Including Annular Vacuum Cup Patents (Class 248/206.2)
  • Patent number: 7222828
    Abstract: A device for holding shower accessories and the like, comprising an elastic suction element, an actuating element adapted to actuate the suction element so as to attach the suction element to a supporting surface, a holding element connected with the suction element and formed to support a shower accessory and the like, the actuating element being turnable so that the suction element is actuated in response to turning of the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Eli Zhadanov, Sam Zhadanov
  • Patent number: 7210662
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel having a front surface for display, a rear surface, and two opposite lateral sides. A supporting unit includes a mounting seat adapted to be mounted fixedly on a supporting surface, and a foldable suspension arm having a first end connected pivotally to the mounting seat, and a second end opposite to the first end and attached to the rear surface of the display panel. The suspension arm includes a plurality of suspension arm sections, each of which is connected pivotally to an adjacent one of the suspension arm sections such that the second end of the suspension arm is movable relative to the first end of the suspension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Lo-I Cheng
  • Patent number: 7178771
    Abstract: In a support console with a pivotable support structure for the position adjustable mounting of an apparatus such a minicomputer, a support plate is pivotally supported on a console column which is provided at an end thereof with a base receiving a suction membrane and a membrane operating mechanism is operatively connected to the suction membrane and disposed enclosed in the console column with only an operating lever extending from the interior of the console column to the outside for actuating the suction structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Harald Richter
  • Patent number: 7140063
    Abstract: A multi-use bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) for use in cleansing and exfoliating skin and as a toy, a holder of soap or like products, and a decoration. The bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58) includes a toroidal sponge component (14) and can also have a removable attachment component (26, 30). The donut-shaped sponge component (14) is preferably made of mesh sponge material and is concentrically disposed about an inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) defining a central opening (12, 62) in which the attachment component (26, 30) can be removably secured. The inner ring-shaped component (16, 16a, 16c, 64) provides a ready gripping area which can be held for manipulating the bathing implement (10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 58). The attachment component (26, 30) can be, for instance, a toy, a solid soap product, a container of a bath/cosmetic product or the like, a mesh netting pocket, or a knob-shaped hanging device (44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) having a suction cup (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: James J. Osborne
  • Patent number: 7090180
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a discharge conduit of a medical treatment device, such as a dialysis machine. The mounting assembly has a connector member detachably engageable with a discharge nozzle of a discharge conduit and a suction cup that can be mounted on a rim of a waste receptor, such as a sink or a toilet bow. The mounting assembly supports the discharge nozzle directly above the opening of the waste receptor, thereby facilitating discharge of the liquid waste directly into a municipal sewage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Edward J. DiMaggio
  • Patent number: 7059010
    Abstract: A support system for cleaning mini blinds includes a pair of end supports and an intermediate support, each support having a back portion and a lower portion extending at right angles for supporting the spine of the mini blind. A pair of suction cups is affixed to each back portion for securing the back portion to a smooth surface. An alignment indicia is provided on the back portions for aiding in horizontal alignment of the supports. The two end supports each include a side portion and a front portion for restricting movement of the spine of the supported mini blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Karen Heneghan
  • Patent number: 7021593
    Abstract: A vacuum suction apparatus with adjustment lever is disclosed. The structure of the vacuum suction apparatus includes a suction cup and a wheel base, which has a receptacle being attached by the suction cup from underneath, a semi-circular cogwheel being fixed on top of the receptacle, and an adjustment lever pivotally connected through an opening. The adjustment lever has a pinion on the bottom end, where the gearing of the pinion is to fit against corresponding gearing on the vertically erected rack at the center when the lever is in locked position. The upper portion of the lever also has a suction lock/release that allows the user to manually adjust the angle of the lever by pegging onto scooped cogwheel with a slider, so the suction strength can be adjusted desirably for continuously holding onto the same spot in extended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Eagle Fan
  • Patent number: 6966530
    Abstract: An end securing device for a telescopic tube includes a vacuum sucker made up of a suction cup, a retaining piece, a control piece, and an activation piece to be mounted to both ends of a telescopic tube thereof respectively wherein the suction cup has a driven post protruding at one side of a conic suction space to be engaged with the retaining piece thereby, and the retaining piece has a registration column and a central through hole in sleeve engagement with a coupling groove of the control piece. The driven post of the suction cup led through an engaging through hole of the control piece is securely screwed up to a linkage rod of the activation piece thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu
  • Patent number: 6942190
    Abstract: A sucker assembly includes a sucker, a clamping unit, a housing, and an adjusting rotation cover. Thus, the sucker assembly that can be fixed on the wall rapidly and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user operating the sucker assembly. In addition, the sucker assembly can be used to suspend a hanging rod which has two ends each pressed by the press member of the clamping unit, so that the hanging rod is positioned by the sucker assembly, thereby preventing the hanging rod from detaching from the sucker assembly during the working process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Tung Hsien Lu
  • Patent number: 6932306
    Abstract: A suction device having a suction cup; a pulling bar, the pulling bar having a first end coupled to the suction cup and an opposed second end; a cover having a spiral guiding ring, the spiral guiding ring having a flange on an inner surface; a spiral guiding cap having a rib, the spiral guiding cap being rotatably coupled to the spiral guiding ring so that the flange moves along the rib when the spiral guiding cap is rotated and a locking cap coupled to the second end of the pulling bar, the locking cap having a head positionable against the spiral guiding cap; wherein the spiral guiding cap is turned less than 360 degrees to reach a fully engaged condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Den Jun Zou, Hung Wen Wu
  • Patent number: 6926239
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a discharge conduit of a medical treatment device, such as a dialysis machine. The mounting assembly has a connector member detachably engageable with a discharge nozzle of a discharge conduit and a suction cup that can be mounted on a rim of a waste receptor, such as a sink or a toilet bow. The mounting assembly supports the discharge nozzle directly above the opening of the waste receptor, thereby facilitating discharge of the liquid waste directly into a municipal sewage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Edward J. DiMaggio
  • Patent number: 6913551
    Abstract: An improved basketball training aid comprising a barrier over which a basketball shot must be lofted in order to pass through the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is intended for attachment to a basketball backboard and basketball goal. The basketball training aid comprises a shield formed into a substantially semi-circular shape or a substantially semi-elliptical shape with a gripping means affixed to each end of the shield. In use, each of the gripping means is attached to the front surface of the basketball backboard. The shield is held in place by the gripping means slightly above and substantially parallel to the basketball goal solely by the gripping means, with the upper surface of the shield is positioned above the top surface of the basketball goal and outside the front edge of the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is removed from the front surface of the basketball backboard by detaching each gripping means from the front surface of the basketball backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Sam Foley
  • Patent number: 6913232
    Abstract: In an article support system including a housing with a base defining a cavity, a suction disc supported in the cavity so as to delimit the cavity, and a mechanism for actuating the suction disc so as to create a vacuum between the suction disc and a smooth support surface, the housing includes at its end opposite the base an article support plate with engagement claws for engaging a particular article, and a mounting plate is provided for connection to a support surface, which has a smooth surface for mounting the device selectively thereon by way of the suction disc or on a clamp support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Herbert Richter
  • Patent number: 6904710
    Abstract: An apparatus for displaying indicia and securing an object to a support includes a body member that defines an indicia bearing surface and a resilient hoop member that normally extends around an object. The body member includes a cup segment that defines a cavity and a plug segment that extends into the cavity of the cup segment. The resilient hoop member extends between the cup member and the plug member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Makka Enterprise Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Andrew Lawrence, Peter Blaise Edmund Hart
  • Patent number: 6896228
    Abstract: A fixing device for a bath support rack includes a base, a body mounted on the base, a clamping rod mounted on the body, and a press mechanism movably mounted on the body and having a distal end rested on a central portion of the base, so that the press mechanism can be pressed downward to compress the base. Thus, the fixing device can be positioned on an object, such as a flat wall, rigidly and stably. In addition, the fixing device can be detached from the object easily and conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Tung Hsien Lu
  • Patent number: 6886792
    Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment system for a suction cup and a fixture, including a resilient suction cup and a wire fixture. This attachment means quickly and securely attaches the suction cup to the fixture, enabling the fixture, when secured to a smooth surface by the suction cups, to hold heavy objects. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a pair of parallel, horizontal rigid wires separated by a distance smaller than the head of a resilient suction cup but larger than the neck of the cup. The head of the cup is compressed to fit it between the pair of wires, which hold the neck and the entire suction cup in place. A pair of transverse wires intersecting the horizontal wires limit the horizontal movement of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: InterDesign, Inc
    Inventor: Robert A. Immerman
  • Patent number: 6869053
    Abstract: A holder for a razor or similarly shaped article has a suction cup and a split ring or a stem held within at least one bore through the neck of the suction cup. The bore and the ends of the split ring or stem have a multi-sided, preferable a square, cross section. Each side aligns with and is opposite a side of the bore keeping the split ring or stem in a selected position relative to the suction cup. When a square bore is used, the ring can be rotated 90 degrees within the bore from a plane parallel to a wall on which the suction cup could be mounted to a plane perpendicular to that wall. When a razor is placed within the ring when the ring is perpendicular to the wall, the ring will not be deflected downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams, IV
  • Patent number: 6814335
    Abstract: A durable holder assembly having improved mechanical and aesthetic qualities to hold heavy objects. The securing member, such as a suction cup, for the assembly is formed via injection molding and serves to secure the assembly to a vertical surface. A holding member, such as a hook, is integrally formed within the securing member and extends downwardly from a head portion of the securing member for holding other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Immerman
  • Patent number: 6808090
    Abstract: A container and support for supporting the container on a wall or other vertical structure. The support has a flexible disk housed within a rigid shell having central opening. A stem protrudes from the disk through the shell opening. A handle is movably coupled to a distal portion of the stem to move between a first and a second position. The movement from the first to the second position causes a force on the stem distorting the flexible disk causing a supporting vacuum between the disk and any contiguous wall. The handle includes an edge for engaging a cooperating portion of a container when the handle is in the second position. The container has a tubular body with a closed bottom and an open top through which any contents of the container can be dispensed. A closure secured to the open top controls the dispensing of the container contents. The tubular body of the container includes a pocket having at least one rim shaped to cooperate with the handle to hold the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Oeyvind Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6749160
    Abstract: In a suction disc mounting arrangement for supporting objects on smooth surfaces wherein a suction disc is supported in a housing cavity in which also an operating element is movably disposed and connected to the suction disc and operating means are supported on the operating element for pulling the suction disc into the housing cavity, a compression spring element is disposed in the housing behind the operating element in a housing sleeve so as to bias the operating element and together therewith the suction disc outwardly from the housing and into contact with a smooth surface when the disc mounting arrangement is disposed on such smooth surface for creating a relatively high vacuum, when, upon actuation of the operating element, the suction disc is pulled into the housing cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Herbert Richter
  • Patent number: 6745925
    Abstract: An automatic toll detector case, formed of flexible material, has sidewalls, front and rear walls, a bottom wall, and a folding cover. The cover folds so that an extended portion of the rear wall folds over the open top of the case to enclose the toll detector. The cover is fastened to the case by a hook and eye fastener. The case is mounted to the interior of the vehicle's windshield by suction cups attached to the flexible material of the case with an E clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Walter Brzyski
  • Publication number: 20040035997
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suction cup assembly having a magnetic tether system attached to a suction cup. The assembly includes a resilient suction cup, tether, holder and magnet. This assembly enables a suction cup to hold items on non-magnetic, smooth surfaces using a magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Russell Benton Snell
  • Patent number: 6669033
    Abstract: A suction-type rack includes a suction cup, a cover, a tightening knob, and an article-holding frame. The article-holding frame is provided with a fastening portion which is fastened to a threaded rod of the suction cup by the tightening knob. The threaded rod of the suction cup is engaged with the tightening knob via a through hole of the cover. The fastening portion of the article-holding frame is located between the cover and the tightening knob such that a locating projection of the fastening portion is securely retained in a locating slot of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Bing-Tson Lian
  • Patent number: 6663077
    Abstract: The invention provides a sucker structure comprising a sucker body made from flexible materials including a base portion having a central blind hole being of a T-shaped cross-section; a rim portion having an annular projection, a recess and a flat outmost edge; and a declining intermediate portion connected between the base portion and the rim portion, wherein the recess is located between the projection and the declining intermediate portion; a supporting disk including an annular edge portion comprising a first annular groove for engaging the annular projection of the sucker body therein and a second annular groove outside of the first annular groove; a sealing filler engaged with the semi-circular groove; a threaded rod including a rod body with a male thread thereon and an flange at one end thereof, wherein the flange is inserted into the central blind hole of the base portion of the sucker body and formed as an integral with the sucker body; and an adjusting nut member engaged with the threaded rod by a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Dejun Zou
  • Patent number: 6648285
    Abstract: A suction cup (10) for holding an attached object to a host surface. The suction cup comprises a stem element (12), a cup element (14) and a hold/release element (16). Cup element (14) is elastic and moveable between an inactive position (that is, unattached to a host surface), and an active position (that is, attached to a host surface). Hold/release element (16) comprises a rigid or semi-rigid web spanning from the upper portion of the suction cup's stem element (12) radially outward to the peripheral edge of the cup element (14), and filling in the remaining space between the element (14) and the stem element (12). The hold/release element (16) is positioned such that when cup element (14) is in the active position, element (12) is generally perpendicular to the host surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Woollen
  • Publication number: 20030201369
    Abstract: A rivet assembly having improved mechanical and aesthetic qualities to secure suction cups to a functional member, such as a hook. The rivet assembly comprises a head portion and a base portion. The base portion is integrally formed with the suction cup and comprises an annular, outwardly projecting post which couples with a corresponding hollow and annular receiving portion located on the underside of the rivet head. The engagement between the two secures the suction cup to the functional member, such as a hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip C. Dretzka
  • Patent number: 6609689
    Abstract: A wall mountable assembly such as a wall mountable towel ring or the like includes a base part and an object support part extending from the base part. The base part is formed from a wall attachment member and a cover member which fits over the wall attachment member. The wall attachment member has an arm which extends through the cover member and which secures by a pivot connection to a cam member at the inner end of the object support part of the assembly. The object support part is swingable from a non-use to a use position relative to the base part to cause the cam member to move between a loose and a tight fitting with respect to the cover of the base part. The assembly further includes a locking member which releasably secures to the cam member and which blocks the cam member from moving away from the tight fitting holding all of the components of the assembly tightly secured to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Nystrom Group Inc.
    Inventor: David Knapp
  • Patent number: 6547033
    Abstract: A safety device is secured a person to a surface so that the person can safely move about the surface without falling. The device has an anchor which incorporates an attachment arrangement for a safety line. The anchor has a rigid element or plate which has a sealing element extending from one side of the plate to define a working volume. The working volume becomes a working chamber when the anchor is attached to a surface. A valve is provided for selectively connecting the working chamber to a vacuum source or to vent the working chamber to the atmosphere. The vacuum source is situated remotely from the anchor and is attached to the anchor by a vacuum supply line and a one way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Rollgliss AG
    Inventor: Alain Cheval
  • Patent number: 6511722
    Abstract: The invention proposes a spacer (1) for arranging between at least partially equidistant surfaces of components which are to be arranged temporarily adjacent to one another, in particular between plate-like or panel-like components, said spacer comprising solely an elastically deformable adhering element (3; 11; 14) and a supporting element (2) with two end surfaces, it being the case that the supporting element (2) is formed in a dimensionally stable manner from plastic and has a depression (5) on one side, it being the case that the adhering element (3; 11; 14) is secured in the depression (5) of the supporting element (2), projects beyond the depression (5) once relieved of stressing and, when subjected to compressive loading, can be forced back into the depression (5), and it being the case that the adhering element (3; 11; 14) and the depression (5) are coordinated with one another such that the adhering element (3; 11; 14) still maintains its elasticity in the position in which it has been forced back f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Willi Mennicken
  • Patent number: 6502794
    Abstract: A hanger device includes a suction cup, a faceplate, and a rotary operating member. The suction cup includes a disc portion, an externally threaded post, and a peripheral flange. The externally threaded post extends rearwardly from a rear side of the disc portion. The faceplate is disposed to rest against the rear side of the disc portion, and has an intermediate part formed with a through-hole for allowing the externally threaded post to pass therethrough. The rotary operating member is formed with an internally threaded hole, and engages threadedly the externally threaded post so as to enable the rotary operating member to urge the faceplate toward the suction cup, thereby securing the suction cup on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Tzu-Kuang Ting
  • Patent number: 6497394
    Abstract: A cup anchor that is especially designed to offer a material or material base's underside a shallow indentation. On the anchor or base stand plate of the shallow indention's region are nuts or screw holes. Once the screws enter the washers or raised ring, an anchor is secured to the material or the material base's underside. In this way, the material may be secured in place upon a table or desk and won't shake when bumped or fall over when knocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Stephen Dunchock
  • Publication number: 20020166926
    Abstract: A device positions a bottle close to the user's mouth, while automatically returning the bottle to a more upright position when released by the mouth. The device attaches to a horizontal surface such as a high chair tray and uses a spring mechanism for the automatic return. The height is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick T. Black
  • Patent number: 6478271
    Abstract: A mounting sucker is adapted to be mounted on a smooth surface and composed of a suction devices (10), an intermediate member (20), and a rotating boss (30). When the rotating boss (30) is rotated, the central part of the suction devices (10) is pulled away from the smooth surface, creating a partial vacuum space. The intermediate member (20) pushes down on peripheral edges of the suction devices (10). An outer periphery of the rotating boss (30) extends beyond the range of the suction devices (10) so that the outer periphery of the rotating boss (30) can contact the smooth surface and transmit force from an object suspended on the mounting sucker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Free-Free Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Ian Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20020139911
    Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment system for a suction cup and a fixture, including a resilient suction cup and a wire fixture. This attachment means quickly and securely attaches the suction cup to the fixture, enabling the fixture, when secured to a smooth surface by the suction cups, to hold heavy objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Inter Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Immerman
  • Patent number: 6425565
    Abstract: A suction cup system facilitates the holding and manipulation of sensitive objects such as printing plates without scratching, marring or damaging surfaces of the objects. The system has a flexible thin sheet made of polyester or similar material. The flexible sheet is stretched over the flexible contact flange of a suction cup and supported in position by a relatively rigid frame. The flexible sheet contains at least one aperture communicating with the interior of the suction cup. The apparatus is brought into the vicinity of the object, with the exterior surface of the flexible sheet in contact with the object. A vacuum line acts to create suction force between the suction cup and the object via the aperture. As the vacuum increases, the flexible contact flange flattens and slides across the interior surface of the flexible sheet rather than the sensitive surface of the object. The movement of the flexible suction cup's flexible contact flange does not scratch, mar or damage the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Creo SRL
    Inventor: Roland Wescott Montague
  • Patent number: 6402104
    Abstract: A selected one of several bathroom accessories each having a different utilitarian front, such as a toothbrush holder, soap dish or the like, and a common uniform T-shape base which tracks in a T-shape recess of a suction cup support, wherein a position of movement of a crank which operates the suction cup is used to advantage to contribute to facilitating the attaching and detaching of the T-shape base and recess, and their uniform configuration results in interchangeability therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Lee Smith
  • Patent number: 6386494
    Abstract: A bath towel hanger base with a strong suction disc includes a base, a suction disc and a handling rod. The base and the suction disc are assembled together, with the handling rod added in the two components, to rotate the handling rod to control the suction disc to suck on or release from a wall so as to secure the base on a wall or release the base from the wall without harming the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Pao Ching Huang
  • Patent number: 6367184
    Abstract: The apparatus is a chosen body having messages and connected through a coupling with a single point of connection to a suction cup, the suction cup is suitable to mount onto solid surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Alexandro A. Kheder
  • Publication number: 20010040202
    Abstract: A holder for a razor or similarly shaped article has a suction cup and a split ring or a stem held within at least one bore through the neck of the suction cup. The bore and the ends of the split ring or stem have a multi-sided, preferable a square, cross section. Each side aligns with and is opposite a side of the bore keeping the split ring or stem in a selected position relative to the suction cup. When a square bore is used, the ring can be rotated 90 degrees within the bore from a plane parallel to a wall on which the suction cup could be mounted to a plane perpendicular to that wall. When a razor is placed within the ring when the ring is perpendicular to the wall, the ring will not be deflected downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 6308923
    Abstract: A suction support assembly includes a deformable membrane connected to a fulcrum displaceable by a lever which is formed with a cam surface pivotal between engaging and disengaging position. The lever is displaceable to the engaging position of the suction support assembly, wherein it contacts only the suction cover, and has an enlarged end portion adapted to lengthen a hanging surface that receives a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Herman S. Howard
  • Patent number: 6283423
    Abstract: An eyewear holding device including a suction cup adapted for engaging a selected surface within an automobile. The suction cup has a post extending rearwardly from a rear surface thereof. An eyewear support is secured to a free end of the post of the suction cup. The eyewear support includes an arcuate support portion dimensioned for supporting a pair of rims with connected nose piece thereon. An eyewear arms support is provided that is adapted for supporting a pair of arms of the eyewear when positioned on the eyewear support. The arms support has a plate extending downwardly from the arcuate support portion in an angular orientation. The plate has an upwardly turned lower portion for receiving ear pieces of the pair of arms thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: John Rindfusz
  • Patent number: 6221458
    Abstract: An ornamental device for attachment to a surface comprises at least one sheet of ornamental material having an aperture therethrough and an attachment device. The attachment device includes a post having a width, a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the post extends through the aperture of the at least one sheet of ornamental material. The attachment device also includes a base member connected to the proximal end of the post. The attachment device further includes a securement device positioned on the distal end of the post to grippingly engage the post and to resist removal of the securement device from the post. The invention further includes a method for making an ornamental device for attachment to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Teresa Armendariz
  • Patent number: 6193197
    Abstract: A suction-type connection seat is designed to be attached to a surface or wall and is composed of a suction cup, a shield, a lower locating ring, a threaded bar, an upper locating ring, a connection rod, and a fastening ring. The connection rod is pivoted with the threaded bar and is provided with two arresting blocks which are jutted out of the threaded bar via the two cuts of the slot wall of the threaded bar. The lower locating ring has a plurality of protrusions, with each having a through hole for holding one end of a cord which is intended to locate further the connection seat. The arresting blocks of the connection rod serve to prevent the connection rod from turning in relation to the threaded bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Bing-Tson Lian
  • Patent number: 6186415
    Abstract: The invention is a spray attachment for a hose having a threaded cap wherein the spray attachment has a suction cup attachable to a slick surface such as the outer surface of a car or boat, a flexible, receiving cap defining a flexible cylindrical opening attached to the suction cup; a beveled insertion cap, insert-able within the cylindrical opening; a frictional contact for releasably retaining the insertion cap within the cylindrical opening wherein the frictional contact is the frictional contact between the walls of the flexible cylindrical opening and the outside surface of the beveled insertion cap; and a spray attachment attached to the insertion cap; the spray attachment having a threaded opening for receiving the threaded cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Wade Sanders