Including Central Support (e.g., Tree-like, Etc.) Patents (Class 211/205)
  • Patent number: 6575314
    Abstract: A kiosk includes multiple poles with a plurality of independently rotatable components disposed on each pole. Each component comprises a hollow supporting body made rotatable by way of bushings disposed on the top and bottom of the body and bearings disposed adjacent to each bushing. The component further includes a pair of slat boards removably coupled to the supporting body. Even though each slat board may have a different configuration of protrusions extending from the front surface for holding goods, clips on the back surface of each board are similarly configured to enable any board to be removably coupled to a supporting body. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Bob Siemon Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Laura R. Lung, Louise M. Grimm
  • Patent number: 6575316
    Abstract: A bathroom column hanging holder assembly mainly has a plurality of sleeves sleeved on a column with a base seat; the side of the sleeve has a side tube to be fixedly inserted by a hanging holder; a plastic inner tube and an O-shaped ring are installed inside the said sleeve; the structure assembled accordingly is capable of positioning a sleeve through the friction generated among the plastic inner tube, the O-shaped ring and the column by the weight of the hanging holder so as to eliminate the downward sliding of the sleeve and to adjust the height of the sleeve at will for convenient application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Colin Ross Taiwan, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Lin
  • Patent number: 6568546
    Abstract: A hanger device includes a support rod, a plurality of support members mounted around the support rod in a stacked manner, and a plurality of the hanger rods each having a ring rotatably mounted around an associated support member. Each support member includes a stepped portion around which the ring of an associated hanger rod is rotatably mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Steve Huang
  • Publication number: 20030080081
    Abstract: A bathroom column hanging holder assembly mainly has a plurality of sleeves sleeved on a column with a base seat; the side of the sleeve has a side tube to be fixedly inserted by a hanging holder; a plastic inner tube and an O-shaped ring are installed inside the said sleeve; the structure assembled accordingly is capable of positioning a sleeve through the friction generated among the plastic inner tube, the O-shaped ring and the column by the weight of the hanging holder so as to eliminate the downward sliding of the sleeve and to adjust the height of the sleeve at will for convenient application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Gary Lin
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6530491
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and displaying agricultural produce and sporting equipment are provided for forming decorative seasonal and sport related characters. An elongated rod serves as the vertical support for the produce and equipment. For outdoor use the rod can be secured directly into the ground or secured to a stand that is placed on the ground. The stand further allows the apparatus to be used indoors. In use, produce or equipment is either threaded onto the rod, after opposing holes are cut into the produce or equipment, or adjustable ring platforms can be positioned on the rod so that the platforms extend generally perpendicularly from the rod to support the produce or equipment in a vertical manner. An arm platform is provided that can be adjustably secured to the rod and positioned to form the character's arms. The platform is adapted to hold additional produce or equipment as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Joey R. Brehmer, Jamie C. Brehmer
  • Publication number: 20030029818
    Abstract: The invention provides a display rack for wheelbarrow components. The display rack includes a support structure extending above a ground level, and a top lateral support, a middle lateral support, and a lower lateral support, each cantilevered to the support structure. The top lateral support has a length sufficient to accommodate a front end of at least one wheelbarrow frame, and is spaced vertically from the ground level a distance sufficient to accommodate the wheelbarrow frame above the ground level. The middle lateral support has a length sufficient to accommodate at least one wheel, and is spaced vertically from the top lateral support a distance sufficient to accommodate the wheel. The lower lateral support has a length sufficient to locate and support at least one bucket, and is spaced vertically from the middle lateral support a distance sufficient to accommodate the bucket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Johannes Kamphuis
  • Patent number: 6516959
    Abstract: A caddy assembly for storing cleaning equipment in which a vertical pole member extends upwardly from a flat base with bottle holder cups and hook elements on opposite sides of the pole member and with parallel rack elements projecting to each side of the top of the pole member to receive brooms and mops with their working ends upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Team BG2S, LLC
    Inventors: Mary Kathleen Gribbins, George Trudel Wilson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030015486
    Abstract: A pistol nozzle rack comprises a rotary seat, an expandable support rod, and a holding seat. The rotary seat is formed of a rotary disk and a base in which the bottom end of the support rod is rotatably mounted. The rotary disk is provided in the upper side with a plurality of receiving slots for receiving one end of the grip of the pistol nozzle. The rotary disk turns along with the support rod. The holding seat is mounted on the top end of the support rod and is provided with a plurality of holding slots corresponding in location and number to the receiving slots of the rotary disk for holding the barrel of the pistol nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Shin Tai Spurt Water of the Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6508370
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base assembly, a work surface, a vertical support pole extending upward from the work surface, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Carl Brock Brandenberg
  • Publication number: 20030006204
    Abstract: A holiday light storage system, for storing holiday light strings having a main cord and a plurality of dangling strands spaced along and extending from the main cord, using a storage device having a base, a hub extending upward from the base, and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the hub. The main cord is wrapped around the hub above the spokes, the main cord is supported by the spokes, and the dangling strands hang perpendicularly downward from the main cord. Accordingly, the holiday lights are maintained in a substantially tangle-free condition. The base preferably allows the hub to rotate to facilitate wrapping the light strings around the hub, and removal of the light strings from the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence Dee Baker
  • Publication number: 20030000904
    Abstract: A kiosk includes multiple poles with a plurality of independently rotatable components disposed on each pole. Each component comprises a hollow supporting body made rotatable by way of bushings disposed on the top and bottom of the body and bearings disposed adjacent to each bushing. The component further includes a pair of slat boards removably coupled to the supporting body. Even though each slat board may have a different configuration of protrusions extending from the front surface for holding goods, clips on the back surface of each board are similarly configured to enable any board to be removably coupled to a supporting body. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Laura R. Lung, Louise M. Grimm
  • Publication number: 20030000905
    Abstract: A display rack includes an upright that supports a crosspiece and one or more shelves. Each shelf includes two clips, and each clip includes a lip element configured to fit over and to engage an upper surface of the crosspiece, and a spring element configured to snap-lock against a lower, opposed side of the crosspiece. The first and second clips are positioned on the shelf such as the shelf is mountable on the crosspiece in three different positions: a first position, in which each clip is disposed on a respective side of the upright; a second position, in which both clips are disposed on a first side of the upright; and a third position, in which both clips are disposed on the other side of the upright.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: Astoria Wire Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Zidek
  • Patent number: 6494327
    Abstract: A hanger assembly includes a vertical post, at least two fixing devices securely mounted to the vertical post at different levels, and at least two hanger members each of which is securely attached to an associated fixing device for supporting at least one object. The fixing devices are slidable along a vertical direction, thereby allowing adjustment in the levels of the fixing devices relative to the vertical post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: May Huang
  • Patent number: 6491218
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for more efficient checkout are described. A triangular carousel having a relatively small footprint is employed proximate a bar code scanner and point of sale (POS) terminal so that a checker can efficiently load scanned items into bags, and a customer on the other side of the checkout counter and proximate the bar code scanner can also efficiently load filled bags into his or her shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventor: Dung Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6471076
    Abstract: A rack is designed to hold a plurality of pistol nozzles and is formed of a base and a displaying frame. The base is rested on the floor surface and is provided with a support rod on which the displaying frame is supported such that the displaying frame can be revolved and adjusted in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Shin Tai Spurt Water of the Garden Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Yuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20020148792
    Abstract: In order to provide an improved device for displaying a product in a retail environment, a vertical merchandise display unit includes a base, a riser, a monitor, and product support arms. The riser extends generally vertically upwardly from the base and the monitor is supported by the riser above the product support arms. Further, the unit includes a plurality of product support arms which extend radially outwardly from the riser at a point above the base for displaying products such as digital cameras, camcorders and the like..
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel W. Marihugh
  • Publication number: 20020144961
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a utility rack for organizing and storing a variety of clothing and accessory items commonly worn and used by law enforcement personnel. The utility rack includes several apparel supports and accessory supports, and more specifically, the utility rack includes a shoe-rack, radio support, microphone mount, apparel hook, hat-rack, utility belt hanger, vest hanger, and storage box all carried on an elongated post affixed to a base with adjustable footing for leveling the rack. The apparel supports and accessory supports are disposed at various levels along the height of the post for organizing the clothing and accessory items in a functional arrangement generally related to the manner in which the items are usually donned and removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Amanda L. McNab
  • Patent number: 6386491
    Abstract: A storage device for storing strings of ornamental lights which have a plurality of strands hanging pendant from the main string. The device has a plurality of spokes attached with respect to an elongate vertical member. It is preferable to have a storage-positioning member attached at either or both of the top or bottom ends of the elongate vertical member such that the device is stored upright. The invention also includes a method for attaching the string of lights to the device by rotating the string around the elongate vertical member as the strands hang down between the spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin J. Bissett
  • Patent number: 6371311
    Abstract: A rack is provided having a track which is adapted to removably support a plurality of items in a predetermined pattern or order. The track comprises a plurality of interconnected levels so that the items may move along the track between the different levels and the items are readily accessible from all locations on the track. Clips may be used to sectionalize the rack and to balance the load on the rack while it spins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Ricklef E. Barrett, Steven C. Thompson, Martin L. De Land, Steven T. D. Oatman
  • Publication number: 20020040879
    Abstract: A rack is provided having a track which is adapted to removably support a plurality of items in a predetermined pattern or order. The track comprises a plurality of interconnected levels so that the items may move along the track between the different levels and the items are readily accessible from all locations on the track. Clips may be used to sectionalize the rack and to balance the load on the rack while it spins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Richlef E. Barrett, Steven C. Thompson, Martin L. De Land, Steven T.D. Oatman
  • Publication number: 20020027117
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base assembly, a work surface, a vertical support pole extending upward from the work surface, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Carl Brock Brandenberg
  • Patent number: 6352163
    Abstract: A rack is provided having a track which is adapted to removably support a plurality of items in a predetermined pattern or order. The track comprises a plurality of interconnected levels so that the items may move along the track between the different levels and the items are readily accessible from all locations on the track. Clips may be used to sectionalize the rack and to balance the load on the rack while it spins. Alternatively, one or more vertical rods secured to and extending between at least several levels of the track may be provided to strengthen the track and sectionalize the track into segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Ricklef E. Barrett, Steven C. Thompson, Martin L. De Land, Steven T. D. Oatman
  • Patent number: 6329028
    Abstract: The present invention is a unique design and technique of construction for an artificial tree. The tree is created from an engineered superstructure with a porous outer covering or skin. Artificial leaves are attached to the skin creating an artificial tree with no limbs or branches. An additional feature is a light source that can be incorporated inside the superstructure to illuminate the tree. The foliage is replaceable to allow for seasonal color changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Bobby J. Bucher
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6308838
    Abstract: A footwear storage rack for supporting and storing footwear such as Wellington boots. The footwear storage rack includes a base, a tubular support member having a lower portion with a slot therein and further having an upper portion with a retractable catch member therein, a footwear support member being essentially a disk and having a plurality of wedge-shaped slots extending in the circumference and spaced thereabout, and a handle removeably attachable to the upper portion of the tubular support member for carrying and moving the footwear storage rack as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald C. Endean
  • 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: 6234331
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base assembly, a work surface, a vertical support pole extending upward from the work surface, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Brock Brandenberg
  • 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: 6216887
    Abstract: A detachable hanger for sport pads includes a base, a number of legs, a number of posts, a number of interconnecting blocks, and a number of hanger members. Each leg has an end releasably engaged with the base. The posts are detachably mounted to the base in an upright manner. The interconnecting blocks interconnect the posts in the upright manner. Each interconnecting block includes an inner flange to thereby define an upper positioning compartment for securely yet releasably receiving a lower end of one post located above the interconnecting block and a lower positioning compartment for securely yet releasably receiving an upper end of one post located below the interconnecting block. Each hanger member has an end releasably engaged with an associated interconnecting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Mike Soo
  • Patent number: 6213314
    Abstract: A portable rack for garden tools provides support for various garden tools during gardening and light landscaping operations. The present rack is particularly well suited for the support of the upper ends or handles of larger elongate tools, such as shovels, rakes, hoes, etc., with the lower working ends of the tools remaining on the ground. The gardener thus need not bend over or stoop to pick up such a tool from the ground each time a different tool is needed. The present rack essentially comprises a central column with a sharpened lower end to facilitate ground penetration. A laterally extending spade or blade bit is provided above the lower end, which precludes rotation of the central column within the hole formed in the ground when the device is anchored. A lower foot planting crossmember is provided above the spade or blade, for the gardener to plant the device into the ground in the manner of using a shovel or spade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Richard G. Beemer
  • Patent number: 6189710
    Abstract: A display device for displaying articles of merchandise, such as gelatin and pudding. The display device has a base having a central opening, a vertical support pole secured in the central opening of the base, a plurality of three-sided trays defining three corner areas mounted on the pole, a plurality of U-shaped filler panels disposed between at least two of the trays, a plurality of support columns mounted in the trays, and a header assembly coupled to the support pole and engaging the columns. Each tray has a plurality of edges and comprises a plurality of cantilevered shelves disposed transversely, preferably at an upward angle, relative to the pole. The trays are vertically stacked and spaced apart from each other along the support pole. The filler panels are mounted in the shelves of one of the trays and each filler panel forms an open-faced compartment for display of the article of merchandise. Each of the support columns is mounted in two of the shelves in each tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: NDR Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy L. Mason
  • Patent number: 6123206
    Abstract: A spatially and mechanically independent removable display attachment with wedge retainers for vertical cylindrical supports which consists of a flat member surrounded by an upwardly rising rim and an upwardly protruding open tubular segment. The opening completely pierces the flat member, so that a pole or pipe can easily slide through the invention. The attachment is supported at various vertical distances along the pole by a combination of structural innovations, O-rings, and in intimate physical contact and combination with wedgelike retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: George Julian Zaremba
  • 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: 6116563
    Abstract: A branch joint for use with a christmas tree to connect a plurality of additional branches to trunk of the christmas tree, are designed to an umbrella-shaped body. A plurality of top and bottom ellipses respectively distributed on the top and bottom circumference of said body. A plurality of recesses form on a top edge of said body. Meanwhile, the additional branches are capable of being respectively inserted into said top ellipses, through the bottom ellipses, to be inward bent at a specific angle then for retaining a distal end of each branch within the corresponding recess whereby the branches and the umbrella-shaped body are retained together in a more natural, simple and useful manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Yuan-Hui Tsai
  • Patent number: 6086171
    Abstract: A carousel shoe cabinet for storing shoes in an organized manner. The carousel shoe cabinet includes a cabinet with an upper compartment therein. The front of the cabinet has an opening into the upper compartment. A carousel assembly is provided in upper compartment. The carousel assembly has generally circular spaced apart upper and lower rings, and an elongate shaft extending between the upper and lower rings. The upper and lower rings each have a center hub and plurality of radial spokes extending radially between the center hub and the respective ring. An upper end of the elongate shaft is coupled to the center hub of the upper ring. A lower end of the elongate shaft is rotatably mounted to the center hub of the lower ring to permit free rotation of the elongate shaft about the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. A plurality of hanger assemblies are hung on the upper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventors: Cynthia H. Ashley, John P. Ashley
  • Patent number: 6068144
    Abstract: A freestanding, mobile information posting unit for use in the workplace or other environment including a base and a rod extending upwardly therefrom. A plurality of posting members are arranged in a generally vertical manner on the rod for posting information thereon. The posting members are individually rotatable about the rod. The shape of the posting members, and their positional arrangement on the rod, allows the peripheral surfaces of adjacent posting members to be disposed in nonaligned relation to accommodate attachment of notes and the like thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Roque M. Corpuz, Jr., Steven J. Beukema, Clarkson S. Thorp
  • Patent number: 6065618
    Abstract: A new closet organizing system for providing greater organization and storage space in a closet. The inventive device includes a telescoping pole rotatably disposed between a ceiling and a floor of a closet. A pair of support arms are secured to the telescoping pole. The pair of support arms each have a hollow support portion and an angular support bracket. The hollow support arm has a rotating gear system disposed therein. The gear system includes a plurality of individual gears. A plurality of hanger loops extend downwardly through the hollow support portion of the support arms and engage the plurality of individual gears of the rotating gear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Allen Stetler
  • Patent number: 6065233
    Abstract: An apparatus for displaying merchandise, the apparatus having a base, a pole, and a means for securing the pole in a substantially vertical orientation on the base. A sign holder is preferably attached to an upper end of the pole. A bracket member is preferably secured adjacent the upper end of the pole. The bracket member has at least one prong for supporting one or more sets of disposable receptacles for umbrellas. The means for securing is preferably an insert detachably engaged within a generally cylindrical opening of the base. The insert comprises a generally cylindrical body having a generally cylindrical opening passing through at least an upper portion thereof. A plurality of longitudinal ribs extend radially outward from the body. Outer longitudinal edges of the ribs are sized to tightly abut against the generally cylindrical opening of the base to thereby maintain the insert in a substantially vertical orientation relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph B. Rink
  • Patent number: 6010017
    Abstract: The present invention provides a modular dispenser and display system having a foundational unit. A supporting collar can be mounted to the foundational unit at any position and at any height. The supporting collar also has a plurality of attachment means aligned vertically and peripherally on the supporting collar and one or more trays can be mounted to the supporting collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Visual Marketing Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack Michaelis, Dennis Nielsen, Russ Barnes, Donald Wendel
  • Patent number: 5947306
    Abstract: A modular rack is composed of a support tube, a plurality of support arms, and a plurality of trays. The support tube is provided in the wall thereof with a plurality of retaining slots located at various levels of the support tube. The support arms are provided respectively at one end thereof with two retaining protuberances engageable with said retaining slots of the support tube. The trays are fastened respectively with another end of the support arms for holding a flower pot, vase, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Hsien Chang
  • Patent number: 5944200
    Abstract: A device, and a method for making the device, for supporting and storing dish-shaped containers. The device has a column with side faces intersecting to form therebetween corners having specific angles. Vertical, non-releasing slits are formed in the side faces. Strips having pin-shaped projections extending therefrom slidably fit within the slits so that the projections extend away therefrom. Slits are also defined at the corners of the column. Strips having a centrally disposed longitudinal groove about which the strip is bent at the specific angle of each corner are inserted into the non-releasing slits disposed at the corners. All pin-shaped projections extending away from a given side face therefore extend in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Arnoldus Theodorus Bernardus Maria Nales
  • Patent number: 5931320
    Abstract: A rack for drying or curing items can be disassembled for storage or transportation. The rack includes a pair of rack units, each rack unit including a base, an upright and a series of elongated members, or poles, on which the items can be supported above the generally flat surface on which the unit rests. The base includes three legs that engage the flat surface. The series of poles is supported by the upright. The upright is hollow and can be used to store the poles and base legs. A cap is provided to close the upright to keep out moisture and dirt when the rack is in use, and to ensure that the poles and base legs remain in the upright, and are protected, during transportation or storage of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: James J. Gajda, Leonard Richard Gajda, D. Patrick Ledford
  • Patent number: 5931315
    Abstract: A modular storage and display device for essentially flat containers. The display device has a vertically retained column and a plurality of connecting members mounted on the column. The connecting members have a pair of resiliently displaceable gripping arms integrally formed at one portion of the connecting members. The arms are adapted to snap fit around the column so the connecting member is rotatable around and slidable along the longitudinal axis of the column. A system for gripping an edge portion of the container is disposed on another portion of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventors: Hilel Lorentz, Rony Levy
  • Patent number: 5921409
    Abstract: A new and improved V-shaped eye wear display device is provided to enable attractive and effective display of eye wear and eyeglass frames while also allowing multiple and varied configurations and assemblies as required by specific sale promotion and other applications. The novel V-shaped eye wear display device includes two temple free end receiving cavities which support the eyeglass frames by the temple free ends to provide for a more unique, functional, attractive, effective and versatile eye wear display assembly, a more aesthetically pleasing display configuration enabling a clear unobstructed view of the eye wear and frames, a method of using said novel V-shaped equally adaptable to both counter-top and wall mount display assemblies, and to provide an easy to use and configure eye wear display device that is considerably less expensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Delectable Display, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Gerber, Robert A. Off
  • Patent number: 5906284
    Abstract: A multi-workstation device is provided which includes a vertically-oriented pole and a workstation assembly mounted thereto. The workstation assembly includes a sleeve mounted around the pole, a plurality of arms affixed to and extending radially outward from the sleeve, and a plurality of horizontally-oriented work surfaces affixed to the arms. In a preferred embodiment, the workstation assembly is vertically adjustable and circumferentially rotatable relative to the pole, and the device also includes a vertical lock and a circumferential lock for locking the workstation assembly to the pole in a desired vertical and circumferential position. The device optionally also includes a seat assembly or a workbench assembly, a light assembly, a winch assembly, a power supply, and an air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Kenneth Hammerstrom
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Hammerstrom, James Whiteford
  • 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: 5848710
    Abstract: A vertical post assembly is mounted on a substantially horizontal base and has at the upper end a plurality of spokes upon which the merchandise is hung and a separate continuous ring. The spokes and/or the ring are selectively movable relative to each other between a first position wherein the ring abuts with the end of the spokes preventing removal of the merchandise, and a second position spaced from one or more of the spokes to free the ends thereof, permitting removal of the merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Yael Sonia Pomper