F. Stedman, Elie M. Tohme, David Shifflett
  • Patent number: 5984254
    Abstract: A vehicle seat slideway has a male channel member whose two flanges are outwardly extended by flaps extending at an angle outwards and towards the web of the male channel member to a vertical end portion, and a female channel member having flanges extended by reentrant troughs penetrating between the flanges and the flaps of the male channel member. Same-diameter balls are disposed firstly between each flap and the corresponding reentrant trough, bearing against at least the vertical end portion of the flap and against a sloping flat portion which extends an initial horizontal portion of the reentrant trough, and secondly against the flap and a corner zone situated at the junction between the web and the corresponding flange of the female channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Equipements SA
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Baloche, Rene Rohee
  • Patent number: 5979675
    Abstract: A hanger for supporting a plurality of pipettes adjacent a horizontal support surface. The hanger comprising contiguous mounting and pipette supporting portions. Each supporting portion comprises a pair of substantially parallel, laterally separated support arms extending forward from a back plate to vertically support a pipette body there between. Each mounting portion comprises a spacer extending rearward from the back plate spacing the back plate from a vertical side of a channel frame to which the hangers are mounted. The hangers are connected to the vertical side of the channel frame by screws extending through openings in the back plates of the hangers and into the vertical side of the channel frame. The channel frame, in turn, is secured to a horizontally extending support member by laterally spaced screw members extending vertically through a bottom side of the channel frame to engage the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Rainin Instrument Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Gordon Moriarty
  • Patent number: 5975544
    Abstract: The present trolley is suitable for accommodating and conveying containers and apparatus for the commercial cleaning and disinfecting of floors and other surfaces, and as a collector for valuable substances and for other tasks involved in the commercial cleaning of buildings. The trolley has a base plate and substantially vertically aligned uprights. The base plate comprises at least one downwardly projecting shaft which is suitable for accommodating the uprights, and is additionally connected by struts to the underside of the base plate. The danger of breakage at the points where the uprights are secured to the base plate is considerably reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Henkel-Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Franz Kresse, Roland Schunter, Rainer Osberghaus, Hans-Leo Fernschild
  • Patent number: 5906349
    Abstract: An elongated strip of connected picture hangers adapted to be coiled around a feeding reel and fed into an assembly machine for further processing and for automatic attachment of the picture hangers to the backing of picture frames, each hanger comprising substantially planar metallic body portion having a living hinge extending thereacross for allowing the hanger to be accepted by the assembly machine. A portion of the body of the hanger is cut out for receiving support means from the desired hanging location. A reinforcement rib extends along the top edge of the hanger for strengthening the picture hanger for larger and heavier type picture frames. A pair of dimpled protrusions automatically bias the picture hanger away from the picture frame backing for easier attachment of the picture hanger to the display support means. The arrangement of the above features provides for spacing means which allows for proper stacking of the picture hangers around the feeding reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Armand E. Roy
  • Patent number: 5871306
    Abstract: A pipe supporting apparatus including a pipe supporting portion securable within a trench beneath a length of pipe for support thereof before filling the trench around the length of pipe with backfill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Michael S. Tilcox
  • Patent number: 5865416
    Abstract: A security tie down includes a threaded sleeve embedded in a ground surface, and a steel eyebolt screwed into the sleeve. An object for being secured, such as a vehicle, is tied to a ring of the eyebolt with a locked cable. The eyebolt includes hard faced welded beads welded thereon for resisting cutting. When not in use, the eyebolt may be unscrewed to avoid tripping passersby, and a threaded plug may be screwed into the sleeve to exclude dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: John Hanaway