Including Central Support (e.g., Tree-like, Etc.) Patents (Class 211/196)
  • Patent number: 7338048
    Abstract: A portable target rack capable of simultaneously holding multiple shooting targets includes a base and arms extending away from the base. Target holders are attached to the arms and spaced along the length of the arms, and a target holder for non-planar targets is attached to the top of the base. The arms and base are collapsible to facilitate transport of the target rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: David W. Hulstine
  • Publication number: 20080000865
    Abstract: A collapsible display includes an adjustable stand, a first plurality of cross members having a first length and a second plurality of cross members having a second length. The display further includes a base, and at least one upright member substantially perpendicular to the base. Each of the first plurality of cross members and each of the second plurality of cross members have an opening therein sized to fit over the at least one upright member, each cross member rotatably offset from another cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Richard D. Babcock, Pat Sorenson
  • Patent number: 7288298
    Abstract: A human-shaped adornment includes a supporting holder, which comprising a base and a supporting component; and a spiraled frame having a same axis with the supporting component. The spiraled frame includes a plurality of rings, which outline along its axis direction is a curve which is constituted by three arcs smoothly connecting with each other in a predetermined sequence; wherein the center of the three arcs are on a same line and their diameters gradually increase from top to bottom; the spiraled frame connecting with the supporting component through a connector having a plurality of connecting strings connected therewith for keeping the space between every two rings of the spiraled frame; wherein the connecting strings sequentially connects with each ring of the spiraled frame from top to bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Sheng-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 7226645
    Abstract: An artificial palm tree constructed from modular components which are combined in various ways to produce a palm tree having different characteristics for use as a beach umbrella. The palm tree consists of a base, a trunk mounted on the base, a tree heart mounted on the trunk, and a leaf/canopy component attached to a collar for opening and closing the leaf/canopy component. The leaf/canopy, the trunk, and the tree heart may be stored in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Mary M. Braithwaite
  • Patent number: 7191565
    Abstract: An assembled type screen includes screen boards, locating elements secured to vertical edges of the screen boards, and several elongate connecting members connected to the vertical edge portions of the screen boards; the locating elements are outwardly folded at the edges to form detaining portions; the elongate connecting members have at least one pair of opposing lateral walls, which define a lengthwise extending holding room, and an opening between them; each elongate member has a pair of hooked portions on two sides of each of the opening; the vertical edges of the screen boards are passed into respective holding rooms of the elongate members with the detaining edges of the locating elements snapping onto the hooked portions of the elongate members to stop the screen boards from separating from the elongate connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Chingdar Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jhen-Siang Wei Siao
  • Patent number: 7144610
    Abstract: A display tree for electrical ornaments has a support tube. A male electrical plug is connected to the support tube upper end. A female electrical socket is connected to the support tube lower end. A flange electrical contact is electrically connected to the female electrical socket. The flange electrical contact is connected to the lower flange. A shelf electrical contact is connected to the shelf bottom side. The shelf electrical contact is for detachable connection to the flange electrical contact. A shelf electrical outlet is connected to the shelf top side. The shelf electrical outlet is electrically connected to the shelf electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventors: Benjamin Estes, William Bingham
  • Patent number: 7077276
    Abstract: A clothes drying apparatus for allowing articles that need to be dried flat to air dry. The clothes drying apparatus includes a support assembly being designed for being selectively positioned on a support surface. A plurality of support frame assemblies are pivotally coupled to the support assembly whereby each of the support frame assemblies selectively radiates from the support assembly. Each of the support frame assemblies is designed for receiving and supporting at least one article of clothing to allow the clothing to air dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Kathleen Romano
  • Patent number: 6971613
    Abstract: A plate is detachably mounted on a portable support capable of holding a beverage and other accessories, especially eating utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Leonid Shendelman
  • Patent number: 6948629
    Abstract: A rack includes a stationary container, that includes a movable member positioned within the container by remote operation of a motor. The motor is either carried as part of the movable member or is in the container with fittings inter-connecting a drive shaft of the fixed motor with the movable member. A remote actuator is employed for starting and stopping the motor so that the movable member is controllably deployed into and out of the container. Bearings are installed between the container and the movable member to provide movement of the movable member and pivoting rods are provided on the movable member for supporting articles intended to be stored, such rods being hooks, shelves, or internal compartments or the like. A heater may be installed for drying any wet or damp articles. A device for coupling the motor to the movable member may be a lead screw mechanism and a pulley system interconnecting the movable member with the stationary or fixed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Grant McClay
  • Patent number: 6902139
    Abstract: A detachable folding clotheshorse includes a seat with a top side, a bottom side and an outer periphery. The seat has a plurality of slots defined through the seat from the top side to the bottom. A notch is defined at the outer periphery of the seat. A supporting edge is formed beneath the notch. Two protrusions are formed at two inner walls of the slot adjacent the notch. A plurality of arms is respectively and pivotally mounted in the slots. Each of the arms has two channels longitudinally and respectively defined at two sides facing the protrusions. Two openings are respectively defined at top-rear ends of the channel for access of the protrusion to the channel. Whereby, the arms can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Chi Yu Steel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20040188370
    Abstract: An organizing device provides a stand for hanging items thereon. The stand includes a base for supporting the stand in a generally vertical orientation during operation. A pivoting hang rod supports items thereon and further may provide support of the stand in a generally vertical orientation. The hang rod pivots to an extended position for supporting items thereon and to a position adjacent a support member when not in use. The stand may also provide rotatable operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: John Richard Nawrocki, Jennifer L. Cardinell
  • Patent number: 6766914
    Abstract: A display assembly (10) capable of being converted from a display configuration to a wheelbarrow configuration. Multiple arrangements of sub-assemblies in each of the configurations provide flexibility to a user in setting up these displays. The display assembly (10) includes a base assembly (20) that keeps an elongated supporting assembly (60) in upright position. The elongated supporting assembly (60) comprises four elongated supporting members (61) releasably locked to each other. The base assembly (20) includes at least two cooperating supporting frame members (22) that support at least one tray assembly (80). At least two arm assemblies (40) are perpendicularly mounted to elongated supporting members (60) to support additional tray assemblies (80). Additional trays (80) are supported by the arm assemblies (40). These components are stored and transported by the invention when transformed into a wheelbarrow configuration with wheel assemblies (70) at one end (79) of elongated supporting member (61).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Ciro Rios
  • Publication number: 20040134870
    Abstract: An umbrella-type laundry drying rack is provided which has a vertical support and load-bearing arms for clothes lines. The load-bearing arms are disposed pivotably on the support about respective pivot pins, and are pivotable between a first position close to the support and a second position remote from the support. The load-bearing arms are coupled to one another such that upon pivoting of one of the load-bearing arms, the remaining load-bearing arms are jointly pivoted in the same way. At least one of the load-bearing arms has a deflection mechanism for deflecting the at least one load-bearing arm outward from the first position upon exertion of a force oriented away from the support to another one of the load-bearing arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Leifheit AG
    Inventors: Harald Daubach, Heinz Josef Ohm, Dieter Patzold, Peter Tiwi
  • Patent number: 6726033
    Abstract: An apparatus having a base, an extendable bagging pole having a foot pedal, coupled to a front edge of the base and an adjustable hanging rack coupled to the back edge of the base. The bagging pole has a bagging pole upper tube with a C-shaped clip disposed thereon and a bagging pole lower cylinder. The hanging rack has a hanging rack upper tube and a hanging rack lower cylinder, with a crossbar disposed on the hanging rack upper tube. The bagging pole is extendable to first operative position and retractable to a second operative position. After bagging the clothing item and depressing the foot pedal to retract the bagging pole from the first operative position to the second operative position, the clothing item may then be hung on crossbar of the hanging rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Chicago Display Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Sparkowski, Vincent Gioia
  • Patent number: 6702129
    Abstract: An expandable clothes support structure (10) including a base member (20) provided with a top panel (24) having a hollow collar element (25) dimensioned to receive the lower end (31) of a main support post member (30) provided with a plurality of movable support units (13). Each support unit (13) includes a main support arm member (60) pivotally secured on one end (61) to the main support post member (30) and having an extension arm element (63) telescopically received in the other end (62) of the support arm member (60) such that a lip (64) on the extension arm element (63) may be disposed at different lateral distances from the main support post member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Peggy R. Harris
  • Publication number: 20030164348
    Abstract: A clothes dryer includes a retractable pole and a plurality of grooves are defined in an outer surface of the pole so that a plurality of legs pivotably connected to a lower end of the pole can be received in the grooves. A plurality of clothes rods are received in a top end of the pole and limited by a limit cover in the top end of the pole. The clothes rods can be pulled out from the top end of the pole by lifting the limit cover and are positioned horizontally so that clothes can be hung on the clothes rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Swei-Ing Seng
  • Patent number: 6599591
    Abstract: An artificial palm tree having a planar base, a central support, an exterior covering and a separable crown. The central support of the artificial palm tree has one end flexibly affixed to the planar base. An exterior covering constructed around the central support is substantially greater in diameter than the central support and has the separable crown removably affixed to a free end of the central support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: K. Allen Scott
  • Patent number: 6595377
    Abstract: A tree-shaped potted plant holder (10) including an adjustable length main support unit (11) that comprises an upper tubular support member (30) that is rotatably and telescopically received within a lower tubular support member (20); wherein, both the upper (30) and lower (20) tubular support members are provided with rows (33) (34) and (26) of horizontally arrayed apertures that are dimensioned to receive a plurality of different length support arm members (40) each provided with a split ring pot receiving element (43); and, wherein, the lower tubular support member (20) is further provided with a stabilizing unit (13) for maintaining the main support unit (11) in a vertically upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Thelma Hetu
  • Patent number: 6510956
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a three-dimensional helically-shaped display stand, and cake combination, and the stand and cake combination manufactured by such methods. From a base to an apex, a helically-shaped display rises. This helix can be cut from a single disc of material and can be supported in a variety of ways from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Darlene D. Therber
  • Patent number: 6505749
    Abstract: A square hollow and vertically extending pole having floor engaging and ceiling engaging structure on the opposed ends thereof and a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced openings therein. An attachment having a pair of pegs thereon engaging a pair of vertically spaced openings in the pole and also having a supporting portion for supporting an item placed thereon and an overlying portion for closely overlying an item placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Anthony A. Panetta, Frank S. Panetta
  • Patent number: 6318572
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multifunctional knockdown rack structure, mainly comprising a main shaft and a plurality of inserting members, wherein the main shaft forms by stamping a plurality of ring edges at many sections on the surface of the tube member of the main shaft; the inserting member has an opening with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the tube member of the main shaft, and forms an interior hollow that exactly fits into the ring edge, and there are a blocking section and a supporting section respectively at the upper end and lower end of the interior hollow that fit into the tube member of the main shaft. The upper end and lower end respectively fit in the blocking section and the supporting section; such supporting section is coupled to the interior hollow having a anti-pressure section at an appropriate distance (this section is one empty section having no restrictions).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Yung Lin Lai
  • Publication number: 20010025825
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a three-dimensional helically-shaped display stand, and a stand and cake combination. Methods of manufacturing the same are also disclosed. From a base to an apex, a helically-shaped display rises. This helix can be cut from a single disc of material and can be supported in a variety of ways from a base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Darlene D. Therber
  • Patent number: 6241105
    Abstract: A jewelry display stand including a vertical post assembly mounted on a base. A plurality of arms, serving as hanger elements for jewelry or other merchandise, radiate from the post. The arms co-operate with anti-removal elements on the post that prevent merchandise from being removed from the spokes. In one embodiment a ring engaging the tips of the arms provides the anti-removal elements. In another embodiment the anti-removal elements are a set of spokes above the arms. Either the arms or the spokes are movable up and down and are spring-biased upwards, to a position in which the arms are separated from the anti-removal elements and merchandise can be removed from or placed on the arms. A cap on the post engages the movable elements, holding them down, and keeping the arms engaged with the ring or spokes. A slot in the cap allows one arm or spoke to rise to the non-engaging position, and the cap is rotatable about a vertical axis so that the slot can be aligned with any selected arm or spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Yael Sonia Pomper
  • Patent number: 6216886
    Abstract: A hanger adapted to attach to a post has a skirt attached to the bottom side of a substantially horizontal base plate having a hole defined therein. A tubular sleeve is attached to the base plate just below the hole. The end of the sleeve distant from the base plate hole is capped by a stop plate. A pole rests on the stop plate in the sleeve and extends upward through the hole in the base plate. A number of arms are attached to the top of the pole and extend radially away from it. A projection on the pole is designed to fit within gaps defined between a number of stops attached to the base plate. The pole is set to different positions by raising the pole until the projection is above a gap, turning the pole until the projection is over a different gap, and lowering the pole back down such that the projection rests within the different gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Clifford J. Considine
  • Patent number: 6162515
    Abstract: The present invention is a lighted tree structure comprising a hollow central pole having a top end and a lower end. Secured to the top end is an end cap; while secured to the lower end is an attaching device for attaching the tree structure to a particular surface, such as the ground. A lifting and lowering mechanism is slideably mounted to the central pole. Pivotally secured to the end cap are a plurality of hollow branches. Located within each branch is an illuminated device. A pivot bar is secured to each branch and to the lifting and lowering mechanism to enable the branches to extend outward when in a display position and collapsed when in a storable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Eric Hill
  • Patent number: 6138842
    Abstract: A point of sale display with a collapsible base assembly removably mounted to one end of an elongated tubular member with a square cross-section. The elongated tubular member includes a lateral wall with slots therealong to receive the ends of supporting walls and arm assemblies that are removably mounted to the longitudinal walls in perpendicular relationship thereto. In one alternative embodiment two of the supporting walls are hingedly mounted, otherwise they include lateral hook terminations. Flat portions are removably mounted on the supporting walls and arm assemblies to provide flat surfaces kept at spaced apart and parallel relationship with respect to each other to support goods in display. In another configuration, the elongated tubular member is used as a wheelbarrow by transferring the weight of the display to the wheel assembly, at one end of the elongated tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: CRR Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventor: Ciro Rios
  • Patent number: 6119873
    Abstract: A method of displaying a support pillow comprising the steps of providing a support pillow display stand comprising a base having a periphery and at least three vertically oriented shafts extending from the base, wherein the shafts are spaced about the periphery to define an open interior, introducing the support pillow into the open interior by squeezing the support pillow between two of the shafts and placing the support pillow on an upper surface of the display stand base between the three shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Camp Kazoo, Ltd.
    Inventor: Susan H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6093458
    Abstract: An imitation tree comprising a fluid bearing support stand and a plurality of natural boughs attached to the stand, a method of making same and a support stand for attaching boughs thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Morrill R. Worchester
  • Patent number: 6048590
    Abstract: A collapsible spiral Christmas tree construction 10 including a central support unit 11 for supporting a spiral display unit 13 including a spirally wound support member 40 having a plurality of contiguous spiral coils 41 and an adjustable tether unit 14 for varying the effective height and density of said spiral display unit 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Willis Phillips
  • Patent number: 5975499
    Abstract: Quadrapod (12) having a central vertical support column (20) and a horizontal plate (22) fixed to the upper portion is disclosed. A slide ring (30) surrounds the column (20) and is movable substantially throughout the length thereof from the bottom of the column to the undersurface of the plate (22). Four pairs of legs (52, 54) extend outwardly from the ring (30) and the plate (22) and terminate in four different feet (56). Each pair of legs includes an upper leg (52) pivotally connected between the plate (22) and the foot (56) and a lower leg (54) pivotally connected between the movable ring (30) and the foot (56). In its operative position, the ring (30) is moved downwardly so that the legs extend outwardly and the quadrapod rests on the four feet. In its collapsed position, the ring (30) is moved upwardly so that the legs and feet are moved inwardly so as to be substantially parallel to the center column. Each of the feet includes a vertical adjusting means (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Meyer Ostrobrod
  • Patent number: 5975317
    Abstract: A collapsible display device for displaying cards comprising of a base, a vertical support member extending vertically from the base, an array of shelves spaced longitudinally along the length of the vertical support member, and a securing means for retaining the cards on the display device. The array of shelves are supported by the vertical support member while the display device is in the expanded position. In the preferred embodiment, the securing means is a plurality of apertures disposed in the array of shelves for receiving a portion of the cards and so that the remainder of the card is visually available. In an alternative embodiment, a serpentine shelf orbits about the vertical support member from top to bottom. The display device of the present invention collapses so that the shelves are in a compact and flat condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: W. R. Roebling
  • Patent number: 5906869
    Abstract: An artificial decorated and lighted Christmas tree (10) which is concentrically collapsible into a shallow open-topped box for storage. When displayed, the artificial tree (10) is preferably hung from a ceiling or other overhead support. The skeleton of the tree consists of a flat disk (15), a member (16) projecting upwardly from the center of the disk (15) from which the artificial tree (10) is suspended, a cylindrical crown (24) of garland supported on the disk, (15), at least three rigid wire loops (20, 30, 40) having different diameters, and at least three flexible cords (18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) affixed to equally spaced apart edge segments of the disk (15) and to equally spaced apart segments of each one of the rigid wire loops (20, 30, 40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Joyce Thomas
  • Patent number: 5882744
    Abstract: An imitation tree comprising a fluid bearing support stand and a plurality of natural boughs attached to the stand, a method of making same and a support stand for attaching boughs thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Morrill R. Worcester
  • Patent number: 5869151
    Abstract: A stand for supporting an elongate object such as a Christmas tree in a substantially vertical orientation has a central tubular support (4) adapted to receive an end of the object, and a plurality of legs (12) pivotally secured to the tubular support (4) so as to be movable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the legs extend radially outwardly therefrom, and a locking collar (10) which is slidably disposed on the support (4) to engage lugs (24) on the legs (12) to secure them in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Boto (Licenses) Limited, an Isle of Man Company of 3/F
    Inventor: Kao Cheung Chong
  • 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: 5819961
    Abstract: A collapsible and foldable portable valet having upper and lower vertical support members. An upper sleeve is slidable about the upper support member to urge shoulder-lifting arms to extend and support left and right shoulder members and a hanger extension. A lower sleeve is slidable about the lower vertical member to urge legs to extend through a guiding and support brace to stabilize the valet. Channels are provided in the support members to accept the lifting arms and legs to provide a narrow profile and to reduce the space required to store the valet. A second hanger extension is provided to telescopingly extend and collapse within the hollow upper vertical support member. A multiplicity of detent mechanisms lock elements into an extended position. The shoulder members are shaped to provide for full support of a garment hung thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Hidea Innovative Products, L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Harris
  • Patent number: 5772048
    Abstract: A Bicycle storage or display rack comprising:A telescopic Main Body Member comprised of a Lower Body Member and an Upper Body Member whereby the Upper Member is slidably disposed within the Lower Member thereby allowing the Main Body to be telescopically extended or retracted. A Locking or Clamping Device is provided whereby the overall length of the Main Body can be rigidly secured at any length of extension or retraction. Resilient-Pressure End Caps, located at the opposing ends of the Main Body, allow the rigidly secured Main Body Member to be effectively compressed or wedged between two opposing mounting surfaces. Bicycle suspension means, adapted for attachment to said Main Body Member, allow effective suspension of bicycles from the Main Body Member. Said bicycle suspension means include a Perpendicular Wheel-Hook Assembly, comprised of at least two sets of Wheel Hook Apertures, wherein one set is drilled substantially perpendicular and substantially staggered relative to the other set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Ivan Sopcisak
  • Patent number: 5712002
    Abstract: A telescopic decorative tree having a telescopic pole (1) has a tree trunk with a top (4) from which a plurality of guy lines (5) are extended downwardly and outwardly in Christmas tree shape to surface anchor means (6, 13). Christmas tree lights and other decorative items are suspended in strands (8) between the guy lines and pole attachments (9, 10, 11, 14, 15) on the telescopic pole. The pole attachments are preferably adjustable in vertical height to provide desired heights of inside ends of strands at the telescopic pole in relation to outside ends of the strands at the guy lines. Preferably, the strands are allowed to sag slightly for a desired aesthetic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: William P. Reilly, III
  • Patent number: 5680943
    Abstract: A standing closet device which comprises a stanchion. A structure placed upon a floor in a corner of a wall in a room of a building, is for supporting the stanchion in an upright position adjacent the corner of the wall. The supporting structure preferably includes a pair of elongated feet horizontally connected together at a right angle to form a corner, with a crossbar extending between facing sides of the feet. Alternatively, the elongated feet can be hinged to the stanchion so that they can swing up for storage into notched out vertical areas at a bottom end of the stanchion. A plurality of arms extend horizontally at a right angle at various heights from the stanchion, so that various articles, such as clothing and linen can be hung upon the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: David L. Robley
  • Patent number: 5652032
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hassle-free artificial Christmas tree that eliminates the time and frustration of assembly and storage of previously known artificial Christmas trees. The artificial Christmas tree of the present invention is preferably formed of a central pole having a sleeve concentric with the central pole and slidable along the central pole between an upper and lower position. At least one arm is rotatably coupled to the central pole and forms a limb of the tree. The sleeve is provided with an opening, including a flange framing the opening, for urging the arm between an upper and lower position when the sleeve is slid along the central pole. A base is provided for supporting the central pole in an upright position. A storage tube is also provided for storing the artificial tree when not in use. The storage tube has an opening for receipt and retrieval of the tree. The tree is readily slidable within the storage tube and is closed on either end by end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventors: Sheila Kaczor, Michael Keleman
  • Patent number: 5601197
    Abstract: A hanger device comprises a plurality of clip assemblies slidable along a support such as a rope or the like. Each assembly comprises a plurality of clamps rotatable about the central axis of the rope by means of a collar rotatably mounted to a base, the base receiving a portion of the rope in longitudinal extension therethrough. Each clamp is further rotatably mounted about a shaft extending from the collar and through a hub associated with the clamp. Each clamp is further pivotal about a pivot pin extending through first and second arms extending from the hub. The plurality of clamp positions, relative to the rope, allows for various articles, such as ball caps, towels, etc. to be displayed in various positions along and about the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Dean Baxter
  • Patent number: 5499726
    Abstract: An adjustable height pedestal is formed of one, two, or more identical or variant height pleated upright members. The pleated upright members are interconnected by two or more connector rings at either end of each pleated upright member. When two or more pleated upright members are used to form one display pedestal, one connector ring interconnects the area between two of said pleated upright members. A disc rests upon four lid/base supports inside the topmost connector ring, and is covered by a lid which interconnects with said connector ring. A second identical disc rests on the four lid/base supports inside the bottom-most connector ring. Display pedestals over 12" in height are generally stabilized with a heavy block which is readily accessible and which sits on top of the disc in the bottom of the display. In one embodiment the lid and disc are not used leaving an open display pedestal for cylindrical merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Patrick J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5492230
    Abstract: A golf club stand including a collapsible pair of legs having a lower ground engaging end and an upper end, and a golf club shaft engaging member connected to the upper end of the pair of legs. The shaft engaging member releasably engages the golf club shaft, such that the golf club is held in a generally upright position with the head of the golf club and the lower ends of the pair of legs engaging the ground. The legs are pivotally connected to each other at their upper end so as to permit them to be collapsed into a compact state for carrying. The legs may be collapsed further by forming each leg in a telescoping manner. The shaft engaging member includes a support portion having a generally U-shaped groove into which the lower end of the shaft of the club may be inserted. The shaft engaging member may also include a base or grip portion to which the legs are pivotally mounted or it may be formed integrally with the upper end of one of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Russell B. Horton
  • Patent number: 5458249
    Abstract: A hanging device for drying clothes including a base, a main rod vertically arranged on the base, a plurality of tubular members fixedly mounted on the main rod, a plurality of gears each fixedly connected with one of the tubular members, a plurality of sleeves each connected with one of the tubular members and having an upper flange, a plurality of cables having an end connected with the upper flange of the sleeves, a hexagonal frame connected with another end of the cables, a plurality of supporting rods pivotally connected with the gear, and a plurality of connectors each connected with a side of the hexagonal frame and one of the supporting rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Tsai Shang-Lu
  • Patent number: 5413825
    Abstract: A collapsible artificial Christmas tree has a center pole erectable on a base, a cap that fits over the top of the pole, and a spiral coil of split plastic tubing, which extends upward to form a conical shape when the cap is placed on the pole. The split plastic tubing carries an electrical wire inside the tubing with sockets and bulbs extending outwardly between edges of the tubing at intervals. Stringers in the form of plastic line are connected to the base and cap as well as to the split tubing to cause the spiral coil to assume the proper shape. In addition to serving as a tree stand, the base and its cover provide a storage box in which the spiral coil and other parts of the tree are stored. The use of metal parts in proximity to electrical wires is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Clarice M. Chaikin
  • Patent number: 5405662
    Abstract: A collapsible cone structure includes a base, an upright support and a spiral coil. The coil is shiftable between a supported, cone-shaped extended configuration and a flattened configuration which may be easily stored or transported. Preferably the structure includes a detachable theme head including a support, a plurality of coil segments and a vertically adjustable coupling pin. Other preferred forms include detachable wings.In particularly preferred forms, the cone structure includes a base, a spiral coil, and a fastener. The coil is shiftable between a cone-shaped resting configuration and a flattened extended configuration which may be latched in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: August J. Oberzan
  • Patent number: 5401545
    Abstract: An artificial Christmas tree has a trunk member. The trunk member has an elongated rod that has at least two threadingly disconnectable sections. There are a plurality of elongated limb storage chambers in the elongated rod. A stabilizational plate is attached to one end of the elongated rod to horizontally stabilize the elongated rod. A vertical structure support member is attached to another end of the elongated rod to vertically stabilize the elongated rod. There are a plurality of flexible limb members stored within the elongated limb chambers that slidingly traverse within and adjustably extend from the elongated storage chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Debra A. Hyde
  • Patent number: 5385246
    Abstract: A collapsible bicycle stand comprises a base operable to rest on a generally horizontal surface, a support member removably securable to the base such that the support member extends upward relative to the horizontal surface, and first and second bicycle holding facilities secured to the support member. The support member has an outwardly facing portion lying in a first generally vertical plane when the support member is secured to the base and the first and second bicycle holding facilities have first and second bicycle contacting surfaces respectively, which are disposed in a second plane extending perpendicular to the first plane and which are disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal surface when the support member is secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: David Grossnickle
  • Patent number: 5342661
    Abstract: A base and at least one extension tube are arranged for coaxially aligned relationship relative to one another mounted to an underlying support stand. The apparatus includes a plurality of branch rods, each having a matrix of branch rod bristles, with each branch rod mounted relative to a single bracket of a plurality of mating brackets to position the branch rods at acute angles relative to the base and extension tubes. Optional apparatus of the invention includes a scent dispenser structure directing scent through the base and extension tube directed through mesh webs within the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Donald R. Wilcox, II
  • Patent number: 5336536
    Abstract: A collapsible cone structure includes a base, an upright support and a spiral coil. The coil is shiftable between a supported, cone-shaped extended configuration and a flattened configuration which may be easily stored or transported. Preferably the structure includes a detachable theme head including a support, a plurality of coil segments and a vertically adjustable coupling pin. Other preferred forms include detachable wings.In particularly preferred forms, the cone structure includes a base, a spiral coil, and a fastener. The coil is shiftable between a cone-shaped resting configuration and a flattened extended configuration which may be latched in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: August J. Oberzan