Including Vacuum Maker Or Breaker Patents (Class 248/205.8)
  • Patent number: 12196248
    Abstract: Provided is a connecting device for releasably connecting two functional groups. The connecting device includes a first connecting part which is assigned to a first of the functional groups and configured as an area portion, and a second connecting part which is assigned to a second of the functional groups and has a vacuum element which along a fitting direction is connectable to the area portion of the first connecting part and in a connected position bears on the area portion with a vacuum effect. The first connecting part in the connected position is mounted in relation to the second connecting part so as to be movable along the plane perpendicular to the fitting direction. By moving the first connecting part relative to the second connecting part, the position of the vacuum element relative to the area portion is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventors: Björn Bleckat, Lasse Hiller, Oliver Pankoke, Breido Botkus, Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 12078257
    Abstract: A valve-actuated suction apparatus includes an anchor member made of a non-porous resilient material and having a flexible base seal member and an anchor member stem. The base seal member is arranged to seal against a reference surface. The anchor member stem includes a vent port extending therethrough. A plunger valve is operable to selectively seal and unseal the vent port. The plunger valve includes a plunger valve head and a plunger valve stem. The plunger valve stem is slidably disposed in the vent port and slidable between a closed position of the plunger valve wherein the vent port is sealed and an open position of the plunger valve wherein the vent port is unsealed. The plunger valve stem includes one or more protruding transverse flanges that sealably engage a sidewall of the vent port when the plunger valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Inventor: Israel Harry Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 12031819
    Abstract: A laser level meter, comprising a housing, wherein a laser assembly is mounted on the housing, the lower end portion of the housing is further provided with an end cover, the end cover is recessed towards the interior of the housing to form a cavity, and an air suction port is provided in the cavity. The laser level meter further comprises a suction device arranged in the housing, wherein the suction device comprises a fan, and the fan rotates so as to suck air between the cavity and a mounting surface of the laser level meter from the air suction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: TECHTRONIC CORDLESS GP
    Inventors: Fuming Yan, Liling An
  • Patent number: 11988245
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a sucker base device, which comprises a suction cup, a cup upper cover, and a pressure driving nut. A threaded rod is connected to an upper surface of the suction cup. The cup upper cover covers the suction cup. The rod penetrates through a top surface of the cup upper cover and has a protrusion section exposed outside the cup upper cover. The nut is threaded to the rod, is supported on the top surface of the cup upper cover, and is allowed to a rotary motion. By rotating the nut, the rod is driven to lift towards the cup upper cover, to form a negative pressure between the suction cup and a surface of sucked object. The device has compact and ingenious structure, lowered cost, and is readily to be realized and popularized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Dongguan Lanparte Television Equipment Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinsu Lin, Xiaofeng Hao
  • Patent number: 11892027
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a suction cup type hook, including: a hook body, a suction cup, a spring, and a rotatable button. The hook body defines a mounting cavity opened toward a rear side and defines a connecting hole arranged on a front side; the suction cup includes a flexible deformation portion and a connecting rod; the rotatable button is disposed on the front side of the hook body, and the rotatable button is rotatably connected to the connecting rod and has a lifted state and a snapped state y; when the rotatable button is in the snapped state: the rotatable button pulls the middle of the flexible deformation portion forward, an edge of the flexible deformation portion abuts against the edge of the mounting cavity, and a rear side of the flexible deformation portion forms a concave arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Ruochen Fan
  • Patent number: 11828320
    Abstract: A device for mounting an electronic device to a surface comprising a main body, an electronic device holder, a mounting apparatus and a lever. The electronic device holder comprises a planar member affixed to the main body and holds the electronic device. The mounting apparatus is affixed to the main body, and securely attaches the device to the surface. The lever includes a first end pivotally attached to the main body and in communication with the mounting apparatus, and a second end for engagement by a user. The lever is movable from a first position where the lever is vertically oriented causing the mounting apparatus to engage the surface, and a second position where the lever is horizontally oriented and extends through a slot in the planar member of the electronic device holder into where the electronic device is mounted causing the mounting apparatus to release from the vertical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Midwest Design Lab LLC
    Inventors: Yongjun Heo, Tyler Efird
  • Patent number: 11807192
    Abstract: A carrier for releasable retaining a vehicle recovery board or similar cargo including a base plate proportioned, a pivot mount member with a crossbar wherefrom a pivotally connected, activating retainment arm with a fastener end is perpendicularly disposed and a stationary mount member with a receiving latch member. Downwardly disposed planar bottoms of pivot leg(s) and fixed leg(s) proximate to a respective one or another of the pair of opposed side edges of the base plate respectively affix pivot and stationary mount members in substantially longitudinal parallel alignment such that coupled engagement of a fastener end of the retainment arm and a receiving latch member on the stationary mount member securely retains the vehicle recovery board or other cargo on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Expedition Essentials LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Sikes
  • Patent number: 11752954
    Abstract: A vehicle interior trim securing system includes a trim piece that includes a trim piece body. The trim piece includes a wire harness support that extends outward from the trim piece body that includes a support portion including an inner portion, an outer portion and a connecting portion that connects the inner portion and the outer portion forming a channel that is sized to receive a wire harness. A sealing structure includes a suction cup that is connected to the outer portion and a pull tab connected to the suction cup. The pull tab is partially covered by the trim piece body with the suction cup adhered to a floor underbody panel and has a length such that a free end extends laterally beyond the trim piece body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhijeet Anil Hoshing, Jonathan Quijano, James M Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11724406
    Abstract: A pneumatic controlled soft gripper includes a chamber having a negative-pressure action space defined therein and having an opening communicating with the negative-pressure action space; a sucker extending radially outwardly from the opening of the chamber and having an annular contact surface; an expandable and contractible protuberance protruding from a top face of the negative-pressure action space opposite to the opening, wherein the protuberance is received in the negative-pressure action space, and has a gas pocket defined therein; and a gas channel extending from an outer face of the chamber into the gas pocket, wherein gas flows into and out of the gas pocket through the gas channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Pang, Heon Joon Lee, Sang Yul Baik, Gui Won Hwang
  • Patent number: 11719275
    Abstract: A composite sucker is for being sucked on an attached surface. The composite sucker includes a suction element, a pressing element and a pressure adjusting element. The suction element is for being connected to and sucked on the attached surface. The suction element includes a suction elastic portion. An air space is formed between the suction elastic portion and the attached surface. The pressing element is connected to the suction element and includes a pressing elastic portion. The pressing elastic portion is disposed farther away from the attached surface than the suction elastic portion therefrom. The pressure adjusting element is connected to the suction element. The pressure adjusting element is able to drive the suction elastic portion to be deformed, so that a volume of the air space is able to become greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: WISTRON NEWEB CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bo-Yen Chen
  • Patent number: 11686431
    Abstract: A supporting structure includes a seat, a suction cup, a rotary plate, and a support, wherein the suction cup is located at a cavity of the seat. The rotary plate is disposed between the seat and a bottom portion of the support. The support drives the suction cup to act together. By rotating the rotary plate clockwise or counter-clockwise, a distance between the bottom portion of the support and the seat could be changed to make the suction cup be attached to or removed from a smooth surface of an object. The supporting structure of the present invention facilitates the convenience of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ALPHA NETWORKS INC
    Inventor: Tzu-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 11672090
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a device body and a stand supporting the device body. The stand includes: a base; a suction member facing the lower surface of base, including a suction surface that adheres to the placement surface by negative pressure generated in a gap between the placement surface and the suction surface, and including a ventilation hole in fluid communication with the gap; and a slide valve, located between the base and the suction member, that slides along the lower surface of the base between opened and closed positions where the ventilation hole is opened and closed to let and interrupt air into the gap, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Genichi Yamada, Yohei Kodera, Kazuya Honda, Naohiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11510529
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotating cutting board. The rotating cutting board is designed to firmly secure to a countertop via a series of suction cups disposed on the bottom surface of the cutting board. The rectangular or square-shaped cutting board features five separate suction cups on the bottom surface, in which a larger suction cup is positioned in the middle of the board and one smaller cup is positioned in each corner of the board. The larger suction cup elevates the board using a wooden slab connected through bearings to the board, such that the four small suction cups are lifted off the surface, ensuring that the board can rotate freely when the middle suction cup is secured. The suction cups ensure that the board remains stable while cutting to improve overall kitchen safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Keifer Lankford
  • Patent number: 11432978
    Abstract: A lift assist device preferably includes a pair of lift units and a battery. Each lift unit preferably includes a linear actuator, a lift projection, a top bracket and a bottom bracket. A screw sled extends from one side of the linear actuator. An end of a lift projection is secured to the screw sled. One end of the top bracket is attached to a top of the linear actuator. One end of a bottom bracket is attached to a bottom of the linear actuator. The top and bottom brackets will be different depending on whether they are attached to rollators, wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs and motorized scooters. The lift assist device may be used to help lift a user from a chair adjacent the rollator, wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or motorized scooter, or when the user is seated in rollator, wheelchair, motorized wheelchair or motorized scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Mark S. Inkmann
  • Patent number: 11415166
    Abstract: Dual install suction mounting assemblies that include suction pads and adhesive pads that are interchangeably installed in the same housing are disclosed. When the suction pad is installed, a handle is used to pull a suction disk from a flat position against a wall to a cupped position that holds the assembly tightly on the wall. When the adhesive pad is installed, a flat adhesive sheet secures the assembly to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Decolin Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Scanlon, Jay R. Dickerscheid, David M. Baines, Frank Coratolo
  • Patent number: 11391317
    Abstract: A suction cup comprises a suction cup member, a press ring, a first housing and an insertion pin. The suction cup member includes an assembly surface and a suction surface. The assembly surface includes a first protrusion having a first cut-out slot formed thereon. The press ring is pressed onto an upper outer edge of the suction cup member. The first housing is pressed onto the press ring and includes a second protrusion for mounting onto the first protrusion. One side of the second protrusion includes a first through hole corresponding to the first cut-out slot to expose the first cut-out slot. The insertion pin partially engages with the first housing and slidably engages with the first through hole and the first cut-out slot to move in the first cut-out slot and to drive the suction cup member to move upward while forming a vacuum space underneath thereof simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignees: FREE-FREE(USA) INC, FREE-FREE INDUSTRIAL CORP
    Inventor: Sheng-Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 11299241
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that attaches to a hull of a boat to disrupt water flow around the hull such that a wake created behind the boat is larger, differently positioned, and/or differently shaped. The apparatus includes a base and a blade. The blade is equipped with a mount structure that attaches the base to the blade. The blade can be reversibly mountable to the base such that either face of the blade faces a desired direction. The apparatus provides tool-free adjustment between a first configuration in which the base is mounted to the blade and a second configuration in which the base and the blade are separated. In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably attached to the hull by one or more suction cups. Additionally, the apparatus can be inflatable. The invention further provides a deployable lanyard assembly and a splash deflector for use with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: MCNAUGHTON INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Patrick James McNaughton
  • Patent number: 11280367
    Abstract: A locking member is configured to couple to a suction cup and a suction securing nut. The locking member includes a locking ring, and a component support hook extending from the locking ring. The component support hook is configured to support at least a portion of a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: iSee Store Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Steven Allen Brenner
  • Patent number: 11247095
    Abstract: A fitness assembly for performing various exercises that is securably mountable to a mounting surface using one or more vacuum devices. In one embodiment, a vacuum-mounted fitness assembly comprises a base element and at least one vacuum device removably coupled to the base element. In one embodiment, the base element has an elongated shape and is removably coupled to two vacuum devices. In another embodiment, the base element has a circular or non-elongated shape and is removably coupled to one vacuum device. The base element includes a plurality of apertures and/or slits to which one or more bands and/or straps may be attached. In one embodiment, the fitness assembly also includes one or more accessories that enable the fitness assembly to be used to perform exercises such as boxing, squats, rowing, bicep curls, and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: SeaSucker, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Casagrande, Charles John Reda, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11241072
    Abstract: A system to hold a hair dryer or other item adjustably in position to allow a user to realize hands-free use of the item. The system is designed to make hair drying and/or the hands-free use of any other items in, for example, a bathroom setting, easier and more efficient. The item holder of the present invention is formed of an approximately vertically mounted bar, with a slider slideably connected to the bar. The slider can be loosened, moved, and tightened into position. An item can then be connected to the slider, and held in place in a position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Inventor: Jean LaPoint
  • Patent number: 11215217
    Abstract: A surface mount is provided having a body, a lever, a laterally offset connector, and a diaphragm. The surface mount may be mounted to a surface at the diaphragm and support an object via the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: House of Atlas, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Moss, Alan Arthur Ford
  • Patent number: 10920925
    Abstract: A suction cup mount has a suction plate and a housing, wherein the suction plate and the housing are connected to each other in such a way that the housing can be pressed onto the suction plate and the suction plate includes a circumferential connection to a mount frame of the housing, which releases itself at a defined release force acting on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Tormaxx GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Koch
  • Patent number: 10890207
    Abstract: The connection of an accessory to a suction disc module comprises a lever mounted to the suction disc module; a latch bar on each side of that lever, and a raised shoulder on a top surface of the lever. The accessory has a pair of inclined latch blocks for engagement with the latch bars and a square-edge boss for engagement with the raised shoulder. The lever is urged away from the suction disc module by a spring. The lever has an overrun in a displacement thereof while a displacement of the spring remains constant. The lever is selectively movable along this overrun for engaging the latch bars with the inclined latch blocks and for engaging the raised shoulder with the square-edge boss. This latter engagement of the raised shoulder with the square-edge boss prevents an excess movement of the connecting direction, and urges the accessory in the release direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Vertiball Solutions Ltd.
    Inventor: Curtis Kennedy
  • Patent number: 10821612
    Abstract: A suction gripper system includes a suction calotte for the handling of at least one article and a counterpart configured correspondingly to the suction calotte. Further, the suction gripper system includes a magnetic element and a movably mounted ball, which are arranged to interact magnetically with respect to one another to influence a spatial position of the suction calotte in relation to the counterpart. Further, a method for handling the at least one article, a method for producing at least one spectacle lens, and the use of the suction gripper system are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Vision International GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Kurz
  • Patent number: 10731391
    Abstract: A suction-security system includes an adhesion membrane coupled to a swing arm. Rotation of the swing arm lifts a center portion of the adhesion membrane, creating suction and adhesion of the suction-security system to an anchor surface. The swing arm may have a low profile enabling use of the suction security system in an enclosure with minimal loss of available interior space. The system may include a shield protecting the adhesion membrane, and a bushing in the shield permits rotation of a portion of the shield without disturbing adhesion of the adhesion membrane to the anchor surface. The suction-security system may be used in consumer items such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, and suitcases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: James E. Lucari, Don D. McCracken, Jr., Nicole A. Reading
  • Patent number: 10696269
    Abstract: A violation enforcement system configured to impair the view of a driver through a windshield of a vehicle is provided. The violation enforcement system includes a plurality of covering assemblies, each of the covering assemblies having one or more suction assemblies configured for placement against a windshield of a vehicle. A pump assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The pump assembly is configured to develop a partial vacuum between the one or more suction assemblies and the windshield. A release assembly is configured for pneumatic communication with the one or more suction assemblies. The release assembly is configured to actuate release of the one or more suction assemblies from the windshield and a sensor system is configured to sense environmental conditions for adjustment of the partial vacuum developed between the one or more suction assemblies and the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Colin Heffron, Kevin Dougherty, Robert White, Colin Heffron, Jr., Christopher C. D'Antuono, Francis J. Pinero, Amilcar Sergio Penetra
  • Patent number: 10649492
    Abstract: A mount includes a frame, a head coupled to a first end of the frame, a suction cup positioned at an opposite second end of the frame, and a suction-cup activator. Rotational movement of the suction-cup activator causes a corresponding axial moment of the suction cup for attaching the mount to a surface. The head allows attachment of a handheld electronic device to the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ANNEX PRODUCTS PTY. LTD.
    Inventors: Christopher Peters, Leigh Ryan
  • Patent number: 10641314
    Abstract: A suction holder includes a suction unit, a housing unit, a pressure deformable unit, and a linkage positioning unit. The suction unit includes a suction cup and a traction element engaged to a top of the suction cup. The pressure deformable unit has a circumference radially distributed with a plurality of elastic pressing elements. The pressure deformable unit is located on the suction cup and is confined in the housing unit. The linkage positioning unit can drive the traction element to move upward so that the suction cup can attach to a surface. When the surface is curved or has arcs, the elastic pressing elements can be deformed to different extents to be pressed on the suction cup to maintain better attachment to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventor: Eagle Fan
  • Patent number: 10588406
    Abstract: A product holder system is configured to be removably secured to a surface of a component. The system may include a bracket including a main beam and at least one securing mount, and at least one product holder removably and adjustably secured to the main beam. The product holder is configured to removably retain a product. At least one securing assembly is connected to the securing mount(s). The securing assembly is configured to removably secure the product holder system to the surface of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: ISEE STORE INNOVATIONS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark Schaefer, Steven Allen Brenner, Joseph Vonder Haar, Emad Ayad
  • Patent number: 10585429
    Abstract: A steering robot for operating a steering wheel of a test automobile is disclosed. The robot includes an actuator mounted to the automobile, and an electromechanical connector that detachably connects the actuator to the steering wheel. A steering processor is connected to the actuator and to the electromechanical connector, and the steering processor (1) actuates the actuator, thereby operating the steering wheel when the actuator is connected to the steering wheel by way of the electromechanical connector; and (2) actuates the electromechanical connector, thereby disconnecting the actuator from the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: DYNAMIC RESEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Jordan Y Silberling, Nadine A Wong, Brian K Kebschull, Joseph Kelly, Stephen Rhim
  • Patent number: 10393168
    Abstract: A securing assembly is configured to removably secure a structure to a surface of a component. The securing assembly includes a suction cup, a locking member coupled to the suction cup, and a suction securing nut coupled to the suction cup and the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: iSee Store Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schaefer, Steven Allen Brenner, Sesha Madireddi, Sivateja Kasireddi
  • Patent number: 10059404
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a wake diversion system operates to manipulate the characteristics of the stern waves produced by a watercraft as it passes through water. In one embodiment, the wake diversion system includes a wake diverter that is comprised of a body, a panel, and a plurality of boat attachment mechanisms. The wake diverter is removably attachable to the side of the hull of a watercraft such that it obstructs the natural flow of water around the hull of the watercraft on side of the watercraft to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MISSION LLC
    Inventors: Kristopher William Clover, Mark Raymond Bohlig, Luke Raymond Bohlig
  • Patent number: 9914509
    Abstract: A wake enhancer can be configured to be quickly and easily coupled to and decoupled from a boat even when the boat is in water and without requiring any modification/alteration to the boat. The wake enhancer can include a base, an arm that extends from the base to form a forward facing surface for diverting the flow of water, and opposing sidewalls that extend between the base and the arm to provide support to the arm. The wake enhancer can also include suction cup assemblies that are integrated into the base and function to couple the wake enhancer to the hull of a boat. The opposing sidewalls can include recessed ends which facilitate access to handles of the suction cup assemblies to in turn facilitate coupling and decoupling the wake enhancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Wakesurf Edge, LLC
    Inventor: Troy Tegeder
  • Patent number: 9889909
    Abstract: A device is temporarily attached to one side of the stern of a boat in order to modify the wake pattern of the boat by effectively making one side of the boat longer than the other side. The delayed wave on the opposite side of the boat from the wake shaping device allows the wave to crest over the natural wave on the side where the device is installed. In one example, the device has a frame with a side surface angled outwardly 12 degrees from the side of the boat, a mounting surface with a platform index notch configured to be positioned over a portion of a boat platform. A wedge shape utilizes water pressure to distribute the load evenly across the fastening side of the device, thereby allowing for a tight fit to the back of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: Dean Morgan, Jeanna Jette
  • Patent number: 9845058
    Abstract: A mount for an electronic device includes a ferromagnetic element securable to the electronic device, and a mount body including a face plate and at least one leg, the magnet secured in the face plate, and the at least one leg movable from a stored position to a support position. The stored position is flush with the face plate, and the support position is normal to the face plate. The magnet and ferromagnetic element combine with the leg in it support position to allow reliable mounting of heavy and/or oversized electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Bracketron, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Chow
  • Patent number: 9844159
    Abstract: A handheld mount assembly for portable electronic device includes a pistol style grip and suction cup assembly. The mount assembly functions as a gripping device for handheld use, a hands free stand, and a recharging station. The mount can be secured anywhere on the back of the electronic device, making the angle adjustable for stand use, and also allowing the user to position the device differently to accommodate his/her own needs. The mount can power/charge the portable wireless device as well as wirelessly connect to it and integrate its operational controls to those three tactile controls of the mount assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Stanley Liniger
  • Patent number: 9810370
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning a computer workstation relative to a work surface, the apparatus including a base, wherein the base includes at least one attachment mechanism located on a bottom surface of the base, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism is configured to affix the base to the work surface; a support column that extends upward from the base; a display mount movably coupled to the support column such that the display mount is configured to move in a first range of travel relative to the base; and a keyboard tray movably coupled to the support column such that the keyboard tray is configured to move in a second range of travel relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Health Postures, LLC
    Inventors: Jared L. Elliott, Nathan D. Wenninger
  • Patent number: 9782154
    Abstract: An instrument (2) for manipulating an implant is disclosed, the instrument (2) comprising an attachment element (22), which is operable to engage an implant, an actuation rod (20), a distal end (34) of which is connected to the attachment element (22) and a handle (4) having a gripping surface (6). At least a proximal end (32) of the actuation rod (20) is moveably received within the handle (4). The instrument further comprises a drive mechanism (42), mounted on the handle (4) and operable to drive relative movement between the actuation rod (20) and the handle (4). Also disclosed is an instrument (2) for manipulating an implant, the instrument (2) comprising a handle (4), a suction cup (22) operable to engage a surface of an implant and moveably mounted with respect to the handle (4), and a release cord (104), fixedly connected between an edge (88) of the suction cup (22) and the handle (4). A method of releasing an implant from an instrument (2) to which it is attached is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet UK Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan James Slade, Marc David Elliott
  • Patent number: 9746022
    Abstract: A suction cup, including a flat framework, a suction cup body covering the framework, a connection rod disposed on the back surface of the framework and passing through the cup body, a cup cover covering the connection rod and the cup body, and a pressing element provided on the back surface of the cup cover and in connection with the connection rod, a seal element on the adsorption surface of the cup body, and an annular protruding ring on the inner surface of the cup cover at a location corresponding to the seal element for touch pressing the inner surface of the cup body against the seal element. The invention uses rigid force transfer, and thus the force transfer is more effective. The sealing element enhances the airtightness of the suction cavity and increases the absorption force of the suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: ZHONGSHAN TAILI HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhengbing Shi
  • Patent number: 9717374
    Abstract: A bodily scrubbing assembly includes a housing that may be removably coupled to a wall in a shower. A sponge is removably positioned in the housing. Thus, the sponge is retained on the shower thereby facilitating the sponge to scrub a user's body. A plurality of couplers is provided and each of the couplers is coupled to the sponge. Each of the couplers engages the housing such that the sponge is removably retained in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Anderson Kinsale
  • Patent number: 9695974
    Abstract: A resealing suction cup mounting system and method wherein an arm pivotably connected to the suction cup is able to rotate in the direction of the suction cup and in so doing provide an impact force to be applied to the suction cup that cause a resealing action to occur. The impact force having a component that is perpendicular to the interface between the suction cup and a surface the suction cup is mounted to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Seph Gordon
  • Patent number: 9664227
    Abstract: A vacuum retaining device capable of reuse includes a sucking disk member. The periphery of a disk surface portion of the sucking disk member is formed with a coupling edge portion wrapped and connected with a sealing rim. During use, the coupling edge portion inside the sealing rim forms a support, such that the shape and efficiency of the sealing rim can be kept for a long time. When a sealing surface of the sealing rim is poked to disengage from a surface to be adhered, the sealing surface is able to link the coupling edge portion of the sucking disk body. When the vacuum retaining device is not used, the outer edge of the sealing rim is poked for the air to enter the interior of the sucking disk body. The vacuum retaining device can be detached from the surface easily and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Canshow Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Shu Huang, Jin-Dian Huang, Chin-Chun Huang, Chinhung Huang, Lien-Yung Huang
  • Patent number: 9624963
    Abstract: A suction cup, including a bowl-shaped framework, a cup body covering the framework, a connecting rod on a back surface of the framework and passing through the cup body, a bowl-shaped cup cover placed on the connection rod and covering the back surface of the cup body, and an annular protruding rib placed on the periphery of the back surface of the framework, which is in direct contact with the inner surface of the cup cover for effectively transfer the pressing force to make the suction cup less likely to fall off from the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ZHONGSHAN TAILI HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhengbing Shi
  • Patent number: 9500222
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for a passive suction base. In one aspect, a passive suction base can be provided on a bottom of an item for adhering the item to a flat surface. The passive suction base might comprise a central portion affixed to the bottom of the item and a perimeter portion that is not affixed to the item. A force opposing the flat surface when applied to the item causes the central portion to move away from the flat surface, while the perimeter portion remains in contact with the flat surface, thereby causing the passive suction base to adhere to the flat surface. In some aspects, when resting on the flat surface, the perimeter portion of the suction base can be substantially flat with respect to the flat surface (and not visible), so that the passive suction base may be easily moved along the flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Switky, Adam Vollmer
  • Patent number: 9499235
    Abstract: A kayak paddle holder includes a handle retention clip and at least one suction cup. The handle retention clip includes a lengthwise body and a pair of opposing lips. The lengthwise body includes an inner perimeter, which is sized to receive a handle of a kayak paddle. The pair of opposing lips extend inward from opposing edges of the lengthwise body. Each suction cup includes a suction cup portion and a mounting portion. The suction cup portion is retained by the mounting portion. The mounting portion is preferably attached to the handle retention clip with at least one fastener. The suction cup may be replaced with a twist lock suction cup. It is preferable to attach one suction cup to each end of the handle retention clip. In use, the at least one suction cup is secured to a flat surface on a kayak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Michael A. Blavat
  • Patent number: 9483075
    Abstract: A handheld mount assembly for portable electronic device includes a pistol style grip and suction cup assembly. The mount assembly functions as a gripping device for handheld use, a hands free stand, and a recharging station. The mount can be secured anywhere on the back of the electronic device, making the angle adjustable for stand use, and also allowing the user to position the device differently to accommodate his/her own needs. The mount can be secured to any planar, smooth surface including plates or trays providing a more stable and maneuverable option for eating without a table or carrying large trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Paul Liniger
  • Patent number: 9476523
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a shower head includes a hollow, cylindrical mounting member including a recess, a channel, and external threads; a screw driven through the channel into a wall; a fastening element including a well, a protuberance, an annular flange, and a receptacle in the well; a sleeve including internal threads secured to the external threads to fasten the sleeve, the fastening element, and the mounting member together; a main body including a channel for receiving a section of a pipe, a hollow, cylindrical projection put on the protuberance to engage the flange, an externally threaded protrusion, and a tunnel member projecting out of the projection; a screw driven through the tunnel member into the receptacle to fasten the main body and the fastening element together; and a cap including internal threads secured to the protrusion to fasten the cap and the main body together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Chyi Liou Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Hua Ho
  • Patent number: 9422970
    Abstract: A suction cup is disclosed, including a suction disc assembly, a rotatable unit and a hanger accessory interface; wherein the suction disc assembly including a suction disc and a pull-up element disposed on the suction disc; the rotatable unit including a carrier base, a penetration hole, and a plurality of tilt tracks, the tilt tracks being distributed around a ring-shaped inner wall of the carrier base and the penetration hole being formed at the center area of the carrier base; the hanger accessory interface being disposed inside the carrier base and contacts the suction disc through the carrier base; the hanger accessory interface including a plurality of slider blocks, with each slider block located at a corresponding tilt track; the pull-up element being engaged to the hanger accessory interface through the penetration hole; as such, suction cup provides convenience and enhance durable suction for attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Eagle Fan
  • Patent number: 9404526
    Abstract: The rotary suction device includes a suction disk, a middle cover, and an upper cover. The suction disk includes a base and a soft disk. The base includes a peripheral wall, a guide block, an inclined surface, and a central circular trough. The middle cover includes a central through hole around the peripheral wall and a guide trough. The guide trough is around the guide block, and the middle cover is capable of axial displacement relative to the suction disk. The upper cover includes a central pivot, a sliding block, and an elastic component. The central pivot is accommodated in the central circular trough such that the upper cover is capable of rotating relative to the suction disk. The elastic component is disposed between the upper cover and the suction disk. The sliding block is forced to against the inclined surface by the elastic force of the elastic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Huang, Mei-Yi Tsai, Chun-Yu Huang, Chang-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 9345347
    Abstract: A support for mounting an article onto a wall. The support includes a body with apparatus for holding or hanging the article. An impervious securing sheet is connectable air-tightly onto the wall and extends outwardly beyond a backside of the body. A friction plate is connected to the body and to the securing sheet. If the friction plate and the securing plate pull away from the wall, a negative pressure prevents the article from falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Yung-Huei Lan