Knockdown Or Foldable Patents (Class 211/118)
  • Patent number: 6640985
    Abstract: A hanging rack for toys includes two rods, and two clipping members. The rods are pivoted to a middle element at inner ends, and connected to a respective one of the clipping members at outer ends. Toys are hung on the rods, and the clipping members detachably clip onto a frame of a baby stroller or game bed for babies in the stroller or game bed to play with the toys. Having the clipping members, the hanging rack can be detached from the frame for replacement of toys to become easy or when the hanging rack is not used. The hanging rack can be folded for storage due to the pivotal connection of the rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Pao-Hsien Cheng
  • Patent number: 6637609
    Abstract: A portable storage apparatus that suspends from a stationary object and neatly collapses into a compact form for easy storage and transport, consisting of fabric backing with a tapered top end housing four rigid shelves evenly spaced in front with four support rods attached to shelves providing rigid support and secure attachment to the fabric backing along with locking mechanisms under each shelf to maintain a horizontal angle and enhance shelf stability. A continuous cord passes through holes on one side of rigid shelves, through a back support bar, through grommets, forming a loop with hook, and back down the other side. The suspension allows for adjustable hanging height along with additional stability and support. Once unfolded in a hanging position, two support rods slide into vertical support rod access channels sewn into fabric backing along either side in the back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Patent number: 6637603
    Abstract: A shoe rack for mounting to an upright surface, or for hanging over a door, includes a pair of plastic, vertical side frame members and a plurality of shoe-retaining bars positioned between the side frame members upon which shoes, boxes and the like may be supported. A number of different embodiments are shown. Among the embodiments are structures having support arms that extend both inwardly and outwardly beyond the side frame members and structures having arcuate side frame members to prevent lateral displacement off of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Lynk, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, Chris Serslev, John W. Scott
  • Publication number: 20030196974
    Abstract: A retail display system for increasing density of merchandising of products, by using the otherwise unused space of existing display configurations. A hanger display configuration, which may hold vertical strip displays, is installed in such a manner as to adapt to a diverse range of product packaging and shelving fixture types, efficiently provide signage, pricing and scanning information, and to reduce theft. The hanger display configuration can be manufactured for a specific product and specific quantity of such product. Faceplates have clamps on the back for clamping the faceplates to seldom-used non-shelve portions of the rack display and other store fixtures, such as bars, stanchions, corners, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Cuzzocrea
  • Publication number: 20030178384
    Abstract: A shelf edge display fitting (10) comprises a first support member (12) adapted to be releasably attached to a shelf (34), a second support member (14) extending from the first support member (12) so that when the shelf edge display fitting is attached to the shelf (34) the second support member (14) extends outwardly from the shelf in a plane substantially parallel to or co-planar with the plane of the shelf, said second support member (14) carries means (28) to support products (not shown) to be displayed, the first support member (12) is provided with means (48) to compensate for variations in level between the shelf (34) and the shelf edge (36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Neil Hugh Forsyth Speed
  • Publication number: 20030164347
    Abstract: Pairs of elongated rigid rollers are spaced apart and supported by flexible webbing hung from rafters or a ceiling or interior roof of a vehicle. The rollers have a rubberized coating to secure surfboards, kayaks, ladders, or other long objects while loading, unloading, and storing the objects. A more or less vertical pair of webbing supports hang by rings on hooks from rafters or a ceiling. Other strips of webbing are attached horizontally and in a criss-crossed pattern between spaced apart pairs of vertical webbing supports. The webbing may be adjustable in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Bouvier
  • Publication number: 20030164345
    Abstract: A kitchen lid storage sack fabricated from series of fabric panels folded back upon itself in a U-shape forming a plurality of open mouth pockets, a rigid tube positioned in a pocket across the top of the sack comprising a sliding support for the sack positioned between a kitchen wall and the adjacent refrigerator wall. The sack is being supported by a stationary bar attached to the wall restricting the space between the wall and the refrigerator thereby permitting the sack to be freely moved horizontally in and out from between the wall for removal and insertion of pot lids in the plurality of pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald Westerman Jones
  • Publication number: 20030150828
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing art gear on a media support structure having a working surface, such as an easel, in a position adjacent the working surface to maintain the art gear in close proximity to the work in progress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: James E. Bennett, Jonathan Sonneborn
  • Publication number: 20030150827
    Abstract: A foldable merchandising strip comprises an elongated flexible strip segmented into sections by a plurality of horizontal fold lines. A hanging assembly comprising an upwardly directed retaining tab and a downwardly directed retaining tab is provided in alternate fold sections. Packages including a slot or aperture are hung on the upwardly directed retaining tab, and the downwardly directed retain tab is folded over the bottom edge of the aperture, the retaining tabs restrict movement of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Kristi M. Blumreich, Chad R. Sedo
  • Publication number: 20030111434
    Abstract: An organizer for use with a closet rod extending along an axis includes a row of side-by-side compartments at least partially formed from a flexible material. Each side-by-side compartment has a floor, a pair of side walls extending from the floor and a mouth between the side walls. The organizer further includes a suspender coupled to the row of side-by-side compartments. The suspender is configured and adapted to hang the plurality of compartments from the closet rod such that each mouth faces a forward horizontal direction perpendicular to the axis of the closet rod when the organizer is hung from the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Darren W. Stoddart, James A. Sellors
  • Patent number: 6571968
    Abstract: A rack for hanging workpieces in industrial coating systems having a horizontal bar or beam with a first flange, a second flange, and a web joining those flanges, wherein the first flange has a hook receiving aperture and the second flange has a hook receiving slot. The aperture and the slot are aligned to receive a hook from which a workpiece may be hung. The hook is bent to form a spring having a terminal leg and a depending leg. The terminal leg extends into the aperture in the first flange and the depending leg extends through the slot in the second flange, behind a detent. The web is formed so as to providee a fulcrum against which the spring bears, biasing the depending leg against release from behind the detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Mighty Hook, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Cullen
  • Publication number: 20030085188
    Abstract: A storage unit of the type that may be hung on a door includes parallel side frames constructed of separate pieces connected at joints. Shelves formed by wire mesh baskets extend between the side frames and include rigid wires that span the joints to structurally strengthen them. Special hanger brackets for the side frames span doors that have a standard thickness and can be severed and screwed to the top edge of a door that is thicker than standard. Special hooks can be hung on the rim wires of the baskets or on a larger hanger bar. Clips on the hooks allow them to be clipped to the sides or front wires of the baskets to hold them in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Lynk, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, John W. Scott, Chris Serslev
  • Patent number: 6543631
    Abstract: A plating rack is provided and is adapted, for example, for use in connection with a physical vapor deposition system for plating components such as plumbing fixtures. The plating rack is adapted to be contained within a plating chamber and includes an elongated main support member. Secured to the elongated support member is a series of axially spaced component support assemblies with each component support assembly adapted to receive and hold an array of components to be plated. Respective components support assemblies are configured such that they include an open side that permits the entire component support assembly to be laterally moved into engagement with the main support member where the component support assembly can be secured thereto. In addition, a support structure is provided for axially adjusting respective component support assemblies on the main support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Charles W. Sawyers
  • Publication number: 20030052070
    Abstract: A portable rack is provided to store one or more fishing rods. A group of elongated modular elements are strung end-to-end to form two associated, vertical, horizontally spaced columns. Each modular element is an integrally molded plastic bar having at its top an integrally molded member and at its bottom an integrally molded construction that includes a hook opening upwardly. The integrally molded construction at the bottom of each modular element forms a quickly attachable and detachable coupling with the integrally molded member at the top of the next succeeding lower modular element. Horizontally aligned hooks support fishing rods. An attachment on each column mounts the vertical column on a mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Richard T. Weisenburger
  • Patent number: 6533132
    Abstract: A portable rack is provided to store one or more fishing rods. A group of elongated modular elements are strung end-to-end to form two associated, vertical, horizontally spaced columns. Each modular element is an integrally molded plastic bar having at its top an integrally molded member and at its bottom an integrally molded construction that includes a hook opening upwardly. The integrally molded construction at the bottom of each modular element forms a quickly attachable and detachable coupling with the integrally molded member at the top of the next succeeding lower modular element. Horizontally aligned hooks support fishing rods. An attachment on each column mounts the vertical column on a mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard T. Weisenburger
  • Patent number: 6533127
    Abstract: A shoe rack for mounting to an upright surface, or for hanging over a door, includes a pair of plastic, vertical side frame members and a plurality of shoe-retaining bars positioned between the side frame members upon which shoes, boxes and the like may be supported. A number of different embodiments are shown. Among the embodiments are structures having support arms that extend both inwardly and outwardly beyond the side frame members to prevent lateral displacement off of the rack and structures having accurate side frame members that provide barriers against lateral displacement off of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lynk, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, Chris Serslev, John W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6520351
    Abstract: A shower caddy for holding personal care articles customarily used in bathroom showers which is reversible to enable the caddy to alternatively be attached to a shower head and shower enclosure panel includes a pair of laterally spaced apart, straight vertical stanchion rods, each having at the upper end thereof a short upper end arm which protrudes perpendicularly forward from a longer lower portion of the stanchion. An upper transverse bracket member removably attachable at outer lateral ends thereof to the stanchions has a laterally centrally located central arch section having an upwardly concave opening adapted to fit over a shower pipe and thereby suspend the caddy frame therefrom. The reversible shower caddy includes a plurality of article storage shelves which are removably attached to the stanchions at adjustable heights, the shelves protruding perpendicularly forward from the stanchions when the caddy is hung from a shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Zlatko Zadro
  • Publication number: 20020190017
    Abstract: A portable storage apparatus that suspends from a stationary object and neatly collapses into a compact form for easy storage and transport, consisting of fabric backing with a tapered top end housing four rigid shelves evenly spaced in front with four support rods attached to shelves providing rigid support and secure attachment to the fabric backing along with locking mechanisms under each shelf to maintain a horizontal angle and enhance shelf stability. A continuous cord passes through holes on one side of rigid shelves, through a back support bar, through grommets, forming a loop with hook, and back down the other side. The suspension allows for adjustable hanging height along with additional stability and support. Once unfolded in a hanging position, two support rods slide into vertical support rod access channels sewn into fabric backing along either side in the back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Publication number: 20020175132
    Abstract: A merchandising display supported upon a vertically extending surface. The display includes a substantially horizontally extending and rigid support having a first end and a second end, the first end engaging with the vertically extending surface. A substantially vertically extending display is attached to the second end of the rigid support and exhibits a substantially thin and flattened construction provides the display with flexibility both with respect to its own cross section and relative the rigid support. Pluralities of apertures are formed through the display and between first and second faces thereof. The pluralities of apertures further defining individual pairs of apertures extending lengthwise along the flexible display, the pairs of apertures are segregated into selected first and second closely spaced pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas M. Shea
  • Publication number: 20020170865
    Abstract: A shoe rack for mounting to an upright surface, or for hanging over a door, includes a pair of plastic, vertical side frame members and a plurality of shoe-retaining bars positioned between the side frame members upon which shoes, boxes and the like may be supported. A number of different embodiments are shown, each of which incorporates different features, and each of which may result in improved structural integrity over the prior art. Further, each embodiment may result in a product that is less expensive to manufacture and may result in a product which retains shoes on the shoe rack in a different, or better, manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, Chris Serslev, John W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6481585
    Abstract: A device for use in fitting a duvet cover comprises an elongate carrier (10), means (18) for removably mounting the carrier (10) on a support, and two releasable clamping devices(11). At least one of the releasable clamping devices (11) is mounted such that its position may be adjusted longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Cloughton
  • Publication number: 20020166825
    Abstract: A shoe rack for mounting to an upright surface, or for hanging over a door, includes a pair of plastic, vertical side frame members and a plurality of shoe-retaining bars positioned between the side frame members upon which shoes, boxes and the like may be supported. A number of different embodiments are shown, each of which incorporates different features, and each of which may result in improved structural integrity over the prior art. Further, each embodiment may result in a product that is less expensive to manufacture and may result in a product which retains shoes on the shoe rack in a different, or better, manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, Chris Serslev, John W. Scott
  • Patent number: 6439405
    Abstract: A fully ceiling-suspended system and apparatus for storing different shapes/types of elongated objects. The system includes a minimum of only two separate brackets that are ceiling-mounted to form a storage apparatus that is capable of supporting elongated items of different lengths provided that the length of each item to be stored is at least the length of the distance that the two ceiling-suspended brackets are separated. Further, each of the brackets may include different pockets of storage space that may be used for holding/storing elongated items of different shapes or cross-sectional configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: John B. Hanneken
  • Publication number: 20020063102
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fully ceiling-suspended system and apparatus for storing different shapes/types of elongated objects. The system includes a minimum of only two separate brackets that are ceiling-mounted to form a storage apparatus that is capable of supporting elongated items of different lengths provided that the length of each item to be stored is at least the length of the distance that the two ceiling-suspended brackets are separated. Further, each of the brackets may include different pockets of storage space that may be used for holding/storing elongated items of different shapes or cross-sectional configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: John B. Hanneken
  • Patent number: 6394287
    Abstract: A multiple golf club cleaning aid rack for cleaning clubs, which is a vertically arrayed, rectangular fabric sheet reinforced with a plurality of horizontal metal strips in pockets and supporting a double row of clamps for holding golf clubs vertically. The rack is suspended from clamps for cleaning by a power wash in car wash establishment. Suspending apertures are formed through the top of the rack for suspending it on a wall for use elsewhere, such as at home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Luis H. Cabrera
  • Publication number: 20020030028
    Abstract: A storage device comprises a support structure (1) carrying a plurality of receptacle (11) such as document pouches arranged in a longitudinal series. The support structure has a pair of spaced side members (4, 5) which are foldable so that the pouches may be arranged either in a closed up array or suspended in an open end out array. Support members (6) extend laterally between the side members (4, 5) and the pouches (11) are releasably supported on the support members and extend through gaps (3) between the support members. The pouches have closure flaps (15) which can be folded backwards overthe support members (6) to suspend the pouches from them. A locating tab (10) may pass through an aperture (16) in the pouch and be folded over to hold the pouch to the support member (6). The support structure is made from a sheet of material provided with apertures (3) which define the side and support members (4, 5, 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Isserstedt
  • Patent number: 6343726
    Abstract: A hanger set includes a round main base and several hanging rods. The main base is connected to a main hanging rod hooked on a stationary holding object so as to be held at an elevated position, and has an upper sloping surface and a lower sloping surface. The upper sloping surface has elongated holes radially spaced out thereon, and the elongated holes each has a protruding part and a gap part opposing the protruding part on the lateral edges. The lower sloping surface has several pairs of upper and lower elongated holes radially spaced out thereon, and the upper and the lower elongated holes of each pair are aligned with each other to face a corresponding one of the elongated holes of the upper sloping surface with a pivotal part being interposed between each pair of elongated holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Tung-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 6302281
    Abstract: A clothes container support frame structure adapted for hanging on a rod member in a wardrobe to hold a flexible clothes container. The clothes container support frame structure includes an open frame, two hook holders coupled to the open frame at two opposite lateral sides, two hooks respectively coupled to the hook holders for hanging the hook holder and the open frame on a rod member in a wardrobe, a plurality of washers respectively mounted on the hooks and supported on the hook holders, two hanging wires respectively hung on the open frame at two opposite lateral sides, and a rack suspended from the hanging wires and adapted to hold clothes hangers, the rack having a top protruded portion, which supports the top panel of the flexible clothes container in which the clothes container support frame structure is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 6296128
    Abstract: A storage service comprises a support structure (1) carrying a plurality of receptacle (11) such as document pouches arranged in a longitudinal series. The support structure has a pair of spaced side members (4, 5) which are foldable so that the pouches may be arranged either in a closed up array or suspended in an openend out array. Support members (6) extend laterally between the side members (4, 5) and the pouches (11) are releasably supported on the support members and extend through gaps (3) between the support members. The pouches have closure flaps (15) which can be folded backwards over the support members (6) to suspend the pouches from them. A locating tab (10) may pass through an aperture (16) in the pouch and be folded over to hold the pouch to the support member (6). The support structure is made from a sheet of material provided with apertures (3) which define the side and support members (4, 5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Isserstedt
  • Patent number: 6286691
    Abstract: A metallic or hard plastic storage shelf including four vertical rods provided at each corner of one or more shelves, with the upper ends of the vertical rods including fasteners for direct securement of the storage rack to a pair of routinely spaced apart rafters, as located within a garage, attic, manufacturing plant, machine shop, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Wire Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred D. Oberhaus, Michael L. Gusdorf
  • Patent number: 6283312
    Abstract: A product hanging system comprised of one or more product hanging straps plus a point-of-purchase hanging strip said strip having one or more through cut slots of suffieient size to acccept a notched T shaped end of a strap portion of the invention with both the straps and the hanging strip being produced from sufficiently strong flexible natural or colored plastic. The strip being of equal width having a through cut hole top center used to suspend it from a hook or wire and spaced through cut slots down its length. Product to be hung is secured to a strap of the invention then the opposite end of the strap is attached to a hanging strip with the attachment method being a “T” shaped strap end is fed into a through cut slot, entry of the head of the “T” into said slot being accomplished by engaging a key notch on the body of the T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: John Edgerton
  • Patent number: 6257421
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing, displaying and maintaining CD containers in vertical arrangement while displaying a large portion of the front face or rear face of each CD container in a substantially vertical arrangement slightly overlapped top to bottom, on a wall or other vertical surface with a pair of hangers each having a narrow and elongated body, at one end of which is an open hook part for supporting a portion of the object to be displayed, and at the other end of said body there is a closed hook part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Elkin Outten
  • Patent number: 6189709
    Abstract: A rack for hanging workpieces in industrial coating systems having a horizontal bar or beam with an upper flange, a lower flange, and a web joining those flanges, wherein the upper flange has a hook receiving aperture, and the flow flange has a hook receiving slot. The aperture and the slot are aligned to receive a hook from which a workpiece may be hung. The hook is bent near its upper end to form a spring with a terminal leg and a depending leg. The end of the terminal leg extends into the aperture in the upper flange, and the depending leg extends through the slot in the lower flange, behind a detent. The force of the spring biases the depending leg against release from behind the detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mighty Hook, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Cullen
  • Patent number: 6155440
    Abstract: A ceiling-mounted storage bracket having a top member rigidly attached to a pair of side members, and a bottom member rigidly attached to the side members. The top member, side members and bottom members define a storage aperture sized to admit items to be stored. Alternate embodiments of the ceiling-mounted storage bracket are disclosed which provide two mutually cooperating top members, which may be translated relative to each other so as to vary the width of the storage aperture. An alternate embodiment is disclosed wherein the ceiling-mounted storage bracket is made of bolted-together angle iron, and a bottom member attached to the side member by means of brackets, to permit both the height and the width of the storage aperture to be varied. The ceiling-mounted storage brackets are generally used in pairs, so that each ceiling-mounted storage bracket may support one extreme of an article(s) to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: James J. Arce
  • Patent number: 6152313
    Abstract: A door or wall mounted clothes rack includes opposite end brackets which hang on a door and adjustable clothes hooks which slide along a pair of rods extending between the brackets. The hooks can be adjusted as desired along the rods and are prevented from pivoting on the rods. A modified form of the clothes hanger is constructed to attach to a shoe rack already in place on the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Lynk, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, Chris Serslev, Farid Nedjam
  • Patent number: 6112914
    Abstract: The present invention beneficially provides an improved method and apparatus for cleaning window coverings. The apparatus comprises a flexible strip and a hanging unit. The flexible strip engages a portion of a window covering and includes a fastening feature to secure the flexible strip to the portion of the window covering. The hanging unit couples with the flexible strip and a support structure, wherein the hanging unit and the flexible strip can support at least part of the weight of the window covering when hanging from the support structure. The method comprises hanging the window covering from a support structure using the apparatus. In one embodiment, the window covering is removed from a window frame, hung from a support structure using the apparatus, washed, rinsed, allowed to dry, and repositioned in the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Anne-Marie Naficy
  • Patent number: 6098815
    Abstract: A shoe rack has two frame members spaced laterally to provide an open space between them sufficient to receive shoes. Each of the frame elements has crossbars spaced vertically from one another and carrying a plurality of shoe mounts spaced along the bars and arranged to hold shoes with their soles and heels facing inwardly into the open space between the frame members. A spacer extends between the two frame members. The spacer has a channel running along each edge, that carries on each side, a roller. Rails are mounted to a fixed element of a closet and the rollers on each side of the spacer are mounted to roll in the rails. The rails have rollers that run on a track carried by the spacer. The two frame members are connected by links pivotally mounted at two ends, so that the frame members, when not attached to the spacer, can be folded substantially flat for shipping or storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Jacalyn C. Nesser
  • Patent number: 6095344
    Abstract: An overhead storage system for bicycles and objects that weigh approximately 40 to 50 pounds. The stored object is counter balanced by nitrogen gas spring cylinders so as to make the object virtually weightless to the user-operator. The object is stored flat or horizontally against the ceiling of a garage, porch or breezeway so as to be well above headspace and so that floor space is not taken up by the object. The user-operator pulls the stored object down with a cord similar in ease to pulling down a set of attic type stairs. A boom is pivotally connected to a ceiling mount. A first gas spring allows the stored object to move and rotate in an arc from the horizontal ceiling adjacent position to a vertical position approximately thirty inches from the floor. The boom has a lower telescoping tubular sections with a second lower gas spring holding the tubular sections together. The user-operator pulls down on handles connected to the lower tubular section which lowers the object to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth D. White
  • Patent number: 6039191
    Abstract: A rack, from which kitchen utensils and other things may be hung for storage, is comprised of side panels and end panels. Bars that support hooks from which the utensils hang run lengthwise between the end panels. Stiffeners run lengthwise in a groove along each side panel, and the stiffener ends fit snugly into grooves of the end panels, to provide strong corner joints. Cross pieces, to support at intermediate points the bars, run lengthwise between the side panels. They are fastened to the side panels using dowels, while fitting tightly against the underside of opposing stiffeners. Rack side panels may be initially fabricated as precursors having standard length and width dimensions, to then be easily modified at the factory or in the field, and to enable the making of custom length and width racks. The rack design features enable economic factory fabrication, so racks can be shipped as knocked down units that can be conveniently modified and assembled in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Robert C. Purnell
  • Patent number: 6029828
    Abstract: A turntable storage device which has a turntable and a plurality of storage containers for condiments and other granular materials. The turntable has a base member and a platform that is removably attachable to the base and rotatable on the base member. The base member has an upwardly extending hollow post. The containers are attachable to the turntable by means of mating projections and receptacles. The turntable storage device is convertible. It is provided with structure for selectively attaching and removing either a handle or a hanging support member. The hanging support member is adaptable to hang one or more turntables from a shelf, if desired. The support member also is shaped to fit into the hollow post of another turntable, whereby two turntables can be stacked on top of the one another. In one embodiment, a rotary measuring dispenser is mounted in each container for dispensing predetermined quantities of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Robbins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Stanley Robbins, Rodney W. Robbins, Frans M. Weterrings, Ted A. Bell
  • Patent number: 6029830
    Abstract: A sports equipment hanging belt for attachment to a chain link fence. The belt has a hook at each end which hooks into the chain link fence. The belt may then be tightened on the chain link fence. A number of hooks are held to the belt and extend downwardly below the bottom of the belt at least 3 inches so that when sports equipment is hung on a hook the hook will rest against the chain link fence thereby preventing the belt from turning by the weight of the sports equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Steven S. Manookian
  • Patent number: 6016926
    Abstract: A bath toy mounting device adapted to be releasably secured to the side or bottom wall of a bathtub partially filled with water. The bath toy mounting device maintains a secure attachment to the bathtub but may be easily removed by an adult. The bath toy mounting device further includes a toy holding device, such as elongated bar, for suspending toys above the water. Toys are secured to and hang from the toy holding device by means of a coupling member. In this way, the coupling member allows the child to move the toys while restricting movement to the immediate vicinity of the toy holding device. Additionally, the bath toy mounting device insures that toys are readily accessible to the child while he or she takes a bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Summer Infant Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Smith, II, Celeste T. Penacho
  • Patent number: 6010105
    Abstract: A hanging device for suspending one or more implements which have either elongated generally straight handles or body portions. The device includes one or a plurality of rings or annular members each having a central open area. Each ring is attached to one end of a length of flexible cord, string, cable and the like at a peripheral point of each ring. Each ring, when the other end of each cord is attached to an overhead support, will hang downwardly edgewise when not in use. An implement may be suspended for above ground or floor surface storage in a generally upright, freely swingable fashion by first passing the handle or body portion into the central open area of one ring, the central open area being somewhat larger than a diameter or thickness of the handle or body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 6006929
    Abstract: A multi-directional high visibility display for exhibiting and merchandising products in a retail establishment includes an elongate back or rear wall and attachment elements, such as clips, for attaching the rear wall of the display to a support structure in a retail establishment. One or more lateral panels are attached to the rear wall and project forwardly thereof to form a surface having surface portions facing in at least two directions which are angularly displaced in relation to an imaginary axis substantially parallel to the length direction of the rear wall. Clip strips can be attached to the lateral panels for removably attaching products on the display. Placement of products on different surface portions renders the products highly visible to people at different vantage points in the retail establishment. The display may be formed of a blank of cardboard or other flexible sheet material or from spaced formed wire frames joined to each other by means of straight rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Olympia Industrial, Inc.
    Inventor: Linda A. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5957308
    Abstract: A pistol hanging system for gun safes is disclosed including a retrofitable rack for attachment to the interior door panel of a gun safe, removably attached fabric holsters for supporting and organizing hand guns and other valuables. Means of attachment includes a cooperating hook and loop engaging system that allows for repositioning without damage to the safe or rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Terry Reid Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 5950844
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a work object having a pair of deformable elongated members, a mount adapted to support the deformable elongated members in substantially side-by-side relation, and a securing member mounted on the deformable elongated members in spaced relation to the mount and movable therealong so as releasably to capture a work object between the deformable elongated members, the mount and the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Maximillian F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5862924
    Abstract: There is provided a sports equipment rack which has a central post, a plurality of outwardly extending hanger members to receive an article of clothing or piece of sports equipment, with at least one of the hanger members being moveable between a first storage position wherein the member lies adjacent the central post and a second garment or equipment hanging position wherein the hanger member extends outwardly to receive the piece of clothing or sports equipment. An elasticized member preferably extends around the post and the moveable hanger members to retain the same in a storage position when not wanted. There is also provided a portable sports equipment rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Gilles Dumont
  • Patent number: 5819959
    Abstract: Truss bars are pivotally joined together through locking slip sleeves and are locked at selected splay angles relative to one another by a locking splay bar. The truss bars support columns of audio equipment cabinets with lengths of cabling attached to pivotal plates locked into mounting brackets installed in the side walls of the cabinets. The columns of cabinets are tilted by cables connecting a pull back clip installed on the bottom most cabinet of each column to the rear of an extension bar removably mounted to each truss bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Andrew T. Martin
  • Patent number: 5762205
    Abstract: An electrically conductive support rack comprising a frame for supporting a plurality of hooks on which workpieces are hung for being transported through a finishing system. A pair of vertical channel beams support a plurality of removable, horizontal crossbars by means of a plurality of support members which are removably mounted to the vertical channel beams. Each support member comprises a resilient wire having an upper hook portion, removably engaging small crossbeams in the vertical channel beams, the wire extending laterally out from the vertical channel beam and then turning downwardly and back into the channel beam to seat resiliently against the top of a second crossbeam of the channel beam. A connector structure, including a brace member, rigidly holds the vertical channel beams transversely to an upper, horizontal crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Production Plus Corporation
    Inventor: Walter E. Davitz
  • Patent number: 5749479
    Abstract: A display assembly is designed to display goods in the unused air space above counters, for example, by attaching the assembly to the supports of a drop-style ceiling. The display assembly includes a bracket which attaches between two supports as well as a display for folding sellable merchandise. The display can be attached to the bracket by any suitable means including monofilament or chains. The displays can include space for signage. By suspending the display assembly from the ceiling, the user can utilize air space previously wasted. Further, the displays are free to sway gently in response to any breeze, thereby attracting attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Paul Belokin, Martin P. Belokin, Norman P. Belokin