Knockdown Or Folding Patents (Class 248/150)
  • Patent number: 6726159
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for attaching a fuel tank to the leg of a gas grill frame to hold the tank on the grill. However, the device can be manipulated to disengage from the tank so that the tank can be removed from the grill and refilled. The device including an attaching bracket for a attaching the device to the leg of a gas grill frame and a tank clasp for releasably engaging a gas tank positioned on the gas grill frame. The attaching bracket is shaped to fit around the leg of a gas grill frame and snap together or be screwed together to hold the bracket in place. The tank clasp is pivotally connected to the attaching bracket for movement between an engaging position and a releasing position. In the engaging position, the clasp holds the gas tank on the gas grill frame. In the releasing position, the clasp is disengaged from the gas tank so that it can be removed and refilled. The device also includes a stop for holding said tank clasp in the engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Fiesta Gas Grills, LLC
    Inventor: George Brake
  • Patent number: 6722618
    Abstract: A foldable support frame for supporting a cutting machine comprises two opposing pairs of leg frames each of which comprises a pair of first crossed legs and second crossed legs that are pivotally connected together. Where the first and second crossed legs cross, two stopper means are positioned for supporting each pair of the first and second crossed legs and limiting the inclination of each of the first and second crossed legs. Each first and second crossed leg comprises an upper slide rod and a support leg, and each slide rod can slide within a respective support leg to adjust the total length of each first and second crossed leg. Thus, the foldable support frame can be easily folded or retracted in for storage and transport and unfolded or extended for supporting the cutting machine or other similar machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Chervon International Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuming Wu
  • Patent number: 6694891
    Abstract: A foldable desk includes a desk top, a support post, and a base. The support post is formed of an outer tube and an inner tube slidably received in the outer tube. The desk top is provided with a retaining block, which is disengageably meshed with a retaining block of the top end of the inner tube of the support post. The outer tube is provided at the bottom end with a support seat which is rotatably fastened to the base in conjunction with a locating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Hsiu-Chen Lai
  • Patent number: 6684922
    Abstract: A holder for draining a viscous fluid from a bottle, of the type having a neck and a mouth, is disclosed. This holder comprises a base having an outer perimeter, a plurality of elongated, support members that extend from the base's outer perimeter and are foldable upward so that their ends approach each other at a point on an axis which extends perpendicular to the bottom of the base. The ends of the support members are flared and concaved outward so that these portion cooperate to form a structure, when the support members are folded upward, for receiving the neck of a bottle that is inverted and placed in the holder. The members are held in their upward folded positions by an elastic band which is placed around the outside of the support members in the vicinity of their concave outward portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventors: Shirley M.C. Alston, Raymond E. Carter
  • Publication number: 20040011930
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bucket support device comprising: (a) a stand; (b) a vertically disposed central telescoping rod, the rod comprising a first end attached to the stand, and a second end; (c) a horizontally disposed flat support platform, the support platform comprising a bottom surface stably attached to second end of the rod, and a top surface; (d) a bucket comprising a horizontal base and vertical side walls, the bucket horizontal base stably attached to the top surface of the support platform by a bucket attachment means; and (e) a bucket attachment means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis J. Tuohy, Jeannie Touhy
  • Patent number: 6655071
    Abstract: A retainer for holding a plurality of waterfowl decoys has at least three arms pivotally mounted on a pin so as to be moveable between a first position in which the arms are aligned parallel to each other for storage and a open position in which the arms are angularly oriented with respect to one another. The device includes a locking pin for fitting into a first set of holes in the three arms for locking the arms in the first position and fitting into a second set of holes in the arms for locking the arms in the second position. The device further includes a moveable post at the end of each arm for retaining a waterfowl decoy and a ratchet engagement between the post and the arm to permit manual movement of the post with respect to the arm to its desired orientation to retain the post in the desired orientation after it has been positioned without requiring the tightening or untightening of screws and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventors: Charles David Barnes, Ellen Marie McLean, John R. Howard, Charles E. Nichols, William Sigsworth
  • Patent number: 6595665
    Abstract: The present invention relates to lamp shades which may be formed from similar components in a wide variety of configurations such as cylindrical, box, tapered, and frusto-conical lamp shades, with the assembled lamp shade, after a covering is applied to a frame, has substantially the same aesthetic appeal as a conventional factory assembled lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Hong Ku Park
  • Patent number: 6595475
    Abstract: A support stand for a beverage container is formed from rigid wires and includes a substantially planar support platform supported by two legs that are removably interengaged with and locked with locking loops formed as part of the wire support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Archer Wire International Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Svabek, Alex J. Kaminecki
  • Patent number: 6578856
    Abstract: A collapsible stand for supporting a table top machining tool, e.g., a table saw. The stand comprises a lateral support structure, such as a platform for holding the tool; a secondary support frame having a first end pivotally attached to a first end the lateral support structure; and a main support frame pivotally attached to the secondary support frame, wherein the main support frame comprises a handle at a first end for transporting the stand in its collapsed position, and wherein the handle comprises an out feed support for the table saw when the stand is in its set up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: W. Scott Kahle
  • Patent number: 6539563
    Abstract: A bassinet arrangement is detachably mounted on a playpen which includes a frame body having a top opening defining a surrounding supporting side edge and a storage chamber communicating with the top opening. The bassinet arrangement includes a fabric boundary having a first compartment, a second compartment adjacent thereto and a surrounding edge holder encirclingly provided on the fabric boundary for detachably mounting on the supporting side edge of the frame body of the playpen. The bassinet arrangement further includes a fastening unit provided on the edge holder and the frame body of the playpen for securely mounting the fabric boundary on the playpen and a bassinet adapted for substantially disposed in the second compartment. Therefore, the parent is able to accommodate his baby in the bassinet that is selectively supported on the playpen at home and carried everywhere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Ben M. Hsia
  • Patent number: 6540182
    Abstract: A stand for musical instruments having a body and a neck, the stand including a pedestal, two elongate spaced support members provided on the pedestal and extending parallel to each other for supporting the body of musical instrument, and a bearing member arranged on the pedestal and extending parallel to the support members for supporting the neck of the musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Wilfer
  • Patent number: 6527245
    Abstract: A flare holder that is attachable to a traffic cone or other upright support structure for holding a lit flare at an elevation higher than a roadway surface. The flare holder includes a lower portion that is attachable to the upright support structure and an ash receptacle that is pivoted at one end to the lower portion. The ash receptacle is can be pivoted up and over the top of the support structure from a stowed position wherein it is suspended from the pivot to an operative position located between 180° and 270° from the stowed position. In an operative position, the flare holder supports a flare at an upward inclination wherein the ash receptacle has an end portion extending outwardly from the pivot and disposed to receive ashes falling from the lit end of the flare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: GPS Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Gary J. Graves, Steven K. Dahlberg
  • Patent number: 6517036
    Abstract: An assortment of water cooler holders made from either metal hollow bars, flat bars and/or wires for removable attachment to various regions of a pickup vehicle, a post or which may be free standing. In one embodiment, the holder has a tripod shape, the three legs being joined by upper and lower tripod support bars pivotally attached to permit collapsing the tripod for transport and storage. In another embodiment, the holder has two parallel rings joined by support bars which hook over the side panel or tailgate of a pickup truck. Another embodiment has two parallel rings supported by an inverted cone attached to a tow bar for attachment to a trailer hitch. Yet another embodiment has two parallel rings with a clamp for attachment to a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Senovio Ramirez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6494419
    Abstract: A stand to support an object has a bottom frame and two side frames. The side frames are each pivotally attached to opposite ends of the bottom frame with a pair of pivot pins. The pairs of pivot pins are located at different heights. A clasp is mounted on each side frame to detachably engage the bottom frame. When the clasps are released from the bottom frame, the side frames can be pivoted relative to the bottom frame. The stand is foldable. Because the side frames are respectively pivotally attached to the bottom frame by pairs of pivot pins at different heights, one of the side frames can overlap the other side frame. The size of the stand is reduced. Transporting and storing the stand become more convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Lucas Pai
  • Patent number: 6488391
    Abstract: A decorative article includes a plurality of members hingedly connected to one another and movable between a folded storage position and an unfolded display position. Each of the members includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second sides. A hinge interconnects adjacent members between respective first and second sides. Ones of the top surfaces overlay each other and ones of the bottom surfaces overlay each other in the article folded storage position, such that in the article folded storage position, the article has a height equal to the sum of the heights of the members, and in the article unfolded display position, the article has a height equal to the height of one of the members and wherein the members are arranged in a circular pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Emerald Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lonnie F. Gary, Chad H. Jones
  • Patent number: 6446921
    Abstract: The display utility stand of the present invention is an aesthetically pleasing and durable collapsible portable display stand, which incorporates a minimal number of movable parts. The display utility stand may be adapted for supporting and stabilizing a wide variety of shapes, sizes and weights. The main panels are connected by a pair of top support supported by a left side support and a right side support which are also connected to the main panels. The left and right side supports are hinged at a horizontal median point of the respective by one or more hinge means at the inner ends of the left and right side panels. The top support is located superior to each of the side supports and folds upward as the first and second main panels are pressed together and the display stand is converted into a collapsed condition for easy and safe transfer or storage. There is provided an optional fixture for supporting various shapes as well as an optional door for storage beneath the stand upon erection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Alan K. Maschhoff
  • Patent number: 6382573
    Abstract: A portable trash bag support device for effectively holding a trash bag in a trash-receiving upright position. The portable trash bag support device includes an upright support assembly including a first frame having a bottom end; and also includes a base assembly including a second frame having a back end which is hingedly attached to the bottom end of the first frame; and further includes a bag support assembly including a third frame having a back end which is hingedly attached to a top end of the first frame; and also includes a locking assembly for releasably locking the second and third frames outwardly of the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: David G. Cepeda
  • Patent number: 6367746
    Abstract: A bag holder used to stabilize a plurality of grocery and retail bags during transport in a vehicle. The invention has a plurality of hangers. The hangers provide a releasable means to hold the bag handles. The function of the present invention is to hold together the handles of these bags which in turn prevents the contents of the bags from being spilled. The hanger element is designed in an elongated inverted “U” shape with a “lollipop” shaped end. The plurality of hangers form a rack. This rack of hangers is pivotally attached with a hinge to base members which support the apparatus and provide an upright support for the hangers. The base members when spread apart grip the rack and hold it in a vertical manner. A folding tab on one of the base members keeps the base members in the spread open position. In this open position the grocery bag handles are placed over the hangers and held securely in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: Roger M. Webb, Gary L. Daniels, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20020027181
    Abstract: A bag opener support apparatus includes a frame having members movable between a collapsed position allowing easy insertion through an end of a flexible container to an expanded position in which the members are movable to a position expanding the interior of the flexible container and the open end of the container to a full cross section shape. The apparatus includes first and second frame members formed of interconnected side legs, with the second frame members pivotally connected to the first frame member for pivotal movement between the collapsed and expanded positions. A lock arm is mountable on one of the second frame members for lockingly engaging the opposed second frame member to maintain the second frame members in the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry Hatfield
  • Patent number: 6311944
    Abstract: A portable computer folding support stand is provided having a table top forming a concave leg retaining cavity on the underside. A pair of parallely arranged, pivotally affixed leg assemblies are attached to the lower surface, and each leg assembly folds down within the leg retaining cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventors: William E. McKsymick, Mark J. McKsymic
  • Patent number: 6302097
    Abstract: A combination barbecue grill and folding table that is adapted to be manipulated from a fully deployed condition, during which food can be cooked on the grill and then served on an adjacent table, and a collapsed condition, during which the grill and table are folded into a compact package that is suitable for transport and storage. The barbecue grill is removably received at the top of a cooking stand, and a plurality of fold-up legs extend downwardly from the cooking stand to support the cooking stand above the ground. According to one embodiment of the invention, a pair of table members are hingedly connected end-to-end one another. The first table member is rotated towards and over the top of the cooking stand, and the second table member is then rotated over the first table member to establish a compact package. In a second embodiment, first and second table members are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the cooking stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: George Rivera
  • Patent number: 6293512
    Abstract: A collapsible support frame is formed of an inner tube, an outer tube, and a plurality of support legs. The support legs are fastened to the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube is rotatably fitted into the outer tube. The folding and the unfolding of the support legs are attained by turning the inner tube an angle. The inner tube has a hollow interior for holding a Christmas tree, a flag pole, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Ching-Mo Ho
  • Patent number: 6277252
    Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a master, comprising: a frame having a first frame portion (106) supporting an electroplating bath unit (210) and a second frame portion (104) for supporting electrically operated units (240, 250, 260, 270, 140) including a display unit (140). The frame forms a vertically extended construction in an operational state. The first frame portion (106) and the second frame portion (104) are interconnected (108, 300) such that the apparatus is foldable to a transport state for reducing said vertical extension of the apparatus. The first frame portion (106) and the second frame portion (104) forms a single frame in the transport state and in the operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Toolex Alpha AB
    Inventor: Ake Billman
  • Patent number: 6260428
    Abstract: A z-axis positioner that maintains precise parallel relationship between a triangular top platform (24) and a mating bottom platform (30) juxtipositioned with each other, when separated in the z-axis. Three rectangular hinge plate sets (32) and (36) are attached with flexural strip hinges (40) in crossed pairs to opposite sides of the platforms and hinge plates such that the top and bottom platforms maintain the parallel relationship when separated without of any lateral movement. The platforms are adjusted in separable height by a variety of methods such as a micrometer, a hand screw or pneumatic, hydraulic or electromechanical actuators. A second embodiment utilizes the same principles except the platforms are square in shape and only two hinge plate sets are required on two adjacent sides of each platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Donald W. Clement
  • Patent number: 6234068
    Abstract: A food service system for supporting a tray includes a frame, a pair of legs pivoted to the frame, and a pair of heater supports pivoted to the legs. In a non-deployed state, the legs and heater supports lie in a common plane for compact transport and storage. In the deployed state, the legs diverge from the frame, and the heater supports extend in a plane below the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Aleksandr Sherman
  • Patent number: 6189853
    Abstract: A transmission stand comprises a front leg assembly and a rear leg assembly pivotally mounted thereto to collectively produce a stable A-frame construction. The rear leg assembly includes a pair of spaced apart rear legs and a stabilizer bar connected between the lower end portions and the rear legs. The front leg assembly includes a pair of spaced apart front legs and an inverted U-shaped lower support connected to the lower end portions of the front legs. The inverted U-shaped lower support extends between and outwardly from the front legs to effectively stabilize the transmission stand. A retainer bracket and chain assembly adjustably connects between the front legs for supporting and securing the lower transmission portion to the front leg assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Alan T. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 6179256
    Abstract: A golf club carrier having opposing sides supporting clubs horizontally on clips has a first condition resting on the ground with its legs spread and only feet of the unit contacting the ground, and a second horizontally-collapsed condition which is assumed as soon as the carrier is lifted from the ground. The golfer can carry the unit with an arm hanging freely at his or her side with little or no concern of the carrier contacting his or her legs or trousers while walking. An actuator extending below the rest of the unit comes into contact with the ground when next stopping to take a golf shot, and this actuator automatically spreads the legs to open the unit as its legs contact and are supported on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Clifford M. Utterback
  • Patent number: 6164607
    Abstract: A portable and adjustable bag holder having an adjustable frame, a plurality of legs perpendicularly attached to the frame and a plurality of feet slidably adjustable within the legs. The frame has two U-shaped arms, each of which has two free ends. One of the arms is hollow at the free ends to accept the other arm so that the other arm can telescopingly slide within the first arm's cavity. The first arm has a knob acting as a detent and located within the cavity. The second arm has a plurality of notches which engage the knob as the second arm slidably moves within the first arm. The engagement of the knob and notch keeps the two arms temporarily fixed in place. In an alternative embodiment, the ends of the two arms are made removable and replaceable in order to expand or contract the range of adjustment of the frame to accommodate bags having circumferences which vary greatly. The bag holder also adjusts in height to accommodate bags of various heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Benjamin W. Hawkes
  • Patent number: 6161359
    Abstract: The shoring includes a pair of fixed frames opposed to each other and a pair of collapsible reinforcing frames disposed between both ends of the fixed frames, the reinforcing frames each having collapsible baluster struts whose base ends are pivotally connected between end portions of the fixed frames, a support rod whose base end is pivotally connected to an intermediate position of the baluster struts, and plural braces whose base ends are pivotally connected to end portions of the fixed frames and whose front ends are mounted vertically slidably to the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Tatsuo Ono
    Inventor: Tatsuo Ono
  • Patent number: 6155522
    Abstract: A yard debris collecting system for providing a chute for facilitating the insertion of lawn debris into a collection bag. The yard debris collecting system includes a pivoted frame, a chute couplable to the frame, a collection bag couplable to the frame such that the chute extends into and opens into the open bag. In an embodiment, a packing tool is provided for compacting debris within the collection bag. In an embodiment, a distal lower edge of the chute is weighted for holding the distal lower edge against the ground during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel Gregory Anderson
  • Patent number: 6145801
    Abstract: A folding instrument case stand attachable to the instrument case to support the case in an upright, tilted position. The stand is particularly adaptable for use with a stringed instrument case, for example a guitar case. The stand has spring loaded diverging legs that are pivotal relative to a central frame between a folded and an extended position. Straps extend from tie down plates mounted on the central frame to secure the base of the instrument case to the stand. The spring loaded legs can be latched to the central frame in the folded configuration. When the legs are in the folded configuration the stand can be transported with the instrument case. The case and stand can also be used as a temporary support for the musical instrument with the case opened and with the frame in an extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Marion K. Herring, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6142328
    Abstract: A decorative unit structure composed of a first decorative unit and a second decorative unit separably combined with each other is diclosded. The center of the bottom of the first decorative unit is formed with a central extension post. Two sides of the bottom of the second decorative unit are formed with two extension posts spaced from each other by a certain distance. A bight bottom edge is defined between the two extension posts. When combining the first decorative unit with the second decorative unit, the central extension post of the first decorative unit is extended into the space between the two extension posts of the second decorative unit to form an inter-engaged structure having three supporting points which enable the first and second decorative units to be stably rested on a plane face. After combined, the first and second decorative units define therebetween a receiving room for a decorative article to rest therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Lucky Star Enterprise & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Marion Sterner
  • Patent number: 6138965
    Abstract: A collapsible hoop stand is provided. The stand includes a generally circular ring or hoop shaped base portion having a first diameter and a generally circular ring or hoop shaped upper portion having a first diameter. The base portion is connected to the upper portion by three leg members. The leg members are each connected at their upper and lower ends to the upper portion and the base portion respectively. The connection is designed to be removable, permitting the portable stand to be easily assembled, disassembled, and stored. Two of the leg members are of a first length and the third member is of a second length. The leg member second length is less than the two leg member's first length, and includes a bend, causing the upper portion to be angled. A second generally circular ring or hoop shaped upper portion is also provided. The second upper portion has a second diameter which is greater than the first upper portion's first diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: Jennifer Iorio, Robert Iorio
  • Patent number: 6139219
    Abstract: The disclosed portable docking/support system has a frame structure including end stands and elongated members connected at opposite ends thereof to and between the end stands. The elongated members include a pair of upper members and a lower member spaced below and laterally between the upper members for strengthening the frame structure. The upper elongated members are laterally spaced apart a distance less than the hull width of a personal water craft to be docked relative to the system and are extended lengthwise at least a portion of the hull length. The end stands have optional structures (casters, wheels or end plugs) suited to be rolled on or rested on a generally horizontal support surface (under water on a lake or river bed or on a nearby beach or land). The upper elongated members are spaced apart horizontally and are vertically higher than the end stands at all locations laterally between the upper elongated members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Michael A. Vinarsky
  • Patent number: 6116553
    Abstract: A fireworks display 10 is provided for easy transport to display sites in compact form where it can be unfolded and assembled to place fireworks in an elevated position. The elevated position of the fireworks increase the viewing zone for spectators and allows the fireworks sparks to burn longer as they free fall to the ground. The stand 10 includes first and second vertical panels 30, 40, reinforcing strips 70 for increasing rigidity of the panels 30, 40, and a cap 50 for displaying the fireworks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Scott A. McKee
  • Patent number: 6095471
    Abstract: The invention herein relates to a kind of improved in-vehicle cup holder and the aforesaid in-vehicle cup holder is mainly comprised of a mounting plate, a cover plate, a left clip arm, a right clip arm and clip arm rod, and is innovative in that protruding knobs of a general hemispherical shape are molded onto each of the initial exterior ends of the lock tabs extending from the two lateral walls of the mounting plate body; furthermore, one hole is fabricated into each of the two lateral containment edges of the aforesaid cover plate body in an aligned configuration; such that at the completion of usage, the aforesaid cover plate is closed onto the aforesaid mounting plate and held securely in position by means of the aforesaid two lock tabs which are clasped to the aforesaid cover plate, thereby preventing the occurrence of separation, opening and falling; and, furthermore, will not vibrate or produce unpleasant sounds even in a moving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Pei-Hsiu Huang
  • Patent number: 6092769
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible cradle for supporting any shaped breast prosthesis such as but not limited to a triangular shape, a teardrop shape and an asymmetrical shape in a natural nondeformed state. The platform has upside down U-shaped rods pivotally connected to one another by pins. Chains and cords having one expanded position and one collapsible position allow the rods to form a cross orientation to one another. A flexible material having a central stretchable portion surrounded by a fabric material is supported in a trampoline fashion by the rods. Fasteners such as hook and loop, and snaps allow flap edges on the material to wrap about portions of the U-shaped rods and the chains/cords. The stretchable portion of the material allows for all types of breast prosthesis to be supported in a natural undeformed state. The material can include filly doily edges for giving the cradle a pleasingly aesthetic appearance when assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Clark D. Brown
  • Patent number: 6076707
    Abstract: The combination of a storage and dispensing rack and a beverage container which has a general parallelpiped shape with at least two channels traversing its opposite major walls at intermediate locations along the length of the walls. The storage and dispensing rack comprises a support base formed of a pair of longitudinal and parallel rails spaced apart approximately equal to the width of the bottle with two H-shaped cradles each having distal stiles separated by a cross rail and removably engaged to the longitudinal rails of the base to coincide with the channels in the major walls of the container whereby the container can be placed and interlocked into the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas W. Feldner
  • Patent number: 6050529
    Abstract: A flower pot support structure includes two front upright bars, a rear upright bar, an upper end pot ring, two upper connecting plates, two lateral end pot rings, a lower pot ring, and a lower connecting frame. The front upright bars are erected apart from each other in a parallel relationship. Each front upright bar has securing holes formed at an intermediate section thereof, and an oblique support bar connected to a lower section thereof. The rear upright bar is erected behind the front upright bars and is also formed with securing holes at an intermediate section thereof. An operating handle is fixedly secured on the rear upright bar above the securing holes, whereas an oblique support bar is connected to a lower section thereof. The upper end pot ring is mounted at a top end of the flower pot support. The upper connecting plates are bent plates that straddle the inner sides of upper sections of the front upright bars and the two sides of an upper section of the rear upright bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 6015121
    Abstract: A stand for supporting an item in an upright manner and which includes a base portion (1), a plurality of side portions (2) hinged to the base portion (1) so that they can be folded to be substantially flat with the base (1) or orientated at an angle to the base (1) for supporting the item, biasing element (26, 27) responsive to the item being inserted in the stand to bias each side portion into contact with the item for support in the stand, and an element (8) for supporting each side portion at an angle to the base against the bias force direction wherein each side portion supporting element (8) is releasable for folding the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Martin Shaun Reid
  • Patent number: 6008452
    Abstract: A closure for use on a hollow, upright, open top and open bottom pedestal for receiving underground wiring having a circumferential collar portion surrounding the open top that receives a nut member, the closure being hollow with a closed top and an open bottom and a circumferential collar portion surrounding the open bottom, the open bottom being dimensioned to telescopically receive the pedestal open top and having a radially oriented opening in the cover collar portion that is in alignment with the nut member when the cover is in closed position on the pedestal, including a radially extending tubular barrel welded to the cover collar portion in alignment with the opening therein and extending radially and exteriorly of said cover collar portion and a bolt received within the tubular barrel and threadably engageable with the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Armin Thermodynamics
    Inventor: Robert J. Lux, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6000666
    Abstract: An adjustable trivet having two substantially identical components slideably interlocked to permit use with various size cookware is provided. Each component is equipped with an edge support having a raised end surface, a middle support having a raised end surface, and an extension for connecting the complementing supports. The adjustability feature provides greater support in the central area of larger containers, while moving the support toward the ends of the container as the size decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The Pampered Chef, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kathy Kari
  • Patent number: 5950970
    Abstract: A cable clamp damper utilizing wire cable is looped to define a toroidal configuration and is mounted on a split sleeve. The sleeve's circumference is less than the tube or hardware being supported by the clamp so as to define a small gaps between the halves to allow the individual strands of the cable to move relative to each other to dissipate the energy of vibrations encountered by the tube or hardware. The wire is fitted to base members that are adapted to be mounted to support structure to secure the tube or hardware in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred Paul Methany, Clifton O. McGhee
  • Patent number: 5941400
    Abstract: A frame collapsible and extendable by means of a turning movement, which frame comprises a number of supporting frames (1) and a number of rod-like upright elements (2, 2'), each upright element being connected to a supporting frame via a pivot (3) for pivoting through at least 90.degree. and being connected to at least one end via a hinge joint (4) and to one end of a further upright element connected to a further supporting frame for swinging and turning about its longitudinal axis, in such a manner that in a first collapsed position the supporting frames form a compact stack with upright elements and in a second extended position the supporting frames are spaced with the upright elements mutually resting on each other surface-to-surface as positioning means, while a spring force in the hinge joint must be overcome to bring the frame out of the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Laarhoven Design International B.V.
    Inventor: Raoul Andre Lemaire
  • Patent number: 5915656
    Abstract: A floor stand device made primarily of modular components and used for displaying pictures, posters, and other display materials. A frame assembly is supported on a horizontal support assembly which is connected to a vertical support member and in turn to a base member. The horizontal support assembly includes a center support member, a pair of horizontal support members, and a pair of L-shaped side support members. Preferably, the parts are sized to be press-fit and secured together. Fasteners positioned through the frame assembly members into the horizontal support assembly and optionally into the side support members, retain the floor stand device together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Ronald E. Grewe
  • Patent number: 5881977
    Abstract: A holding device in which two side parts are provided which lie against one another with one edge region of each side part being encircled by an elastic ring or rubber band that is detachably fixed in the noted edge region. Furthermore, each of the side parts has at least one recess whose contour corresponds substantially to the contour of an object to be held, and heightwise corresponds in the vertical direction to the dimensions of the object, or is larger than the latter, while at least sections of the at least one recess are dimensionally smaller in a horizontal or widthwise direction than the corresponding dimension of the object to be held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Werkhaus Design + Produktion GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Danneberg
  • Patent number: 5855345
    Abstract: A display for holding objects includes a base having a recess, a projection extending from the base and into the recess, and a sleeve disposed about the projection to hold a portion of an object in the recess between the sleeve and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony DiMaggio
  • Patent number: 5853155
    Abstract: An expandable holder for storing cardboard, newspapers or similar itmes has a front support and a rear support connected to one another by arms. The arms are pivotally connected to the supports along each side. The rear support is mounted on a vertical wall. The supports are formed from elongated members. When cardboard and the like is inserted into the holder, the supports are moved further apart. As more cardboard is inserted the supports move still further apart until the holder is in a fully open position. In each position between a closed position and an open position the cardboard is clamped between the supports either by gravity or by manually moving the holder toward the closed position after inserting the cardboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventors: Gerald R. Sullivan, Daniel R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5784972
    Abstract: A stand for supporting articles in an elevated position on a subjacent surface, which stand has a shelf with a support surface for an article, a base, and first structure cooperating between the base and shelf for allowing selective placement of the base and shelf in a) an operative state wherein the shelf is stably supported on the base so that the support surface is in an elevated position relative to a subjacent surface on which the base is placed, and b) a disassembled state wherein at least a part of the shelf is separated from the base. The first structure allows the shelf and base to be releasably maintained in a predetermined relative position in the operative state without the need for separate fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Bradley Emalfarb, Seymour Emalfarb
  • Patent number: 5718401
    Abstract: A support stand assembly mountable to a carrying case for sports, music, and recreational equipment is provided and includes support structure, rack structure and a linkage assembly interconnecting the support and rack structure. The linkage assembly is operable for causing coordinated synchronous movement of the support and rack structure between a stowed and extended position. In the stowed position, the support and rack structure assume a compact retracted position so as not to significantly protrude outwardly from the carrying case. In the extended position, the support structure supports the case in a generally upright position. In the extended position, the rack structure is extended to receive and support at least one elongated item of equipment, such as a cue stick, in a generally upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Worldwide Billiards Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony R. Walters