Detachable Enlarging Or Substitute Surface Patents (Class 108/90)
  • Patent number: 6003451
    Abstract: A fabric table cover assembly that includes a table cover body that has a top portion configured for covering a top of a table and a bottom portion configured for covering at least a portion of a supporting legged portion of a table. The bottom portion of the cover body has a lower periphery configured to be anchored at securable locations, one each of those locations to one of a plurality of legs of the table to be covered. The lower periphery has extension portions between adjacent securable locations that are adapted to form upwardly extending arches between adjacent securable locations. In this way feet accommodating access areas are established between adjacent legs of a covered table. The top portion of the table cover body is light colored so that light colored overlay fabrics positioned upon the top portion are colorwise unaffected in appearance by the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Mitchell T. Kelldorf
  • Patent number: 6003963
    Abstract: A new combination table and desk for combining functions of a desk and a table. The inventive device includes a base portion having a desktop disposed thereon. The desktop has a generally rectangular configuration. The desktop has a pair of storage containers. A table top portion is coupled with an upper surface of the desktop. The table top portion includes a plurality of sections hingedly coupled together at side edges thereof. The plurality of sections fold one over another to expose the desktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Elizabeth J. Grender
  • Patent number: 5992331
    Abstract: A table for use in a motor vehicle having a cargo room includes a top plate for use as a lid for the cargo room and legs pivotally mounted on the reverse side of the top plate. When the table is removed from the cargo room and the legs are projected from the top plate, the table is used as a table per se. The top plate can be closed with respect to the cargo room by a lock. A flexible tubular member is mounted on the reverse side of the top plate and extends away from the lock along the top plate. A string extends through the flexible tubular member and out of an opposite end thereof, and has an intermediate portion engaged by a holder on the reverse side of the top plate. The string has a distal end connected to a hook which is normally inserted and stored between the flexible tubular member and the top plate. The string is also stored on the reverse side of the top plate without being entangled by the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Inoue, Hidetsugu Okazaki, Masami Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 5983808
    Abstract: A folding countertop system is used to conceal an appliance and to provide a countertop which functions as a service area or additional usable counter space. The countertop system includes a top shelf which is disposed above the appliance, a drop panel which extends downwardly from the top shelf to an upper surface of the appliance, and a countertop which extends forwardly from the drop panel and rests on the upper surface of the appliance. The top shelf, drop panel and countertop can be folded and stacked when it is desired to use the appliance. The countertop system may also include a skirt which extends downwardly from a forward edge of the countertop to cover the front of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Louis Weil
  • Patent number: 5908681
    Abstract: A new protective table cover for preventing injuries caused by sharp corners and edges of coffee and end tables. The inventive device includes a cover member dimensioned for covering a top of a table. The cover member has a peripheral channel secured around an outer periphery thereof. The peripheral channel hangs over a peripheral edge of the top of the table. The peripheral channel has a supplemental peripheral flap extending outwardly from a lower edge of the peripheral channel. The supplemental peripheral flap has an elastic band secured therein for securement to an underside of the top of the table. A padded strip is disposed within the peripheral channel and extends an entire distance therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Patricia A. I. Foster
  • Patent number: 5896603
    Abstract: Chair cushions and placemats are formed of a top fabric panel attached to a bottom panel with a high coefficient of friction. The bottom panel is a rubberized web with an open mesh pattern. It is formed of parallel, spaced, undulating thread-like members which extend in one direction. First and second sets of parallel, spaced, straight thread-like members respectively extend along lines oppositely inclined relative to that direction. The straight thread-like members intersect with the undulating thread-like members forming enlarged nodes aligned along spaced parallel lines extending in the perpendicular direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Klear-Vu Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5887530
    Abstract: A cover for an article of furniture such as an umbrella table assembly or a chaise lounge, provides improved drainage. A portion of the cover associated with an umbrella pole is releasably secured to the pole and maintained in elevated position by the pole to provide a tent-like structure, which includes an annular peripheral skirt depending below the table top. Releasable fasteners for securing a cover to an article secure the cover on the article after the cover has been positioned on the article. The cover extends from the elevated portion at a first angle towards the table top. The cover is manufactured to provide surfaces that are inclined at an angle greater than the first angle when the cover is installed, so that the cover better sheds water and other debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: John Muller
  • Patent number: 5860312
    Abstract: A bending brake apparatus having a bending brake, an attached foldable table, a coil holder for holding coiled aluminum or coiled vinyl sheet material positioned at an end of the bending brake before the table and facing down the length of the table, built-in cutting means separately provided on the bending brake and on the coil holder for cutting the aluminum or vinyl sheet material, and detachable brake support leg pairs. The built-in cutting means includes cutting tools mounted on sliding bars slideably captured within rimmed tracks. The cutting tools employ offset roller cutters and include outwardly extending sheet material support rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Carl E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5842423
    Abstract: A shelf for supporting objects relative to a television. The inventive device includes a shelf panel positionable upon a front portion top surface of a television so as to project rearwardly therefrom. A support assembly depends from the shelf panel to engage a rear portion top surface of the television to maintain the shelf panel in a horizontal orientation for the supporting of objects thereon. The coupling between the support assembly and the shelf is swivelable in nature to afford a more versatile engagement with the rear portion top surface of the television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: James A. Stranford
  • Patent number: 5788933
    Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignees: Donald B. Peddicord, Steve M. Peddicord
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 5778802
    Abstract: A table cover includes a top and a side when the table cover is spread upon a table. An elongated panel includes a plurality of hanging loops there-along, and is configured to fasten to the side of the table cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Jana L. Hairston, Ryland Hairston
  • Patent number: 5765487
    Abstract: A portable table is described, having a top, one or more legs, a reversible sheet secured to the edge of the top and extending, alternately, either upward of downward from the top, with pockets on the outwardly facing side of the sheet when the table is set up and the sheet serves as a table cloth or skirt. When the sheet extends upward from the top, the pockets are one the inside and the sheet is gathered into a bag so that the table, contents of the pockets and other accouterments can be carried by a drawstring threaded through the gathered material or by a handle attached to the table. A retainer ring holds the sheet in place, and may be removed so that the sheet can be removed and cleaned, repaired or replaced. The table finds many uses, including as a beach table, baby tending table, picnic table, informal table, and so forth. It may be made of wood, metal, plastic or hard rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Bonnie K. Neff
  • Patent number: 5735222
    Abstract: Vertical suspension legs are clamped to a margin of a desk top. The suspension legs support a tray at a plurality of selectable vertical levels. There is a connection station on each vertical leg corresponding to each of the vertical levels. The tray has engagement devices for engaging the connection stations corresponding to any selected vertical level. Each connection station can be a plurality of detents which mate with a corresponding plurality of tangs projecting from a side of the tray. The plurality of tangs engaging a corresponding plurality of detents prevents rotation of the tray about the connection points. The stations can also be laterally open horizontal open slots defined by the vertical legs which mate with side rails projecting from the tray. Slidingly extending through the vertical legs are vertical shanks, the top ends of which are connected to an elongated crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Sharon L. Webb
  • Patent number: 5733025
    Abstract: A selectable height computer monitor stand is formed by one or a plurality of rectangular rigid spacers underlying a top secured to at least one of the spacers by bolts extending through lateral edges of the top and respective end portions of a clamp plate laterally projecting through one of the spacers. The stand height is increased or decreased by inserting or removing additional spacers under the primary monitor stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Michael D. Jesse, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5730065
    Abstract: A planar writing surface is attached to a vertically arrangable support panel for engagement next to an automobile console. The support panel has a pair of side edges which each have a vertically adjustable support leg thereon. Each support leg may be independently heightwise adjustable to each touch the floor of the auto next to the console, and provide rigidity to the writing surface. The writing surface panel may flip onto the support panel through an arc of 270 degrees, about its common hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: David B. Smith
  • Patent number: 5727477
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the use of rigid and semi-rigid materials to form a decorative covering device for standard folding banquet and convention tables. Through the use of a hinging mechanism on the front, rear and sides, this provides a device which can be folded up into an inside-out, flat configuration that can be easily transported and stored with minimal wear damage to its finished surfaces. The normally vertical front, rear and side sections of this device fold independently of one another into three different positions. Front, rear and side sections are a sandwich composition of plastic laminate and foam; the top section is a hardwood framework covered with a sandwich composition of plastic laminate and plywood. The first position of the sections is the operational position where the front, rear, and two side sections are deployed in a vertical position, hanging down from the top section, which rests upon the folding table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: E-Z Topper, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Kirkendall
  • Patent number: 5697305
    Abstract: A table has a transparent cover with a retaining ring to hold the cover in place. Advertising material may be inserted between the cover and table so as to be protected during use of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: TableMedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Chasan, Keith N. Muller
  • Patent number: 5697302
    Abstract: A relatively thick shelf covering for use with wire-frame shelves. The material is sufficiently thick to prevent objects from falling through or tilting into the spaces between the gratings of a wire-frame shelf. The material is also flexible enough to be sold in rolls. The material is also impervious to water and most common household chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Michael A. Putnam
  • Patent number: 5694866
    Abstract: A cover for an umbrella table assembly receives an umbrella pole therethrough. A portion of the cover associated with the pole is releasably secured to the pole and maintained in elevated position by the pole to provide a tent-like structure which includes an annular peripheral skirt which depends below the table top. Releasable fasteners which secure a cover to an article are attached to the cover after the cover has been positioned on the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: John J. Muller
  • Patent number: 5694862
    Abstract: A shelf unit to be used on top of a corner desk group comprises a pair of hutches and a bridge member positioned between the hutches. The hutches have outer support legs orthogonal to their rear walls and inner support legs parallel to their rear walls. The position of the inner support legs of the hutches and the overhead bridge member or shelf provide a stable configuration with increased working space on the top of the desk group. Thus, a typewriter or personal computer may be placed on the corner or middle section of the desk group with unobstructed access to the left and right sides of the typewriter or computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Orman Grubb Co.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Grubb
  • Patent number: 5643541
    Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Steven M. Peddicord, Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 5642923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable shelf system for a transport container. The removable shelf system includes shelves supported between opposed shelf supports. The shelf supports are supported in an upright position within an inner cavity of the container. The shelves may be removably supported relative to the shelf supports so that the shelves may be removed from the container when not in use or alternatively may be pivotally supported relative to the shelf supports so that the shelf system may be collapsed for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Temp Top Container Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. Meacham, Mark W. Wallace, Carl R. Nyberg, William W. Thompson, James P. Bland
  • Patent number: 5628257
    Abstract: A furniture worksurface unit for desks, tables, computer supports, etc. has a unique modular construction, comprising a top assembly with a skeleton-like top frame and a worksurface skin mounted on the upper side thereof. Leg frames are attached to the opposite ends of the top frame, and support the worksurface unit freestanding on a floor surface. Inner and outer leg covers enclose the leg frames, and underbelly covers are provided to enclose any exposed portions of the lower side of the top frame to facilitate manufacturing the worksurface unit in different widths from common parts, and provide aesthetic flexibility. Removable edges are mounted on the sides of the top frame, and are provided in assorted shapes and sizes to construct various top configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Conner, Paul Haigh, James W. Ross, William C. Small, Bradley D. Youngs
  • Patent number: 5609933
    Abstract: A ceremonial roll of material that can be easily unrolled and used is described. The roll contains a small layer or strip of releasable adhesive located on the floor surface of the roll within a starting end region of the roll. This adhesive is then pressed onto the floor itself before the roll is rolled down the aisle or walkway to be used. The adhesive will hold to the floor during the unrolling but can easily be removed by pulling up at an angle from the floor. The ceremonial roll may be made from a host of materials but a non-woven material made from long, natural and synthetic fibers and wherein the non-woven material is made from materials made from component fibers or other particles from polyesters, polypropylenes, polyamides, nylons, rayons, pulps, hemps, cottons, polyolefins and mixtures of two or more of these materials, is preferred. The ceremonial roll may also contain a plurality of adhesive strips within the starting end region to permit the roll to be placed over a set of stairs or steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Hampshire Paper Corp.
    Inventor: Michael J. Stepanek
  • Patent number: 5600911
    Abstract: A cover for receiving and displaying written indicia relative to a table surface. The structure includes a cover structure for positioning over a table. A writing substrate is received between the cover and the table and can be written on to display customized messages through the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Martin T. Lucci
  • Patent number: 5601348
    Abstract: An assembly comprising one or more stationary wall units, each having a recess into which rigid platform is pivotally mounted. The platform forms a wall portion in its closed position, and a bed or couch in its open position. A second smaller platform or shelf/leg is pivotally mounted with a second recess or well set into the larger platform. The shelf/leg forms a wall portion in its open position, and a shelf or support leg in its open position, depending on the position of the larger platform. The larger platform itself maybe mounted adjacent to and in front of a pivotally mounted bedframe member, thereby allowing a single wall unit to be configured to form either a wall, a wall having an added shelf, a couch or a double bed.The invention further comprises a height adjustable table allowing both a lower height coffee table and a higher height card table. At its lower height the table can also provide support to the bedframe in its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Leonid E. Minkovski
  • Patent number: 5595126
    Abstract: A table consists of a plurality of individually formed units. Each of the units has a table top of different geometric shape such that a user may disassemble the table to individual units and freely fit the units together again in any desired manner, so as to form one or more new tables having differently shaped tops depending on the space requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Hsin-Ho Yeh
  • Patent number: 5584253
    Abstract: A shelf for supporting objects relative to a television. The device includes a shelf panel positionable upon a front portion top surface of a television so as to project rearwardly therefrom. A support assembly depends from the shelf panel to engage a rear portion top surface of the television to maintain the shelf panel in a horizontal orientation for the supporting of objects thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: James A. Stranford
  • Patent number: 5582380
    Abstract: A support device or load-bearing elevator and system including a plurality of such devices or elevators, for use in connection with a space or spaces between adjacently-mounted deck members is described. Each device or elevator may be selectively placed in a space between two adjacent deck members for supporting objects generally above the deck members. Each device includes a space-occupying portion which extends generally into the space and an elevated portion which is joined to the space-occupying portion and extends generally away therefrom. The elevated portion defines a surface upon which objects may be placed for support generally above the deck members. The system, which includes a plurality of such devices, may be utilized in connection with one or more spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Stephen E. Hagen
  • Patent number: 5582115
    Abstract: A cover for an umbrella table assembly receives an umbrella pole therethrough. A portion of the cover associated with the pole is releasably secured to the pole and maintained in elevated position by the pole to provide a tent-like structure which includes an annular peripheral skirt which depends below the table top. Releasable fasteners which secure a cover to an article are attached to the cover after the cover has been positioned on the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: John J. Muller
  • Patent number: 5546873
    Abstract: A furniture worksurface unit for desks, tables, computer supports, etc. has a unique modular construction, comprising a top assembly with a skeleton-like top frame and a worksurface skin mounted on the upper side thereof. Leg frames are attached to the opposite ends of the top frame, and support the worksurface unit freestanding on a floor surface. Inner and outer leg covers enclose the leg frames, and underbelly covers are provided to enclose any exposed portions of the lower side of the top frame to facilitate manufacturing the worksurface unit in different widths from common parts, and provide aesthetic flexibility. Removable edges are mounted on the sides of the top frame, and are provided in assorted shapes and sizes to construct various top configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Conner, James W. Ross, Bradley D. Youngs, Paul Haigh, William C. Small
  • Patent number: 5538147
    Abstract: A wire shelf and cover assembly is disclosed. The wire shelf has at least two parallel, spaced apart support bars and a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, coplanar cross bars fastened at right angles to the support bars. The cover has a generally planar, rectangular sheet of material adapted to rest upon the cross bars of the wire shelf. A securing mechanism is fastened to the sheet of material and adapted to engage at least a portion of the wire shelf to retain the sheet of material in a fixed position relative to the wire shelf. Preferably the securing mechanism includes at least one tab which is coplanar with the sheet of material and bendable to extend downwardly from at least one of the front edge and the back edge, to fit between an adjacent pair of the cross bars of the shelf, and to lockingly engage the adjacent cross bars. A method of covering the wire shelf, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Judith G. Fucci
  • Patent number: 5513896
    Abstract: This is a cover piece for a seat member of a bleacher seat unit. One embodiment is a single resilient polymeric piece adapted to be flexed and placed over a seat member which is provided with a front extension portion to effectively extend the front surface of the seat member. Another embodiment is a cover piece made up of two or more pieces including a top cover portion and at least one second cover piece sufficiently resilient to hold the top cover portion against the seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company Limited Partnership
    Inventors: A. Anthony Groh, Dennis W. Norman
  • Patent number: 5506019
    Abstract: A table cover for covering a top surface and open side areas of a table. The inventive device includes a top cover web having opposed top cover longitudinal edges thereof placable over the top surface of an associated table structure. A first side drape web is coupled to a first edge of the top cover so as to hang downwardly therefrom to cover a first open side area of the table. A second side drape web is similarly coupled to a second edge of the top cover to hang downwardly therefrom to cover a second open side area of the table. The table cover is formed by a process resulting in an inherent placement of the table cover in a folded condition for rolling into a supply roll, whereby a suitable length of the table cover can be dispensed from the roll and cut to fit a particular length of the associated table. The table cover is preferably formed of contrastingly colored webs and may additionally include a valance extending along a juncture of the first side web and the top cover web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Joseph T. Abeyta, Anna A. Abeyta
  • Patent number: 5481987
    Abstract: Desk-mounted computer workstation modules are disclosed consisting of 1) a computer monitor support structure that affixes to an existing desk or other floor-supported platform, and 2) an extended work surface that partially surrounds the support structure at the rear and the user at the front of the surface. The support structure module extends beyond the back of the platform to which it is affixed, while providing variable tilt and functional stability for the work surface module through height-adjusting linkage. The work surface provides maximum unbroken work area for users while also providing continuous arm support that reduces user fatigue and injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Anthony J. Maitland
  • Patent number: 5462103
    Abstract: Disposable covers for tray jacks and waste containers. These covers have an aesthetically pleasing segment which conceals the tray jack or container and a second, integral segment. In tray jack applications of the invention, the integral segment provides a receptacle for trash and other wastes. And, in container applications of the invention, the second, integral segment provides an inner liner for the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Gerald I. Effa
  • Patent number: 5449539
    Abstract: A ceremonial roll of material that can be easily unrolled and used is described. The roll contains a small layer or strip of releasable adhesive located on the floor surface of the roll within a starting end region of the roll. This adhesive is then pressed onto the floor itself before the roll is rolled down the aisle or walkway to be used. The adhesive will hold to the floor during the unrolling but can easily be removed by pulling up at an angle from the floor. The ceremonial roll may be made from a host of materials but a non-woven material made from long, natural and synthetic fibers is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Hampshire Paper Corp.
    Inventor: Michael J. Stepanek
  • Patent number: 5443311
    Abstract: A sliding work platform for a drawer includes a flat panel with depending side and rear flanges and a depending tray along the front edge thereof. The drawer side walls are respectively coupled to slide assemblies, each including a runner defining an upwardly opening channel. The platform panel spans the drawer side walls and the side flanges extend down respectively into the channels of the drawer slide runners. The length of the tray is less than the distance between the drawer side walls so that it nests within the drawer. The platform slides forwardly and rearwardly of the drawer between a forward position completely covering the drawer and a rearward position permitting access to the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Alois Kadlecek, Kenneth J. Laver, Jack A. Parise
  • Patent number: 5411717
    Abstract: A salt platform (10, 50, 80) is disclosed which can be used in an ion exchange water softener to support the salt used in the water softening process. The salt platform will be typically placed in a tank containing a salt brine which wets the grid (34) and the area above the grid containing the dry salt which is drawn into the brine as the salt is depleted during the process. The platform includes a plurality of vertically oriented members (12-24) which are preferably formed of PVC plastic pipe. Bracing members (26, 28) are secured between adjacent vertically oriented cylinders to provide a stable platform. A grid (34) is supported atop the vertically oriented cylinders and the salt, in turn, is supported on the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventors: Steven M. Peddicord, Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 5379703
    Abstract: A folded cover which may readily be transported and placed over the tray of a Mayo stand with little likelihood of becoming prematurely unfolded and being contaminated by contact with a non-sterile surface. The Mayo stand cover includes an elongated flat bag of sterilizable sheet material having an open bottom end and a closed top end, and sized to fit over the tray and a portion of the vertical support of the Mayo stand when unfolded. A cuff is formed over a portion of the bag at the open end. Sterile, gloved hands may be placed into the cuff for transporting the cover and slipping the cover over the Mayo stand. The remaining portion of the bag is folded so as to define a folded material portion adjacent to and outside the cuff. An element is provided for retaining the folded material portion in position prior to use of the bag as a cover and for releasing the folded material portion during use of the bag as a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Scherer Healthcare Ltd.
    Inventor: Lyman R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 5368360
    Abstract: A bleacher seat cover and a bleacher seat containing same are disclosed. The bleacher seat cover is of a resilient polymeric material such as an extruded thermoplastic material. The profile of the bleacher seat cover is formed such that the profile of the cover can be distorted from its original shape to a tensed shape, to allow it to be slid over a bleacher seat. Once released from the tensed shape, the resilience of the cover allows it to exert a spring static force against the side(s) and bottom of the bleacher seat to hold the cover in place. In a preferred embodiment, the cover member has a profile that defines a figure wherein the top portion is represented by a straight line; each side portion is represented by a straight line extending at least ninety degrees therefrom; and each bottom portion is represented by a straight line extending at less than ninety degrees from the side from which it extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Crane Plastics Company
    Inventor: A. Anthony Groh
  • Patent number: 5360264
    Abstract: A versatile child's play table includes a removable and reversible table top with a smooth playing surface on one side and a modular building block interconnection system on the other side. The reversible table top can be removed to reveal a recessed playing surface with a surrounding ledge. Attached beneath the recessed playing surface are one or more toy storage drawers, and beneath the drawer(s) is a storage area with supports for storing the reversible table top. In an alternative embodiment, the reversible table top is formed from two halves, each of which are independently removable and reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Michael N. Crane
  • Patent number: 5359943
    Abstract: In order to avoid a damaging of the guiding table and of the bottom apron guided around it when a lap formation occurs on the bottom delivery roller of a drafting unit, it is known to arrange the table top of the guiding table so that it can be swivelled away. In this known construction, a leaf spring is provided which holds the table top in its swivel position. In order to ensure a secure and precise guiding during the swivel movement of the table top, the new apron table is constructed with a projection which is provided on both sides with opposite surfaces which are positively guided during a swivel movement of the table top in a receiving device developed as a connecting link guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Spindelfabrik Suessen, Schurr, Stahlecker & Grill GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Stahlecker, Norbert Barauke
  • Patent number: 5358155
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a pleated effect to a tablecloth. A hoop having a plurality of undulating portions is positioned below the table top and above the floor such that the tablecloth is supported by the hoop with folds of the tablecloth falling between the undulating portions. In order to provide an effect of fullness, the hoop diameter is selected to be greater than the table top diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Ethel P. Ciesla
  • Patent number: 5339748
    Abstract: A table cover for use in covering a table top, the table cover comprising a panel having a sleeve provided along its peripheral edge, the sleeve having an exposed section and a first opening and a second opening about the exposed section. A drawstring is held within the sleeve and has a first end extending from the first opening and a second end extending from the second opening. A tongue is coupled to the panel about the exposed section of the sleeve between the first opening and the second opening, with the tongue having a loop provided therethrough. The first end of the drawstring passes through the loop in a first direction and the second end of the drawstring passes through the loop in a second direction opposite the first direction to secure a taut fit of the table cover to the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Dayva International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred J. Bilotti
  • Patent number: 5329710
    Abstract: A foldable table top for converting an ironing board to a utility table comprises equivalent rectangular sections coupled together by a flexible hinge. Two handles on opposite ends of the table top latch together to hold the table top in a folded position for storage and transportation. The handles double as attachment brackets that pivot beneath the ironing board deck, snugly receiving each end of the deck within a recess to sandwich the ends between the handles and the bottom of the table top. If the ironing board has adjustable legs, the resulting utility table may be lowered or raised to the extent of the adjustment of the ironing board legs for the convenience of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Leona B. Huddleston
  • Patent number: 5284099
    Abstract: A table mat of rectangular construction is provided with at least one pair of parallel lines of perforations, scores or crease to permit end areas of the mat to be folded downwardly to drape over the ends of a table. The mat is of relatively heavy paper while being grease resistant and stain resistant. Two mats may be used to cover a table and to provide drapes to four sides of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Paul J. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5265893
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a substantially planar, rigid structure intended to provide a removable, horizontal division of the interior of a four wheeled wire frame grocery cart. A flat, rigid structure, dimensioned for the particular manufacture of cart, possesses a member for obtaining support from at least one of the several pairs of opposed longitudinal bars found in the standard wire frame cart construction. The member enables positioning of the shelf by abutment of one side of said shelf against one interior side of the cart while holding the opposed side of the shelf from a position above the level of abutment and then simply releasing. The standard construction of a four wheeled wire frame cart employs a constant interior dimension between side walls along with several substantially linear, horizontal pairs of opposed frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Jerome L. Ettlin
  • Patent number: 5251556
    Abstract: An auxiliary bed extension U-shape plate destined to be edgewisely mounted to the cylinder bed of a sewing machine for increasing the planar work supporting surface thereof. The bed extension comprises a main, rigid, panel defining an inner recess for shapingly conforming to the cylinder bed, the inner recess of generally quadrangular shape. The web of the U-shape extension plate is telescopingly extensible and the two side legs thereof are extensible with add-on strips, wherein the extensible bed is adjustable in length as well as in width. The panel is supported edgewisely to the cylinder bed in generally coplanar fashion to the work supporting surface of the latter, whereby an enlarged, planar, generally coextensive, work supporting surface is obtained by the cylinder bed and extension bed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventors: Lucien Ravenelle, Richard Lacasse
  • Patent number: 5228581
    Abstract: A device for forming a solid support surface adjacent an open wire shelf having a front support member, a rear support member and a plurality of intermediate wire members which have longitudinal openings therebetween wherein the solid support surface is flexibly resilient to be snapped in place between a slot defined in the ticket molding secured along the front support member of the open wire shelf and the rear support member thereof. The cover plate of the solid shelf device preferably is of a plastic or spring steel material to facilitate placement thereof between a slot defined by the ticket molding and the rear support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Hill Refrigeration Division, Falcon Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Palladino, Robert M. Foy, Glenn Morris