Of Sheet Material Patents (Class 248/300)
  • Patent number: 5799921
    Abstract: A wall contacting prevention device being positionable on a floor with a finish and receiving right and left rear legs of a typical piece of furniture while maintaining the typical piece of furniture a predetermined distance from a wall that includes a right wall contacting prevention device and a left wall contacting prevention device. The right wall contacting prevention device has a longitudinal midpoint and is positionable on the floor, in abutment with the wall, and receives the right rear leg of the typical piece of furniture while maintaining the typical piece of furniture the predetermined distance from the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Gregory W. Stattel
  • Patent number: 5799918
    Abstract: A vibrator mounting arrangement for attaching a vibrator to an object having one of a plurality of different mounting surface configurations. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting base adapted to receive the vibrator. The mounting base includes first and second downwardly extending curved lips. A first leg having a first foot member and a first curved flange is attached to the first lip. The first flange includes a plurality of slots which allow the first leg to be pivotally rotated to position the first foot member at various different angles as desired. A second leg is attached to the second lip of the mounting base. The second leg includes a second foot member and a curved flange which includes a plurality of slots. The slots of the second flange permit the second foot member to be pivotally rotated to position the second foot member at various different angles as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventors: R. Todd Swinderman, Mike Lindbeck, Doug Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 5794903
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing freestanding objects to a support surface. The apparatus includes an elongated member having a first leg connected to a second leg such that the first leg is substantially perpendicular to the second leg. The first leg includes a first longitudinal axis along which at least one hole is formed in the first leg at a predetermined location permitting the apparatus to be secured to the freestanding object. The second leg includes a second longitudinal axis, parallel to the first longitudinal axis, along which at least one hole is formed in the second leg at a predetermined location permitting the apparatus to be secured to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Max R. Peterson, II
  • Patent number: 5788211
    Abstract: A fixing piece is provided for use in fixing a data-storage drive unit and similar units in position on a support structure. The fixing piece is of one-piece plastics form with predetermined fold lines about which the fixing piece can be folded to at least partially encompass the unit. The fixing piece is formed with projections for engaging in holes in the walls of the unit to restrain movement of the latter, and snap-engagable elements for snap engaging in apertures in the support structure to attach the fixing piece, and thereby a unit about which it is folded, to the support structure. A stackable form of this fixing piece is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Christian Astier
  • Patent number: 5785288
    Abstract: A parking brake actuator housing is easily installed to a vehicle panel in four steps. The legs of spaced housing mounting brackets are first inserted into panel apertures until abutments on the brackets engage the aperture edges. The housing is swung toward the panel on bracket bearing surfaces to compress bracket spring fingers and engage first bracket shoulders with the panel underside. The housing is then slid on the panel until other bracket abutments engage the opposite aperture peripheries, and spaced second bracket shoulders engage the panel underside. This action aligns a housing flange hole with a mating hole in a panel boss, enabling insertion of a fastener. The panel is clamped between the spaced bracket shoulders and the spring fingers and/or bracket bearing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Systems
    Inventor: Frank Thomas West
  • Patent number: 5772168
    Abstract: A fixing bracket for a pressurized fluid buffer device such as a shock absorber or the like is formed as a single piece U-shaped bracket having a circular body portion for surrounding an outer cylinder of the shock absorber and opposed mounting flange portions for attachment to a vehicular chassis. At a location axially outward of the location of bolt holes for attaching the fixing bracket, opposes pairs of projected tooth portions are provided oriented toward each other to contact an exposed portion of the outer cylinder. According to this structure, during vehicle bouncing, for examples the tooth portions are urged to wedge, or bite into the outer cylinder for counteracting forces in a separation direction of the flange portions. Thus, strength is improved while installation processing is reduced. Further, according to this arrangement both manufacturing and installation costs may be significantly reduced while structural features and design flexibility are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Chiharu Nakazawa, Susumu Shinozaki, Michiya Hiramoto, Hiroshi Hoya, Kohtaro Shiino
  • Patent number: 5771646
    Abstract: A wood railing assembly is attached to the top of a wood deck having rim joists and top deck boards. The railing has vertical posts and horizontal rails mounting spindles, and all of the posts are notched at the bottom. The corner post is attached by the use of a bracket extending all the way around the bottom end portion of the post with flanges extending on the outer surface of the rim joists. Lag screws extend through the bottom end through the bracket, with some of the lag screws extending through the post end of the joists and other lag screws extending directly into the joists to clamp the bracket in place. The side post uses a bracket assembly having an outer channel having a face and sides that enclose the exposed portion of the bottom end and receive machine screws extending through the plate, the lower end, the joists, and through a backing plate, where suitable nuts are used to clamp the assembly together as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph DeSouza
  • Patent number: 5761863
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to structural molding members and to a structural molding system designed to retroactively connect together walls, the roof, floors, and the foundation of a preexisting house or building. The structural members are for reinforcing a building so that all external forces applied to the building are transferred to the foundation. The structural molding members are particularly useful for preventing damage to the building when the building is exposed to high winds and seismic activity. In general, the structural molding members include a support bracket that is mounted directly to the exterior surfaces of a building and connected to internal frame components. The support bracket can then be covered with a molding member, a light fixture, or the like to provide an aesthetic appeal to the reinforcing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Edward G. Sutt, Jr., Timothy A. Reinhold
  • Patent number: 5752853
    Abstract: This invention provides a metal mounting member for mounting a vehicle accessory such as a sunshade to the sheet metal structure of a vehicle such as the vehicle roof with minimal insertion force. The mounting member does not require use of tools or other fasteners. The mounting member is made from one piece of spring steel. This invention also includes a fast and efficient electrical contact that does not require a separate step of making an electrical contact during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. Curtindale
  • Patent number: 5737783
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a mattress retention bracket for an adjustable bed to prevent an associated mattress from sliding laterally thereon. The mattress retention bracket in a preferred embodiment of the invention is a generally U-shaped member defined by a bight portion and a pair of legs with each leg having first and second end portions normally offset from each other. Terminal ends of the legs are secured to an underside of a mattress supporting member and first end portions and a bight portion of the U-shaped member lie contiguous peripheral edges of the mattress supporting member and the mattress to prevent relative shifting therebetween as a user/patient ingresses or egresses the bed. In lieu of the latter, another mattress retention bracket is substantially of a T-shaped configuration defined by an arm and a depending leg with the leg having first and second end portions defining an angle generally normal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Santino Antinori
  • Patent number: 5732918
    Abstract: A roof catchboard bracket for securing a catchboard to a roof, preferably formed from a plastic material. The device includes an L-shaped bracket having a first leg adapted to be removably secured to a roof and a second leg adapted to be removably secured to a catchboard. An integrally formed brace portion extends intermediate the first and second legs for bracing the second leg against the first leg. Other features include a provision for nesting a plurality of such brackets one on top of the other, and pry chamfers which allow the brackets to be readily removed after nailing to a roof surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas C. Steele, Kevin R. Schuck, John M. Denny
  • Patent number: 5730522
    Abstract: A lampholder mounting system includes a lampholder and a lampholder bracket. The lampholder includes a housing, electrical contacts supported by the housing and electrical conductors interconnected with the housing to the electrical contacts. The housing includes at least one stop-tab slot and at least one bend-tab slot upon an outer surface of the housing. A lampholder bracket includes a mounting plate with a receiving portion for receiving the lampholder. The receiving portion includes at least one upturned bend tab and at least one stop tab for complementing the outer surface of the lampholder housing, wherein the lampholder is snapped into the receiving portion and the at least one bend tab is bent up to lock the lampholder fixedly to the lampholder bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Rickie Wyke, Stanley S. Brenner
  • Patent number: 5713157
    Abstract: A deck hanger utilizes two sheet metal spring hanger clips to hook behind parallel accessible edges of a deck installation. Each clip has a body which includes a rectangular hole. A rectangular bar is positioned through the holes and U-shape blocking clip straddles each hanger clip body securing the bar in place. The bar spans a downwardly opening channel formed by the deck panels and supports cable trays, piping or other installations utilizing what might normally be dead space. Each clip also has a hook portion with a back having a barb and a nose portion no thicker than the sheet metal from which it is formed to enable grasping of the edges without distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Erico International Corporation
    Inventors: Martin van Leeuwen, Gerardus E. C. van Gijsel
  • Patent number: 5709359
    Abstract: A pair of equipment brackets is disclosed which facilitates mounting electrical equipment and the like in an equipment rack or cabinet. Each bracket attaches to the side panels of the electrical equipment and a portion of the bracket extends outward from the equipment to overlap the side rails of the equipment rack/cabinet. The overlapping portion of each bracket contains a plurality of bore holes arranged in a pattern to match the spacing of the tapped bores in the side rails. The overlapping portion of each bracket also contains a semi-circular slot located at the bottom edge of the bracket. The purpose of the slot in each bracket is to receive a mounting screw partially inserted into the equipment rack. When two such screws are partially inserted into the equipment rack, one on each side at the desired location for mounting the electrical equipment, the overlapping portion of each bracket can be slid down the rack so that the slots receive the screw shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Richard F. Riley
  • Patent number: 5709361
    Abstract: A fan support member (100) includes first (102) and second (104) cantilevered members extending from base member (116). In one embodiment, each of the cantilevered members (102 and 104) includes at least one retention member (106, 108, 110 and 112) which engage to corresponding recess locations (302, 304, 306 and 308) located on the fan (300). The cantilevered members (102 and 104) become loaded when a fan is placed between them causing them to press against the sides (312 and 314) of the fan (300) which helps keep the fan(300) securely attached. The fan support member (100) allows for quick attachment and removal of fan (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Racal-Datacom, Inc.
    Inventor: George Dalisy
  • Patent number: 5707032
    Abstract: For attaching a decorative skirt about the peripheral edge of a banquet table, a one-use disposable plastic hanger advantageously coated during a production run on a single side over side and top length portions in surrounding relation about a pivotal tab with adhesive, such that in use adhesive on the noted length portions are adhesively attached to the table edge and the tab, after a 270 degree pivotal transverse, is in an outwardly facing relation from the table edge and thus in position to complete an adhesive attachment to the decorative skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Paul Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 5704583
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a GPS data collector to a range pole includes an elongated base plate. The base plate has sidewalls, retaining wings, at least one first tab resiliently mounted perpendicularly to the base plate, at least one bottom support lip extending normally upward from the bottom of the base plate, and at least one second tab mounted to the bottom support lip and extending upward parallel to the base plate. Each of the tabs are adapted to engage a corresponding slot in the lower end of a data collector and the wings constrain the head end of a data collector unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Charles Putland, Mark Warneke, Peter Langlotz
  • Patent number: 5695073
    Abstract: A hanging shoe rack for supporting shoes in an angular manner. A pair of side frame members having an elongate body section. A plurality of support arms project outwardly and downwardly from each main body section. Pairs of retaining bars are positioned between said frame members and are aligned in a plane forming an acute angle with respect to vertical, to thereby support thereon shoes in an angular manner, with the shoes directed downwardly toward a vertical surface upon which the shoe rack is placed. The support arms, upon opposite side frames, traverse side sections of the shoes to form a barrier against lateral movement of the shoes. Unique socket structure, into which the retaining bars are positioned, permit easy assembly of the shoe rack. Additionally, each side frame member includes unique attachment structure, upon upper and lower ends thereof, so that multiple shoe racks of the present invention may be vertically suspended one from another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Lynk, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Klein, Chris Serslev
  • Patent number: 5695166
    Abstract: A post support includes a box section which is open at at least one end to receive a post, wherein the material of the box section at a wall location of the box section is horizontally slit in a plurality of axially spaced locations to provide either at least two spaced pairs of tabs of wall material, or a single pair of tabs positioned at a substantially central location axially of the box section, the free ends of which tabs or flaps are bent outwardly away from the wall of the box section to form fixing flanges such that bringing together of a pair of flanges by a fixing means, for example, a bolt passing through holes in said pair of flanges, compresses the tabs or flaps inwardly of the wall of the box section thus decreasing the cross-sectional dimensions of the box section in at least two spaced locations or at a single substantially centrally positioned location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Andrew Douglas Watts
  • Patent number: 5680733
    Abstract: In outdoor equipment having at least one supporting body (S) for mounting the outdoor equipment body thereon and for fixing the same to the surface of the ground, a floor or wall, it is characterized in that the supporting body (S) is composed of a plurality of body plates (1) which have been machined beforehand in given shapes, and mounting plates (3) which are fixed to the body plates (1) by way of bolts (4) and to the outdoor equipment body, the wall or the ground. As a result, it is possible to provide outdoor equipment which is improved in the problems of maintenance, manufacturing labor, product accuracy, moving and exchanging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: A and E Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motoi Mitani
  • Patent number: 5681021
    Abstract: A system for lifting and supporting a roof including a jack and a pair of jack mounting brackets. One of the mounting brackets is attached to a roof truss and the other of the mounting brackets is attached to a ceiling joist. The jack extends between the mounting brackets, and has reduced diameter ends which are received within enlarged openings in the mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald C. Noll
  • Patent number: 5678797
    Abstract: A flush-mount bracket for supporting the end of a rail from on which file folders may hang in a cabinet or desk drawer. One embodiment includes a U-shaped clamp with legs having smooth interfaces for ease of mounting over the top edge of a drawer panel and for providing vertical and lateral support to the rail. Other embodiments describe alternate means for securing the bracket to support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Kinetron Incorporated
    Inventor: James M. Gogan
  • Patent number: 5676486
    Abstract: The present invention is a one-piece corner connector for structurally interconnecting in angular relation to each other two flat panels of a given thickness. The connector has a first connector sidewall oriented at an angle to a second connector sidewall. The connector also has a reinforcing tab which in relation with the first and second connector sidewalls forms a pair of channels into which rectangular panels are placed edgewise with each side face of each said panel engaged by either a connector sidewall or a reinforcing tab sidewall. Both side surfaces of each rectangular panel are secured to the corner connector using screws, nails, nuts and bolts, or an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: APA-The Engineered Wood Association
    Inventor: Edward L. Keith
  • Patent number: 5666769
    Abstract: A supporting element for supporting a construction on a supporting surface includes a bearing part with an inner section and two outer, bending resistant sections, spacer screws keeping the bearing part at a distance from the supporting surface, and clamping members extending upwardly from the outer sections to define a space for the receipt of an element of the construction. The inner section is bendable by the influence of the construction element load, and the clamping plates are located in a plane perpendicular to the construction element. The clamping plates press, in free engagement, against the opposite sides of the construction element with clamping forces generated by the construction element load on the bendable inner section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Nivell System Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Lars-Olof Lundquist
  • Patent number: 5664754
    Abstract: A hanging device includes an attachment member (1) and an elongated wire-like support member (7) connectable to the attachment member. The attachment member has an attachment part (2) and a connecting part (3) joined to and extending from the attachment part. The connecting part (3) has at least one pair of slots (5) extending therethrough transversely of the elongated direction of the support member (7). The support member (7) is insertable between a section of the connecting part (3) between the slots and the remaining surface of the connecting part and is deformable to provide a locked connection with the connecting part (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gary Gaenslen
  • Patent number: 5657593
    Abstract: A fixture for mounting external cladding in the form of single facing sheets on internal or external walls of buildings includes a fixing bracket for affixation to a wall and a horizontal positioning plate to support the external cladding sheet. The horizontal positioning plate includes guides which hold the facing sheet in place. The fixture is horizontally and vertically adjustable. The horizontal positioning plate and the fixing bracket have substantially horizontal support surfaces that engage each other and are horizontally adjustable in all directions relative to one another. The horizontal supporting plate is locked in a selected position to the fixing bracket by a welded connection after the horizontal positioning plate has been adjusted relative to the fixing bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Bernt Eriksen
  • Patent number: 5649682
    Abstract: A container holder for supporting a container (12), such as, for example, a paint can, or other item, on a ladder (16) using the interior of a hollow ladder rung (18) for support, into which rung is inserted a flattened, rod-like, projecting arm (14) integrally formed with a completely encircling cincture (10) securing the container, with over-lapping members (14/14A) making up the arm held together under compression by a simple fastener (20) at the point where the cincture and the support arm members join. When unfastened, the cincture is placed around the circumference of the paint can either below the side handle protrusions (FIG. 4) or between them and the laterally extending top lip of the can (FIG. 5B), with the over-lapping arm members then being brought together in over-lapping fashion and fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Julius F. Martin
  • Patent number: 5647182
    Abstract: A single sheet of metal such as galvanized steel is formed to provide an improved corner cap for the juncture of three walls. The improved cap has three legs having three arcuate regions extending from an apex into orthogonal or transverse planes. Each arcuate region has two lateral flanges. The prongs are formed by cutting and bending a piece of the flange so that the prong and the flange form a right angle. The corner piece is constructed to cover an outside corner for use on the outer portion of three adjoining walls. The apex region at the center of the three legs defines a raised portion against which corner beads will fit to provide an easy alignment mechanism for the corner beads, as well as a smooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Flannery, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Rutherford
  • Patent number: 5639058
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is a removable shift slide stabilizer tool used in the repair and maintenance of inboard-outboard engines used on watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: John J. Mammel
  • Patent number: 5636821
    Abstract: A display card 5 for tools 1 having belt hooks 4 comprises a card 5 of foldable material. The card 5 is slotted so as to form a flap 2 and a tongue 6. The flap 2 is adapted to admit the belt hook 4 of the tool 1. The tongue 6 is adapted so as to be folded towards the flap 2. The tongue 6 is hingedly connected to the card 5, and comprises a tab 3 which is inverted when the tongue 1 is folded towards the flap 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Cooper Tools Pty Limited
    Inventor: Philip Davies
  • Patent number: 5624095
    Abstract: A single sheet of thermoplastic material is formed into a first clamping channel having an inclined outer wall which resiliently rotates for clamping the caddy to an edge of a structure. A second clamp is attached to the first clamp and includes a channel formed by one wall of the first clamp, a bottom wall resiliently secured to the one wall and a second wall inclined toward the one wall and resiliently upstanding from the bottom wall for accommodating articles of different outer dimensions and clamping the articles to the caddy regardless of those outer dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Diane M. Zissu
  • Patent number: 5622485
    Abstract: A high-performance, high efficiency dirty air motor/fan assembly for vacuum cleaners has a fan housing which includes an end bracket. The end bracket has a volute expansion chamber. A shroud/baffle unit mounts to the end bracket and serves to separate the exhaust plenum of the ventilating fan of the motor, from the intake plenum. A component mounting strap is mounted to the housing and the shroud/baffle unit to provide a mounting surface for vacuum cleaner interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Ametek, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Stewart
  • Patent number: 5617680
    Abstract: A satellite dish is mounted on a bracket which in turn is mounted over an uneven surface of a roof or a wall of a house. The bracket has an elevated bridge portion for supporting a mounting foot of the satellite dish. The bridge portion is integrally connected to and supported by two narrow leg portions which in turn are integrally connected to and supported by two narrow foot portions. The bridge portion is elevated from two foot portions by the leg portions in order to clear the uneven surface of the roof or wall of the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas Beatty
  • Patent number: 5613660
    Abstract: An ice scoop holder includes a flat back member, two flat side members which extend normally outwardly from the back member and have inwardly turned flanges. The back member, the side members, and flanges form a hollow, free-from-obstruction cavity to receive and support a scoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Charles A. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 5601267
    Abstract: An awning rod bracket is provided which can be easily slid into preformed slots in awning rods. The bracket includes a pair of bolts opposingly mounted on a planar body which defines openings therein for receiving various types of attachments for supporting electrical cords or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Caine
  • Patent number: 5598998
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for use in conjunction with an electrical outlet box as commonly used in homes, office buildings and the like. The bracket is used to attach low voltage communication lines such as for cable television, telephones or for computer network lines. The bracket has a c-shaped frame and includes a large central opening with opposing tabs which divide the opening into a first section for receiving a 110 volt electrical junction box and a second opening for containing low voltage communication lines. Opposing line supports within the second opening each include a narrow neck section to facilitate bending during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: David M. Lynn
  • Patent number: 5598680
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a joining element, made of thin sheet metal, for joining a wooden component such as a beam or a post to a second component made of wood or another material, in particular for a concealed beam attachment or a post foot. The joining element has a planar attachment web provided with through holes which is to be inserted into a slot in the wooden on the end surface of the wooden component to be attached. The joining element is fastened with fasteners such as dowels which, in the assembled state, extend through the through holes. At least two fastening flanges are provided on the joining element, each with through holes, and are generally bent 90 degrees from the plane of the attachment web and configured integrally with the attachment web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Jurgen Wilhelmi
  • Patent number: 5595028
    Abstract: A truss roof and floor joist storage device which provides access to and creates convenient storage space for a large variety of typically stored items from boxes to sporting equipment to tools and seasonal items. The device includes a large shelf which rotates up between the trusses of a garage or up against the floor joists in a basement. It has an optional pulley to raise and lower the shelf and two latches for safety. It is aesthetically compatible in either finished (drywalled) or unfinished space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Walter A. Handzlik
  • Patent number: 5590858
    Abstract: A support for mounting an electrical device box into an opening made in a panel. This support has an elongated bar-shaped member longer than the device box and two L-shaped members coplanar to and projecting from one side of the bar-shaped member. The distance between each one of the opposite ends of the bar-shaped member and the remote point of this bar-shaped member from which the remote L-shaped member projects is substantially equal to the height of the electrical box. In use, one can easily insert the bar-shaped member behind the panel through the opening made in the panel by first introducing one of the opposite ends of the bar-shaped member into the opening and moving this one end until the adjacent L-shaped member contacts the panel. Then, the support can be rotated so that the other opposite end of the bar-shaped member passes through the opening, such being possible because of the above mentioned distance selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Temco Electric Products Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Bourassa, Sylvain Poissant, Alain Legris, Claude Lacroix
  • Patent number: 5584451
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a printed circuit cable to an actuator arm in a disc drive is provided. The actuator arm has a pivot adjacent the disc of the disc drive and includes a threaded mounting boss on the side of the actuator arm and adjacent thereto connecting pins for connecting the PCC cable electrically to the actuator arm. A single piece alignment bracket incorporating both forks and an anti-rotation tab which cooperate with a slotted actuator arm to prevent a bracket and the PCC that it holds from being moved out of alignment or from rotating the assembly is provided, bonded directly to the PCC and forming the PCC for attachment to the actuator arm. The bracket is bent to form a first, central and third bracket section. The first section contains the forks and anti-rotation tab which are bent away from the first section in opposite directions. The central section contains a hole for mounting to the actuator arm. The third section has an elongated end piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian T. Bonn, Ruben Arriaca
  • Patent number: 5582058
    Abstract: A method of forming a sheet metal article, and the resulting article, which includes causing a sheet metal blank to have a predetermined configuration such that the blank will bend, in part, into a predetermined cylindrical shape and diameter without need for dies or mandrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Giltner J. Knudson
  • Patent number: 5582376
    Abstract: A multiple function bracket for attaching various display fixtures to slot walls, wire grid walls, hang bars and many other types of display fixtures. The bracket is formed with a top web and three depending flanges of unequal length and spacing. A narrow groove is formed between a high front flange and a medium height intermediate flange for engaging hang bars and smaller diameter wires on displays fixtures. A wider groove is formed between the intermediate flange and a shorter rear flange for engaging either a slot wall or larger diameter wires or rods in a wire grid wall. The rear flange is sufficiently short to pass into a slot in a slot wall. The bracket may be bonded or welded or otherwise secured to, for example, a display cabinet or a shelf or a neck arm. Or, a vertical hole may be formed in a vertical rib on a front face of the higher flange for receiving a wire hook or rod or other wire fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Valley Plastic Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David G. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5576086
    Abstract: A molded article is formed of a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin and has two planes joining each other in a junction portion; at least one of the two planes has an opening portion or a thin wall portion in the vicinity of the junction portion in order to decrease warpage of the molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Narazaki, Yoshihiro Kayano, Yuko Itagaki, Ryoji Ukaji
  • Patent number: 5575223
    Abstract: The furniture kit consists of panel elements which are to be arranged alternatively vertically and horizontally and which have at least one row of holes along their longitudinal edges. The rows of holes of the panel elements are arranged and formed in such a way that the distance from hole center to hole center corresponds to the panel thickness d and that the first hole of the one ore more rows of holes is a distance d/2 from one of the broad sides. In addition, all panel elements have a width of (n3d-d/2), where n is any integer. The kit furthermore comprises connecting brackets for connecting the panel elements. These each have two limbs which are at right angles to one another and are provided with, respectively, eight and ten orifices which serve for receiving fixing screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Inntegra AG
    Inventor: Siegfried Hendel
  • Patent number: 5570865
    Abstract: A restraint device is disclosed comprising a wall bracket, an article bracket, a bridging member and a fastening component. When installed at or near the top of an article of furniture or appliance, the brackets provide an aperture or recess between the brackets and the vertical surface to which they have been fastened in which a pair of legs of the bridging member can be inserted. The bridging member forms a mechanical lock between the brackets which, when necessary, can very simply be disengaged. A method in accordance with the present invention for securing articles to a vertical surface, such as a wall, is provided which includes a few simple unskilled steps. Accordingly, one of the advantages of the restraint device of the present invention is its simplicity and ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 5570880
    Abstract: A support arm for attaching a basketball backboard to a pole is disclosed. The support arm includes two support members configured with flanges extending generally along a longitudinal axis of the support arm. The flanges have a toothed configuration in the shape of a square wave which includes a plurality of tabs and recesses. The support members are capable of mating engagement with each other wherein the tabs along each of the flanges of the first support member engage the corresponding recesses of the respective flanges of the second support member, thereby disposing engaged flanges at an angle with respect to each other. The support members are configured with a substantially C-shaped cross section. The support members are attached to each other with bolts, thereby eliminating the need for welding. Means are also provided attaching one end of the support arm to the basketball backboard and the other end to a pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Nordgran
  • Patent number: 5555694
    Abstract: A structural hanger connection including a supporting structure having a top surface and a front face; a supported structure disposed at an angle to the front face of the supporting structure and a structural hanger including a top flange element adapted for resting on the top surface of the supporting structure and formed with two pairs of slots formed therein, and a stirrup element formed with ends respectively woven through the slots and forming a connection with the top flange element and including a seat member and a pair of laterally spaced side members connected to the seat member and engaging the supported structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
  • Patent number: 5538144
    Abstract: A hat hanger and display device comprising a member for supporting a crown of a hat. An assembly is for mounting the supporting member to a vertical flat surface, so that the crown of the hat can be displayed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Scott W. Reed
  • Patent number: 5516068
    Abstract: A support bracket spans framing members and is secured to two ceiling framing members, two studs, or between two tee-bars. The support bracket is wide enough to accommodate a device mount, which could be a junction box for electrified devices or a support bracket for non-electrified devices. The support bracket is open in the center to accommodate connections to the device mount from below, while still allowing access from above. The support bracket includes rails to accommodate junction box fastening screws. The support bracket is constructed with right angle flanges to add structural support and to allow for attachment of load-bearing support devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Frank Rice
  • Patent number: RE35485
    Abstract: A uni-brace mechanism is provided which allows a vehicle seat to be attached to the vehicle seat slide adjusters made by various manufacturers. A front bracket and a rear bracket are spaced apart and attached to the underside of a vehicle seat. Each bracket includes two pairs of receiving holes, with each receiving hole having at least one corresponding engagement hole spaced apart from the receiving hole. The various engagement holes combined to form various generally rectangular patterns, spaced at distances to correspond to the bolt patterns found on vehicle seat slide adjusters. A pal nut is inserted into a receiving hole and into engagement with the proper corresponding engagement hole. Pal nut includes a hub with an internal thread which is positioned within the engagement hole. The bolt on the vehicle seat slide adjuster are threaded through the engagement hole and into the hub, attaching the vehicle seat slide adjuster to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Atwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Stewart