Of Wire Patents (Class 248/175)
  • Patent number: 7351128
    Abstract: A holder for efficiently and cleanly affixing a stuffed toy animal in standing position adjacent a container for a plant or floral arrangement. The holder includes a rod and first and second ribbons. The first ribbon interconnects the head of the stuffed animal and the rod, while the second ribbon is wound around the rod to secure the first ribbon and then spirals downwardly as a covering. A third ribbon may be formed into a bow and attached to the holder as decoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Judy K. Burns
  • Patent number: 7311289
    Abstract: A multi-purpose foldable stand is simple in structure and capable of being used on a table as a memo holder, a coffee filter holder, a book holder, and a banana holder, and when not in use, the stand is folded into a compact size for storage or carry. The stand has two identical U-shaped frames. Each of the frames includes a horizontal leg portion, an upright support portion, and a horizontal arm portion, to which spring clips or hooks are attached for suspending articles. Both of the upright support portions are pivotally bound together. When the stand is used, the frames are so pivoted that the horizontal leg portions form an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to each other, then memos, a coffee filter, a book, or bananas are suspended from the horizontal arm portions, and so the stand functions as the holder for the article suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Akio Mori
  • Patent number: 7281352
    Abstract: A folding plant and vine supporter that has rings of different diameters which are attached to four identical vertical supports. When fully assembled, the rings are horizontal or situated perpendicular to the vertical supports. The vertical supports provide four equidistant focal points, which maintain the rings in a horizontal position. Each ring rests at a level along the vertical support. The ring with the smallest diameter is the lowermost ring or the ring closest to the ground. The ring with the largest diameter is the uppermost ring or the ring furthest away from the ground. The rings increase in diameter as the distance from the ground increases. Each ring has a ridge around the inside circumference to stabilize the plant support in the assembled position. The rings resist upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Walter L Peck
  • Patent number: 7270256
    Abstract: A series of roll mounted bags and dispensers are described. The bags may be folded along at least one axis and rolled. The compact roll of bags is placed in various dispensers. As the upper portion of the first bag is pulled from the roll, the roll will rotate, presenting the succeeding bag for dispensing after the first bag is removed. Variations of the dispenser include one with a bag opening means with a mounting member and bag opening element causing the bags to open as they are pulled from the dispenser. The dispenser includes mechanisms for supporting the bag roll and constraining its movement along its horizontal axis. Another variation of the dispenser has a perforation parting means that facilitates separation of one bag from a subsequent bag. The dispenser may be removably attached to a dispenser support that attaches to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Mark E. Daniels
  • Patent number: 7266865
    Abstract: A device which functions as a rest for a knife, fork and spoon and also functions as a clip for a rolled up napkin with utensils therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: John B. Rodin
  • Patent number: 7267308
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base member formed from wire strands conjoined to each other, defining outwardly flanging sides and a bottom surface. One wire has a unitary body provided with ends disposed along sides of the base, support pegs monolithically formed therewith, and lip portions spaced along a longitudinal length of the base member. The wire further has an annular portion monolithically formed with the lip portions, extending upwardly from the base member and traveling inwardly towards a center thereof. Another wire has opposed ends conjoined to the annular portion and one of the base member sides. A tray is seated on the base member and includes a bottom surface and monolithically formed edges. The tray is positioned beneath the annular portion for catching fluids and debris. Rubber caps are positioned about the support pegs for increasing surface area friction and assisting to maintain the apparatus at a stable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Duane R. Jenson
  • Patent number: 7156350
    Abstract: A carrier for supporting a trash bag, the trash bag having an upper lip, the carrier having a frame having a forward end and a rearward end, the frame having an aperture extending therethrough; a handle fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the rearward end of the frame, the handle being positioned for, upon extension of the trash bag's upper lip through the aperture, single handed grasping of the handle and the upper lip; and a leg fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the forward end of the frame, the leg extending downwardly from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond L. Velasquez
  • Patent number: 7004641
    Abstract: A support stand intended to support a terminus of fiber optic cable includes: a base member, a ferrule-receiving member, and a connector that connects the ferrule-receiving member to the base member. Kits including a light source, a lighting grade fiber optic cable harness, and one or more support stands of the present invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Allyn E. Hetzke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6955327
    Abstract: A wire chafing stand including a rim of wire steel in a substantially rectangular configuration, lateral sides and a longitudinal axis extending from the lateral sides and a pair of wire legs pivotally connected to the rim for permitting the wire legs to fold relative to the frame in order to adjust the chafing stand into a closed position with the chafing stand forming a narrow lateral profile for transportation or storage or with the chafing stand folded into an open position for heating preheated foods in a chafing dish. Each of the wire legs is pivotally connected to the rim through a hinge pin assembly permitting each pair of wire legs to pivot outwardly in opposite directions with each leg establishing a fixed position at an inclined angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the rim when the wire chafing stand is folded into an open position such that the legs will stand firmly on any level surface and the chafing stand will not unintentionally collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Skvorecz
  • Patent number: 6948694
    Abstract: A bow and arrow stand, engaging the ground and holding an archery bow in an erect and upright position without contact with the bow string includes a vertical support shaft with an angular middle portion, an upper vertical portion and a lower vertical portion with a ground end tapering into a sharp point which is inserted into the ground, two padded horizontal members attached to the angular middle portion, an arrow quiver suspended from the lower vertical portion, a secondary ground engaging spike with a horizontal arm attached to the lower vertical portion, and a magnetic accessory bowl attached to the upper vertical portion to hold archery tools and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Ralph D. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6938370
    Abstract: A tree support stake having a base and a trunk. The base includes a plurality of tines extending horizontally and radially from a center of the base. Each of the tines includes a vertical portion extending downwardly at a periphery of the base. One end of the trunk is connected to the base and the other end extends upwardly to a predetermined height. The trunk comprises a plurality of upward vertical extensions joined together and extending upwardly at various elevations along the predetermined height, and a plurality of horizontal bars protruding perpendicularly from terminuses of the upward vertical extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Milt Johns
  • Patent number: 6745989
    Abstract: A card holder for supporting or retaining a card such as a greeting card is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the card holder has two holding portions each for accommodating a portion of a card. In another exemplary embodiment, the card holder has a first leg extending from a second leg. The card holder is mounted over a card having two legs such that the card first leg is adjacent to the card holder first leg and the card second leg is adjacent to the card holder second leg. The card holders of the present invention may also accommodate signs or ornaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ricardo G. Domasin
  • Patent number: 6719251
    Abstract: A frame system attached to the top of a Christmas tree which allows decorations, such as bows, to be secured to the frame and which will decorate the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Carolyn E. Eastland, Dedra E. Pennington
  • Patent number: 6695267
    Abstract: A standing device for a spray gun includes a clamping device a clamping device adapted to clamp a neck portion of the spray gun and including a first block and a second block abutting each other to form a clamping space adapted to receive the neck portion of the spray gun. A support rack pivotally connected to the clamping device. The support rack is made of a wire material by integral bending such that the support rack providing an elasticity to make the first block and the second block abutting each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Hsing-Mei Liao
  • Patent number: 6685075
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dispenser for serially dispensing plastic bags from a wound roll of plastic bags. The dispenser includes a support member which is attachable to a support surface, a pivotable arm that can pivot between a roll-loading position and bag-dispensing positions, a braking surface to prevent freewheeling, a mechanism to prevent axial movement of the roll of bags on the pivotable arm, and a tongue positioned to engage an opening between bags while the bags are dispensed. A dispensing system combines the dispenser with a roll of plastic bags having an axial passageway through the center of the roll. The dispenser can dispense a wound roll of bags that has a core or is coreless. The sides of the core can be flush with the sides of the roll of bags, can extend from the sides of the roll of bags, or can have a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Crown Poly, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Paul Kannankeril
  • Publication number: 20030213887
    Abstract: A card holder for supporting or retaining a card such as a greeting card is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the card holder has two holding portions each for accommodating a portion of a card. In another exemplary embodiment, the card holder has a first leg extending from a second leg. The card holder is mounted over a card having two legs such that the card first leg is adjacent to the card holder first leg and the card second leg is adjacent to the card holder second leg. The card holders of the present invention may also accommodate signs or ornaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Ricardo G. Domasin
  • Publication number: 20030146353
    Abstract: A novel fish bowl and fish bowl supporting stand which accentuates a fish's natural beauty without occupying additional counter space is disclosed. The supporting stand includes a stake, which may be inserted into soil so that the fishbowl is positioned adjacent to a plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Aquaria, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael William Elliott
  • Patent number: 6588723
    Abstract: A shepherd hook is provided with a decorative outer cladding, preferably copper tube. The end of the outer decorative tubing is flattened and upturned to hold a decorative hanging basket or other decoration from an upturned lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: CFM Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph P. Moran, III
  • Patent number: 6585218
    Abstract: A picture stand comprises an upper portion and a lower portion which are joined together and are configured to be non-planar relative to one another, namely the lower portion is at an angle relative to the upper portion. When the lower edge of the lower portion is engaged against a horizontal support surface, such as the top of a desk, the picture stand will lean over to engage the upper portion of the picture stand with a vertical display surface, such as a wall. A picture can be suspended in a flat, upright orientation from a hook provided on the upper portion of the picture stand. Thus; the picture stand allows a picture to be displayed as if the picture were suspended from a picture hanger, but without having to pound any nails into or otherwise damage the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Nathan J. Friberg
  • Patent number: 6579578
    Abstract: A foldable ornament frame structure of the invention includes a first movable part, a second movable part, and a plurality of support rods. The first and second movable parts are respectively mounted at a top and a bottom of the ornament frame structure. The support rods connect the first movable part to the second movable part around the ornament frame to outline the ornamental shape of the ornament frame. The first and second movable parts respectively include a plurality of strips that are superposed and cross over one another at approximately respective central portions thereof. A hinge passes through the central portions to pivotally connect the strips together, the support rods connecting the strips of the first and second movable parts to outline the ornamental shape of the ornament frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Chi Shih Lai
  • Publication number: 20030102413
    Abstract: A support platform 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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: John J. Svabek, Alex J. Kaminecki
  • Patent number: 6520354
    Abstract: The wire chafing stand of the present invention includes a rim of wire steel in a substantially rectangular configuration, lateral sides and a longitudinal axis extending from the lateral sides, at least two wire legs and a wire connecting assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the wire stand has only two wire legs lying in planes transverse to the longitudinal axis with each wire leg having two upright sections affixed to the longitudinal side of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Skvorecz
  • Patent number: 6517033
    Abstract: A plastic bag holder system for allowing an individual to reuse a plastic grocery bag as a garbage bag or storage bag. The plastic bag holder system includes a loop member, a first arm attached to the loop member on one side, a second arm attached to the loop member opposite of the first arm, and a plurality of brackets attached to the arms for securing to a vertical structure with conventional fasteners. The arms each have an angled member that is angled upwardly toward a rear section thereof for catchably receiving the handles of the plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: David S. Russell, Luke J. Retka
  • Patent number: 6517035
    Abstract: An elevated, transportable, potted plant support comprising at least three vertical legs each having a foot with minimal floor surface contact area, each leg being affixed at the upper end to two substantially parallel horizontally disposed rings spacedly situated one above the other, the lower ring having a bottom planar support surface extending to the perimeter which accommodates a mechanically engaged (manually) removeable saucer for holding a potted plant and preventing draining water from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Kathleen R. Sellers
  • Patent number: 6508443
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to aid in the filling of re-sealable food storage bags is provided. A dual “X” type frame is adjustable by means of a locking screw at the crossing joint. The four outer edges of the “X” are connected together with a series of four rods. On the two upper rods, a series of four clips, (two per rod) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Mark J. Andreasson
  • Publication number: 20030001065
    Abstract: A book rest includes a primary frame having bottom and top bars connected by opposite side bars for supporting a book thereon and a secondary frame pivoted to the side bars of the primary frame to be movable with respect to the primary frame between a folded position and an expanded position where an included angle is formed between the primary frame and the secondary frame for supporting the book at a corresponding angular position. A Velcro strip has first and second end sections on which hooks and loops are respectively formed. The first end of the Velcro strip is fixed to the bottom bar of the primary frame and the second end of the Velcro is folded over a bar of the secondary frame and overlaps the first end section to releasably fix the included angle between the primary and secondary frame whereby the angular position of the primary frame and thus that of the book supported on the book rest can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Ng
  • Patent number: 6488246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire type apparatus for hanging a vacuum cleaner capable of easily storing a vacuum cleaner and other parts of the same. The wire type apparatus for hanging a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a main wire having a wall hanged clip at a certain portion and forming a body by bending a wire and including a wrinkled pipe hanging member for hanging a wrinkled pipe at a lower portion, a skirt wire welded to a certain portion of the main wire and forming a certain space for receiving a surrounding portion of the vacuum cleaner by bending the wire, a support wire for supporting the skirt wire and a lower portion of the suction port at a lower portion of the skirt wire, and a connection pipe hanging member having an end portion connected to a reinforced wire of the main wire and connected with the hanging member for supporting the connection pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Conet Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Young-So Song
  • Patent number: 6471166
    Abstract: A display device has a holder for a displayed item, such as a toy. The holder is adjustable to accommodate displayed items of a variety of sizes and shapes. The adjustment feature includes legs which may be cut to reduce their length. An additional adjustment permits the relative spacing of the components of the holder. Further adjustment may be accomplished by resiliently distorting the components of the holder. A retainer may be included to hold the displayed item in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Progressive Balloons, Inc.
    Inventor: Christine P. Toettcher
  • Publication number: 20020134898
    Abstract: A stackable and interconnectable stand used for supporting potting containers to prevent accidental toppling of potted plants is disclosed. The body of the stand is constructed of a wire lattice or flat bands, which has six radially extending legs between which the potting container is secured. Each leg has an upward (hip) bend, which forms an inner leg segment, and a downward return (knee) bend, which forms an outer leg segment. The inner leg segments diverge upwardly to define an area for restrictively receiving a potting container with the side walls of the container restrictively held secure against inner leg segments. The inner leg segments diverge upward at an angle such that the side walls of potting containers of various dimensions will be in restrictive contact with at least some portion of the inner leg segment to firmly support the potting container within the stand. The stands can be stackable atop one another to provide convenient storage of the stands when unused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher J. Jaworski
  • Patent number: 6454223
    Abstract: A support frame (10) for a plastic bag (26) with opposite handles (12) has a horizontal rectangular base member (25) in the form of a tray with four upstanding struts (12A) extending from sockets (24) in the comers of the tray (25). Horizontal braces (20) are frictionally secured between two each of the struts (12A). The upper end of the struts (12A) terminate in U-shaped hooks (18) that extend inwardly in a direction towards the space over the base member (25) to permit a bag (26) with separate upper handles (28) and a body portion to have one each of its handles (28) supported on opposite pairs of the hooks (18) with the body portion suspended therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Underground Company, L.T.D.
    Inventor: Gregory C. Rosky
  • Patent number: 6454225
    Abstract: A stackable and interconnectable stand used for supporting potting containers to prevent accidental toppling of potted plants is disclosed. The body of the stand is constructed of a wire lattice or flat bands, which has six radially extending legs between which the potting container is secured. Each leg has an upward (hip) bend, which forms an inner leg segment, and a downward return (knee) bend, which forms an outer leg segment. The inner leg segments diverge upwardly to define an area for restrictively receiving a potting container with the side walls of the container restrictively held secure against inner leg segments. The inner leg segments diverge upward at an angle such that the side walls of potting containers of various dimensions will be in restrictive contact with at least some portion of the inner leg segment to firmly support the potting container within the stand. The stands can be stackable atop one another to provide convenient storage of the stands when unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher J. Jaworski
  • Patent number: 6453606
    Abstract: A collapsible plant support structure is described which provides a structure wherein a plant may be grown and properly supported. The collapsible plant support structure has three or more vertical members (11) connected to a plurality of rings (12) by guide hubs (18) on the vertical members, thusly providing the collapsible feature of the structure. A vertical member typically is rod-like and extends the entire length of the structure and has connection points (19) set equidistant along the vertical members. The vertical members also include a tapered (20) and angled staking structure to assist in strengthening the structure. The vertical members also have geometrically shaped footplates (20) to assist in placing the structure into any given terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventors: Norman Mark Shulman, Grayson Mark Bass
  • Publication number: 20020113179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire type apparatus for hanging a vacuum cleaner capable of easily storing a vacuum cleaner and other parts of the same. The wire type apparatus for hanging a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention includes a main wire having a wall hanged clip at a certain portion and forming a body by bending a wire and including a wrinkled pipe hanging member for hanging a wrinkled pipe at a lower portion, a skirt wire welded to a certain portion of the main wire and forming a certain space for receiving a surrounding portion of the vacuum cleaner by bending the wire, a support wire for supporting the skirt wire and a lower portion of the suction port at a lower portion of the skirt wire, and a connection pipe hanging member having an end portion connected to a reinforced wire of the main wire and connected with the hanging member for supporting the connection pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Young-So Song
  • Patent number: 6402098
    Abstract: A support frame for a plastic bag with opposite handles has a horizontal rectangular base member in the form of a tray with four upstanding struts extending from sockets in the corners of the tray. Horizontal braces are frictionally secured between two each of the struts. The upper end of the struts terminate in U-shaped hooks that extend inwardly in a direction towards the space over the base member to permit a bag with separate upper handles and a body portion to have one each of its handles supported on opposite pairs of the hooks with the body portion suspended therebetween. A fresh bag reservoir is detachably secured to one of the pair of end most struts, and has an open top, and which does not enlarge the profile of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Underground Company, L.T.D.
    Inventor: Gregory C. Rosky
  • Patent number: 6389744
    Abstract: A support for articles having an elongated portion has a single shaft and a head made of wire. The head is attached to one end of the shaft. The head consists of a single wire formed into loops. The loops are formed at an angle with the shaft. The form of the support can resemble a flower, with the shaft representing the flower stem, the head representing the flower head and the loops representing the shape and arrangement of the flower petals. The support can be made from a single piece of wire. The invention can be used to support plant stems, arrange cut flowers in a bouquet or store writing implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry Thomas Pugh
  • Publication number: 20020020789
    Abstract: A holding apparatus engages with an information input device, particularly a foldable keyboard, for supporting portable electronic devices such as pocket PC, Palm PC, PDA, mobile phone and the like. The holding apparatus includes a receiving dock which has connector spindles pivotally engaged with the input device and a slot. A bracket is provided to slide in the slot at a first position to flatly fold on the input device to facilitate carrying when not in use. The bracket may be slid in the slot at a second position and be unfolded at a selected angle against the input device for the receiving dock to support the portable electronic device when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Applicant: Darfon Electronic Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Cheng Li
  • Patent number: 6325341
    Abstract: A bag holder device for retaining a bag in an upright and open position for allowing an individual to fill the bag with debris. The inventive device includes a first support member and a second support member that are extendible into a ground surface. The first support member includes a pair of first legs, a pair of first arm members extending from the first legs, and a first bar member extending between the first arm members. The second support member includes a pair of second legs, a pair of second arm members extending from the second legs, and a second bar member extending between the second arm members. The first bar member and the second bar member are surrounded by a first engaging member and a second engaging member respectively for engaging a paper bag. A first board having first apertures and a second board having second apertures is included for receiving the first support member and the second support member upon hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Richard A. Brown
  • Patent number: 6322026
    Abstract: A light weight, portable, and inexpensive tri-pod gun and/or fishing rod stand that can be collapsed and easily stowed and/or carried includes a central member, which forms the first leg, and a V-shaped support structure that is pivotally attached to the central member, thereby forming the second and third legs of the tri-pod. The V-shaped support structure is maintained at a selected orientation relative to the central member by a first set of connecting struts that are releasably connected to the central member, at selected positions along the central member, and pivotally attached to the legs of the V-shaped support structure. By disengaging the first set of connecting struts and connecting a releasably connectable second set of struts, located near the pivoting connection of the V-shaped support structure and the central member, to the central member at a selected position, the structure is able to straddle an upright wall, such as the side of a fishing boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Howard Ju
  • Patent number: 6321921
    Abstract: A foldable and stackable rack assembly shaped and sized for holding at least one article. The assembly comprises a shelf being sized and shaped for supporting the weight of at least one article. The assembly additionally comprises legs, pivotably attached to the shelf, each leg having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is pivotably attached to the shelf and pivotable between a first position generally perpendicular to the shelf and a second position generally parallel to the shelf. The distal end is formed to engage a horizontal surface to support the shelf when in the first position and alternately allowing the stacking of multiple rack assemblies together. In the stacked configuration, the distal end of each leg engages a second shelf of similar construction, when in the first position, so as to secure a leg of the second shelf in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Mohammad E. Massoudnia
  • Patent number: 6296220
    Abstract: A millennium object that embodies the nature of a “millennium”: the simultaneous ability to look forwards to a new era and backwards to the past. The object has two eyelike objects (“oculi”), each with two opposing “eyes” that see in two directions simultaneously. The oculi are attached to items such as desk accessories (letter holders, pen holders, calendars, etc.), jewelry (tie tacks, pins, earrings, pendants, etc.), accessories (key holders, belt buckles), clothing (caps, visors, T-shirts), dolls or figurines, or indeed any other desired item for commemorating the millennium. The oculi may be stationary or movable, of any desired color or shape. In one embodiment of the invention, a signal generator emits a perceptible signal whenever the oculi move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Genaro Texidor
  • Patent number: 6290411
    Abstract: The present invention enables the efficient use of desktop space and the efficient input operation of a keyboard by realizing space-savings for the keyboard by a simple and economical means that does not involve reducing the size of the keyboard. The keyboard occupies the keyboard space on the desktop when it is being used in an input operation and thereby maintains the efficiency of its input operation, and the keyboard is placed in a standing position when additional space on the desktop is required by utilizing the stand gear of the present invention. In addition to the above, the present invention facilitates entry of data from reference materials during the input operation, as well as proofreading the input result against the reference material after the input operation, by positioning the reference material on a paper stand mechanism which is positioned on the stand gear further utilizing “dead” desktop space efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Propri Limited
    Inventor: Toshihiko Shirai
  • Patent number: 6279762
    Abstract: The storage system includes a universal frame adapted to support different inserts, such as a hanging folder, a hanging sling, and a hanging box-shaped insert and is adapted to be supported by various supports, such as bent-wire snap-attach legs, a panel bracket, and rigid box support. The storage system is knockdown and reconfigurable by a user, and thus provides flexibility of use, while taking advantage of common parts. Further, the system can be flexibly used in existing offices having shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Buchalter, Jim Tappel, George J. Simons, Jr., Lawrence L. Laske
  • Patent number: 6237882
    Abstract: A decorative display is provided for the arrangement of foliage and flowers, either real or artificial, as well as a variety of decorative elements, such as fruit and vegetables, either real or artificial, or candles. The decorative display comprises a rigid support structure composed of a plurality of longitudinal and latitudinal arcuate members that define a plurality of openings to receive foliage and flowers, said support structure being substantially spherical in shape, although the bottom is flat so as to allow for the placement and display of the display on a flat surface such as a table. Mounted at regularly spaced intervals along said longitudinal and latitudinal arcuate members are a plurality of attaching means within which may be releasably secured protrusions or hollow cylinders adapted to hold and support pieces of fruit and vegetables as well as candle holders. The shape of the decorative display may also be toroidal so as to simulate a wreath or conical, so as to simulate a Christmas tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Louis Nichole, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Nichole DiMuzio
  • Patent number: 6173845
    Abstract: A display rack for displaying all sizes of beverage bottles has a bottom, laterally extending cross member, a top, laterally extending cross member spaced from and above the bottom cross member, and vertical support members for supporting the top and bottom cross members. The top cross member has at least one keyway for receiving the head of a beverage bottle and holding the beverage bottle. The keyway limits upward movement of the bottle the associated bottom cross member limits downward movement of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Higgins, James David Robertson, James Douglas Whiten
  • Patent number: 6161808
    Abstract: A knockdown support stand for support of aquarium or terrarium-type containers of varying capacities. The stand includes a plurality of support members depending from the bottom surface of a substantially planar top of the stand. Each support member includes first and second resiliently bendable and twistable legs which are joined together at their bottom ends. The legs each include an upper end which is permanently bent at ninety degrees to the longitudinal centerline of the leg and within the plane commonly occupied by the first and second legs. This bent end is further permanently bent at an angle of forty-five degrees in a direction out of the plane commonly occupied by the legs. A plurality of pairs of receivers are attached to the bottom surface of the top at spaced intervals about the periphery of the top. The receivers of each pair are oriented with their extended longitudinal centerlines intersecting at a right angle at a location inwardly of the periphery of the top and of the pair of receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: American Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dion A. East, Kevin H. Page, Hollinger L. Morton, III
  • Patent number: 6119393
    Abstract: A water pond potted plant support for supporting a potted plant in a body of water contained in an enclosure. The support has at least one horizontal circular pot receiving ring member configured to encircle a pot containing a potted plant and support it in an upright position adjacent to a surface of the enclosure at a selected depth beneath the top surface of the body of water. In one embodiment, the support has a horizontal circular base ring supported on a horizontal surface of the enclosure, a lower circular ring smaller in diameter than the diameter of the base ring, an intermediate circular ring, and an upper circular ring smaller in diameter than the intermediate circular ring connected in vertically spaced relation by a plurality of rod elements secured therebetween in circumferentially spaced relation and a bail pivotally connected to the upper ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventors: Richard L. Wourms, Paul W. Kendall
  • Patent number: 6056343
    Abstract: A motorcycle gas tank hanger device 10 includes a base 12, gas tank support member 14, handle 16 and hanger 18 to allow one or more gas tanks 20 to be positioned above a horizontal, planar surface or carried and vertically hung from the hanger 18 thereby positioning the gas tanks 20 in such a way that painted surfaces on the gas tanks 20 are prevented from engaging another object that could scratch or otherwise damage the painted surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald W. Cairns
  • Patent number: 6053459
    Abstract: A support stand for a garbage bag. A plurality of support members are attached to a bottom hoop for pivotal movement between a storage position substantially coplanar with the bottom hoop and a substantially vertical working position. An upper hoop is constrained for movement with the support members between a collapsed, storage position and an elevated working position above the lower hoop supported on said support members. The support members and the upper hoop cooperate to retain releasably the upper hoop in its working position. A garbage bag is inserted inside the upper hoop and supported by the garbage bag support stand with its open end facing upwardly. The support stand can be lifted over a filled bag, thus avoiding having to lift a filled bag to reposition the support stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Priefert Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Lonnie Priefert, Edward Priefert, Kelly Donnelly
  • Patent number: 6047932
    Abstract: The wire stand of the present invention includes an upper rim of wire steel in a substantially rectangular configuration, a lower rim of wire steel of similar configuration and a plurality of wire legs affixed at one end thereof to the upper rim and affixed to the lower rim such that the upper rim and lower rim lie in substantial parallel alignment to one another with the wire legs extending below the lower rim to maintain the lower rim a fixed distance above the support upon which the stand is placed. Each wire leg includes an offset for forming a substantially horizontal displacement of the wire leg relative to its point of attachment to the upper rim so that the wire legs of one wire stand can readily nest within another wire stand without significant wedging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Skvorecz
  • Patent number: 6045107
    Abstract: A holder for reading material while reclined such that the holder is light, portable, and easy to use. The holder allows for easy turning of pages and sufficient support for the reading material. The holder for reading material comprises a pair of horizontal base footings which are attached to a pair of vertical legs. The pair of vertical legs are attached to a pair of horizontal arms which support the reading material. A v-shaped piece is attached to the horizontal arms. The v-shaped piece assists in supporting the reading material. A pair of page clips are attached to the pair of horizontal arms. The pair of page clips clasp the pages of the book, thus, holding the book open to the page currently being read by the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Terry A. Carlson