Patents Examined by Khoa Tran
  • Patent number: 6959822
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 6929133
    Abstract: A retail display system and related methods. A plastic strut is unitarily-formed with and depends from a header. The strut has a vertical array of engagement features. A plurality of product-holding elements are each engaged to an associated feature of the engagement features to secure the elements to the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Mechtronics Corporation
    Inventors: Edward R. Knapp, III, Arthur R. Martin, Christopher S. Anderson, Richard J. Fellinger
  • Patent number: 6915911
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Andrew J. Parker, David Caplan
  • Patent number: 6907998
    Abstract: A dish rack for accommodating dishes, particularly in a household dishwasher, includes a dish rack base having a rake-like retaining configuration with prongs. At least part of the rake-like retaining configuration is pivotable between different pivot positions. Some of the prongs have angled ends directed toward or adjacent the dish-rack base, the angled ends forming a set-down surface for dishes, in particular, hollow dishes such as glasses, vases, cups, and bowls, when the retaining configuration is pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Deiss
  • Patent number: 6907999
    Abstract: A storage rack for small articles including an elongated carrier having a bottom wall, side and end walls and an open top. An elongated support bar holder, having a base and upstanding end walls, is dimensioned to be fitted in and be received in the elongated carrier. An elongated support bar extends between the end walls of the support bar holder and is spaced from the base of the support bar holder. The elongated support bar has a transverse cross-section which is non-circular in shape. A number of retainer loops are mounted side by side on the elongated support bar. Each retainer loop is formed of a strip of a tough, resilient, abrasion-resistant resin and has a bight portion and two legs. A passage is formed in each leg near its distal end for mounting the retainer loops on the elongated support bar. Each passage has a shape similar to but slightly larger than the non-circular transverse cross-section of the elongated support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Transilwrap Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Carlin
  • Patent number: 6905035
    Abstract: An apparatus can be used for organizing clothing accessories such as jewelry, neckties, scarves, and other items. The apparatus can hang from a closet rod and has a slidable track so that the items hanging from hooks attached to the slidable track can be easily accessed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Edward C. McKinney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6902070
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Tristan M. Christianson, Andrew J. Parker
  • Patent number: 6899232
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6899233
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6899234
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6889853
    Abstract: An earthquake-resistant rack for electrical equipment including a base having access apertures for receiving wires and cable therethrough and mounting apertures for securing the base to a floor upon which the rack is mounted. The rack also includes a pair of vertically extending upright members have lower ends secured to opposite sides of the base, and each upright member has a web, opposing first and second flanges projecting from the web, and openings for mounting electrical equipment thereon, and a cross member extends between upper ends of the upright members. Moreover, the base includes a bottom plate, side channels extending at an angle between the bottom plate and the webs of the upright members, and a central channel extending horizontally between the side channels. The channels provide additional strength and stiffness to the rack, without adding substantial weight to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Sanmina Enclosure Systems Division
    Inventors: Andrew Hudz, Irena Borojevic, Anthony C. Sharp
  • Patent number: 6871451
    Abstract: A locking system is disclosed for a moveable member supported by a support frame, the support frame having an engagement surface, the locking system comprising a lock member and an input device adapted to be mounted on the moveable member, the input device being operably connected to the lock member. The input device is rotatable to move the lock member from a first position to a second position, the second position defining a locked position wherein the lock member is adapted to be in contact with the engagement surface. The locking system also includes a link arm and a spring that permits additional rotation of the input shaft after the lock member reaches the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: James R. Harger, Todd K. Ellerton, Christopher G. Walls
  • Patent number: 6863185
    Abstract: A display apparatus for baseball bats provides a receiver having a plurality of bat support apertures arranged in descending positions from a rear surface of the receiver to a front surface of the receiver. The apertures are accessed from side surfaces of the receiver for inserting and removing baseball bats into the apertures for storage therein. A U-shaped locking bar is hinged distally at the side surfaces of the receiver for vertical rotation between a raised position allowing access to the baseball bats stored in the receiver, and a lowered position preventing access to the bats. The locking bar is therefore positionable along both of the sides of the receiver for blocking the apertures. A lock may be placed for preventing the locking bar from being raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventors: Bill Mele, Gina S. Mele
  • Patent number: 6863186
    Abstract: A high capacity motorized rack holds a plurality of jewel case enclosed CDs in holders flexibly inter-connectable with each other to form a rotatable continuous loop. The loop is rotatably retained within a vertical rack housing and is driven by a motor, disposed within the housing, under user control such that the loop is rotated until a desired CD is moved to the top region of the belt. A rack may hold two or more such loops of inter-connected holders. In one embodiment a holder retains a single jewel case, and comprises two independent loops that are rotated with a single motor. A preferred embodiment employs inter-connectable holders that each retain two jewel cases in a side-by-side configuration. A lamp and/or barcode scanner may be disposed on the housing for ease of CD selection. The housing base preferably is detached during shipping to permit transporting the rack in a smaller volume container. User control can include voice commands to direct loop rotation and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: David Caplan, Charles E. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6857526
    Abstract: A toothbrush holder comprising a polymer resin base and at least one pair of tapered receiving leads. The receiving leads are angled slightly upward in relation to the base, the toothbrush holder having an adhesive attachment strip on a backside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Eric John Vollmer
  • Patent number: 6854608
    Abstract: A turntable for storing one or more items, including a base having a first diameter and a top rotatably coupled to the base and having a second diameter and a surface for storing the one or more items. The first dimension is larger than the second dimension to provide an offset so that objects stored adjacent the base do not interfere with rotation of the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Carolyn M. McNeeley, John F. Travers, Cherry Bochmann, Erin Riddell
  • Patent number: 6854607
    Abstract: A tool support device includes a longitudinal beam having a longitudinal rod, a longitudinal rib extended from the longitudinal rod, a coupler having a barrel slidably and rotatably engaged onto the longitudinal rod and rotatable relative to the longitudinal rod to selected angular position. The barrel includes a depression and a number of cavities communicating with the bore, to slidably receive the longitudinal rib, and to limit the barrel to rotate relative to the longitudinal rod, and to retain the longitudinal rib in either of the cavities of the barrel, and to position the barrel relative to the longitudinal rod at selected angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Hui Lin Tong
  • Patent number: 6843380
    Abstract: A modular storage support device supports items suspended above a floor. The device rests upon the floor and comprises a vertical member extending upwardly which has an upper end and a lower end. A base member has a base vertical portion which receives the lower end of the vertical member and a U-shaped portion which is oriented perpendicular to the vertical member. The U-shaped portion has two leg portions extending laterally with respect to the sides thereof. Two L-shaped support legs are received in one of the leg portions and extend forward therefrom. A foot portion extends downwardly from each of the L-shaped support legs to rest upon a floor. An L-shaped wall brace is received within the upper end of the vertical member and extends upwardly and then rearwardly from vertical member to engage a vertical wall. One or more supports are sildably secured to the vertical member and the upwardly extending section of the L-shaped wall brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Glenn A. Fickett
  • Patent number: 6837383
    Abstract: A vehicle lift rack is provided as a mounted tool organizer for use with a conventional vehicle lift rack of a type having rack arms. A pair of support hooks, for grasping the rack arm in a manner that allows a containment volume to be supported through gravity impingement, without the necessity for permanent fasteners. The main containment volume is formed in a boxlike fashion and includes a hinged, lockable lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne McElhaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6832449
    Abstract: A door suspension system includes a rail support attachable to a crosspiece of a door and having a part shaped as a rigid substantially flat plate that supports a rail. A pair of brackets, each having a connector, are attached to support block having an opening in which the rail is partially received. The connectors have a substantially C-profile embracing the flat plate and the rail. A support strip is attached to the connectors and is provided with a connection device for suspending the door of an elevator. A magnetic way is attached to the plate and an elongated primary of a linear motor is attached to the strip in such a manner that the attraction force between the magnetic way and the primary cancels at least partially the weight of the door. The door suspension system further includes a bearing of substantially cylindrical shape with an axial recess. The bearing is mounted in the opening of the support block to guide the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Rennetaud, Tian Zhou