Swinging About A Vertical Standard Patents (Class 248/145)
  • Patent number: 11272800
    Abstract: A mailbox system that is operable to provide an owner thereof the ability to change a portion of the mailbox system for thematic decorative purposes. The mailbox system of the present invention includes a lower portion having a base member and a mounting pole member wherein the base member is configured to be buried in the ground. The mounting pole member extends upward from the base member and is configured to operably couple with a support pole of the upper portion. The upper portion includes a body member wherein the body member further has an integrally formed receptacle. The body member is manufactured in various shapes and sizes so as to provide decorative theme options. A locking mechanism is present on the upper portion and is configured to provide securing of the upper portion to the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventors: Frank Monte, Deniscia Monte
  • Patent number: 11259668
    Abstract: A coffee cooking stand according to the present invention basically includes a stand having at least one stand base, at least one stand column and at least one stand upper wall, and at least one basket placed on the stand upper wall or on the stand base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Turgay Yildizli
  • Patent number: 11154152
    Abstract: A mailbox support system comprising a triangular frame, comprising a generally vertical side having an outer side surface, a ground side having a bottom surface and lower guide hole, and an angled side having a top surface and an upper guide hole; and an angled anchoring stake, having a short end and a long end; wherein the long end of said anchoring stake passes through said upper guide hole in said angled side and said lower guide hole in said ground side, such that at least one third of its length extends beyond the bottom surface of said bottom side, and said short end lies parallel to and flush against the top surface of said angled side; wherein said upper guide hole and said lower guide hole cooperate to guide the anchoring stake through said frame at an angle between 50° and 70° from vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventor: Jerry R. Hammar
  • Patent number: 9593903
    Abstract: A bow and arrow hunting accessory device having a mounting post assembly with a sidewall, and mounting screws that insert into a tree. Further having a swivel bar assembly, and a mounting arm assembly with an accessory support arm to support a hunting bow. The mounting post assembly further has a shaft. The swivel bar assembly has a housing with a hole. The hole receives the shaft when the swivel bar assembly mounts onto the mounting post assembly. The swivel bar assembly has an elongated housing with extension holes. The mounting arm assembly has a mounting arm having an actuating pin. The elongated housing receives the mounting arm, and any of the extension holes receives the actuating pin. The mounting arm assembly has a wind vane. Further having a clamp assembly that secures an umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Pedro Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9433313
    Abstract: A flexible mailbox support is assembled by pivotable attachment of a mailbox support arm to a post having two rigid sections separated by a flexible middle section and coverable by a replaceable sleeve, the connection between the support arm and the post uses a single bolt inserted through and joining a flat surface on the arm to a flat surface on the top of the post, formed to be detachable with force, the parallel surfaces being set at an angle of less than 90 degrees from the post and a spring is compressed by the bolt head to adjustably bias the surfaces against one another while allowing the arm to pivot about the axis of the bolt, with a cage providing protection for the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Arthur W. Lenz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9357867
    Abstract: A remotely controlled adjustable mailbox support uses a stepping motor, controlled by a microprocessor/CPU, to raise a mailbox platform above a level where the mailbox can be damaged by a passing snow plow. Based on remote command signals received by a internal communications module, the time and duration when the mailbox is raised can be controlled, as well as the height to which it is raised. An optional temporary rf-signal over-ride capability for mail carriers and/or snow plow operators is also provided, as well as control application software for wireless mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bryan
  • Patent number: 8939144
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar array column cap that includes a body having an opening extending along a center axis from a bottom to a top, the opening configured to receive the vertical column such that the body surrounds the vertical column. The solar array column cap further includes an upper support surface configured to receive a horizontal beam, the upper support surface being located in a plane that is non-perpendicular with the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Zuritis
  • Patent number: 8915475
    Abstract: An adjustable mailbox post comprises a vertical support member rotatably attached to a cross-member. The cross-member extends through a transverse channel in the support member, such that a forward arm of the cross-member extends from the forward side of the support member, and a rear arm of the cross-member extends from the rear side of the support member. The forward arm supports a mailbox platform, to which a mailbox can be attached. Using a spring mechanism and/or an extendable strut, the forward arm of the post can be lifted from a horizontal position appropriate for mail delivery to an elevated position, in which the mailbox is out of the reach of passing snow-plows. Latching mechanisms are used to secure the forward arm of the post in either the horizontal delivery position or the elevated safety position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bryan
  • Patent number: 8079553
    Abstract: A peripheral device support assembly. The peripheral device support assembly includes two detachable armrest and support tray adapted to be attached to each arm of an office chair. The detachable armrest and support tray includes a mount for securing the armrest support unit to a chair arm and a first portion hingedly attached to the mount for allowing the first portion to swivel in relation to the mount. The detachable armrest and support tray also includes a second portion pivotally connected to the second portion such that the first portion folds back over a second portion for storage. A tray spans the distance between the second portion of each detachable armrest and support tray to provide additional workspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Steve Martin
  • Patent number: 8047423
    Abstract: A swing away or pivotable mailbox support includes a lower post anchored in the ground and pivotally connected to an upper post having a horizontally projecting mailbox support arm. The upper post is pivotally movable in response to horizontal loads applied to the support arm. Adjacent connecting ends of the posts have aligned centrally located mounting bores for receipt of a mounting shaft. A bearing and detent assembly is mounted to the connecting ends of the posts to provide support and relative rotational movement between detent-engaged stable rotational positions. A kit including a bearing and detent assembly and a shaft is also provided for converting a stationary mailbox support to a swing away or pivotable support in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Robert H. Brecht
  • Patent number: 7997545
    Abstract: This invention is to an apparatus and method using a pivoting support structure to support mail boxes, newspaper tubes, information signage or decorative materials near a road while being less susceptible to damage from passing vehicles. The invention may be attached to a post, pipe or other vertical structure. Even after the apparatus is installed, the invention has an inherent flexibility to change the original starting position of the mail box relative to the road. Furthermore, the invention acts as a self-centering hinge allowing the support structure to swing in excess of 90-degrees to 180-degrees depending upon installation even while supporting single or multiple mailboxes and/or decorative or aesthetic items. The invention then automatically returns the mail box to its original starting position through the cooperative effort of a spring, gravity and inherent hinge design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Rodney W. Holland
  • Patent number: 7992767
    Abstract: A canted swivel for a mailbox to provide an automatic swiveling mailbox arrangement enabling retrieval of mail from the box without entering a nearby thoroughfare with the mailbox having a rest point or balance point facing outward toward the thoroughfare at its balance point as a result of a canted ball bearing swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Reed Leadrew Holmes
  • Patent number: 7794123
    Abstract: A post structure for installation along a street or road with a base supporting the post structure in a yieldable manner. A coupling joining the base and post structure includes a resilient member urging the post structure into a normal, pre-determined position on the base. An upper end of the base serves as a fulcrum for momentary post structure movement. A modified form of the yieldable support includes a housing with spring and fastener assembly with the housing having inclined surfaces which cooperate with inclined surfaces on the base upper end, insuring return of the tipped post structure back to the pre-determined relationship with the base after momentary displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony J. Newbill
  • Patent number: 7784748
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swing away mail box post which is simple to operate and manufacture. It includes two parts: a stationary base; and, a rotating stem (the latter of which is attached to the mailbox post itself). There is only one moving part, the stem rotates on the base as you desire. You just set the desired direction upon base installation by relying on a directed notch or keyway that interacts with a stem mounted screw to bias the location of the stem with respect to the base post. The installation of the base is straight forward, and the stem is adaptable to any standard type mailbox post, i.e., 3? round metal, 4?×4? wood, and 3½?×3 ½? P.V.C. sq. type post. This mailbox post system also includes two base configurations, one for stable packed soil, grass, etc. and one for sandy (i.e., loose) soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: David William Biddiscombe
  • Patent number: 7717376
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a number of device and system embodiments. One such bracket device embodiment includes a coupling segment having two coupling legs for connecting to a first support member and a mounting segment having two mounting legs for connecting to a second support, and wherein the mounting legs are arranged to be oriented in an opposite direction relative the coupling legs when attached to the second support, the mounting legs perpendicular in one axial dimension to the coupling legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas M. Sparks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7559457
    Abstract: A mailbox arrangement is provided for mounting a mailbox to a mounting post, featuring a mailbox for receiving mail; a mounting base coupled to the mailbox; a mounting bracket for suitably coupling the mailbox arrangement to a mounting post; and a spring assembly for flexibly and rotationally coupling the mounting base to the mounting bracket in a predetermined relationship, the spring assembly being responsive to a force, for pivoting the mounting base in relation to the mounting bracket in one direction so as to resist and absorb a torque being applied as a result of the force, and for pivoting the mounting base in relation to the mounting bracket in the opposite direction as a result of the torque being stored in the spring assembly so as to return the mounting base and the mounting bracket back to the predetermined relationship when the force is no longer applied, so that when the mailbox is mounted on the mounting post, the mailbox is oriented in a desired position for receiving mail, and so that when th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Webber
  • Patent number: 7481357
    Abstract: A combined mailbox and swivel mount assembly includes a mailbox made from durable rubber material and an elongated and rectilinear post with axially opposed ends. The assembly further includes a mounting bracket, a rectilinear support shaft, and a base bracket fixedly and statically coupled to an underside of the mailbox. A sleeve is monolithically formed with a posterior side of the base bracket. Such a sleeve has a longitudinal length registered parallel with a longitudinal length of the post, and is rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket in such a manner that the base bracket and the mailbox freely articulate in sync about a fulcrum axis defined parallel to the sleeve and along an arcuate path defined substantially anterior of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Victor Totis
  • Publication number: 20090020662
    Abstract: A container segment assembly suitable for use with a carousel of an analytical instrument, including (a) a container rack having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the container rack capable of receiving containers in a substantially linear row and (b) a container segment having a frame. The frame has an arcuate shape, whereby the container segment can be mounted onto a corresponding arcuate portion of the carousel of the analytical instrument. The frame further defines a receptacle capable of receiving the container rack. The major dimension of the receptacle is substantially aligned as a chord of the arcuate-shaped frame of the container segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Cedrick James LaFleur, Edward Alan Johnson
  • Patent number: 7353985
    Abstract: A mailbox mount which includes a heavy-duty spring connecting the mailbox to post via a mounting element. The spring allows the mailbox to return to its initial position after being contacted by another item, such as a snowplow or the like to prevent permanent damage to the mailbox. The mailbox mount also includes a mailbox mounting plate with a protective lip or shield on at least the delivery side of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Michael J. Weatherholt, II
  • Patent number: 7163142
    Abstract: A damage resistant mailbox assembly to prevent damage to mailboxes and vehicles, persons or equipment which contact same. The mailbox is supported from an upright support post or structure by one or more expandable and bendable spring units. One end of each spring unit is attached to a plate which is in turn attached to the support post or structure. The other end of each spring unit is attached to the closed end of a standard mailbox enclosure. The device provides for movement of the mailbox when struck by external force, within a 360° radius about an axis substantially parallel to each support spring, with each spring biasing a return to the mailbox structure's original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Randall L. DeLine, Kerry Luedtke, James Harris
  • Patent number: 7032811
    Abstract: A mailbox assembly having a rotatable mailbox attached to a flexible support for securing said assembly within the ground. The support includes a rod having a top end and a bottom end. The support also includes a bottom support plate positioned on the ground surface for stabilizing the mailbox. A mounted stake is attached to the bottom support plate for securing the support underneath the ground surface. A spring is attached between the bottom end of the rod and the bottom support plate, for allowing the support to bend from the spring in any direction upon impact. The mailbox, having an interior cavity, is rotatably secured to the support by a cylinder shaped support plate attached to a circular collar. The rod of the support is sized to fit though the circular collar of the cylinder shaped support plate and is fastened to the inside cavity of the mailbox by a ball. The ball is threaded to accept the rod and hold the cylinder shaped support plate in place against the bottom of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Kenneth Paulic, Dimitry Atrkhimovich
  • Patent number: 6802481
    Abstract: The inventors present an improved rotatable multi-receptacle support device. These type devices are commonly used to house up to four circular receptacles that can be rotated about a center post affixed to the ground for the convenience of the user. The improvements made to this device by the inventors comprise improved receptacle containment by forming the receptacle housing into a basket-shaped cavity with a top ring and a plurality of adjustable chain segments hanging below. This basket shaped cavity of adjustable depth can accommodate a broader range of receptacle shapes and sizes and provides better lateral support in instances where rapid removal and replacement of receptacles is required as in home refuse collection. An additional improvement is provided by means of a second structural support overlay, in addition to the primary support armatures, which connects the outer rim of each top ring to the center post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth Tyrone Newburn, Daniel Norman Hart
  • Patent number: 6685146
    Abstract: A piñata-manipulating stand for more easily maneuvering and controlling a piñata. The piñata-manipulating stand includes an arm assembly for supporting and controlling a piñata. An upright support member is provided for supporting the arm assembly. A coupling assembly is coupled to and positioned between the arm assembly and the upright support member for rotationally coupling the arm assembly to the upright support member. A base member is mounted to an end of the upright support member for supporting the upright support member in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Felix Sanchez, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030213879
    Abstract: The spinning multiple container containment rack is a rack designed to support and contain up to four waste containers off the ground in an organized manner, comprising a stationary, or a free spinning rack body which rides on an element for rotation, placed on top a vertically anchored support post. The rack body comprises a central hub to which an assembly for supporting and containing different diameter waste containers connects to outside perimeter, comprising a bracket and containment ring, radiating out in four equal places. An adjustable hanging element connects in four equal places to bottom circumference of containment ring, creating a net like basket that molds to shape of container placed into it, for complete support of bottom and sides of waste containers, leaving only the top handles of waste containers exposed above containment ring, while still allowing for free movement of containers, for easy loading and unloading of rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth Tyrone Newburn, Daniel Norman Hart
  • Publication number: 20020139904
    Abstract: A swinging mailbox support including a vertical member having a horizontal arm disposed thereon wherein a mailbox is affixed to an end portion of the horizontal arm and furthermore the assembly comprises two portions pivotably interconnected and tending to maintain a neutral initial state by the action of gravity. In operation the arm supporting the mailbox is free to rotate about an inclined axis in the event of a collision with a vehicle or other object Because of the inclined axis, rotation causes the mailbox to rise to a higher level above the ground. Once free of the impacting object, gravity restores the mailbox to a service position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: James Lowell
  • Patent number: 6047933
    Abstract: A moveable support arm for a mailbox which includes a cylindrical cap which is sized to fit over a vertical support post. The cap has an open bottom and a closed top with a horizontal support member being attached to said cap, and containing means to attach and support a horizontal post in fixed engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Earl H. Hoover
  • Patent number: 5941455
    Abstract: A mailbox stand is provided including a vertical post with a bottom end mounted within a shoulder of a road. Also included is a horizontal rod mounted on the vertical post and adapted to rotate about a vertical axis. Next provided is a mail box mounted on an outboard end of the horizontal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Johnny L. Cutugno
  • Patent number: 5779202
    Abstract: A pivoting mailbx post is provided having a mailbox support arm that can be pivoted 360 degrees and easily returned to its normal resting position. It has an adjustment nut that allows increased tension on mailbox support arm for various weather conditions. At all times the support arm is maintained in a horizontal position and does not tilt. The homeowner can swing support arm completely around to empty contents without venturing into the street and traffic. This invention can be easily assembled and transported by the majority of homeowners. The pivoting mailbox will also have the ability to have damaged parts replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Roland L. Black, Sara J. Black
  • Patent number: 5580015
    Abstract: A multiple receptacle rotating stand comprising a support post. An assembly is for anchoring a bottom end of the support post into the ground, so that the support post is in an upright position. A collar is placed onto a top end of the support post. An element is for rotating the collar about the top end of the support post. A structure extends from the collar, for supporting a plurality of trash receptacles off of the ground, to prevent prowling animals, such as dogs, from tipping over the trash receptacles and spilling trash onto the ground. The trash receptacles can also be utilized to separate the trash, such as glass, paper, metal, etc., so that the trash can be recycled. Shallow containers can also be used on the structure to feed animals, such as horses and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: George W. Baker
  • Patent number: 5524853
    Abstract: A swinging mailbox support including a vertical post having a horizontal arm and brace disposed thereon wherein a mailbox is affixed to an end portion of the horizontal arm and furthermore the vertical post comprises two portions pivotably interconnected and tending to maintain a neutral initial state by the action of two opposing springs anchored to the ground on either die of the post. A pair of shields are provided to protect the mailbox from direct impact and additionally provide a surface for application of street numbers or other information. In operation the post supporting the mailbox is free to rotate about a central axis in the event of a collision with a vehicle or other object wherein springs restore the mailbox to an initial disposition thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph G. Varlaro
  • Patent number: 5305478
    Abstract: A waste storage and removal assembly for use with a waste chute under a sink wherein a carrier for a waste container is pivoted from positions outside and under the sink as well as raised and lowered in conjunction with a sealing member of the waste chute. The waste removal assembly is easily connected to a sink cabinet beneath the sink and is entirely accommodated therein so that no portion is visible when the waste container is stored thereunder. In an especially preferred form, the waste assembly is particularly suited for use with a chute connected to a saddle portion of a two basin sink which also has a drain control in the saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Edwin R. Potter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5277146
    Abstract: A flexible sign post for use along roadsides which allows a sign to be deflected when hit by a passing object. The sign post consists of a number of mounting brackets which are spaced apart and secured to a substantially rigid vertical sign post. Each mounting bracket has a mandrel over which an elastomeric sleeve is fitted.A number of substantially rigid braces are connected to the mounting brackets by the elastomeric sleeves. The sign can then be attached to the ends of the braces in a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5215283
    Abstract: An improved mailbox support (10) includes a sectional post (12) interconnected by a resilient coupling (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Richard D. Gould
  • Patent number: 5167364
    Abstract: A rotatable support assembly which may be easily attached directly to an existing regulation-type mailbox and to an existing ground post for the mailbox. The mailbox is attached to the top surface of an inner sleeve which is telescopically inserted in an outer sleeve. Inwardly projecting from the outer sleeve is a fixed cam follower on which travels an upwardly curved camming slot formed in the wall of the inner sleeve and spanning a horizontal angle of 180.degree.. Thus, the follower and slot are both concealed from view and also are protected from damage by external forces. In the normal mail-receiving position of the mailbox, the upper end of the camming slot rests on the cam follower, and the mailbox points toward the road to facilitate the delivery of mail. A simple spring-loaded lock may be provided to maintain the mailbox in this normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Joseph R. Wenning
  • Patent number: 5083836
    Abstract: A storable seating unit for access by an individual in a wheelchair to seating in a stadium or arena. The storable seating unit includes a pedestal, a seat bottom pivotally connected to the pedestal, and a seat back pivotally mounted to one end of the seat back and the pedestal. The pedestal includes a mechanism for pivoting the seat bottom and the seat back so as to define an open area for positioning of the wheelchair in a position occupied by the seat bottom and the seat back prior to pivoting. The pedestal may include a longitudinal slot and a slide pivotally and slidably positioned therein and connected to the seat bottom and the seat back for pivoting of the seat bottom and the seat back and lowering thereof along the length of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Paralyzed Veterans of America
    Inventor: Kim A. Beasley
  • Patent number: 5020720
    Abstract: A device for supporting a mailbox which is moveable to allow the mailbox and support arm to absorb and avoid the full force of contact from vehicles and other external sources. The mailbox is supported by a flexible horizontal member extending from a main, vertical member. Additional protection is afforded by a flange disposed under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Joseph A. Harpe
  • Patent number: 4995576
    Abstract: The mailbox support-mounting disclosed has a pivoting arm. If the mounting receives a blow, e.g. from a snow-plow blade or from a vandal, the arm swings aside. After swinging aside, the arm resets itself to a central equilibrium position. The restoring force to reset the arm is provided by gravity, in that the pivot axis is set at an angle, and slopes forwards towards the road. The pivot bearing is sturdy and well-located, yet the bearing is inexpensive and not prone to seizure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Carl A. Kieswetter
  • Patent number: 4971234
    Abstract: A storage unit for mounting in the box of a pickup truck. The storage unit has a base which is anchorable to the bed of the pickup truck box. A substantially vertical support stanchion is mounted to the base. Storage shelves are pivotably mounted to the support stanchion so that each storage shelf is pivotable about the stanchion independently of the others. Mechanisms are provided for locking each storage shelf in first and second selected angular positions about the support stanchion. In the first selected angular position, the storage tray is located within the pickup box. In the second selected angular position, the storage tray extends outwardly through the tailgate opening at the rear of the pickup box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Peter B. Hay
  • Patent number: 4955534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mailbox mounting device that can swing about its support. Which it is mounted, which is less subject to damage due to impact from wet snow being plowed or other motor vehicles moving along the roadway. The device is composed of steel and wood laminated together to form one solid swivelable member and within its formed body a shearable pin is located. Held to a base plate by a bolt or pin, allowing the four flat surfaces to act as pivot plates when the shear pin has been broken with a predetermined force then the movement, in a horizontal plane, will take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Fred A. Raible
  • Patent number: 4955533
    Abstract: The support and protective structure for a mailbox or other similar structure comprises a first pipe adapted to be driven into or implanted in the ground and having means at the upper end for rotatably mounting the lower end of a second pipe and a second pipe. The second pipe has a first pipe portion having a lower end which is adapted to be journaled to the upper end of the first pipe, the first pipe portion being adapted to extend generally upwardly from the upper end of the first pipe to a first elbow, a second pipe portion extending laterally outwardly from the first elbow in a generally horizontal direction generally laterally outwardly from the first pipe portion to an outer second elbow, and a third pipe portion extending laterally to the side from the second elbow and the second pipe portion to a third elbow, and a fourth pipe portion extending angularly from the third elbow in a direction toward the second pipe portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Boot Lake Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Merkel
  • Patent number: 4919443
    Abstract: A swing-out backpack for wheelchair use is provided. The backpack comprises a container box with sides, a back, a front, a top, and a bottom. The box has a pivotal door therein to provide access to an interior chamber within the box. A structure releasably secures the container box to the side frame and back post assembly of the wheelchair. It includes a post to be secured in vertical orientation to the wheelchair at one side of the back thereof. The container box is pivotally mounted to the post to swing between a first position adjacent an armrest of the wheelchair and a second position behind the wheelchair. According to the present invention, the device may be readily adapted to most types of wheelchairs, and provides a removable, easily useable container box for use by a person in a wheelchair for supporting or storing objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: 378134 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Garry Kehler
  • Patent number: 4880193
    Abstract: A swing arm lamp has the swing arms thereof connected to each other through a swivel assembly that includes a first swivel element and a second swivel element all disposed and interconnected so as to rotate with respect to each other about an axis of rotation through the swivel assembly, but so that relative sliding movement along the axis of rotation of the elements with respect to each other is substantially prevented and so that the relative rotation is limited to just about 360 degrees. The swivel elements are formed of tubular stock with one element having a reduced outer diameter at one end thereof, having a circumferential groove formed about such reduced outer diameter, and having a stop extending therefrom. The reduced outer diameter end portion of the one swivel element, in turn, seats in an enlarged inner diameter end portion of the other swivel elements. First and second lugs are formed from the material of such other swivel element by displacing the wall thereof in a swaging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Jerome Warshawsky
  • Patent number: 4852847
    Abstract: A mailbox post mounting apparatus includes a post bracket and a mailbox bracket affixed respectively to the ground support post and the mailbox respectively. The brackets include abutting plate-like members having aligned openings with the mailbox in the mail receiving position. A break away pin is secured within the openings to lock the mailbox in place for receiving the mail. If the mailbox is struck by a vehicle, the pin releases or breaks away and releases the mailbox and its support from the post bracket and the post. In one unit, a post-bracket has a post securement plate with an integral lock plate extending outwardly and vertically, preferably upwardly. The mailbox bracket has a post securement plate having integral lock plate extending vertically at the same releasable angular orientation as the post plate. A releasable pin passes through aligned openings to lock the brackets to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Inventor: John R. Pagel
  • Patent number: 4726552
    Abstract: A swing arm lamp has the swing arms thereof connected to each other through a swivel assembly that includes a pair of end swivel elements and a center swivel element all disposed proximate each other and interconnected so as to rotate with respect to each other about an axis of rotation through the swivel assembly, but so that relative sliding movement along the axis of rotation of the elements with respect to each other is substantially prevented. The elements are formed of tubular stock with the center element having reduced outer diameter at each end thereof and having a circumferential groove formed about each such reduced outer diameter. The reduced outer diameter end portions of the center element, in turn, seat respectively in enlarged inner diameter end portions of the end elements. A lug is formed from the material of each such end element by displacing the wall thereof in a swaging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventor: Jerome Warshawsky
  • Patent number: 4616799
    Abstract: A yieldable highway swing sign is described which swings out of the way when struck by farm equipment or other objects such as wet snow from snow plows. The sign has a torsion bar which returns the sign to its original position after being struck. The sign has notches in its hinges to maintain its original position. The notches resist any displacement forces by providing an inclined plane of 40.degree. which must be overcome before the sign is displaced in an arc pivoting around the torsion bar. The displacement of the sign is limited to a 90.degree. displacement from the original position by the configuration of the hinges and is helped by the increased torque created by the torsion bar as the sign swings further from its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Hugo E. Rebentisch
  • Patent number: 4568048
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device arranged to effect step-by-step turning movement of a stand by means of a piston-and-cylinder unit which performs a reciprocating movement during each operational stroke.For the purpose of obtaining control of movements and retainment of the stand during standstills as well as during turning movement of the latter, the device comprises an actuating arm which is pivotable about the center of the stand, and a carrier member which moves together with the actuating arm and, during turning movement of the stand over the intended distance, abuts against one of a number of fixed impact edges spaced peripherally around the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Kurt H. Smedlund
  • Patent number: 4405046
    Abstract: An improved tray attachment for a chair wherein a mounting mechanism for the tray is attached to the underside thereof, and is provided with a pin extending in parallel with one side of the tray, such pins having a free end for being slidably received in a mounting block, whereby the tray may be moved in forward and rearward directions by such slidable movement and may be pivoted to a vertical storage position about the axis of such pin. The mounting block is also pivotally mounted on a transverse horizontal extension of a vertical rod, wherein the tray may be raised and lowered by raising and lowering the vertical rod, and by fixing such rod to an arm of the chair at its desired height. The pivotal connection between the transverse rod and the mounting block permits the tray to be tilted, and a second vertical rod, attached to the opposite arm of the chair, may be raised and lowered to support the tray in a horizontal or tilted disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Assignee: LPS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland P. Schultz, Steven P. Schultz
  • Patent number: 4353665
    Abstract: An attachment that provides pivoted support for a roadway delineator on a standard roadway delineator post. The attachment makes use of the delineator post as an offset support at a position clear of the roadway, thereby avoiding damage to the post by vehicles or roadway maintenance equipment. A bracket mounts an elongated delineator support arm to the upright delineator post. The support arm extends from the post toward the roadway where, at an inner end, the standard delineator reflector is mounted. The elongated delineator support arm is pivotably mounted to the bracket so it will swing about an inclined axis in response to impact with a vehicle moving along the roadway. The pivot axis for the delineator support arm is inclined so that support arm and delineator will return to the extended position alongside the roadway after being struck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Inventor: Helen Green
  • Patent number: 4187978
    Abstract: Apparatus for protecting cantilevered mailboxes from damage caused by collision with passing vehicles, maintenance equipment and other objects thrown by the plows against the boxes while clearing the roadways. More specifically, the apparatus includes a vertically disposed column anchored in the ground and a laterally projecting arm hingedly secured to the upper portion of the column for swingably supporting the mailbox. A shear pin normally locks the hinge and associated arm and box against rotation. The pin is designed to shear in response to a predetermined torsional stress upon the hinge which stress is produced by the impact of a vehicle or other object striking the box or arm thereby permitting the box and arm to swing to non-obstructing position as the object passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1980
    Inventor: Raymond A. Dowker
  • Patent number: 4172579
    Abstract: A mailbox support device is provided having an upright post inserted in the ground by means of auger teeth and secured by a stabilizing plate. The support includes a mailbox arm rotatably mounted on the post. The arm is mounted for rotation about the post and can assume a plurality of stable retained positions. The rotational motion is allowed even under extremes of winter weather and permits the mailbox arm to be positioned overhanging the edge of a street or road for easy access while allowing it to be rotated out of the way of oncoming snowplows and other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Inventor: Arthur P. Steinman