Patents Examined by Carl D. Friedman
  • Patent number: 7290744
    Abstract: A breakaway basketball goal system is provided for absorbing shocks during playing conditions. In embodiments of the invention, the basketball goal system includes a base, a neck movably coupled to the base, a backboard attached to a distal end of the neck, and a shock-absorbing mechanism that permits a neck, backboard and rim to move downward to absorb severe shocks, and that may automatically return them to their playing position. The shock-absorbing mechanism can include a housing disposed on a rearward side of a mounting post, a shock absorber, a guide attached to a movable end of the shock absorber, and a cable connecting the guide to the neck. In embodiments of the invention, the backboard extends a horizontal distance from the base to provide a safe playing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Alan D. Baldasari
  • Patent number: 7290740
    Abstract: A universal mounting assembly for quick mounting of an object to a stand device. The mounting assembly includes a body having a support surface, a front face and an opposed mounting surface configured to mount to the support stand. The front face intersects the support surface and defines an opening into a receiving socket of the body. The body further defines an elongated slot extending along and into the receiving socket from the support surface. The elongated slot having a transverse width dimension smaller than that of the receiving socket, although it is suitable to receive a transverse width dimension of the button device neck portion. The receiving socket is formed and dimensioned for sliding receipt of the transverse width dimension of the head portion therein as the neck portion simultaneously slides along the elongated slot to a dock position. The mounting assembly further includes a resilient retaining arm cantilever disposed in the receiving socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Gregory T. Joy, Jon M. Congdon
  • Patent number: 7290378
    Abstract: Compacting, fully enclosed, floored combination multi-antechamber and ramp system for emergency and civil defense use providing, when expanded, means of ingress and egress for the general population including the infected, wounded and handicapped to and from buildings or other folding structures via portals to which its adapter may be securely attached or retrofit while passing through a series of two or more antechambers so as to prevent spreading contamination and allow for various decontamination protocols to be conducted in separate chambers. Compacting is achieved by modularity in some embodiments, and folding in other embodiments, in both framed and panel versions, providing important advantages for transport, pre-positioning, storage, and warehousing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Peter Andres Kalnay
  • Patent number: 7290746
    Abstract: The multi-purpose beverage container holder supported tray assembly: includes a beverage container holder component and a tray component hingedly coupled to the beverage container holder component and provides one or more utilitarian support surfaces that may be used for various functions such as food and beverage placement, writing, and other activities where a stable, conveniently positioned surface is desired; and is adapted for use in theaters, stadiums, indoor and outdoor sports arenas, convention halls, home entertainment centers, and the like. The multi-purpose tray assembly is portable and removably supported in the seat arm beverage container holders (cup holders) normally found on the seating in the locations listed above. The position of the tray component of the tray assembly can be easily adjusted to suit the user and position the utilitarian support surface of the tray component in a location most convenient for the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Nicky B. Macias, Raul A. Landa
  • Patent number: 7287733
    Abstract: A threaded coupling member for supporting a suspended ceiling grid system from an overhead support structure. A threaded connector nut is designed to be placed or dropped into an upper channel of the suspended ceiling grid system whereby, because of the configuration of the connector nut, a threaded opening formed through the connector nut will be positioned for engagement by a threaded end of the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sullivan, Bazinet, Bongio, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent J. Bongio, Thomas E. Cavallo
  • Patent number: 7287735
    Abstract: A mounting bracket having a living hinge operable to enable mounting straps of the mounting bracket to move between retracted and extended positions. In the extended position, the mounting straps are configured to extend around and retain a fire extinguisher. In the retracted position, the mounting straps are removed from the fire extinguisher. The living hinge may include a continuous piece of material that extends between the mounting straps and a base member of the mounting bracket to which the mounting straps are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis G. Heerdt, Y. Christen Sperry
  • Patent number: 7287734
    Abstract: A combination spring tension rod and mounting bracket assembly easily mounts within a window opening. A pair of mounting bracket devices are mounted to opposite ends of the spring tension rod. The spring tension rod is compressed and positioned such that bearing surface portions of the bracket devices extend into the window opening. The spring tension rod is then released and forces the bearing surfaces to bear against opposed and facing surfaces of the window opening when installed. The spring force of the spring tension rod retains the rod and brackets in the installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Bell
  • Patent number: 7287732
    Abstract: An improved leveling device having a unique elongated adjusting leg and locking hub which permits the secure leveling of an appliance without the use of extraneous tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas W. Balistreri
  • Patent number: 7287738
    Abstract: An article for mounting from or against the ceiling is removably coupled to a base fixedly secured to the ceiling, by a person standing on the floor, supporting the article on an elongated rod, and thrusting the article against the base to couple the article and the secured base. The article is removed by inserting the rod into the article, exerting a force on the rod to uncouple the article from the base, and supporting the article on the rod as the article is lowered. The article is thus positioned on or hung from the ceiling, without being manually contacted by the person. The article may be used to mount other devices, such as a sign, smoke detector, etc. or may include such device as a part of the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Accessmount LLC
    Inventor: Nelson Douglas Pitlor
  • Patent number: 7284738
    Abstract: An adjustable lumber stand system may include a pair of adjustable leg assemblies. Each leg assembly may comprise a first external tubular section into which a second internal section may longitudinally slidably adjust. A pair of base anchors configured to anchor the pair of adjustable leg assemblies may be coupled to lower ends of the first external tubular sections. A pair of adjustable support bracket assemblies may comprise a brace and a support arm configured to support lumber. The first end portions of the support arms and the braces may be coupled to one another and second end portions of the support arms and the braces may be coupled to different locations on the first external tubular sections. A pair of top anchors configured to anchor the pair of adjustable leg assemblies to a structure may be coupled to upper ends of the second internal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Richard E. Staneart
  • Patent number: 7284737
    Abstract: A drink holder system is described, wherein the drink holder system includes a base assembly operable to receive a drink container and a clamp assembly operably associated with the base assembly. The base assembly includes a C-shaped base member having an open end, a C-shaped retainer member having an open end, a plurality of leg members interconnecting the base member and the retainer member, and a plurality of selectively biasable prong members extending from a surface of the retainer member. The clamp assembly includes a bracket member operably associated with the retainer member, a first clamping member slidably received in the bracket member, and a second clamping member operably associated with the bracket member, wherein the second clamping member is operable to bias away from the first clamping member to permit the clamp assembly to selectively clamp onto a surface, such as an edge portion of a table or chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffery L. Kane
  • Patent number: 7284352
    Abstract: A door skin comprises an exterior side and an interior side for being secured to a frame member. First and second molded, spaced stiles lie on a first plane. A flat planar portion is disposed between the stiles and lies on a second plane spaced from the first plane. A first interface portion is disposed between and contiguous with the stiles and the flat planar portion. First and second integrally molded, spaced rails lie on a third plane, wherein the third plane is intermediate the first and second planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Steven K. Lynch, Bei Hong Liang, Mark A. Ruggie, Jason M. Walsh, Henry M. Coghlan, Geoffrey B. Hardwick
  • Patent number: 7284357
    Abstract: A barrier to fluid passage is embedded within, instead of atop, porous material to retain the durability of the surface of the porous material. In one embodiment, a thin set mortar is applied to a concrete slab. A pleated metal foil is pressed into the wet mortar and a bond is established. The mortar is allowed to set and a top, or finish, section of concrete is then poured over the foil and finished conventionally. Provisions are made for sealing expansion joints in concrete slab floors and at the juncture of floor and wall. The foil may be provided in multiple layers to provide a mechanical bond via mortar oozing through perforations or along pleats in each of the top and bottoms layers, while providing a solid layer through which a fluid will not pass, at least in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Michael K. McInerney, Sean W. Morefield, Vincent F. Hock, Philip G. Malone, Charles A. Weiss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7284739
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stand for albums, scrapbooks and the like which is simple and compact causing no trouble to a user. Means for fixing an attaching portion of a stand capable to bend through a fold line to a back cover of an album, a scrapbook or the like and connecting the back cover and the support leg with a strip to adjust a bending angle of the support leg are adapted. Means for providing one end of a strip between a core material and a cloth material at a bottom line of a support leg and providing another end of the strip between a core material and an end paper at a bottom border of a back cover are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nakabayashi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Yasuki
  • Patent number: 7284736
    Abstract: A one-piece bracket for mounting the headrail of a covering for an architectural opening comprises a generally L-shaped piece having a system for retaining the headrail on the bracket and restricting movement of the headrail on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Johannes Robertus Maria Franssen
  • Patent number: 7281697
    Abstract: Supporting device (10) for a lighting appliance comprising a frame (11) in turn comprising a tubular portion (12) which can be at least partially inserted in a housing or opening (17) of a false ceiling or wall (18). According to the invention, the device (10) comprises supporting means (20) comprising at least two levers (30) associated with the frame (11) and capable of passing, by rotation, by means of two corresponding unidirectional couplings (34, 52) from a disengagement operating position, in which they do not protrude from said tubular portion (12), to an engagement operating position in which they protrude from said frame (11) becoming coupled with said wall (18) to support the device (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Reggiani S.p.A. Illuminazione
    Inventor: Fabio Reggiani
  • Patent number: 7281695
    Abstract: A pivotable suspension element includes a support member having a part-spherical bearing surface clamp element and a body portion, the body portion having an integral formation of a slot to receive a part of a component to which the pivotable suspension element may be secured; a locator formation for the clamp element whereby, in use, the clamp element may be operated to clamp a flange in the slot; a part-spherical seat, and a through-passage extending through the body from the part-spherical seat, wherein the curvature of the part-spherical seat of the body portion corresponds substantially with that of the bearing surface of the support member and wherein the cross-sectional size of the through-passage increases in a direction away from the part-spherical seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Access Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Matthew Edward Jordan
  • Patent number: 7281689
    Abstract: A pipe support assembly for supporting a section of pipe from an overhead structure includes at least one support portion and a hanging element or strap for hanging the support portion or portions from the overhead structure. At least one of the support portions defines a pipe support surface for supporting the section of pipe. The support portions may be engagable together to retain the hanging element therebetween. The hanging element may be retained along and between grooves extending at least partially along at least one portion of the support portions. At least one end or portion of the hanging element is securable to the overhead structure to hang the support portion or portions and the section of pipe from the overhead structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Michael R Johnston
  • Patent number: 7281694
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a mounting bracket for mounting a horizontal support member between vertical support columns of an equipment rack. The mounting bracket comprises a base member and a latch. The base member comprises integrated side and end plates, with the side plate being securable to the horizontal support member and the end plate constructed to vertically support the mounting bracket thereon. The latch detachably adjoins the mounting bracket to the vertical support column, and is constructed to be hand-operated to detach the mounting bracket from the vertical support column in response to a tool-less manual manipulation of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Allen, Thomas G. Bumby, Jr., Alan B. Doerr
  • Patent number: 7281692
    Abstract: A steam stripper (14) is provided with a support comprising a pole (16) comprised of connected sections (17, 18) and (19). The upper sections 17 and (18) are connected by a resilient spring apparatus (23), and the support is connected to a handle (20) of the stripper by a T-shaped rest (22), having a strap (21) for securing the handle to the rest. In one embodiment the support comprises an attachment (42) for a paint roller extension pole (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: James Thomas Anthony Worthington