Understructure Patents (Class 248/188.1)
  • Publication number: 20130134268
    Abstract: A multipoint reconfigurable system and method supporting a wide-variety of configurations that permit adaptation of the mounting system to the user's specific needs. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards multipoint connection bodies, monolegs, flexlegs, lanyard heads, secure connectors, snap connectors, and combinations thereof as well improved structures and methods for implementing these systems and methods. A reversible monopod includes a telescoping columnar monopod body including a proximal end and a distal end; and a coupler coupled to each the end, the coupler selected from the group consisting of a quick-connect type 1 coupler, a quick-connect type 2 coupler complementary to the quick-connect type 1 coupler, a threaded ¼?-20 stud connector, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: GRIFITI LLC
    Inventors: Philip G. Wessells, Andrew Lee Choy
  • Patent number: 8418982
    Abstract: A self supporting structure which may be used to support a platform such as a table top utilizes a plurality of elongated members and a ring. Each elongated member has one end resting on the floor on one point of a circumference, and the other end supporting the platform above the floor on a point substantially diametrically opposed. The elongated members cross each other proximate the center of the structure in a frictional and locking engagement maintained by the ring. That zone of convergence and the engagement of the elongated members between each other provide the only support for the structure which is self-supporting without extraneous means such as screw, glue or the like. The structure leave the floor below the edges and corners of the table top it supports free from interference with the legs of people seated at the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jean Rene Vatus
  • Publication number: 20130087680
    Abstract: A support stand for supporting raised heavy machinery is disclosed. The support frame may include a top support frame including concave sidewalls. Box frames may be stackable intermediate the top support frame and a base. The box frames may be of varying height profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: BRIAN EUGENE AUSTIN, John Fenton, Donald Dombrowski, Viorel Soca
  • Publication number: 20130026326
    Abstract: A curved track can be attached to a chassis. An extension can be attached to a base. The chassis can be attached to the base. The extension can be in contact with the curved track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicants: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jean G. Atallah, John William Pennington, John J. Briden
  • Patent number: 8360049
    Abstract: A windscreen having base positionable adjacent a fire, a first body portion removeably secured to the base in a substantially vertical orientation, and a securing member connected to the first body portion and capable of removeably securing a second body portion above or next to the first body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Blake Stephens
  • Patent number: 8360375
    Abstract: An adjustable leg support for providing support to and stabilizing a leg of a table, chair or similar article that is shorter than the other legs to prevent the article from wobbling. The adjustable leg support includes a screw-threaded rotatable base that is detachably coupled in surrounding engagement to a correspondingly threaded platform. The platform has a flat shelf that is laid upon the floor below the short leg to be supported. A rotational force is applied to the rotatable base which causes an axial displacement of the platform upwardly through the base towards the short leg. Rotation of the base continues until the flat shelf of the platform is raised and the short leg is seated on the shelf by which to eliminate the gap between the short leg and the floor. The rotatable base and the platform are mated to one another along opposing sets of screw threads that lie outside and surround the short leg to be stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Grant B. Jones
  • Patent number: 8356780
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foot base (1) for an appliance, in particular for a washing machine, said foot base comprising: at least one supporting element (3), in particular a supporting plate; a sleeve element (13) protruding from said at least one supporting element (3); wherein said at least one supporting element (3) and/or said sleeve element (13) comprises a recess adapted to receive a shaft element, in particular a supporting stud or height-adjusting foot; and at least one locking element (15) connected to said at least one supporting element (3) and/or sleeve element (13) and adapted to lock said foot base (1) on a bottom element (40) of an appliance. A combination of a foot base and a shaft element as well as a home appliance having at least one foot base are also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Horst Tschinkel
  • Patent number: 8308114
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for an electronic flight bag (EFB) includes a frame having a track and a mounting assembly that is having a base and a support that is moveably connected to the base and can be selectively fixed in position on the track. The mounting bracket may allow for singlehanded adjustment of the position of the mounting assembly with respect to track at one of at least two discrete locations along the track, or at any desired position along the track. Further, the mounting bracket may provide a single mechanism for both securing the EFB to the mounting assembly and orienting the support with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tensolite LLC
    Inventors: Merritte DeBuhr, Jeffrey Bitant, Daniel Richards
  • Patent number: 8297564
    Abstract: A fluid control system for use with a patient support apparatus is moveable from a first height to a second height. The system includes a lift arm and a substantially upright cylinder. A first end of the lift arm is pivotably coupled to a base member and a second end of the lift arm is coupled to a chair structure. The cylinder assembly has a base portion and an extendable member configured to contact and support the lift arm. The cylinder assembly includes a bypass valve having a first end in fluid contact with an upper reservoir and a second end in fluid contact with a lower reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: A-dec, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry Warn Jackson
  • Patent number: 8292244
    Abstract: A flat panel display device includes a stand and a cabinet. The stand has a pair of hook portions. The hook portions are symmetrically formed relative to a plane of symmetry. The cabinet has a bottom plate with a pair of attachment holes. The attachment holes are symmetrically formed relative to the plane of symmetry. Each of the attachment holes includes a first portion and a second portion that is wider than the first portion in a transverse direction of the cabinet. The first and second portions of each of the attachment holes have inner side faces, respectively. The inner side face of the first portion and the inner side face of the second portion are offset in the transverse direction of the cabinet and connected with a slanted guide face that is slanted relative to both of the inner side faces of the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 8262054
    Abstract: A furnace mounting system to elevate the furnace above the floor. In one form the furnace mounting system includes a furnace mounting block including a vibration dampening feature to prevent the transmission of noise and vibration from the furnace to the mounting block. The furnace mounting block includes a locating feature and is adhered to the bottom surface of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: NSA Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Stansbury
  • Publication number: 20120205331
    Abstract: A modular candle holder or support device for custom design and assembly by a user. A plurality of decorative modular units having specific designs and shapes can be combined to build unique support stacks, which may be utilized as candlestick holder, lamp supports or similar vertical support devices. To connect the modular units, each unit is equipped with at least one internally and female-threaded opening to receive a double-ended, male-threaded connector piece. The double-ended male-threaded connectors join two modular units together in series. The components can be combined in numerous variations to form different style holders and ornamental configurations. In additional to holding candles, the elements of the invention may be utilized to create light holders, flower holders, or individual modular units that can stand alone as a napkin ring or tea light candle holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Cindy Stejskal, Audrey Miller
  • Publication number: 20120193503
    Abstract: A support for supporting an object on a surface, the support comprising a base, the base adapted to be attached with or extend from the object. The base has a cavity extending therein, the cavity having a key portion. The key portion is adapted to engage with a foot inserted into the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Tony Pike
  • Patent number: 8231086
    Abstract: A lightweight portable laptop computer stand which lifts the back of the laptop keyboard and the bottom of the display screen for improved ergonomics and increased cooling airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Lee Starner
  • Patent number: 8210488
    Abstract: A base/lifting structure, includes a base frame assembly and a plurality of readily removable lifting bracket channels, the base frame assembly and a plurality of readily removable lifting bracket channels each having structural elements, the structural elements being formed of galvanize sheet metal formed in a C-shape cross section, the structural elements being selectively utilized in the base frame assembly singly and in pairs. A method of forming a base/lifting structure is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: AAF-McQuay Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Small
  • Patent number: 8205843
    Abstract: A leveling leg for an appliance is provided, including a main shaft and a foot coupled to the main shaft. A recess extends at least partially into the foot and includes an opening through a bottom surface of the foot. A ball is adapted to be received within the recess. The opening substantially surrounds at least a portion of the ball and is configured to inhibit removal of the ball from the recess. In one example, the ball is adapted to be received within the recess by a snap-fit engagement with the at least one arm. In another example, a plurality of arms are at least partially disposed within the recess and cooperate at one end thereof to engage the ball at an area below a great circle of the ball to inhibit removal of the ball from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Thomas Phillips, Edwin Koehler
  • Patent number: 8196880
    Abstract: A support stand includes a stand neck and a stand base. The stand neck includes a base part that is formed at a lower end portion of the stand neck and a plurality of hook tabs that is formed on a side face of the base part and extends downward relative to a top face of the base part. Each of the hook tabs has an engagement prong. The stand base includes a receiving portion that receives the base part of the stand neck within the receiving portion and a plurality of engagement tabs that is formed on a side face of the receiving portion and extends downward relative to a top face of the stand base. Each of the engagement prongs of the hook tabs of the stand neck is engaged from below with respective one of the engagement tabs of the stand base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Fujikawa, Shinichiro Sakamoto, Yuki Ogaki, Hideo Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 8186285
    Abstract: A slider assembly for moving an ATM into and out of an ATM housing comprises a driving mechanism and a mount. Vertically spaced apart upper and lower bearing structures extending outward from the mount partially define a horizontal channel. A platform for supporting the ATM has a front end, a rear end and opposite first and second side margins. The platform is operatively connected to the driving mechanism to impart generally linear forward and rearward movements of the platform relative to the mounts between extended and retracted positions. The first side margin of the platform is received within the horizontal channel between the upper and lower bearing structures to support the platform and to facilitate the linear movement of the platform by the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Fitts Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Fitts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8156694
    Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights. In one embodiment, the support pedestal can include a base member, a support member and a coupling member operatively connecting the base member and the support member. The coupling member can include first and second cylindrical walls, whereby an outer wall of the coupling member bears directly on an outer wall of the base member. Locking members can be utilized to operatively attach the coupling member to at least one of the base member or the support member. The locking members can function to increase the structural stability of support pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: United Construction Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Knight, III, William E. Kugler
  • Patent number: 8141828
    Abstract: An assembly comprises a support table including a support table orifice; a insert plate within the support table orifice; and at least one mounting and leveling apparatus. The mounting and leveling apparatus comprises a clamp screw; at least two leveling screws; at least one mounting screw; and a mounting bracket that defines a first threaded hole that threadably engages the clamp screw, a second hole that receives the at least one mounting screw and a third set of threaded holes that each threadably engages one of the at least two leveling screws. The clamp screw pulls the insert plate towards the mounting bracket when tightened. The at least one mounting screw couples the mounting bracket to the support table. The at least two leveling screws are independently adjustable to allow a top surface of the insert plate to be precisely aligned with a top surface of the support table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Allen IP Inc.
    Inventor: Scott L. Clark
  • Patent number: 8104725
    Abstract: A lifting device for raising and lowering a litter box comprising a first platform for placing on a ground surface and a second platform for supporting the litter box, wherein the second platform is positioned above the first platform; one or more support components attached to the first platform to the second platform; wherein the second platform can move between an up position wherein the second platform is raised above the first platform a certain distance and a down position wherein the second platform contacts the first platform, wherein the second platform is biased in the up position caused by the support components and the second platform can be secured in the down position via a locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Barbara M. Kebre
  • Patent number: 8066244
    Abstract: A lifting platform with microadjustment mechanisms comprises plural microadjustment mechanisms. The microadjustment mechanisms can cooperate with adjustment pieces to adjust the level degree of the lifting platform, and the relative distance between each two microadjustment mechanisms can be adjusted by moving the support portions of the respective microadjustment mechanisms within the displacement clearance defined between the holding grooves of the lifting platform and the adjustment discs. By such arrangements, the microadjustment time can be relatively reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8052106
    Abstract: A folding workbench includes a rectangular benchtop frame and first and second leg assemblies pivotably coupled to the frame. Each leg assembly includes first and second legs coupled to respective side rails of the frame, the leg assembly rotatable between a folded position, in which the leg assembly lies substantially within the benchtop frame, and an open position in which the leg assembly extends from the benchtop frame at about a 90 degree angle. Each leg assembly includes a shelf bracket extending between the first and second legs, with a notch extending lengthwise in the shelf bracket. With the leg assemblies in their open positions, a shelf assembly extends between and engages the notches of the shelf brackets, preventing rotation of the leg assemblies away from their open positions. Ends of the legs can be shaped to bind against the frame at selected positions, to provide detents to hold the leg assemblies in their folded or open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: N. Eric Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20110230284
    Abstract: The invention relates to a free-standing post comprising stabilizer means for stabilizing it on the ground, a non-rigid element for holding an article, which element extends upwards over a height H and has a bottom portion extended by a top portion. First anchor means are arranged between the stabilizer means and the bottom portion. In addition, a flexible longitudinal element is of length greater than the height H of the non-rigid element. Second anchor means are arranged between the bottom end of the flexible longitudinal element and the stabilizer means. Third anchor means are arranged between the top end of the flexible longitudinal element and the top end of the top portion of said non-rigid element. The invention also relates to a sport game set equipped with at least one such free-standing post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Yoann SIMON
  • Patent number: 8011624
    Abstract: A stand attachment structure includes a front cabinet, a rear cabinet and a pair of screws. The front cabinet has a pair of right and left bosses and a holder support. The holder support is formed on an outer peripheral face of each of the bosses at a location spaced from a distal end face of each of the bosses by thickness of a tilting stand holder of a tilting stand. The rear cabinet has a pair of right and left retainers. The retainers are formed at locations opposite the bosses of the front cabinet. Each of the retainers has an end face and a screw insertion hole that is formed on the end face. The screws are disposed through the screw insertion holes of the retainers and threaded into the threaded holes of the bosses to fasten the rear cabinet to the front cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Fujikawa, Shinichiro Sakamoto, Yuki Ogaki, Hideo Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 7988236
    Abstract: A sofa includes a furniture base assembly that is easily assembled without the need of a jig or fixture, provides for a reduced number of component parts, and provides for aesthetically pleasing base assembly joints. In one embodiment, the front rail member and the back rail member are integrally formed with the corner block members, side rails are connected thus forming an integrated rail member and thereby dispensing with a base joint exposed on the front of the furniture product. The base is affixed to the sofa frame and upholstery is attached to the frame for providing a finished sofa with a showood base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy A. Brandtner
  • Publication number: 20110175423
    Abstract: A load support member includes spaced apart beam members, a linking member and a stop member. In another aspect, the beam includes a support surface defining first and second landing regions, which are in contact with and support a membrane. In another aspect, a brace member is secured between laterally spaced beams, with the brace member having a greater height than width at the end thereof and a greater width than height at the middle thereof. In another aspect, a pair of armrests are joined to a cross member and a pair of spaced apart beams in a releasable engagement. In yet another aspect, a pair of beam members are fixedly joined with a cross member, which is pivotally connected to a link pivotally connected to the beams. A method of assembling a load support structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Claudia Plikat, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick, Andrew Keith Hector, John Fredric Aldrich
  • Patent number: 7959117
    Abstract: A seat structure is provided for disposing below an assembly in order to support the assembly from underneath. The assembly has a base portion formed with an opening. The seat structure includes a bottom seat for placing within the opening in the base portion and a plurality of flexible connecting elements. Each flexible connecting element includes an outer bent end connected to a periphery confining the opening in the base portion, an inner bent end connected to the bottom seat and a main body between the outer and inner bent ends. The vibration of the assembly is absorbed by the seat structure to provide stability to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Gemtek Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsien-Chih Chiu
  • Patent number: 7954775
    Abstract: A support structure is disclosed comprising a longitudinally extending hollow member configured to receive a support tube therein. The longitudinally extending hollow member comprises an approximately flat surface opposite an internal corner of the longitudinally extending hollow member. The invention further comprises a support tube configured to be removably inserted within the longitudinally extending hollow member and a mechanism for forcing an outer corner of the support tube into the internal corner of the longitudinally extending member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Shoremaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Smith, Lindsay Horgen
  • Publication number: 20110036958
    Abstract: A portable laboratory stand is disclosed for use with laboratory tables having rod sockets. The stand does not consume the rod socket, so that the socket is still available for use with a laboratory rod with the stand in place. The stand can be used to support laptops, books, papers, or small electronic equipment to keep them above surfaces where spills may occur and where the room may be needed for experiment components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: SHELDON LABORATORY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Roger Moore
  • Patent number: 7871045
    Abstract: A method and system for bracing pipe, conduit and ductwork, which includes a mounting plate attachable to an underside of a structural flooring member, an elongated support member attachable to an underside of the mounting plate, and at least one elongated channel member. The at least one elongated channel member attaches to a side of the elongated support member, wherein the at least one elongated channel member is adapted to receive a fastener for attaching at least one conduit member to the elongated channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Certus Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Moore, Evan M. Reis
  • Patent number: 7810769
    Abstract: A wheel-type support for an article of furniture includes a laterally extending support member defining an outwardly facing end opening and a downwardly facing recess spaced inwardly from the end opening. A wheel is positioned within the downwardly facing recess, and a wheel retainer arrangement is secured to the support member at the outwardly facing end opening. The wheel is rotatably supported by the wheel retainer arrangement. The wheel includes a central passage, and the wheel retainer arrangement includes an axle that extends through the central passage such that the wheel is rotatable on the axle. The wheel retainer arrangement also includes an axle retainer that fixes the axle on either side of the wheel, and an end member that is secured to the support member over the outwardly facing end opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott J. Williams
  • Patent number: 7798454
    Abstract: A support structure for use in tables and the like comprises a short I-beam segment having a top section, a bottom section and a center section joining the top and bottom sections. Each of the top and bottom sections has two flanges which are preferably stabilized with tension rods. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom section of the I-beam segment is bolted or otherwise secured to a base to form a strong upright support assembly. When utilized to form a trestle-like assembly, such as a table frame, two or more vertical supports are bolted to two or more stretcher bars spanning the vertical supports. In an alternative embodiment, transverse support bars are bolted or otherwise secured to the top of the stretcher bars and a tabletop surface may be secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Evan Stoller
  • Publication number: 20100224752
    Abstract: The instrument stand, which supports an instrument on a wire rack or similar surface, includes a body, a biasing element and a hook member. The stand is capable of connecting to an instrument, and the biasing element, preferably formed by at least two legs, is also connected to the body, wherein when contacting a surface the legs bias the body in a direction opposite the surface. The hook member connects to one of either a leg or the body, such that the hook member is capable of engaging the surface to thereby oppose the bias by the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Jim Best, Todd Brunner, Marco Perry
  • Publication number: 20100163705
    Abstract: An apparatus and method suitable for supporting a cylindrical component. The apparatus includes a pedestal having an upper surface with a semispherical concave shape, and a carriage supported on the upper surface of the pedestal. The carriage has a lower surface and an oppositely-disposed upper surface with elements for contacting and rotatably supporting the cylindrical component. The lower surface of the carriage engages the upper surface of the pedestal and has a semispherical convex shape complementary to the semispherical concave shape of the upper surface of the pedestal. The apparatus further includes a reservoir at and recessed in the upper surface of the pedestal, and a feature for delivering a lubricant to the lubricant reservoir. The lower surface of the carriage and the upper surface of the pedestal define an enclosure around the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Matthew Sassatelli, Gary Charles Popham, Virgil (NMN) Vaillancourt, Michael Raymond Kolk
  • Patent number: 7733645
    Abstract: A thin display structure including a case, at least two joining sleeves disposed at the bottom of the case, and at least two support units with the transverse width similar to the thickness of the case is provided. The support units are rotatably disposed in the joining sleeves, such that the support units can rotate with respect to the case, so as to have a receiving position hiding in the case and a supporting position protruding from the case. In the receiving position, the thin display can be received in a packing case or hung on a wall surface, and in the supporting position, the thin display can stand on a plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: AmTRAN Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7722007
    Abstract: A foldable easel strut assembly is provided for supporting the easel when the easel is in use, and for moving the legs of the easel to a storage position when the easel is to be stored. The invention comprises an easel support board to which a rear leg assembly is pivotally connected. A pair of forward struts are pivotally connected at a first end to the support board. A pair of rear struts each have a first end pivotally connected to a second end of a corresponding forward strut, and a second end of each rear strut is pivotally connected to the rear leg assembly. Each rear strut includes a stop flange that abuts an upper edge of a corresponding forward strut when the rear leg assembly is pivoted away from the support board to a maximum position. In an embodiment, two front legs are pivotally connected to the support board, and the rear leg assembly comprises a rear leg member that pivotally folds against a bracket, and the bracket folds against the support board, when the easel is in its storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Swank Audio Visuals, LLC
    Inventor: Michael John Stengel
  • Patent number: 7717379
    Abstract: A furniture balancing pad stabilizes a furniture piece having an uneven leg base or support surface. The furniture balancing pad comprises a biscuit portion having a top surface, a substantially flat bottom surface, and side walls. A flexible stabilization cushion having a central cushion thickness is attached to the top surface of the biscuit to form an outer perimeter shelf extending horizontally and adjacently in relation to the flexible stabilization cushion and adjacent to the side walls of the biscuit. This shelf acts as a support lip for the furniture piece. The outer perimeter shelf of the biscuit includes a perimeter thickness, or height, and a shelf depth. The flexible stabilization cushion and the biscuit may be constructed as a unitary pad. As arranged, the flexible stabilization cushion and the outer perimeter shelf of the biscuit level and buttress the uneven leg base or uneven surface when the furniture balancing pad is slid under the furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: June Seley Kimmel
  • Patent number: 7703728
    Abstract: A K-base for a pole mounting system includes a central hub formed as a pentagon with legs extending from four of the five sides of the pentagon. The ends of the legs may splay to form clefts configured to receive a flat outer perimeter of the central hub so that the legs may be bolted to the central hub. The ends of the legs and the fifth unoccupied side of the pentagon may be formed to approximate a disk. In the central region of the central hub, on the top surface, an indentation may be formed to approximate an outer perimeter of a pole configured to be attached to the K-base. On the bottom surface, the central region may contain a depression sized to receive a washer and optionally a weight. Bolts extending through the washer and optionally through the weight may be used to connect the K-base to a pole. The washer may be formed to distribute stress from the bolts on the central hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Petrick, Robert Coon, Clifford Krapfl, Jimmy-Quang Viet Doan, John B. Freese, Bjorn Gunderson
  • Patent number: 7703726
    Abstract: A height-adjustable furnishing system includes a base component, a plurality of legs, a height adjustment mechanism, and a platform component. The base has a planar bottom surface and a top surface with a plurality of attachment points for pivotally attaching two, three or four legs. The height-adjustment mechanism is adjustably attached between the base component and at least one of the plurality of legs, or between a forward leg and a rear leg. A platform component is pivotally attached to the plurality of legs to form a parallelogram linkage when viewed from the side. The height-adjustment mechanism may include a gas spring, a cam clamp, a travel block, a release lever, a cable release, a release trigger and may also be hand- or foot-operated. The entire system folds to a generally planar configuration for storage. The legs are erect when they are approximately 10 degrees from vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Hunter Harrison, Mary Lee Harrison
  • Patent number: 7703844
    Abstract: A protective shroud for a swing arm includes a housing made of two shroud sections that are snapped together around the base of a fixed seating arrangement. The assembled shroud includes two rectangular openings on its sides configured to allow the swing arms of the fixed seating arrangement to pivot on their axes within the shroud. The rectangular openings also include grooves on their upper and lower edges configured to receive a slidable rectangular shield member with a circular opening in its center. The rectangular shields fit over the opposed swing arms and slide within the grooves in the shroud halves as the swing arms pivot, thereby restricting access to the pinch points of the swing arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Gevaert
  • Patent number: 7694924
    Abstract: A support assembly for a work surface is disclosed. The support assembly may be secured to at least one gable. The support assembly includes an elongate horizontal support having a predetermined cross-sectional shape a saddle support which supports the work surface. The saddle support has a recess with a shape which corresponds to the predetermined cross sectional shape of the horizontal support. The recess receives the horizontal support therein to securely rest the saddle support on a top portion of the horizontal support. A U-shaped fastener secures an upper member of the horizontal support to an upper portion of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: TK Canada Limited
    Inventor: Carl Gustav Magnusson
  • Patent number: 7685846
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an assembly for stacking washer and/or dryers, by which washers/dryers, washers, or dryers can be stacked. The present invention includes at least one bracket provided to a top portion of a first washer or dryer and at least one holder provided to the bracket to hold a leg of a second washer or dryer put on the first washer or dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Gi Hwang, Jeung Gie Ahn
  • Publication number: 20100001149
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medical instrument. The medical instrument includes a main body including at least one of an operation part and a display part, a cart including a desk on which the main body is positioned, a front detachable member disposed on the desk and adapted to attach and detach a front portion of the main body to/from the desk, and at least one rear detachable member disposed on the desk and adapted to attach and detach a rear portion of the main body to/from the desk and elastically support the rear portion of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Mi Ran Song, Jae-Gyoung Kim, Young Seuk Song, Sun ki Lee, Soo-Hwan Shin
  • Patent number: 7614583
    Abstract: A monument fitting assembly for installing a monument in an aircraft. The fitting assembly is comprised of a ramp member and a fastening bracket member. The ramp member is attached to a floor of the aircraft. Further, the fastening bracket member is attached to a monument. The fastening bracket member is releasably attached to the ramp member and positions the monument a predetermined height above the floor in a predetermined position within the aircraft and supports the monument in a plurality of load-bearing directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Walter L. White
  • Patent number: 7597294
    Abstract: A leveling system for household appliances comprises appliance feet which are arranged at the underside of the household appliance and which are adjustable in height at least partly by an actuation member and therefore make it possible to adjust the height of the household appliance and/or to adapt to unevenness in floors. According to the invention, the actuation member is a traction element and the appliance feet which are adjustable in height by the traction element have, in each instance, a cylindrical housing which is fastened to the underside of the household appliance and in which there is arranged a piston which carries the appliance foot plate, and the piston has a receptacle for the height-adjustable arrangement of the shaft of an appliance foot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: A-Z Ausruestung und Zubehoer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joachim Lotz
  • Patent number: 7588220
    Abstract: For stabilizing a stand to mount a display, the stand includes a base support member having a center portion with a circular recess formed about an axis perpendicular to the base support member. A swivel member removably coupled to the center portion is rotatably movable about the axis and within the circular recess. A linking member removably coupled to the center portion is frictionally coupled to the swivel member. The linking member is rotatably movable in response to a rotational motion of the swivel member. An extensible member removably coupled to the center portion is frictionally coupled to the linking member. The rotational motion of the swivel member is transferred by the linking member to cause a linear motion of the extensible member. The linear motion of the extensible member increases a virtual base boundary formed by the extensible member and the base support member thereby improving the stability of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Tiak Hooy Sim, Kok Chin Leong
  • Patent number: 7559516
    Abstract: The furniture leg has a foot from which a lifting column projects transversely that comprises an external tube and an internal tube that is telescopingly movable relative to the external tube. The external tube is attached to a fastening part of the foot. In order to configure the furniture leg in such a way that the foot and the lifting column can be connected to one another such that deposit locations for dirt and the like are not formed, the exterior side of the external tube at least over most of its circumference passes continuously into the exterior side of the fastening part. In this way, at the transition from the foot to the lifting column no deposit location for dirt is formed. The furniture leg is suitable for tables of any kind, chairs, organ benches and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kesseböhmer Produktions GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Köder
  • Publication number: 20090166484
    Abstract: A rocker chair base assembly employs a set of unitary composite cam members to enable a user to engage in a rocking motion with a chair mounted over the assembly. Each cam member presents a rigid body with a set of laterally projecting sleeves. A first set of angle cross members serve to interconnect longitudinal rails on which the cam members reside, and a second set of angle cross members serve to interconnect adjacent cam members. Specifically, the laterally projecting sleeves of each cam member present a mating angle profile for slidably receiving therein and securely attaching with longitudinal end regions of the second set of angle cross members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: ROBERT DEAN DONOVAN
  • Publication number: 20090155016
    Abstract: A fastener (10) for connecting two structural members includes a base (100) and a hollow protrusion (102) extending from the base. At least one supporting holder (160) extends from the base arranged around the protrusion. The supporting holder has a height above a top surface of the base equal to or greater than that of the protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO. LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHI-KUN GUO