Socket Patents (Class 248/314)
  • Publication number: 20100320347
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a functional component mounting structure includes: a functional component having: a base body; a functional portion formed on a front surface of the base body; and a latching portion extending from a back surface of the base body; a component receiver having: a base portion having an opening into which the latching portion is inserted from a front surface side to a back surface side thereof; and a latch receiving portion on which the latching portion is latched; and a cover member pivotally fitted to the component receiver to open and close the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Piolax Inc.
    Inventor: Kouichi Kato
  • Publication number: 20100258697
    Abstract: A fixing device includes a base, a first fixing arm, and a second fixing arm. The base has a first guiding slot and a second guiding slot perpendicular to the first guiding slot defined therein. The first fixing arm includes a first guiding rod and a first abutting portion slidably engaged with the first guiding rod. The first guiding rod extends through the first abutting portion and the base at the first guiding slot to move along the first guiding slot. The second fixing arm includes a second guiding rod and a second abutting portion fixedly engaged with the second guiding rod. The second guiding rod extends through the second abutting portion and the base at the second guiding slot to move along the second guiding slot. The first abutting portion and the second abutting portion cooperatively define a receiving space for fixedly receiving the backlight module on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHUN-CHI TSENG
  • Publication number: 20100243832
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a display device is disclosed. The fixing mechanism includes a housing whereon a first hole and a protrusion are formed, and a bracket installed on a side of the housing. The bracket includes a connecting part for connecting the housing. A second hole and an opening are formed on the connecting part, and the protrusion passes through the opening. The bracket further includes a bending part connected to the connecting part for shielding the second hole. The fixing mechanism further includes a fastening component passing through the first hole on the housing and the second hole on the connecting part for fastening the bracket on the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Hsu, Sheng-Chieh Yang, Xiao-Ping Qiu, Chi-Wei Kuo, Hsueh-Ping Yang
  • Patent number: 7793905
    Abstract: The presently claimed invention discloses a portable beverage container holder that can be used by an end user during travel to hold beverages and other types of items. The portable beverage container can be used in conjunction with a laptop computer or other type of planar surface and can be folded up when not in use to minimize its size during storage. The device also includes a means for clamping to a laptop computer and other planar surface that minimizes damage to the laptop computer and enables an end user to quickly clamp and unclamp the device during transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: William Harold Merritt, Jeffrey A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100224751
    Abstract: A mounting system that utilizes latches, an enclosure, and bracket bars to ensure secure and precise mounting of decorative flat panel TV frames or other flat panel Other TV accessories to a myriad of VESA-compliant and non-VESA-compliant flat panel LCD/Plasma televisions. The system comprises three major parts. The first part is its bracket bars that attach securely with screws to the back of the television, either independently or between the television and an independent third party wall mounting bracket. The second part comprises a preferably wooden enclosure that acts as an inner frame to enclose the TV and provide scaffolding to which decorative flat panel TV frames or other flat panel Other TV accessories can be attached. The third part comprises a latching system that mates the first and second parts together. The system may also comprise a frame mount and adjustably positioned mounting blocks to accommodate non-VESA-compliant televisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Howard Richard Hochhalter, Sean P. Thorp
  • Patent number: 7789366
    Abstract: There is disclosed a holder for eyewear which supports the eyewear for quick, easy, one-handed access by a user. A first jaw member is mounted on a base and a second jaw member is positioned a distance away from the first jaw member. A pair of glasses is inserted between the jaw members and adjusted to be releasably retained between the jaw members. Preferably, one of the jaw members is adjustable to permit a user to change the separation of the jaw members so as to accommodate a large variation of sizes of eyewear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney McDonald
  • Patent number: 7784759
    Abstract: An insulated beverage holder formed from neoprene and including a seal located at the upper opening of the housing. The seal can extend above the housing and can include an upper insertion portion and a lower sealing portion. The insertion portion helps ease the insertion of a beverage container into the holder and the sealing portion produces a watertight seal of the holder to the beverage container. An ice and water mixture can be placed into the holder prior to inserting the beverage container to provide cooling of the beverage while it is being consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Edwin B. Farrell
  • Patent number: 7748679
    Abstract: A container securing device includes a housing portion, with a cylindrical shape, the top of which is open, and which is intended to house a beverage container. A flap is positioned within a hole that is formed within a surrounding wall of the housing portion, and is installed so as to be capable of moving either out of the housing portion, or into the housing portion, in response to the container being inserted into, or extracted from, the housing portion. An impelling (biasing) component forces the flap toward the interior direction of the housing unit. The flap is capable of moving to a location that secures the container when the container is fully housed within the housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Masami Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20100116960
    Abstract: An accessory holding device for a wheelbarrow includes a body member and a strap member. The body member has a flat surface with a periphery. The body member includes a plurality of compartments configured on the flat surface for receiving accessories. Further, the strap member is disposed on a portion of the periphery of the flat surface. The strap member includes a hook and loop fastener disposed on each of a first end portion and a second end portion of the strap member. The first end portion and the second end portion of the strap member extend outwardly from the periphery. Furthermore, the hook and loop fastener disposed on each of the first end portion and the second end portion is capable of removably mounting the body member to a pair of handles extending in a spaced apart relation with each other from the wheelbarrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Lusk
  • Publication number: 20100096521
    Abstract: A clip-on container holder is provided to hold beverages in which the clip includes a flexible retracting coil and a coil supporting rigid spine. The container holder may have a container supporting ring, flexible supporting prongs to accommodate smaller or larger diameter containers, beverage supporting ribs and a lower supporting disk. The clip-on container holder can be easily attached and detached to many surfaces allowing a person's hands to be free for other uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Donald G. White, Stephan A. White, Mary L. Kahler, Patricia A. Wobker
  • Publication number: 20100072682
    Abstract: An exothermic mini torch includes a torch holder assembly for holding a consumable thermal torch. The torch holder assembly includes a body defining a recess into which the consumable thermal torch is inserted. A passage is defined in the body having a first end fluidly connected to the gas source and a second end fluidly connected to the recess for delivering gas from the gas source to the consumable thermal torch. A filter is optionally disposed between the gas source and the consumable thermal torch adjacent the second end of the passage for filtering the gas and preventing backflow of the gas into the body. A seal is received in the recess and is optionally annularly disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the consumable thermal torch and a portion of the body forming the recess to direct the gas into the consumable thermal torch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jonah Winfield, III, Patsie C. Campana, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100051773
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a speaker/bracket assembly. The speaker/bracket assembly comprises a speaker and a bracket for supporting the speaker thereon. The speaker defines a slide groove at a back face thereof. The bracket comprises a latching mechanism configured to be loosened to adjust and tightened to set the speaker position. The latching mechanism comprises a brake, a pair of latch hooks disposed on the brake, and a drive mechanism interposed between the pair of latch hooks. A spring is secured on the drive mechanism. The pair of latch hooks is loosened to set the speaker position and snaps into the slide groove to lock the speaker into the set position when the spring is pushed in and drawn back out the brake by the drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: SANECORE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: David WATHEN
  • Patent number: 7642456
    Abstract: An electrical junction box for a motor vehicle is configured to prevent loss of a fuse that falls down during maintenance. Fuse-containing sections are provided on a vertical surface of a casing of an electrical junction box. The fuse-containing sections are opposed to a trim cover provided with an opening for maintenance in the motor vehicle. Fuse-receiving plates project toward the trim cover integrally on or detachably from the casing surface at the position below the fuse-containing sections. The fuse-receiving plate has a length in which a distal end contacts the trim cover or the distal end is spaced away from the trim cover by a clearance through which a fuse cannot pass. The fuse-receiving plates can receive a fuse that falls down during a fuse attachment or detachment operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Baba
  • Publication number: 20090308823
    Abstract: A medical device holder assembly includes a medical storage device for storing a medical instrument on a support rail convenient to a patient. The storage device includes a housing and a universal attachment member which forms an elastomeric loop adapted to secure the housing to the support rail. The storage device includes a locking slot formed in an upper portion adapted to receive at least a portion of the instrument to retain the instrument within the housing. The housing may also include an internal retention mechanism to aid in retaining the device within the housing, as well as air holes, drain holes, external hooks for retaining the elastomeric loop in place, external retention features to aid in retaining the storage device in place on the support rail, and/or a sump to prevent the instrument from contacting fluid in the bottom of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Phillip Peter DiGasbarro
  • Publication number: 20090308998
    Abstract: A shower-head holder adapter, preferably for a shower head riser or other bar element, comprises a shower-head holder engagement element and a shower-accessory support element for supporting a showering accessory other than or in addition to a shower head. The engagement element is shaped to be receivable in a shower-head holder and the support element includes at least one platform element. The said at least one platform element has a platform portion which in use is above the engagement element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ian Douglas FELMERI
  • Publication number: 20090289162
    Abstract: A holding device for storing sundry items has a base body with a receiver in form of a cupholder and is associated with an insert member which can be inserted into the receiver of the base body, and the insert member has a holding recess by which opposing segments are separated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Falk Schaal, Jochen Bisinger
  • Patent number: 7611114
    Abstract: A holder for a digital audio player such as an Apple iPOD™ is designed to fit in a standard sized cup holder. The holder is configured to support the digital audio player at an easy to read angle and provides a slot for a cable such as a power cable to extend from the holder. The holder is constructed from relatively soft compressible foam that conforms to different sized cup holders and protects the digital audio player from damage. A plurality of support portions allows the holder to support various size digital audio players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Griffin Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Griffin
  • Publication number: 20090266962
    Abstract: A coupling bracket having a back wall, first and second side walls extending from the back wall to a pair of edges, an open side opposite the back wall, a pair of opposing open ends and a passage extending between the opposing open ends. Each side wall has an open slot extending from the edge to a closed end or base. The bases of the open slots are correspondingly located and aligned and adapted to receive a rod extending through and substantially perpendicular to the side walls. The passage is adapted to receive an elongate rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly, Omid Karimnia
  • Publication number: 20090261222
    Abstract: A connection socket of an exercise apparatus having a base and a swivel seat. The base has a support face with a plurality of through holes for connection of an electronic control panel. A soft pad is adhered to the support face. Moreover, the swivel seat includes an upper cover, a connector unit and a lower cover. After assembly, the swivel seat is pivotally attached to a cavity of the base in such a way that the connection pins of the connector unit are extended out of the upper cover. In this way, the swivel seat can be properly swiveled such that a problemfree insertion of the portable player or the cellular phone in different dimensions and thickness is ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 7566040
    Abstract: A center console includes a bin and a cup holder. The bin has a bottom wall extending between a plurality of generally upright side walls. The cup holder is removably seated in the bin. The cup holder has a top face adapted to support a beverage container. The cup holder has a side face extending generally orthogonally between the top face and a bottom edge. The side face has an upper edge vertically spaced apart from a bottom end of the side face to receive a hand therethrough when the cup holder is partially lifted from the bin to facilitate removal of the cup holder from the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Charan Singh Lota
  • Publication number: 20090184225
    Abstract: A support device is disclosed for storage of elongated pool floats (“noodles”) or other items having an elongated structure. The support device includes a body having a plurality of openings along its length. The openings may be cylindrical in shape having a wider portion within the body of the support device and a narrower portion at the edge of the support device. The items are inserted into the openings and held in place by friction and the narrower portion of the openings. Two support devices may be used jointly to hold the ends of the items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew K. Gleick, Michael A. Gleick
  • Patent number: 7559521
    Abstract: A bracket for securely positioning an anti-lock braking system sensor on a heavy-duty vehicle axle adjacent to wheel hub tone ring teeth is formed from a single piece of robust material such as sheet steel. A steel blank of a certain size and shape preferably is stamped from the sheet steel and is formed by a multi-stage process into the final bracket configuration. The bracket includes a tubular portion formed with a continuous opening for receiving the sensor and a retaining sleeve. A pair of spaced-apart, parallel rearwardly extending bracket feet ensure proper positioning of the sensor relative to the tone ring teeth, and enable use of the bracket in various applications having different wheel hub and/or axle spindle configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jay D. White, John M. Suffron
  • Patent number: 7556230
    Abstract: A beverage container holder includes a supporting member configured to laterally and axially support a beverage container in an upright position within the beverage container holder, and a stabilizing member configured to stabilize the beverage container holder with respect to a surface on which the holder rests, the stabilizing member having an outer dimension that is greater at a lower end of the stabilizing member than at an upper end of the stabilizing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: S.G. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip Sarullo
  • Patent number: 7494102
    Abstract: A handheld holder is mountable on a support structure such as a bed headboard or seat back of a wheel chair and holds a body of a medical alarming device having an alarming switch and a cord extending outwardly from the switch. Typically, a downwardly opening support-receiving space receives the support structure to support the holder thereon and an upwardly opening medical alarming device-receiving space receives and supports the body of the alarming device. The holder may include a flexible outer skin or sleeve preferably formed of a non-scratching material such as a textile. One or more elastic straps are typically used to secure the body of the alarming device, and preferably are configured to alternately secure bodies of different sizes. A substantially rigid frame of the holder may have an S-shaped configuration, may be formed as an integral one-piece member and may have a flat plate construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert B. Deal
  • Publication number: 20080283716
    Abstract: A holder configured to retain at least one container is provided. The holder includes a receptacle member having an axis, an open end and a substantially closed opposing end with at least one opening defined therein, a support member substantially axially coupled to the receptacle member, and a base having at least one support member receptacle removably coupled to at least a portion of the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Michael W. Roche
  • Publication number: 20080283706
    Abstract: A personal Item holder having a backing, a framing device for providing support and shape to the backing, attachment devices for attaching the personal items to the backing, and mounts attached to the backing for mounting the holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Kathleen E. Hanson, Paul Gugisberg
  • Patent number: 7451956
    Abstract: An adjustable bracket for mounting the headrail for a covering for architectural openings includes a stationary base member mountable on a wall or ceiling surface having a slot formed therein and a headrail holder connectable to the headrail and adjustably movable and operably connected within the elongated slot between fixed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Jorg Bohlen
  • Publication number: 20080272260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining socket, which allows to detachably fix built-in parts of various kinds with various directions of movement during the fitting to glass panes. The retaining socket comprises a base part, optionally serving to glue or otherwise fix the retaining socket to the glass pane, at least one first accommodation space for accommodating a retaining portion of a built-in part introduceable in the direction of movement perpendicular to the base part, and at least one second accommodation space for accommodating a retaining portion of a built-in part introduceable in the direction of movement parallel to the base part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Pilkington Automotive Deutshland GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Baranski
  • Publication number: 20080217498
    Abstract: A steerable multi-linked device may include a first multi-linked mechanism and a second multi-linked mechanism. At least one of the first multi-linked mechanism and the second multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links, a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links and a reinforcing member. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link, and the reinforcing member may extend from a first end of a third one of the intermediate links toward a second end of the third one of the intermediate links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Brett Zubiate, Howie Choset
  • Patent number: 7422184
    Abstract: A positionable platform for use with a conventional beverage holder, the universally positionable platform including a first cup-shaped portion sized to fit within a conventional beverage holder; and a second substantially rigid cup-shaped portion coupled to the first flexible cup-shaped portion and being structured with a mechanical mounting platform. According to different embodiments of the positionable platform, the first cup-shaped portion is formed of a flexible material and structured with one or more resiliently pliable members structured to interfere with an internal wall surface of the beverage holder. According to other embodiments of the positionable platform, the first and second cup-shaped portions are securely fit over opposing first and second ends of the conventional beverage container. According to yet other embodiments of the positionable platform, the first and second cup-shaped portions are combined in a single unit sized similarly to a standard twelve (12) ounce beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7413154
    Abstract: A holder for receiving and supporting an article includes a sidewall defining a cavity for receiving the article. At least one resiliently deformable support member is attached to the sidewall. The support member has a surface inwardly extending into said cavity. The surface is operable to support the article. The support member includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion defines a convex surface and the upper surface defines one of a concave surface and a convex surface having a larger radius of curvature than the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Harshman, Ted Rickabus, Gerald Bekes, Ralph Provitz, Stewart MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20080135709
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: INNOVENTION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Brett Zubiate, Sarjoun Skaff, Amir Degani, Howie Choset
  • Publication number: 20080128566
    Abstract: An inner or lower arm for a spring loaded parallelogram support arm having a trough-like depression on the lower surface. A resilient U-shaped girdle having a plurality of projections attached through slots in the bottom surface of the arm to hold and route cables running to a plasma screen supported by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Ole Falk Smed
  • Patent number: 7360336
    Abstract: The invention provides a plant base comprising a base section with a seat for a plant pot, in which a tail section extends in a horizontal direction from the rear of the base section. A groove/protuberance combination is provided at the front of the base section and the rear of the tail section that is able to be accommodated in the groove of another corresponding plant base. The groove and the protuberance each has a support surface that is lower or higher than the support surface of the groove, such that when the protuberance of the plant base has been taken up in the groove of the other plant base, one of the two plant bases is lifted from the substrate at the location of the engaging protuberance and groove. Thus, the invention provides a plant base that continuously retains the same orientation during transport over a conveyor belt, with successive plant bases kept a sufficient distance apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: E. Van Zanten Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Evert Van Zanten
  • Patent number: 7357541
    Abstract: An enclosure with socket cup for use with a line voltage recessed lighting kit, having an enclosure for a splice connection between a lamp holder and a junction box, the enclosure having an open portion. The invention further comprises a socket cup having at least one socket cup sidewall engaging the open portion of the enclosure. The socket cup provides a pathway for wiring from within the socket cup to an interior of the enclosure. The enclosure with socket cup may be utilized with reflector trims of differing heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gamache, James N. Neeld, Graham M. Ripple
  • Publication number: 20080054030
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a holder for an applicator for a fluid may include a magnet for holding the applicator over the container. The holder for the applicator may attach to the rim of the container or may be attached to a container holder. The container holder may include a handle and may be used with a container having bucket handles. In an embodiment, the container holder may include a band with notches for receiving a pivot where the handles connect to the container. In an embodiment, the container holder may include a clip for attaching to a ladder and/or may not necessarily include a applicator holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Alejandro Diaz
  • Patent number: 7331552
    Abstract: Apparatuses, a system, and a method for rotatable coupling of components are disclosed herein. The apparatus may include a base having a mounting feature to couple the appparatus to a product housing and a through-hole to provide access to an interior cavity of the product housing. The apparatus may further include a flange, couple to the base having a surface and a plurality of detents disposed on the surface, the flange and the plurality of detents configured to rotatably couple to a pivot mate configured to complement one or more of the plurality of detents in a manner to allow the pivot mate to rotate from a first position relative to the apparatus to a second position creative to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: InFocus Corporation
    Inventor: Greg Sample
  • Publication number: 20070290110
    Abstract: A wall mounted holder for an appliance is disclosed. The holder is capable of supporting a variety of conventional hair dryers and permitting the flow of air to be directed in any desired direction while leaving the user's hands free for other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Jennifer Lynn West, Gary James Sanati
  • Patent number: 7290746
    Abstract: The multi-purpose beverage container holder supported tray assembly: includes a beverage container holder component and a tray component hingedly coupled to the beverage container holder component and provides one or more utilitarian support surfaces that may be used for various functions such as food and beverage placement, writing, and other activities where a stable, conveniently positioned surface is desired; and is adapted for use in theaters, stadiums, indoor and outdoor sports arenas, convention halls, home entertainment centers, and the like. The multi-purpose tray assembly is portable and removably supported in the seat arm beverage container holders (cup holders) normally found on the seating in the locations listed above. The position of the tray component of the tray assembly can be easily adjusted to suit the user and position the utilitarian support surface of the tray component in a location most convenient for the intended use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: Nicky B. Macias, Raul A. Landa
  • Patent number: 7264213
    Abstract: There is disclosed a hanging device including a hanger, a stationary connector, a rotational connector, and a tool-connecting element. The rotational connector is connected to a first portion of the tool-connecting element. A tool can be connected to an opposite second portion of the tool-connecting element. When the second portion is separated from the first portion of the tool-connecting element, the second portion and the tool can be rotated relative to the rotational connector. Thus, the tool can be removed from the second portion of the tool-connecting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Yung Yuan Liu
  • Patent number: 7243889
    Abstract: A holder adapted for mounting on a flush valve housing, said holder including a body having a lower portion and an upper portion; a connector having a side wall forming at least part of the lower portion of said body, said connector dimensioned to engage the flush valve housing and having a flange adapted to make frictional contact therewith; a holder having a side wall forming at least part of the upper portion of said body, said holder providing a receptacle for holding an item; at least a first support forming a division between said connector and said holder to support an item placed in said holder; and one or more threaded fasteners positioned on the lower portion of said body to enhance the frictional contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Augusto Lopez-Torres, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7210663
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tool to a hangtag is provided. A method for securing the tool is also provided. In one embodiment, the invention pertains to a hangtag assembly that includes a fastening mechanism for securing a tool having a shank portion, such as a socket driver. The hangtag has a body portion, and a hanging mechanism connected to the body portion. The hangtag also has a tool fastening mechanism for securely attaching a tool to the hangtag. The tool fastening mechanism includes one or more pairs of through-openings, and one or more ties, wherein each tie is wove around the shank of the tool and through a respective pair of through-openings. In another embodiment, the invention pertains to a hangtag assembly that includes a fastening mechanism for securing a circular tool having a centrally located hub portion defining an opening therethrough. The hangtag has a body portion with a plurality of apertures therethrough and a tool fastening mechanism for securely attaching a tool to the hangtag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: JPJ Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Wheeler, Zareh Khachatoorian
  • Patent number: 7172164
    Abstract: A receiver and plate for removably mounting devices to a surface on a boat or other vehicle. The receiver's top surface opens into a vertical slot with tapering side walls. The separate plate slides into this slot. The separate plate has corresponding side walls that mate with the tapering side walls in the receiver. A pair of horizontal steps on the plate come to rest against the receiver's top surface. Although the side walls of the plate rest closely against the side walls of the slot in order to minimize relative motion, the mating of the pair of steps to the receiver's top surface prevents the plate from becoming jammed in the receiver. The plate is used as the base member for a variety of holding devices. Different plates can be configured to mount fishing rod holders, lighting masts, navigation equipments, radios, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Richard A. Fuelling, Michael W. Rowan
  • Patent number: 7172165
    Abstract: A holder for related items used in an activity where such items are likely to be used, includes a substantially planar base to be placed on a surface and an open top receptacle hinged to the base so that the receptacle can be tipped about the hinge with respect to the base. The hinge is positioned substantially along a lower side edge of the receptacle and provides resistance to tipping movement of the receptacle so a user can tip the receptacle with respect to the base and the receptacle will maintain the tipped position until readjusted by the user. A divider unit is preferably removably positioned in the receptacle to divide the receptacle into sections for organizing and holding items to be held. A coil spring has ends attached to the receptacle so that the spring assumes an arcuate position extending from a side of the receptacle to receive and hold elongate items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Robert P. Young
  • Patent number: 7147193
    Abstract: A multi-purpose support plate for use with a boating accessory assembly is disclosed including a first mounting end portion having a first strengthening rib, a center portion having a top layer and a bottom layer, and a second mounting end portion having a second strengthening rib. The first and second mounting end portions include a first or second thickened mounting area, respectively, from which the first or second strengthening rib extends to the top and bottom layers. The center portion of the support plate further includes a center bore. The center bore passes through the top layer and bottom layer to accommodate at least one boating accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen O. Slatter
  • Patent number: 7090183
    Abstract: An improved cup holder is disclosed that is fully adjustable and gimbaled and also insulates the beverage it is holding. One embodiment of an adjustable cup holder according to the present invention, comprises an outer cup and an inner cup. The inner cup is arranged within said outer cup and capable of extending from and returning into said outer cup, said outer and inner cup combination forming a housing having a varying capacity, said housing capacity capable of changing to hold beverage containers of different depths and diameters. Another embodiment of a cup holder, according to the present invention comprises a housing to hold a beverage container and a holder mounting device mounted to said housing. The mounting device comprising a flexible strap and a buckle, with the buckle mounted to one end of the strap and the other end of said strap wrapping around a body. The strap is then attached back to the buckle such that the body is held within the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: R & S Enterprises
    Inventors: Randy Heybl, Brett Keshtkar
  • Patent number: 7090184
    Abstract: A mount for temporarily securing the elements of a manual life-support system consisting of a ventilator bag and mask for use in health-care facilities which can conveniently and aseptically position such a life-support system, accommodating masks of several different sizes, so that the system is available for use for emergency purposes, can be maintained ideally with connection to a source of oxygen, yet in a manner which diminishes the likelihood of noscomial infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Douglas R. Tinker
  • Patent number: 7014158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitate the efficient, safe use of storage space in a building structure. The apparatus stores hand tools of differing shape and dimension in a compact area in nested, canted storage units shaped to receive the handles of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Berry
  • Patent number: 6976661
    Abstract: A cat litter scoop holder that includes scoop retaining walls that define a pocket for receiving a cat litter scoop. The holder includes a base upon which it sets upright. Its sides can be open to promote airflow. The pocket includes a drain. The base preferably is hollow such that it forms a chamber with the floor to help retain drainage. The holder preferably includes flanges disposed on each side of the scoop to help keep it in the pocket and constrain lateral scoop movement. One wall preferably is inclined such that it forms an acute included angle with the other wall such that a pocket of vee-shaped cross section having its apex adjacent the base is formed. This pocket construction helps keep the scoop upright. The holder can include a hinged lid that can function as a retaining wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: G.H.L. International, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Lipscomb, Timothy B. Strandell, Daniel J. De Lay
  • Patent number: 6938867
    Abstract: A holder for a powered device with a power supply, where the holder includes a cradle for seating the powered device, and a seating member for seating the power supply. The seating member and the cradle are preferably removably attached to each other at a pivot point. Preferably, the cradle and the seating member can be arranged together for holding the powered device in either a first or a second arrangement. In the first arrangement, the power supply is seated on the seating member and the cradle is attached to the seating member such that the power supply may be plugged into a wall outlet with the power supply and the powered device being fully supported against the wall by the holder. In the second arrangement, the power supply is not seated on said seating unit, but the seating unit is instead used as a base for the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Wahl Clipper Corporation
    Inventor: Keith W. Dirks