Including Annular Vacuum Cup Patents (Class 248/206.2)
  • Publication number: 20100252700
    Abstract: A suction cup assembly includes a base, a suction cup, a guiding part and a rotary rod. The base has a first opening, a second opening and a top surface. The guiding part includes a first guiding post having a first inclined slot and a second guiding post having a second included slot. After the first and second guiding posts respectively penetrate through the first and second openings, the first inclined slot and the second included slot are partially exposed. The both terminals of the rotary rod are respectively inserted into the first and second included slots and supported on the top surface of the base. During rotation of the rotary rod, the both terminals of the rotary rod are moved from the lower ends to the upper ends of the first and second included slots, so that the guiding part is uplifted and the suction cup is subject deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Han-Kai Wang
  • Publication number: 20100232132
    Abstract: A transponder holder securable to a support surface includes a transponder mounting surface defining a plane. An attachment member removably connects the mounting surface to the support surface. A connecting member extends between the attachment member and the mounting surface. The connecting member having a first portion operably connected to the attachment member and a second portion operably connected to the mounting surface. The second portion is offset from the first portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: HIGHWAY TOLL ADMINISTRATION, LLC
    Inventor: David Centner
  • Patent number: 7793899
    Abstract: A suction device is provided, including a suction unit, a fixing unit, a press unit and a linkage positioning unit. The fixing unit is located on top of the suction unit. The press unit is restricted between the area close to circumference of the fixing unit and the top surface of the suction unit. The linkage positioning unit is fixed to above the fixing unit and performs linked movement with the pulling element of the suction unit. When the fixing unit tilts partially by the exerted force of a hanging object, the press unit can still press tightly against the area close to the circumference of the suction unit to maintain a strong suction hold and improve the suction durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Eagle Fan
  • Patent number: 7789357
    Abstract: In a releasable rotationally fixed mechanical connection between a functional part and a connecting part of which one is provided with a receiver neck and the other with an insertion element adapted to be snugly received in the receiver neck, an intermediate wedge member provided with slightly conical outer surface areas is disposed on the insertion element for reception in the receiver neck which has cooperating inner surfaces with which the wedge member is pressed into firm engagement by a collar disposed on the insertion element which is threaded onto the receiver neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Harald Richter
  • Publication number: 20100193456
    Abstract: A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure's interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph A. Polizzi, Michael T. Kane
  • Publication number: 20100148025
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and displaying products and product containers on a vertical wall is mounted on and secured to the vertical wall with suction cups having apertures passing axially through the stems of the cups. The display apparatus includes a support panel with mounting prongs extending therefrom which are secured in apertures in the stems of the suction cups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Belokin
  • Patent number: 7712720
    Abstract: A resizable device stand includes a suction base, an adjusting module mounted on the suction base, and a load-supporting module mounted on the adjusting module. The load-supporting module includes a housing, a pair of clamps, elastic pieces, and a wedge. The housing defines a first channel and a second channel therein. The clamps include vertical parts and horizontal parts. The horizontal parts are received in the first channel. The vertical parts extend upwardly from the housing. The elastic pieces are configured for driving the clamps to clamp the device. The wedge is received in the second channel, configured to press and open the clamps via the interaction of the inclined surfaces when receiving a user operation. The stand is adapted for supporting different types and sizes of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gang Cheng, Meng-Hua He, Chun-Che Yen, Yu-Tao Chen, Te-Sheng Jan
  • Publication number: 20100096520
    Abstract: A device for restraining a shopping cart to a vehicle comprising a first member having a suction portion and an opposing stem portion, wherein when the device is in use the first member is operably configured to be removably attached to the vehicle. The device further includes a second member having a first and second ends and having a hollow core extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the second end is attached to the stem portion of the first member, and a third member, wherein the third member is a length of cord having a first and second end. A fourth member is operably configured to be removably engaged with the shopping cart, when the device is in use, and wherein the first or second end of the third member is attached to the second member and the other end is attached to the fourth member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin HOULIHAN, Dyanne Rae Houlihan
  • Patent number: 7690610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suction-type holding device (1) to be fixed to fastening surfaces (17). Said holding device comprises a hollow suction base (2) that is open towards the fastening surface (17) and encompasses a central piece (11), and a sealing edge (5) which is provided with an elastic material at least towards the fastening surface (17) and can be placed on the fastening surface (17) along with the suction base (2) such that a suction chamber (30) that is gas-tight sealed towards the outside is embodied between the bottom face (9) of the suction base (2) and the fastening surface (17). The inventive suction-type holding device (1) further comprises contact pressure transmitters (8) and pressing means (18) for transmitting the contact pressure to the wall (7) of the suction base, thus applying additional contact pressure used for firmly attaching the suction-type holding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Harald Ristau
  • Patent number: 7690609
    Abstract: A suction cup having an adsorption surface is provided wherein the suction cup has a disk-like main suction cup unit composed of an elastically-deformable material and has an attachment surface. The attachment surface has a gel layer composed of a gel, bonded thereto so as to cover the attachment surface. The adsorption surface is formed by the surface of the gel layer, and the gel layer are composed of a center portion composing the center of the adsorption surface, and a circumferential portion composing the outer circumference of the adsorption surface. The outer circumferential portion has the thickness larger than the thickness of the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Akai, Makoto Kawabata
  • Publication number: 20100044539
    Abstract: A suction cup includes a suction cup main body, an attachment surface and a gel layer. The surface of the gel layer serves as a suction surface. In a method of manufacturing a suction cup, a cavity is formed in the inside of a common mold and a primary mold. Next, a synthetic resin material is injected into the cavity, to mold the suction cup main body. Subsequently, the primary mold is opened, to obtain the suction cup main body. Next, a secondary mold is mated to the common mold, whereby a cavity is formed in the inside of the common mold and the secondary mold. Subsequently, a gel is injected into the cavity, to mold the gel layer. Next, the secondary mold is opened, to obtain a suction cup composed of the gel layer and the suction cup main body, on the common mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru IIDA, Makoto Kawabata, Fumio Hara
  • Patent number: 7651063
    Abstract: A suction cup located on an axis has axially opposite front and rear ends. The front end is configured to adhere to a window pane by suction. A post extends along the axis rearward from the rear end and has axially spaced grooves. A bracket is configured to be mounted in any one of the grooves and to hold an item a set distance rearward from the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventor: Bradford Brian Jensen
  • Patent number: 7648109
    Abstract: A sucker includes a fixing seat, a sucker body, a control handle and a control valve. The sucker body has a first side provided with a recess and a second side provided with a connecting hole connected to the recess. The control valve includes a valve stem movably mounted on the fixing seat and movable to stop the recess. Thus, the valve stem can be pulled outwardly to detach from the recess of the sucker body so as to connect the connecting hole and the recess of the sucker body and to connect the connecting hole of the sucker body to the ambient air so as to break the vacuum state of the sucker body so that the sucker body can be removed from a surface easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Lung-Chih Chen
  • Publication number: 20100001151
    Abstract: A frictional holding device in combination with a dashboard or console of a vehicle and receives and secures a global positioning system thereon. The combination includes a dashboard or console of a vehicle. A pad has different top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is disposed on and frictionally clings to the dashboard or console of the vehicle. A global positioning system is removably coupled to the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Alan J. Wheatley, Bryce Craig
  • Patent number: 7635111
    Abstract: A suction cup device, includes: a suction cup; a center shaft; an attaching base; a rock lever; a coil spring; and a cam mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Hara, Takayuki Akai
  • Patent number: 7628362
    Abstract: Provided is an adhesion device used to cradle a car navigation system, a mobile phone, etc. The adhesion device according to the present invention comprises a pad (21) having a bottom surface attached to an adhesion surface, a center element (23) fixed upright at the center of the top surface of the pad (21), a housing (22) placed on the top surface of the pad (21) and having a hole through which the center element (23) passes, a ring-shaped leaf spring (27) which is equipped at the outer circumference of the housing (22) and presses the outer circumference of the top surface of the pad (21) and an adhesion controller (24) connected with the top end of the center element (23) by an axis (24c). The adhesion controller (24) comprises a lever (24a) and a press (24b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Soon Young Song
  • Publication number: 20090294609
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the present invention relates a mount for mounting a device, such as a telephone cradle or a navigation device, to a surface. The mount includes a connection member for connecting the device to the mount, the connection member being arranged to allow adjustment of the orientation of the device with respect to the mount; a suction cup arranged to be attached to the surface by generating underpressure in between the suction cup and the surface; a pull member arranged to pull a central part of the suction cup substantially in a first direction from a first position to a second position, thereby generating underpressure in between the suction cup and the surface. In at least one embodiment, in the second position, the pull member is arranged to exert a friction force to the connection member to fixate the connection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: TOMTOM INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Martin Riddiford, Andrew Jackson
  • Publication number: 20090289156
    Abstract: An accessory device (1) for an aquarium is described, in particular for a thermal heater (2), which may be vertically positioned. It comprises an accessory device (2) for operation of said aquarium and supporting means (4, 5) for supporting the accessory device (2) on a wall of the aquarium tank. The supporting means (4, 5) comprise a supporting body (4) which may be attached to the aquarium wall and latching means (5, 10), which are integral with the accessory device (2) and may be removably associated with said supporting body (4). The supporting body (4) supports the latching means (5, 10) and the accessory device (2) and allows selection of vertical position of accessory device (2) with respect to supporting body (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Askoll Holding S.r.l.
    Inventor: Elio MARIONI
  • Patent number: 7607622
    Abstract: A suction cup device having a compact axial suction cup installation and release mechanism including a suction cup within a concave housing, and a rotational drive member structured to operate on an external surface of the housing. A drive shaft is coupled to the suction cup and extends through an aperture in the housing, projecting above a drive surface axially aligned with the concave surface formed in the housing. The drive shaft extends through an aperture in the rotational drive member and includes an inclined drive surface that interacts with a fixed drive surface to pull a flexible portion of the suction cup into the housing when the rotational drive member is rotated relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20090261219
    Abstract: An on-vehicle holder of a portable electronic display device comprises a support bracket, a U-shaped base and a movable engagement member. The U-shaped base is connected to the support bracket, comprising a first lateral plate, a second lateral plate and a bottom plate connecting together; a containing space portion is made by the first lateral plate, the second lateral plate and the bottom plate. The movable engagement member comprises an operating portion and a fastener portion. In addition, at least either the length of the first lateral plate or the length of the second lateral plate is longer than the width of the bottom plate. Consequently, the structure of the invention is made to contain the thickness of a portable electronic display device to achieve the objective of design miniaturization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: E-LEAD ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stephen Chen
  • Publication number: 20090256038
    Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage cup holder formed of a tether body having a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated body. The proximal end has an elastic band configured to receive a portion of a cup and the distal end has an attachment portion configured to releasably secure the tether body to a surface of an object. The elongated body further has a cord segment with a first portion adjacent the proximal end and a generally straight length of cord, and a second portion adjacent the distal end having a coiled length of cord that is configured to distort to an extended cord length when subject to stretching force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Sarah Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20090212181
    Abstract: A navigation system is disclosed for providing navigational directions. It has a navigation device with a body provided with a receiving part. The receiving part has an inner surface provided with a connecting element of a first connection type. The navigation system further includes a docking system arranged to accommodate the navigation device. The docking system has an extending part provided with a connecting element of a second connection type. The connecting element of the second connection type is arranged for connection to the connecting element of the first connection type. The extending part further includes an outer surface with a shape similar to the inner surface of the receiving part of the navigation device. In at least one embodiment, the receiving part is slideable along a trajectory over the outer surface, the trajectory being determined by the shape of both the inner surface of the receiving part of the navigation device and the outer surface of the extending part of the docking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Martin Riddiford, Andrew Jackson
  • Patent number: 7575208
    Abstract: A holding device with a securing sheet for mounting onto a wall. The device comprises a base means and a holding means connected with said base means for supporting a foreign article. An impervious securing sheet is connectable air-tightly onto the wall and extends outwardly beyond a backside of the base means. A friction plate is connected to the base means and the securing sheet. If the friction plate and the securing sheet pull away from the wall, a negative pressure prevents the article from falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Yung-Huei Lan
  • Patent number: 7568670
    Abstract: Flexible mounting devices for navigational/entertainment displays, especially for in-vehicle use, are described herein. In an embodiment, the flexible mounting device comprises a flexible gooseneck, a magnetic base magnetically attached to a front end of the gooseneck for holding a display, and a windshield suction attached to a back end of the gooseneck for providing windshield support from the rear by suctioning to the windshield of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the flexible mounting device comprises a flexible neck, which may be firmly attached to the dashboard of a vehicle with a sticky gel pad. The mounting device also comprises a counter weight attached to a back end of the flexible neck. The display is fixed to a front end of the flexible neck such that the display protrudes beyond the dashboard. The counter weight at the back end of the flexible neck counter balances the weight of the display at the front end, and thereby helps to provide a stable support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: SiRF Technology Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: David Wang
  • Patent number: 7527231
    Abstract: A device for holding shower accessories has an attaching element formed as a vacuum attaching element and having an axis, the attaching element being attachable to a surface in a plurality of positions by turning the attaching element around its axis, a holding element connected with the attaching element and pivotable between an operative position in which one end of the holding element applies a pressure on the attaching element and causes the attaching element to be vacuum attached to the surface and an inoperative position in which the holding element is turned relative to the attaching element from the operative position, the holding element having another end which is opposite to the end applying pressure to the attaching element, the opposite end being provided with a tubular channel having a second axis extending transversely to the first axis of the attaching element and formed so as to receive a shower accessory turnably around the second axis, so that the shower accessory can be spatially oriented
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventors: Eli Zhadanov, Sam Zhadanov
  • Patent number: 7527230
    Abstract: An anchor dock includes an anchor body, an adsorption portion and a bracing rack. The anchor body has a lower shell and an upper shell. The lower shell has a conical side surface formed at a sloped angle. The upper shell is located on an upper surface of the lower shell. The adsorption portion is located below the anchor body. The bracing rack is formed in a U-shape and surrounds the upper shell and has two ends hinged on the anchor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Chiang, Kun-Yen Lu, Kuo-Yuan Hung
  • Patent number: 7516926
    Abstract: A suction disc unit, especially a suction disc unit that can be adsorbed on a smooth surface to support a hung article, it comprises a pressing lid, a suction disc, a link and a pressing rod; wherein the pressing rod at least has a first eccentric protruding portion and a second eccentric protruding portion; when the pressing lid is pulled up to make abutment of the suction disc against the smooth surface by pushing of the pressing rod, the air in the gap between the suction disc and the smooth surface is removed as much as it can; when the pressing rod is pressed down, the pressing lid abuts against the periphery of the suction disc, and the central portion of the suction disc is pulled up tight, the air pressure in the gap is much lower than that of the atmosphere to thereby induce a strong suction force, and thereby to increase the bearing strength of the suction disc unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Comart Corporation
    Inventor: Su-Wei Liu
  • Publication number: 20090090757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cradle for an automobile. The present invention provides a cradle for an automobile comprising a mounting plate having a front surface to which a device for an automobile is mounted; and a suction plate pivotally coupled to the mounting plate to be selectively folded onto the mounting plate, the suction plate being selectively attached and fixed to a bottom surface. In addition, the cradle further comprises a supporting link rotatably installed to the suction plate and provided with a head portion pivotally coupled to the mounting plate. According to the present invention as described above, the cradle is carried or kept in a state where the cradle is folded with respect to the device. Thus, there is an advantage in that the overall volume of the cradle and device for an automobile is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Han Soo KIM, Youn Ui Jeong, Byung Mu Huh, Soung Hyun Um
  • Publication number: 20090050758
    Abstract: A novel suction cup mounting apparatus having a novel compact axial suction cup installation and release mechanism and method for assembling such a suction cup apparatus. The suction cup device includes a suction cup portion of a plunger assembly fit within a concave drive base and coupled thereto by a rigid drive pin. An optional rotational drive member or “handle” structured to operate on an external surface of the drive base may be provided for manipulating the drive pin relative to the suction cup and drive base. The suction cup device is intended to secure some device—a “utilization device”—to a surface. Therefore, according to another aspect of the suction cup device, a utilization mounting surface is projected above the drive base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20090020668
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension device for pneumatic gripping appliances, in particular suction cups, for gripping and handling parts, items and the like. It comprises a fixed supporting body (11), a tubular rod (12) movable axially in said body, and a return spring (13) between said body and said rod. This tubular rod (12) is guided on the supporting body (11) by the interposition of a slide jacket (20) in combination with the seals (16, 19) provided to prevent the air entering from outside when a suction/depression appliance is connected to the supporting body to activate the pneumatic gripping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Giuseppe MAFFEIS
  • Patent number: 7469868
    Abstract: A push button or turning type vacuum suction cup, especially for a windshield of mechanical vehicles comprising an elastic suction cup (1), integrally connected with a guiding spindle (2), a dome (3) connected with a guiding bushing (4), a return spring (5), and a guiding pin (6) in a transverse hole (7) of the guiding spindle (2). The push button suction cup has a push button (8) with guiding grooves (9) on its both side walls (8?) and sliding within a housing (10) of the suction cup. The turning suction cup has the guiding bushing (4) provided with cam surfaces (11) and a knob (12) fastened to the dome (3). The guiding pin (6) being forced into the transverse hole (7) of the guiding spindle (2) of the suction cup (1) is guided directly along guiding grooves (9) or cam surfaces (11) inside the housing (10, 12) of the suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Bury Sp. z o.o.
    Inventor: Henryk Bury
  • Patent number: 7458541
    Abstract: A tissue roll holder includes a sucking member having a threaded rod connected to and extending upwardly from a central portion of a flexible disc body, an abutting plate disposed above the disc body and permitting extension of the threaded rod therethrough, and a mounting seat disposed on the abutting plate for mounting a tissue roll and having a threaded hole that engages the threaded rod. When a peripheral portion of the disc body is pressed by a peripheral abutting portion of the abutting plate and is attached sealingly to a supporting surface, the mounting seat is rotatable about the threaded rod relative to the abutting plate so as to move the threaded rod and the central portion of the disc body upwardly away from the supporting surface, thereby forming a vacant space between the central portion of the disc body and the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Tai-In Chang
  • Patent number: 7441734
    Abstract: A vehicle-used suction disk retainer has a seat. The seat is installed with a suction disk and a buckling seat which are connected as an integral body. An adjusting sheet is installed in an embedding groove of the seat. As the retainer is used in a car, when the adjusting sheet is moved, the buckling seat has a force to pull a part of the suction disk to move downwards and the suction disk presses downwards. Thereby the upper and lower forces are fixed. When a reverse action is applied, it can be pulled up from the ear. Thereby the retainer can be fixed, which can be used to place a device, such as a PDA32. Furthermore, the retainer is compact, light and small volume and thus it is portable and usable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Haicom Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chii-Moon Liou
  • Publication number: 20080245935
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a connection structure including, a first spherical member, a second spherical member, first and second clamping plates, a single external thread member, and first, second, third and forth clamping recessed portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo KANEDA, Yoshio Chiba, Naotaka Kishi, Hitoshi Kawahara
  • Patent number: 7431250
    Abstract: A fixture for holding a communication device includes a conical base having an axle, a disk movably connected to the conical base, a disk lifting assembly mounted at a joint between the conical base and the hollow axle to lift the center of the disk so as to create vacuum inside the disk to enable the disk to securely adhere a surface, a rod movably engaged with the hollow axle and composed of two halves, each half having first annular teeth formed on an inner face of a top portion of the half and a pivoting head pivotally sandwiched between the two halves of the rod for holding thereon the communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Supa Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong-Shion Chen
  • Publication number: 20080230662
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a suction cup, including: a suction cup body formed from gel and having at least one flat or convex face serving as a suction face; a shape retaining member provided on the suction cup body and having elasticity for restoring, when the suction cup body is deformed, the suction cup body so as to restore an original shape; and a center stem connected to the suction cup body and projecting from a portion of the suction cup body positioned remotely from a location of the suction cup body at which the suction face is provided in a direction intersecting with the center of the suction face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shunichi TAKAHASHI, Makoto Kawabata
  • Publication number: 20080203263
    Abstract: A novel adaptive mounting device that effectively mounts and secures objects to nonplanar surfaces, and in particular effectively mounts and secures objects in a quick and efficient manner to complex contours of different automotive vehicle dashboard and other interior vehicle surfaces having differing coverings of differing textures. By example and without limitation, this novel adaptive mounting device includes a substantially flexible container containing a substantially plastically formable composition; a frame at least partially embedded in the plastically formable composition; and a presentation structure substantially supported on the frame external of the container. A method for manufacturing the novel adaptive mounting device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20080111037
    Abstract: A suction cup holding device that effectively conforms to soft surfaces and complex curves which may be present in the target surfaces such as a dash board of a modern automobile. The suction cup device includes a housing having a recess therein with an opening formed in a first surface, wherein a first portion of the housing adjacent to the first surface is substantially flexible and a second substantially inflexible portion thereof is structured for mounting thereto; a low durometer suction cup having a resiliently deformable central portion that is structured to be drawn into the recess of the housing; and means for drawing the central portion of the suction cup into the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7364521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sucker and an adhesion arrow having the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a sucker that can be attached, instead of a needle, to an arrow for a toy arrow shooter. The sucker of the present invention is formed with an annular projection on an adhesion surface of the sucker. Thus, even when the sucker collides against a target at a high speed, the sucker can be prevented from bouncing back from the target due to a repulsive force generated from the collision and thus securely adhere to the target. Further, even though the sucker of the present invention flies and collides against the target at a certain angle, the sucker can easily adhere to the target. Further, the sucker is made of a soft material so that a repulsive force can be smaller than an adhesion force when the sucker collides against the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tae-Seong Yang
  • Publication number: 20080078896
    Abstract: Remotely engageable and releasable suction cups include a pliable body and an active material in operative communication with the pliable body and configured to create and/or eliminate a partial vacuum through the activation of stiffness or geometry changes in the active material. Suitable active materials include shape memory materials such as shape memory alloys, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, and shape memory polymers (SMP). A second class of active materials include materials that exhibit a change in at least one attribute when subjected to an applied field but revert back to their original state upon removal of the applied field. Active materials in this category include piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers (EAP), magnetorheological polymers, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Robin Stevenson, Nilesh D. Mankame
  • Patent number: 7338020
    Abstract: An attachment device for mounting an object to non-porous surface comprises a spring-loaded suction pad assembly, a rigid cover formed to fit upon the pad assembly, and an articulated actuator arm pivotally coupled to the pad assembly and movable upon the cover to selectively urge the pad assembly into sealing contact with the surface. The suction pad assembly includes a pliable pad member having a rigid stem centrally affixed thereto and a compression spring set coaxially about the stem between the pad member and the inside cover to apply pressure upon the pad member. The articulated actuator arm includes a base member pivotally coupled to the stem and a mounting sleeve flexibly joined to the base member with an extension spring coaxially engaged therethrough. The base member is formed to compress or release the suction pad assembly and is adapted to be locked to the cover in the compressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Edward Magid
  • Publication number: 20080017769
    Abstract: A display device mountable by suction on a generally smooth mounting surface. The display device includes a deformable body having an outer surface, an inner surface having a concave portion, and a periphery extending around the body and surrounding the outer and inner surfaces. The body is deformable from an undeformed shape to an actuated shape to mount the device on the mounting surface by positioning the inner surface of the body adjacent the mounting surface when the body is in its undeformed shape thereby forming a cavity between the body and the mounting surface and deforming the body to its actuated shape thereby sealing the body against the mounting surface and forcing fluid out of the cavity to create a suction between the body and the mounting surface thereby securing the body to the mounting surface The device further includes a display formed on the body including an image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield, Tamara K. Sheffield
  • Publication number: 20080017768
    Abstract: A deformable device mountable by suction on a mounting surface including a body having an inner surface and a periphery. The inner surface has a concave portion and a suction portion contiguous with suction created to mount the body on the mounting surface. The inner surface includes a boundary defining the suction portion, an additional portion between the boundary and the periphery, and a bend adjacent the boundary at which the inner surface curves away from the mounting surface. The body is deformable from an undeformed shape to an actuated shape to mount the body on the mounting surface by positioning the inner surface of the undeformed body adjacent the mounting surface thereby forming a cavity and deforming the body to the actuated shape thereby sealing the body against the mounting surface and forcing fluid from the cavity to create suction between the body and the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield, Tamara K. Sheffield
  • Publication number: 20080017767
    Abstract: An item holder mountable by suction on a mounting surface including a deformable and transparent body. The body includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a periphery extending around the body and surrounding the outer surface and the inner surface. The body further includes a compartment having an opening adjacent the periphery and extending between the inner and outer surfaces for removably holding an item. The body is deformable from an undeformed shape to an actuated shape to mount the holder on the mounting surface by positioning the inner surface of the body adjacent the mounting surface when the body is undeformed thereby forming a cavity between the body and the mounting surface and deforming the body to its actuated shape thereby sealing the body against the mounting surface and forcing fluid out of the cavity to create a suction between the body and the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas M. Sheffield, Tamara K. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 7303171
    Abstract: An adjustable fixing mount for communication equipment comprises a seat, a horizontal rotary device, a pitch-adjusting device and a swing-adjusting device. The horizontal rotary device is mounted on the seat and is capable of rotating freely to adjust the horizontal angle. The pitch-adjusting device is disposed on the horizontal rotary device and is capable of rotating freely to adjust the pitch angle. The swing-adjusting device is disposed on the pitch-adjusting device and is capable of rotating freely to adjust the swing angle. The upper part of the swing-adjusting device includes an equipment seat to hold the communication equipment. The adjustable fixing mount could adjust the communication equipment toward an appropriate direction and angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Supa Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong-Shiun Chen
  • Patent number: 7293750
    Abstract: In a suction base for the support of an apparatus, comprising a housing consisting of a hard plastic material and having an opening surrounded by a housing support edge and a suction membrane of PVC disposed in the housing so as to extend across the housing opening and being movable between a release position and an operating position in which the suction membrane is pulled into the housing and a vacuum is generated between the membrane and a support surface such that the support base is firmly pressed into contact with the support surface via the circumferential edge area of the membrane, a separating element is disposed between the housing and the suction membrane to prevent sticking of the membrane to the housing edge upon exposure of the suction base to heat and the release of plasticizer from the suction membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Harald Richter
  • Publication number: 20070257167
    Abstract: In a vacuum suction holder comprising a suction housing having a base opening, a suction membrane extending across the base opening, a membrane operating mechanism including a shaft connected to the suction membrane and being movable together with the suction membrane between a release position in which the suction membrane extends flatly across the base opening and an operating position in which the suction membrane is pulled into the suction housing, the operating mechanism includes means for firmly forcing the suction membrane into the release position in which it extends flat across the suction housing base opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Harald Richter
  • Publication number: 20070221801
    Abstract: A suction cup located on an axis has axially opposite front and rear ends. The front end is configured to adhere to a window pane by suction. A post extends along the axis rearward from the rear end and has axially spaced grooves. A bracket is configured to be mounted in any one of the grooves and to hold an item a set distance rearward from the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Bradford Brian Jensen
  • Patent number: 7264197
    Abstract: A paper towel holder comprising a base and a mandrel extending upwardly from the base, the base including a suction cup arranged to engage a support surface in use, an actuator mechanism adapted to raise or lower the centre of the suction cup to create or release a movement resisting suction between the cup and a support surface, the mechanism comprising an elongate member connected to the cup and extending axially of the mandrel, an actuator including a hand grip mounted for rotational movement at the top of the mandrel, one or more radially extending projections at the top of the elongate member, the actuator including a collar comprising one or more of cam surfaces, the or each cam surface being arranged to engage the or each projection to raise or lower the said projection as the actuator is rotated, a sleeve including one or more of vertical guide channels, each channel being adapted to receive a projection to prevent rotation of the projection during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Ko Fung Products Industrial Limited
    Inventor: Kwok Leung Yu
  • Patent number: 7226026
    Abstract: A suction device includes a suction cup having a peg extending therefrom and a transverse shaft extending in opposite directions from the peg, an inner cap positioned on the suction cup and retaining a spring that applies a restoring force to the suction cup, and an outer cap positioned on the inner cap and defining inclined slots in which the opposite ends of the shaft are movably received, respectively. By rotating the outer cap with respect to the inner cap causes camming action between each inclined slot and the respective end of the shaft, which in turn imposes a driving force on the peg to deform the suction cup thereby inducing a suction force. An elongate flexible member has a first end coupled to the inner cap and an opposite second end rotatably supporting an article receptacle in which an article, such as mobile phone and a personal digital assistant can be received and retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Christina Lin