Supporting Devices Patents (Class 190/18R)
  • Patent number: 6062356
    Abstract: A bag comprising a body enclosing a space and having top and bottom walls, left and right side walls and front and rear walls. The left and right side walls adjoin the bottom wall at respective left and right edges. A handle is mounted on the body. An edge guard of a plastic material is mounted on the body and extends from the bottom wall around one of the left and right edges to the respective side wall for protecting the edge from wear. The edge guard is formed with an integral foot depending from the bottom wall for supporting the body on a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Mainland Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Cory O. Nykoluk
  • Patent number: 6036011
    Abstract: A carrying case construction 10 for transporting a lap top computer 100 and associated mouse 101 to a point of use wherein the construction 10 is convertible into an elevated work station for the computer 100 and includes a carrying case unit including a carrying case member 20 dimensioned to receive the computer 100 and mouse 101 and having a lower base element 21 provided with four pivoted and telescoping support legs 30, and a shelf member 40 slidably received within the base element 21 wherein the shelf member 40 is dimensioned to receive the mouse 101 and is further provided with a high friction surface 42 that functions as a mouse pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Paul DeCurtis, Kelly DeCurtis
  • Patent number: 5794747
    Abstract: A skid pad has an actuatable drain for use with baggage carrying wet gear. A mesh compartment is provided in the bottom interior of the bag. Slidingly carried in the compartment is a valve member. The mesh compartment is in fluid communication with an opening provided in the bottom of the baggage. A skid pad having a plurality of holes thereon, is provided on the bottom of the bag for covering the opening in the bottom of the bag. When the valve member is removed, fluid may freely drain through the mesh compartment, the opening in the bottom of the bag, and ultimately through the holes provided in the skid pad. Because the holes in the skid pad are in recessed portions, and because of the configuration of the mesh compartment, fluid is allowed to drain from the baggage, but dirt and foreign debris is substantially prohibited from entering into the baggage through the drainage openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Akona Adventure Gear
    Inventor: Frank D. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5685402
    Abstract: An internal frame for supporting a substantially rectangular wheeled suitcase comprises:(1) a base;(2) a U-shaped frame having a top panel and two side panels, the lower ends of the two side panels being vertically mounted to the left and right sides of the base;(3) a substantially rectangular extension board wherein the approximately middle section of the extension board is mounted to the top panel of the U-shaped frame;(4) two L-shaped braces mounted on the rear end of the extension board;(5) two supporting tubes vertically mounted on the rear side of the base;(6) two L-shaped head covers mounted on the rear sides of the two L-shaped braces for holding the upper ends of the two supporting tubes in between; and(7) a U-shaped pull handle telescopingly installed on the upper ends of the two supporting tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Jerhong Lin
  • Patent number: 5653318
    Abstract: A hard-shell bottom for releasable attachment to a soft-sided carrying case has a lower exterior surface comprising a fluid impermeable base platform having a lower surface and substantially vertical side surfaces contiguous to the lower surface and extending continuously around the lower surface so as to form a container having interior surfaces. The lower surface is sized to correspond in shape to the lower exterior surface of the soft-sided carrying case and the side surfaces sized to snugly fit over side portions of the lower exterior surface of the soft-sided carrying case. The releasable fasteners are attached to at least one surface of the interior surfaces for releasable mating securement to corresponding releasable fasteners means attached to the lower exterior surface of the soft-sided carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Bradley J. Field
  • Patent number: 5647096
    Abstract: A retractable handle control mechanism including a movable control block mounted in a longitudinal hole on the transverse handgrip of the retractable handle and moved by a control knob, two beveled edged links connected between the beveled guide blocks of two release control rods, which are moved in the inner tubes, and the two opposite bevel edges of the movable control block, and return control spring means, whereby when the control knob is depressed to lower the movable control block, the links are moved outwards in reversed directions to force the bevel guide blocks of the release control rods downwards, causing the release control rods to release the respective latches from the sleeves for permitting the inner tubes to be moved by the transverse handgrip between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Chi-bin Chang
  • Patent number: 5588569
    Abstract: A carrier bag including a box member having a bottom plate and a plurality of side plates that extend from the outer-periphery of the bottom plate in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom plate. The box member is defined with an opening which is always oriented in an upper-diagonal direction relative to a surface when the box member is positioned on the surface with either the bottom plate or one of the side plates being in contact therewith. Furthermore, the carrier bag is provided with a caster at each corner portion defined between the bottom plate and one of the side plates. The opening is covered with a fastenable and unfastenable cover. The carrier bag is thereby fabricated so as to allow articles to be put therein in downward and side directions in relation to the surface. Thus, the carrier bag provides a choice of storage space for each size and shape of article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignees: Nifco, Inc., Kabushiki Kaisha Cosmo Area
    Inventors: Masako Mitomi, Ryo Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5577611
    Abstract: An organiser bag (20) is supported on a ground engaging stand (10) and is provided with a hanging rail or rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: William C. Greenall
  • Patent number: 5568848
    Abstract: An article of wheeled luggage having improved mobility characteristics employs a wheeled pivotable leg operatively coupled to a retractable and extendable handle. The article becomes self-supported in a forwardly-tilted configuration when the user tilts the article and causes the wheeled pivotable leg to swing outwardly from the forward surface of the article. Stable support in the tilted position is provided by at least one rolling member on the bottom surface of the article proximate a forward surface thereof and by at least one rolling member on the base of the pivotable leg. In the tilted configuration, the article has a lower center of gravity and a larger wheelbase or footprint than when the article is standing upright, and is better able to counteract overturning forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph Liang
  • Patent number: 5533600
    Abstract: A recessed hook assembly positions a hook member at an exterior surface of a garment bag in such a manner that external unanticipated random forces are generally ineffective in dislodging the hook from the recess, but still allows it to be relatively easily dislodged and extended by the user to lift the garment bag and suspend it. The recessed hook assembly includes a housing defining a recess, an elongated flexible member connected to the hook member, and a retraction mechanism connected to the other end of the flexible elongated member to hold the hook member in the recess and still allow it to be easily removed for suspending the garment bag. The interaction of these elements also creates a handle for carrying, maneuvering or lifting the closed garment bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Clemens Van Himbeeck, Johan Vanderwee
  • Patent number: 5469944
    Abstract: A swivel foot includes a mounting block fixedly fastened to a travel bag at the bottom, and a rectangular swivel block having one end pivotally fastened to the mounting block through a plug joint, wherein the swivel block has a raised portion alternatively engaged into either of two locating recesses on the mounting block for permitting the swivel block to be retained in an inward position in parallel with the mounting block or an outward position perpendicular to the mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: King-Sheng Wang
  • Patent number: 5447261
    Abstract: A carrier bag including a box member having a bottom plate and a plurality of side plates that extend from the outer-periphery of the bottom plate in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bottom plate. The box member is defined with an opening which is always oriented in an upper-diagonal direction relative to a surface when the box member is positioned on the surface with either the bottom plate or one of the side plates being in contact therewith. Furthermore, the carrier bag is provided with a caster at each corner portion defined between the bottom plate and one of the side plates. The opening is covered with a fastenable and unfastenable cover. The carrier bag is thereby fabricated so as to allow articles to be put therein in downward and side directions in relation to the surface. Thus, the carrier bag provides a choice of storage space for each size and shape of article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignees: Nifco Inc., Kabushiki Kaisha Cosmo Area
    Inventors: Masako Mitomi, Ryo Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5004091
    Abstract: A carrying case has a box and a lid. The box and lid are both compression-molded from a laminate of fabric-foam-fabric. The lid is hinged to the box along one edge. A slide fastener interconnects the remaining free edges of the box and lid to close the lid to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: American Tourister, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford J. Natho, George L. Andrade, John M. Wheaton, Wayne I. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 4986395
    Abstract: A combined suitcase and portable ironing board comprising a pair of suitcase sections each including a closed end surrounded by side walls and an open end. The suitcase sections are pivotably connected to one another along a side wall of each section so that the sections can be pivoted away from each other to an open position with the closed ends in the same plane forming an elongated, contiguous, substantially flat ironing board surface. A panel extends outwardly from the side wall of one suitcase section opposite the side wall which is pivotably connected to the other suitcase section and has a substantially flat surface lying in substantially the same plane as the closed ends forming an extension of the ironing board surface. Means are provided for supporting the panel in its outwardly extending position and for retracting the panel through an opening in the side wall when the panel is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Walter M. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4966258
    Abstract: To permit combination luggage, table and vanity to have a luggage position, a table position and a vanity position, the combination includes a handle mounted to one of a back side, right side and left side for carrying said combination luggage, table and vanity when in the luggage position. A hinge pivotally connects a rear edge of a top wall to a top edge of the back wall wherein the top wall may lie horizontal when said combination is in the table position and extends vertically when in the vanity position. A hinge pivotally connects a bottom edge of said back wall to a rear edge of said bottom wall and a hinge pivotally connects a front edge of the bottom wall to a bottom edge of said front wall wherein said bottom wall and said front wall are closable in the luggage position but openable to expose a compartment under said bottom wall, whereby a stand and stand legs may be stored in the compartment and to expose drawers in the front which may be used in the vanity position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Marilyn J. Hawley
  • Patent number: 4880089
    Abstract: A convertible valet bag, characterized in that it is made from a generally rectangular bag opened at the top and fitted, at this level, with a holding means, as well as a supporting means which is movable between a resting position in which it is totally retracted within the bag and a working position in which it acts as a support to allow the bag to stand in a generally upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventors: Dominique Chombert, Francoise Hubert-Sternback
  • Patent number: 4817769
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel covered zipper assembly for the top of a portfolio with two heavy duty magnetic catches, one at each end thereof and being secured between the portfolio panels at the top to hide the zipper from view. A combination lock cooperating with a hasp protrudes from one end to be inserted into a catch portion at the side of the portfolio whereby the pull tab of the zipper can be grasped to slide open the top of the portfolio. Lock means, preferably combination lock means, are provided at the hasp. The covering is preferably constructed of high grade leather which is fastened by sewing to the other side panels of the portfolio at the top inner edges thereof. Easy access to the top of the portfolio for opening is not readily suggested by observing from the top because the cover assembly hides the zipper from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Inventor: Frank Saliba
  • Patent number: 4738340
    Abstract: The suitcase structure comprises a substantially parallelepipedal, flattened elongate body defining at a smaller lateral face thereof a recess provided on the bottom with a handgrip for carrying the suitcase. At the larger faces of the body there are provided openable side bodies defining on their interiors compartments, provided at the top with hanger holding rods for hanging clothes hangers thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Selman di Crespi Carlo & Co. S.n.c.
    Inventor: Carlo Crespi
  • Patent number: 4669587
    Abstract: A portable suitcase-like receptacle has two tray-shaped sections which are pivotally connected to each other and whose bottom walls are in the form of light-transmitting panels each of which has an outer portion welded to the sidewalls and two inner portions. One inner portion defines with the outer portion a pocket, and the other inner portion has a flap which can overlie or can be inserted into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Zika-Plastik GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Zitt
  • Patent number: 4643280
    Abstract: A portable desk and article carrying structure is disclosed primarily for use by manufacturers representatives, sales people, and the like for carrying the various articles and tools needed for displaying, promoting and selling products. The portable desk and article carrying structure allows such articles to be carried into a store and is demountably positionable on a shopping cart of the type commonly used in grocery stores so as to provide a convenient surface for writing and accomplishing various other tasks at locations within the store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventor: Howard L. Hensley
  • Patent number: 4632241
    Abstract: A bag which is portable and adapted to be opened and erected on a display stand on which materials including fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like may be displayed to a prospective customer. The materials are attached to the bag on a support bar by means of tab members which allow for easy removal or insertion of the materials into the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: F. Schumacher & Co.
    Inventors: C. Duncan Brough, Thomas W. Carroll
  • Patent number: 4502576
    Abstract: A portable locker for use in carrying sports equipment and clothing is capable of being mounted on a plane field or the like. The portable locker comprises a fabric bag on a metal frame forming a loop and having means extending from the frame adapted to be urged into soil to support the apparatus in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: Dennis J. Reardon
  • Patent number: 4375847
    Abstract: A portable golf equipment case for carrying a knockdown golf bag, clubs, and golf accessories comprising an oblong box-like structure having broad side walls generally in the shape of a parallelogram and including a body portion and a hinged lid forming a major portion of one of the broad side walls. A roller member is located at one diagonal end of the parallelogram type structure with the roller running substantially across the width of the relatively narrow side and end walls to provide a relatively wide load bearing surface for pulling the case from the opposite diagonal end of the structure which includes a flush mounted handle. A second flush mounted handle is located substantially at the mid section of one side wall for lifting and carrying the case. Means are also selectively located on the side wall containing the flush handle for attaching a carrying strap thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1983
    Inventor: William A. Picco
  • Patent number: 4244632
    Abstract: A sloped-top portable desk having a semi-soft covered writing surface, rounded on the front edge, which opens from the front having a hinge on the back wall where a carrying handle is located for portability; inside there are compartments fitted to the needs of the calligrapher, with the bottom of said desk having four feet, the two rear feet are adjustable to varying heights which change the writing slope. A stabilizing strap is included to be used when a table is not available to set said desk upon. A narrow bracket is provided to attach to the top writing surface which converts the desk into a podium; said bracket can also be used to convert the desk into a table easel. The total unit is a desk to be used with or without a table for the scribe to work upon. When the desk's top lid is closed, all the supplies are secured in their compartments for portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1981
    Inventor: Gloria G. Molinari
  • Patent number: 4228877
    Abstract: A suitcase having retractable rolling means at the bottom is provided with a generally U-shaped handle means which is slidably received within generally triangular sleeves secured on the interior of said suitcase. The U-shaped handle may be extended when the suitcase is being wheeled along the ground. The handle means further includes collapsible legs to support the suitcase in a stationary position off the ground when said handle means is extended and said wheels are in operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Inventor: Walter G. Cothary
  • Patent number: 4163484
    Abstract: A member having a flat base and a raised resilient body adapted to be manufactured and produced in many colors and designs, including means for quick adhesive attachment of a flat base portion thereof to luggage along edges or around corners which may be subjected to rough usage, the member serving in the dual capacity of protector and as a means for permitting the owner to identify his luggage quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1979
    Inventor: John H. Delaney
  • Patent number: 4049091
    Abstract: An attache case and the like having a lower section and an upper section, in which the side panel of the lower section is provided with a recess for receiving legs for supporting the case. The legs may be attached directly to the side panel in the recess or they may be attached to a board or to a top which will seat in the recess and also form a portion of the exterior of the side panel when the legs are folded and seated in the recess. A means is provided for releasably retaining the legs and the top in the recess so that the legs and top can be carried along with the case and be available for setting up the case on the table whenever the case is to be used. As an alternative, the table may be carried in the case, and when the case is to be used, the legs are unfolded and the case is seated on the top with the top in the recess. The recess may be either an indentation in the side panel of the lower section or it may be defined by ribs along the periphery of the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1977
    Assignee: Faircraft Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne L. Chubb
  • Patent number: 3983976
    Abstract: A portable case and desk fitted with brackets for mounting to a wall. The case is fitted with a flat top panel that is hinged for access to the case interior and serves as a desk top, with one or more trays slidably mounted to extend from one or both sides of the case. A spring clip is fitted to the top panel and a carrying handle is fitted to one side of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: The Raymond Lee Organization, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 3942225
    Abstract: A supporting button for attachment to the bottom of an article of luggage, a hand-carried case, a golf bag, etc., and which functions to support said article etc. bottom slightly raised from a surface on which it is rested comprising a generally semi-spherical or other appropriately shaped hollow shell having a axially disposed opening and which is adapted to be secured hollow-side against said article bottom by a rivet which extends axially through the shell and which comprises a head of larger diameter than that of said shell opening and an elongate shank terminating in a bifurcated end-length portion, said shell adjacent its said opening and said rivet shank in its length portion adjacent its said larger diameter head being provided with coacting means which immovably interlock one with the other upon said rivet shank being forced through said central opening to a depth such that the rivet head bears on said shell external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1976
    Inventor: Hyman Kramer