By Expanding Clamp Patents (Class 248/231.21)
  • Patent number: 11878758
    Abstract: A bottle holder is provided, including: a base, including a first restriction portion; a rack, configured for mounting of a bottle, including a connection portion, the connection portion including a second restriction portion, the connection portion being rotatable about an axial portion between an initial position and a first operation position relative to the base, defining a first rotation direction from the initial position to the first operation position; and a restoring member, connected between the base and the connection portion; wherein when the connection portion is in the initial position, the first restriction portion is blocked by the second restriction portion in a direction opposite to the first rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Yuan-Hung Wen
  • Patent number: 11725404
    Abstract: A formwork panel including: a formwork panel member having a front side for delimiting a space to be filled with concrete, a back side opposite the front side and a through-opening extending from the front side to the back side for allowing passage of a tie rod therethrough, the through-opening having a first cross-sectional area; an adjustment member extending across the through-opening of the formwork panel member, the adjustment member having a through-hole with a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the through-opening of the formwork panel member, the through-hole being moveable relative to the front side of the formwork panel member; the adjustment member having a disc element with the through-hole formed therein, wherein the disc element covers the through-opening of the formwork panel member except for the through-hole of the disc element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: DOKA GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Fitzthum
  • Patent number: 11464369
    Abstract: A mounting system includes an arm having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to engage a first side of a wall. The mounting system further includes a bracket configured to engage a second side of the wall opposing the first side, the bracket coupled to the arm by a fastener, wherein the second end of the arm is configured to engage the first side of the wall at a location offset from the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schumacher, Chandrika Abhang, Cary D. Edmonds
  • Patent number: 10406472
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to air filters expandable from a collapsed arrangement to an expanded, end-use arrangement and to methods of making, using, and installing such air filters. Some embodiments relate to an air filter having an expanded state and a collapsed state. The air filter includes a filter media assembly including (1) filter media including a plurality of pleats, (2) first and second opposing sides, and (3) first and second opposing ends. The air filter also includes a shape retention structure capable of being connected to at least a portion of the filter media assembly and capable of retention the filter media assembly in the expanded state. A spacing distance between adjacent pleats in the filter media is greater in the expanded state of the air filter than in the collapsed state of the air filter. In some embodiments, the air filter is an HVAC air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Zhiqun Zhang, Andrew R. Fox, Matthew T. Scholz, Gene B. Portelli, Nicolas A. Echeverri, Amanda B. Dauphinais, Leonard M. Martinez, Stephen M. Sanocki, Kannan Seshadri
  • Patent number: 10041619
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to reduce instabilities and/or turbulence of an airflow of a HVAC system are described. The method may include positioning an airflow moderating zone in an airflow passage to reduce instabilities and/or turbulence in the airflow. Apparatuses to create the airflow moderating zone are also provided. The apparatus may be configured to have a plurality of openings and an airflow resistance structure so as to provide airflow resistance to instabilities and/or turbulence in the airflow. The airflow moderating zone may be, for example, a sheet-like material including a plurality of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David Edward Edmonds, Randy Monroe Murphy, Stephen John Lind, Yahia Abdelhamid
  • Patent number: 9976343
    Abstract: A storm shutter attachment system that provides for the temporary installation of a storm shutter against a window or a door during a period of extreme weather conditions, such as a hurricane or a tornado. The storm shutter utilizes an anchor pin and a retention pin to securely install within a building and exert a force against a storm shutter. A plurality of anchor pins and retention pins may be used to displace the pressure across the storm shutter, further protecting the window or door. A multipurpose tool is also provided that is couplable to the retention pin of the attachment system, allowing for a simple installation of the attachment system without requiring a professional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Wortec LLC
    Inventor: Joel A. Worth
  • Patent number: 9451874
    Abstract: A scope adapter for coupling a phone to an endoscope includes a base having a phone receiving portion for receiving and releasably supporting a phone. A first base end and a second base end define extents of a base cavity. A shaft is connected at opposite ends to each of the first and second base ends and spans across the base cavity. A threaded shaft is rotationally supported at opposite ends to the first and second base ends and spans across the base cavity. An endoscope positioned within the cavity is movably disposed along the shaft in each of a first direction and an opposite second direction by axial rotation of the threaded shaft. The endoscope includes a lens aperture that is positioned with respect to the phone receiving portion by displacement of the endoscope in either the first or second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Clearwater Clinical Limited
    Inventor: Matthew Bromwich
  • Patent number: 9360154
    Abstract: Mounting apparatuses, electronic device holders, and components of electronic device holders are shown and described herein. A mounting apparatus is removably connected to an object and the electronic device holder. The electronic device holder is configured to hold an electronic device and has one or more of an adaptor, a movable stand, and one or more portions of a backside thereof that are either clear or removed. The adaptor is removable from the electronic device holder for removal and replacement thereof with one or more additional, different adaptors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ZERO CHROMA, LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Le Gette, David Reeb
  • Patent number: 8936224
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting system, in particular for solar modules (1), consisting of supports (2) with a closed hollow box profile (3), with connectors (4) for solar module fastening means, and connectors (5) for roof fastening means. At least the connectors (4) for the solar module fastening means are formed from longitudinal groove pairs—or longitudinal flange pairs in or on the hollow box profile (3) that are arranged at a distance from each other. The fastening means for the solar module (1) or solar modules (1) in the area of the support consist of a clamping piece with a shaped part (8), with each shaped part (8) having at least two webs (9.1, 9.2), arranged opposite each other on the shaped part (8) whereby at least one positive click connection with one of the groove pair—or flange pairs can be made by means of the ends remote from the shaped part (8), and the shaped part (8) has at least one bore hole (11) for the insertion of a fastening bolt (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sapa Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Bartelt-Muszynski, Gido Genschorek
  • Patent number: 8622356
    Abstract: A support for a motor vehicle attachment part for installation at a chassis section of a motor vehicle provided with a receptacle opening. Two support elements that can be associated with opposite cables of the chassis section, are able to be tensioned toward one another by way of a clamping device. One of the support elements comprises a plurality of support arms. The support arms are mounted rotatably relative to one another in relation to an axis of rotation. A device for adhering a vehicle attachment part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Blaupunkt Antenna Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Henry Lerchner
  • Patent number: 8376301
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding portable electronic devices of different sizes is provided, including a receiving base, a first clamp unit and a second clamp unit, wherein the receiving base has a flat shape, with two opposite surfaces for receiving area and positioning area respectively. The positioning area forms a plurality of positioning sliding trenches in parallel layout. The entrances to the positioning sliding trenches are located at the edge of the receiving base. The ends away from the aforementioned edge of the positioning sliding trenches are closed. A part of the positioning sliding trenches has narrower openings than the width of the trenches. The first clamp unit and the second clamp unit include at least a positioning block respectively. The positioning blocks on the first clamp unit and the second clamp unit are inserted into positioning sliding trenches at corresponding locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Eagle Fan
  • Patent number: 8118272
    Abstract: A link rod type adjustable screen fixing apparatus includes: a fixing base, having at least one operating slot; at least one distal plate device, having at least one pair of distal plates embedded in the operating slot, and slidably moving in the operating slot, and an upper frame plate disposed at an external side of the distal plate; at least one contractible device, formed by pivotally coupling link rods, and installed in the operating slot, and a side of the contractible device being pivotally coupled to the distal plate; and a containing space, defined by the upper frame plate of the distal plates for installing a screen. The distal plate is contractible in the operating slot for adjusting the containing space, such that the invention can fit screens of different sizes, and provide a convenient replacement and a dynamic adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Portwell Inc.
    Inventor: Jen-Jia Liou
  • Patent number: 7967269
    Abstract: A roller type adjustable screen fixing apparatus includes: a fixing base, having at least one operating slot; at least one distal plate device disposed at an external side of the distal plate, having at least two distal plates embedded in the operating slot, and slidably moving in the operating slot, and a frame plate disposed at an external side of the distal plate; at least one linking device, having at least one roller installed in the operating slot and linked with the distal plate; and a containing space, defined by the upper frame plates of the corresponding distal plates for installing a screen. The distal plate is contractible in the operating slot for adjusting the containing space, such that the invention can fit screens of different sizes, and provide a convenient replacement and a dynamic adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Portwell, Inc.
    Inventor: Kun-Pei Liu
  • Publication number: 20110133047
    Abstract: A support for a motor vehicle attachment part for installation at a chassis section of a motor vehicle provided with a receptacle opening. Two support elements that can be associated with opposite cables of the chassis section, are able to be tensioned toward one another by way of a clamping device. One of the support elements comprises a plurality of support arms. The support arms are mounted rotatably relative to one another in relation to an axis of rotation. A device for adhering a vehicle attachment part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: BLAUPUNKT ANTENNA SYSTEMS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Henry Lerchner
  • Patent number: 7861466
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a mounting apparatus that includes at least two ceiling mounts. Each of two scissor mounts may be coupled to the same or different dropped ceiling rail(s) using a corresponding scissor clip feature. The mounting apparatus further includes a mounting pipe that is coupled to each of the scissor mounts. The mounting pipe is thus suspended by the scissor mounts below the dropped ceiling, providing an unlimited number of potential mounting positions for lighting and/or lighting accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Secure Design Works, LLC
    Inventor: Ken Sanborn
  • Publication number: 20100252705
    Abstract: Provided is a clip that allows two securing members to be firmly joined to each other without requiring a special working process to the applied to either one of the securing members. The clip for securing joining a first securing member to a second securing member comprises a base plate portion formed with a through hole, a first clamping piece extending from the base plate portion in a front side direction, and a second clamping piece extending from a part of the base plate portion intermediate between the first clamping piece and through hole in the front side direction and further extending above the through hole. A threaded member is passed into the through hole from a back side of the base plate portion to fixedly attach the second securing member to the back side of the base plate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Ken Shinomiya, Kazuya Handa, Takeshi Ichikawa, Masashi Ohkubo, Motoyuki Momii
  • Publication number: 20100207003
    Abstract: A support comprising a generally C-shaped body having two free ends and bridging section. A threaded clamping bolt extending through the clamping bolt has a pivoting jaw at one end and a knob at the other end. The clamp body has a first passageway extending through the bridging section of the clamp body, the first passageway extending in a direction generally parallel to a direction defined by a position of the clamping bolt. The clamp body has second passageway extending through its distal end. The second passageway is generally perpendicular to the first passageway. The two passageways intersect at a grip point, and a set screw or bolt at the grip point communicates with the first and second passageways. The set screw is adapted to hold an elongated member in fixed positions while the elongated member extends through either one of the two intersecting passageways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Adrian A. Bruno, Mario Mata Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20100155557
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for clamping to a wall so that articles may be supported on the wall by the mounting apparatus is described. Walls suited for use with the invention include wall with a plurality of niches or projecting opposed faces which include rake cavities of a brick wall, each of which include niche or cavity sides, the mounting apparatus including: at least two jaw bodies for engaging with respective niche sides; and a drive apparatus operatively connected to the jaw bodies which includes an expansion drive apparatus for providing at least an expansion drive force to drive the at least two jaw bodies away from one another so as in use to mount the jaw bodies on niche sides which generally face one another, whether or not the niche sides are in the same niche.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Gregory Joseph Carty
  • Patent number: 7708248
    Abstract: The invention provides a device having a clamp-like structure with jaws designed to bite onto a support, and at least one of the handles shaped like a ring in order to serve as a receptacle for holding a cup-like container. A user may easily attach the device to a solid support in order to hold a liquid container. The holder may be used in work areas such as desks, tables and the like in order to prevent beverage spillage. The invention provides multiple designs that enable a device to adapt to supports with various thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Karim Lagobi
  • Publication number: 20090212183
    Abstract: A clamping arrangement may comprise a support having a base and an extension, a clamping member having a body, a clamping edge and one or more engaging features for engaging the support extension. The body may have a hole in which a fastener may be disposed when the clamping member engages the extension of the support. A stud and nut or a bolt may provide the fastener for moving the clamping member for applying a clamping force. The body may have an opening for engaging the extension of the support when the clamping member is in a certain position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Aaron T. Gibbs, George T. Mott
  • Publication number: 20080277550
    Abstract: Provided are a system for clamping an object to a railing and a table and apparatus using the system. In one aspect, the system for clamping an object to a railing includes: a threaded bolt, a knob secured to a first end of the bolt, a first wing with an elongated body that is carried on the bolt, and a second wing with an elongated body that is threadedly engaged on the bolt. The first wing is positioned on the bolt between the knob and the second wing. In addition, the first and second wings are movable toward and away from the knob between a clamping and a non-clamping position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Donald A. ROWLEY
  • Patent number: 6614908
    Abstract: An adjustable apparatus holder used in a carrier and adapted to hold a personal electronic apparatus is disclosed to include a base panel, a first side plate slidably coupled to the base panel at one side, a second side plate pivoted to the base panel at an opposite side and held in a vertical position by springs, and a locking mechanism, which locks the first side plate when the second side plate is maintained in the vertical position, or unlocks the first side plate when the user tilts the second side plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: David Huang
  • Publication number: 20030154838
    Abstract: A frame assembly for a lower blanking tool of a carton die cutting machine. The frame assembly includes an outer frame comprised of a pair of opposite longitudinally extending side rails and a pair of opposite cross rails extending crosswise between the side rails. Each of the cross rails has a T-shaped slot formed therein opening to its inner surface, and each of the side rails have a T-shaped slot formed therein opening to its upper surface. Each slot extends downwardly at an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane. A plurality of corner pieces rigidly interconnect the rails together with fasteners extending into the T-shaped slots of adjacent side and cross rails so that when tightened, the corner pieces function like clamps to rigidly interconnect the rails together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Frank E. Oetlinger
  • Patent number: 6601307
    Abstract: An angle measuring system that includes a stator and a rotor for measuring an angular position between a stationary first object and a second object, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. A coupling couples the stator to the stationary first object so that the stator is fixed against relative twisting, but is also radially and/or axially resilient. A mounting element that clamps a face of the stationary first object by expanding in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation. An expansion element that interacts with the mounting element so as to cause the expanding in a radial direction and a screw that actuates the expansion element, wherein the screw is screwed into the stationary first object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Meyer
  • Patent number: 6479746
    Abstract: A plurality of mounting feet securely attach a power inverter to a body. The tabs are to be adjustably or pivotally mounted on the under carriage of the power inverter such that they may be positioned by the user when mounting to a body. When mounted, the tabs absorb vibrations from the host body and prevent the power inverter from resulting damage. During shipping or storage the tabs are retracted to the underside of the power inverter to minimize space required by the power inverter. The tabs are made from elastomeric electrical insulator material in order to ensure a proper ground is maintainer as long as the power inverter is secured via the tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Rally Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Saied Hussaini
  • Patent number: 6453495
    Abstract: A clamping device for use with or without a support saddle includes upper and lower filler bars adapted to extend along the upper and lower surfaces of a tongue like connecting member on an upstream deck panel. A pair of clamping bars are operable by a pair of bolts which extend though the filler bars and tongue like member upon placement of the panel atop the underlying support beams. Upon tightening the bolt, the free ends of the clamping bars bear against the underside of the support beam with the bolt head urging the tongue like member against the top of the beam so as to mechanically connect the panel to the beam. A support saddle has a pair of sidewalls of a selected height to space the overlying deck panel from the support beam. The top wall of the support saddle may be inclined to cant the deck panel relative to the support beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Kansas Department of Transportation
    Inventors: Dave A. Meggers, Jerry D. Plunkett, Stephen R. Gill, Robert L. Hoback, Hugh S. Walker, Jon Held
  • Patent number: 6438882
    Abstract: A lighted flexible display device or sign, useful for advertising purposes, and having a battery supply mount. The display device herein is a lighted display and is constructed to be flexible in the presence of inadvertent bumping or deflection thereof. The mounting is resilient such that, when the deflecting force is removed, the sign springs back to its normal lateral position. The mount for the display device includes a battery supply, with such supply being electrically connected to the electrical circuit of the sign proper. This is accomplished by means of electrical leads passing through a deflection restoration spring, by such leads passing through a resilient tongue, or with connectors used in a spring-biased pivotal construction for connecting the battery supply to the electrical lighting circuit of the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Randy B. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6299114
    Abstract: A method of attaching a spring (5) to a brake pressure equalizing device (6) by securing a clamping collar (2) to an attachment bar (1) of a vehicle. The attachment bar (1) has a circular section which connected to a flat (11,12) whereas the clamping collar (2) is an open and deformable ring (20) created by a first lug (21) being joined to a second lug (22). A profiled insert piece (4) has an internal shape which matches the profile of the circular section and flat of the attachment bar and an external shape which matches the deformable ring (20) is inserted between the attachment bar (1) and deformable ring (20). A nut (31) is connected to a screw (3) that extends between the first lug (21) and the second lug (22) and the spring is attached to the second lug (22) and brake pressure equalizing device (6). The clamping collar (2) is rotated on the profile insert piece (4) until a desired tension is achieved in the spring (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Kientz, Alain Perrin
  • Patent number: 6283426
    Abstract: The spring-loaded camming nut of the invention includes first and second wedge-shaped chock portion. The first chock portion is wedge-shaped and larger than the second. The second chock portion is prism-shaped with a triangular cross-section. Means are provided for moving the first chock portion axially, lateral to the second chock portion. As the smaller second chock portion travels along the larger first chock portion, toward the crack's opening the first chock portion rotates on its horizontal axis, causing a tooth of the second chock portion to move horizontally and upwardly, into the rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Karl Guthrie, Joseph Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6270045
    Abstract: A perimeter weld flange comprising an inner and external perimeter wall surface and a perimeter weld lip on said flange for welding said flange onto a receiving surface. The perimeter weld flange herein is particularly suitable for weldable metal-gasketed ultra-high vacuum joints, and is also conveniently welded onto tubes, cones, ellipsoids, plates and other shapes, including even irregular shapes, in addition to spheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kimball Physics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles K. Crawford
  • Patent number: 6267340
    Abstract: An inserted support comprises a base plate, two supporting blocks, a volute disk, and a facial plate engaged with each other by fastening screws. The base plate has an upright edge surrounding the periphery thereof, and the upright edge has opposite recesses. A central elongated base groove is formed across the base plate. The supporting blocks are oppositely disposed at the base groove and each supporting block is a supporting post with a locating head to locate at the base groove. The volute disk has a volute groove at the bottom side thereof to receive the locating pins on the locating heads respectively while the volute disk is assembled to the base plate. The facial plate is provided corresponding to the base plate such that an extending downward edge thereof can be fitted with the upright edge on the base plate and a support part is provided thereon to associate with a mobile phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Yang Wang
  • Patent number: 6234710
    Abstract: This invention provides an adjustment length member (100) for fitment to a variety of apparatus including ladders. The preferred form provides two members (1,2) contained in sliding contact one of which (2) has a taper or sloped surface. The members pass through a constriction (3) and a member (21) adjacent, such as a wedge or camming device may be used to adjust the construction to limit the passage of the tapered member through the constriction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Vesko Ananiev