Patents Examined by Carl D. Friedman
  • Patent number: 7178769
    Abstract: A device for detachable suspension of baskets, shelves, paper roll holders etc. from a door or the like, includes a carrier element with through slots or holes for holding the baskets, shelves etc., a first fastener and a second fastener, which fasteners carry the carrier element and are adapted to be fixed to the door or the like. Each of the first and second fasteners comprises an L-shaped element with a first leg, which is adapted to be engaged with one edge side of the door and its opposite edge side, respectively, and a second leg, to which the carrier element is fixed in suspension. A first hook portion is movably attached to the second leg of the first fastener, and a second hook portion is immovably attached to the second leg of the second fastener. By moving the first hook portion away from the second hook portion, the carrier element is clamped to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Elfa International AB
    Inventors: Reine Magnusson, Peter Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7175143
    Abstract: A portable accessory hook includes a C-shaped clamp formed of a pair of jaws one of which is movable for tightly securing about a support surface. A J-shaped hook member is removably attachable to the clamp for retaining accessory items such as a purse or coat. The hook member may be rotated and angularly adjusted if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Trang Heather Ho
  • Patent number: 7172162
    Abstract: A clamp device for mounting elongated components such as pipes on a support such as a car body comprises a first clamp to be mounted on the support and a second clamp to be mounted in a recess in the first clamp. The clamp device is constructed to permit limited transverse movement of the second clamp in the recess, to accommodate bending or curving of elongated components held by the second clamp. The first clamp may also hold elongated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Newfrey LLC, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suguru Mizukoshi, Tomio Shibuya, Yasuo Tanaka, Shunya Jinnai, Masato Kanbe
  • Patent number: 7168671
    Abstract: A low profile seat suspension includes a bottom frame adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, and a top frame located above the bottom frame for supporting a seat cushion and seat back thereon. A substantially fully collapsible scissors linkage is interconnected between the bottom frame and the top frame enabling the bottom frame and the top frame to move relative to each other substantially in parallel. A biasing arrangement is disposed between the top frame and the bottom frame and has a preload force urging the top frame away from the bottom frame. A first adjustment mechanism is located in the top frame and selectively enables fore and aft adjustment of the top frame relative to the bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bostrom, Wayne R. Block, James R. Brzenk, Matthew C. Horn
  • Patent number: 7168216
    Abstract: A stud panel and method of making a stud panel where interior sheathing may be a temporary piece of transparent plastic or a permanent panel of sheet rock so as to retain insulation in place and minimize scarfing. The stud panel may include studs having through holes extending in a length direction of the stud panel such that insulation in adjacent inner regions separated by such studs interlock with each other and contribute to a structural integrity of the stud panel. The stud panel may include a space between inner studs and one of the exterior and interior sheathing so as to provide a thermal and sound break between the exterior and inner sheathing so as to minimize heat, air and sound transfer between the exterior and interior sheathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Hans T. Hagen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7168672
    Abstract: A support rack includes a support plate, a support stand, a locking member, a pen holder, an indication member, and two auxiliary clips. Thus, the support rack functions as a clipboard, a book rack, an exhibition rack, a price indication rack, a pen holder or the like, thereby enhancing the versatility of the support rack. In addition, the support stand is adjustably mounted on the locking member so as to adjust the inclined angle between the support plate and the support stand, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the inclined angle of the support rack to the optimum extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Luh Da Industry Corp.
    Inventor: Fu-Lu Hsu
  • Patent number: 7165752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device (1), preferably for storing drinks containers (12), particularly for use in motor vehicles, with a receptacle (4) having a supporting surface (11) for the drinks container (12) and at least one holding mechanism arranged on the outer circumference of the receptacle (4) whereby the holding mechanism has at least one movable element (3) essentially pressed by the spring element (2) towards the inside of the receptacle (4) characterized in that the movable element (3) rotates on bearings around an axis (10) on the receptacle (4), the receptacle (4) has a contact surface (9) for the movable element (3), and the movable element (3) has a preferably domed flexible surface (6) that extends at least partially into the receptacle (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Lisa Draxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Leonhard Dobos
  • Patent number: 7159826
    Abstract: A universal hose clamp includes a universal hose locating mechanism, a hose coupling for connecting a hose to the hose clamp, and securing structure for securing the locating mechanism to a support structure. The universal hose clamp may be employed to secure a hose to an existing support structure or to a portable independent frame. The universal hose clamp is designed to be adaptable for use with a range of hose diameters and as such the universal hose clamp can be employed in a wide range of emergency situations. When deployed the universal hose clamp enables rotating the hose coupling in any direction and thereafter the hose coupling can be locked in that position. Therefore, with the aid of the universal hose clamp only one operator is required to control a hose device in an emergency situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kennedys
    Inventor: Terry Bruce
  • Patent number: 7159833
    Abstract: A coupling device couples a first member and a second member to be relatively slidable and horizontally rotatable. The device is provided with the first member having a keyboard unit section and the second member having a display unit section in respectively separate boxes thereof. The coupling device includes a main body portion having a long guide hole to be attached to either of the first member or the second member in the longitudinal direction, and a movable portion to be attached to the other member of the first member and the second member. The main body includes a case body provided with a long guide groove, and a lid portion provided with a long guide hole, and the movable portion includes a head portion to be passed through the long guide hole and a guide leg portion to be fitted into the long guide groove. When the movable portion is rotatably fitted into the main body, a guide recess portion is provided next to the long guide groove for allowing the guide leg portion to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Katoh Electrical Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Kato
  • Patent number: 7159829
    Abstract: A support (10) is disclosed for use with food service equipment. The support has a tubular upper portion (11) and a tubular lower portion (12) telescopically mounted within the upper portion for adjustable vertical movement. The upper portion has a plastic support body (15) surrounded by a stainless steel support sleeve (16). A steel, externally threaded stud (17) is mounted to the support body. The lower portion includes a stainless steel, tubular foot (22) having a plastic glide (23) press fitted into its lower end and metal insert (24) mounted in its top end. The metal insert has internally threaded, central channel (25) extending completely therethrough. The insert is threaded onto the bottom end of the threaded stud for threaded vertical movement along the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kason Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Burl Finkelstein
  • Patent number: 7159831
    Abstract: An adjusting device (3) is suitable especially for use on a stand (1) for a surgical microscope (2). The adjusting device (3) makes it possible to move the surgical microscope (2) in a plane (9) perpendicular to the optical axis (8) of the surgical microscope (2). For this purpose, a transmission is provided in the adjusting device (3) which includes a coupling plate which is operatively connected to two force-transmitting elements. When this transmission is moved, at least one of the force-transmitting elements rolls off on the coupling plate. Alternatively, this transmission can be built up as a four-point linkage chain or contain a rhombic mechanism or lever mechanism. It is also possible to configure the transmission with belt elements or to configure the same as an eccentric arrangement having two offset rotation centers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Hartmut Gärtner, Gerhard Gaida, Franz Krug, Daniel Kolster, Alexander Enns
  • Patent number: 7159828
    Abstract: A display panel supporting device with cushion mechanism comprising a fixed supporting column, a sliding column fitted into the supporting column and arranged to move in sliding manner relative to the fixed supporting column for adjusting the height of the display panel and a cushion mechanism installed between the fixed supporting column and the sliding column and arranged to move synchronously with the sliding column, and the cushion mechanism has the effect of increasing the friction force between the supporting column and the sliding column, and the friction force can remain unchanged even after a long period of use that can improve the function of height adjusting, and prolong the service life of the display panel supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung-Kuo Yau, Chun-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 7156356
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable stand having a left leg, a right leg, and a brace pivotably connected to both left and right legs. The brace has a first part and a second part where the first and second parts are pivotably connected to each other and wherein the stand folds and unfolds upon the brace pivoting relative to the first and second legs and the first part pivoting relative to the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Robert R. Blattner
  • Patent number: 7156358
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a reflective mirror element and a first polymeric pivot joint allowing pivotal adjustment of the field of view of the reflective element. The assembly includes a polymeric support element, a polymeric rearview mirror mount, and a second polymeric pivot joint. The polymeric support element includes one of a first polymeric ball member and a first polymeric socket. The polymeric rearview mirror mount is adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The support element pivots on the second polymeric pivot joint about the rearview mirror mount. At least one of the pivot joints includes joint members generating increased frictional resistance to movement of a ball member in a socket, such joint members preferably comprising a textured surface on the ball member or socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Philip A March, Andrew D Weller, Timothy G Skiver, Mark R Brummel, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7152614
    Abstract: A foldable, deployable framework for a structure has a lower hub having a first central axis, sets of tracks, masts, and rafters connected pivotally to the lower hub, to one another, and to an upper hub in a manner that allows the framework to be folded into one, two or three small packages, and to be deployed into a structural frame supporting floors, walls, and roof for an enclosed structure. In different versions folding and deployment is accomplished in a different way. Structures based on the framework can be made for many and varied purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Peter A. Kalnay
  • Patent number: 7152834
    Abstract: An adjustable attachment device includes a clamping member for securely clamping a tubular member, a sleeve securely mounted to the clamping member, a ball received in the sleeve, a connecting seat having a portion securely coupled to the ball to move therewith, and a resilient member. The sleeve includes a longitudinal through-hole. Further, the sleeve includes a cutout passing through an upper end of the longitudinal through-hole. The resilient member biases the ball to press against a spherical upper wall section of the sleeve, thereby retaining the connecting seat in place. The connecting seat is pressable to compress the resilient member and cause the ball to disengage from the spherical upper wall section of the sleeve, allowing the connecting seat to move along the cutout of the sleeve and allowing the connecting seat to turn to a desired orientation relative to the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Feng Ling Hsu
  • Patent number: 7152833
    Abstract: A T-shaped unit includes a first section that is vertical when the unit is in use and a second section that is horizontal when the unit is in use. The first section includes two telescopingly connected elements and the second section includes two elements that are slidingly connected to the first section to slide in a horizontal plane. A soft furniture-engaging element is also included in the second section and one or more clips are provided to lock the sliding elements in a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Gary W. Pitsenbarger
  • Patent number: 7150442
    Abstract: An ice shelter modular seating system includes a base unit, one or more seat mount units and one or more seat leg units. The base unit is a generally rectangular tub-like member having a front wall and a floor. The floor includes a longitudinally extending and integrally formed track. This track is functionally adapted to receive the lowermost portion of the seat leg units in it, the track being used to restrain the seat leg units from front to back movement relative to the base unit front wall. A seat mount unit is removably attachable to the base unit front wall and is configured to rest upon the seat leg unit. In this fashion, seat mount units can be positioned along the base unit as desired or required in an almost infinite number of positions and combination of positions, with placement of the seat mount units being be made quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Frabill, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan J. Kleckner
  • Patent number: 7146773
    Abstract: A structure for forming a vertically orientated wall comprises a flexible front panel having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and substantially continuous front surface; a flexible rear panel positioned rearwardly and parallel to the front panel; and a plurality of cross members connecting the front and rear panels. The front and rear panels define an upwardly opening cavity therebetween for accepting filler material, such as concrete therein. The rear panel includes at least one longitudinally disposed laterally deformable portion, such as a channel or zig zag pattern, which allows for the associated expanding and contracting of the rear panel during adjusting of the arcuate configuration of the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Kafko Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Laurent Wilson
  • Patent number: RE39439
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges (3, 4) of two panels (1, 2) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges (3, 4) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip (6) which is integrated with one joint edge (3) and which projects behind the other joint edge (4). The strip (6) has an upwardly protruding locking element (8) engaging in a locking groove (14) in the rear side (16) of the other joint edge (4) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels (1, 2) in a second direction (D2) parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connections allow mutual displacement of joined panels (1, 2) in the direction of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Valinge Aluminium AB
    Inventor: Tony Pervan