Ring Patents (Class 248/315)
  • Publication number: 20110210222
    Abstract: A metal casing strip for a fire collar to be arranged around a duct has a line of successive tongues and cutouts in the longitudinal direction of the strip. The tongues and cutouts are arranged in the strip in an alternating fashion. The tongues are bendable out of the surface of the casing strip such that in use, when the casing strip is arranged around a pipe such that two end regions overlap, an outwardly bended tongue from the one end region is inserted in a cutout of the overlapping other end region and folded over the edge of the cutout to retain the casing strip in the closed collar shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: J. van Walraven Holding B. V
    Inventor: Jan VAN WALRAVEN
  • Publication number: 20110192944
    Abstract: A universal connector (5) is provided for connecting an architectural covering to an architectural surface. The connector has an adaptor plate (6) that is substantially circular and has one or more radially outwardly projecting flanges (16) and is arranged to be inserted into a ring-shaped engagement member (7) having one or more openings (18) in a front cover (17). The adaptor plate and the engagement member are configured such that the adaptor plate may be inserted into the engagement member by aligning the one or more flanges of the adaptor plate with a respective opening in the front cover of the engagement member and removal of the adaptor plate from the engagement member may subsequently be prevented by a partial rotation of the adaptor plate relative to the engagement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Lars Koop
  • Patent number: 7959122
    Abstract: A catheter drainage bag holding assembly includes a clamp with an arcuate member having a pair of free ends. The arcuate member forms at least 60% of a complete circle. A threaded rod is threadably coupled to and extends through the arcuate member. The arcuate member is positionable on a post and the rod is abuttable against the post. A leg is attached to and extends away from the arcuate member. A primary loop is attached to the leg. The primary loop lies in same plane as the arcuate member. At least one of hook from a catheter drainage bag is extendable into the primary hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Wanda L. Clack-Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7938375
    Abstract: A collapsible pen holder installed within a surface of an object, including an automobile dashboard or briefcase, secures and retains a pen within a cylindrical sleeve slidably engaged within a cylindrical mounting frame member, exposing a pen cap of the pen. The pen is placed within the cylindrical sleeve which is then pushed into the mounting frame member until the cylindrical sleeve is retained within the mounting frame member by a locking mechanism, exposing only an end of the pen cap. To remove the pen from the pen holder, the end of the pen head is depressed, releasing the locking mechanism and ejecting the cylindrical sleeve from the mounting frame member, projecting the cylindrical sleeve from the surface by a spring mechanism allowing the pen to be removed from the cylindrical sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Casey Massegee
  • Patent number: 7905457
    Abstract: Interlocking brackets for filter capsules are provided. According to one embodiment, a filter capsule bracket includes a first bracket portion including a first side having a concave surface and at least one plug; and a second bracket portion including a first side having a concave surface corresponding to the concave surface of the first bracket portion and at least one socket for receiving the at least one plug of the first side of the first bracket, wherein the concave surfaces of the first and second bracket portions are configured to retain a filter capsule when the at least one plug of the first side of the first bracket portion is received by the at least one socket of the first side of the second bracket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Meissner Filtration Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Meissner, Keith D. Trottier, Charles N. Carter
  • Patent number: 7896308
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a heat accumulation tank is provided with an elastic member that wraps around a tank main body, and a heat accumulation tank mounting member which wraps around the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member and holds the tank main body by being tightened in the circumferential direction, and which attaches to a receiving member. The elastic member is a molded part. The length of the elastic member is shorter than length of the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the tank main body. The heat accumulation tank mounting member includes a shift inhibiting portion which inhibits an upward shift of the tank main body. The outside diameter of the tank main body becomes increasingly wider in the upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigetaka Yoshikawa, Yoshikazu Shinpo, Katuhiko Arisawa, Isao Goto, Masaaki Iinuma, Toshio Morikawa, Takashi Toyoshima, Yoshio Miyata
  • Publication number: 20100327132
    Abstract: An attachment device which includes: a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the attachment device at one end thereof via a loop, the other end of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed around a frame or part thereof to which the bracket is to be attached; a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the length of material and holding the length of material received therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is released; and wherein the looping of the length of material to the body portion positions the length of material between the body portion and the frame or part thereof to which the attachment device is attached in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick David Maguire
  • Publication number: 20100288900
    Abstract: An electronic device is affixed to another object through the use of this apparatus, which consists of one or more sleeves surrounding the periphery and backside of the electronic device and one or more elements protruding from the sleeves so that the protruding elements can be used to fasten the electronic device to another object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Shalon Dashielle Janik
  • Publication number: 20100243845
    Abstract: A tool hanger includes an elongate flexible member such as a chain, and a plurality of tool supports mounted spaced apart along the member. The tool supports may include hooks, loops, and rings. An upper end of the member is adapted to be mountable to a rigid support to allow the member to hang freely and downwardly by solely it's upper end. The tool supports each have opposite first and second sides in diametrically opposed relation. Each tool support is mounted to a corresponding mounting position along the member by the mounting of the first side of the tool support to the corresponding mounting position so as to dispose the second side of the tool support away from the corresponding mounting position on the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Shayne Lepine
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100072340
    Abstract: Interlocking brackets for filter capsules are provided. According to one embodiment, a filter capsule bracket includes a first bracket portion including a first side having a concave surface and at least one plug; and a second bracket portion including a first side having a concave surface corresponding to the concave surface of the first bracket portion and at least one socket for receiving the at least one plug of the first side of the first bracket, wherein the concave surfaces of the first and second bracket portions are configured to retain a filter capsule when the at least one plug of the first side of the first bracket portion is received by the at least one socket of the first side of the second bracket portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher A. Meissner, Keith D. Trottier, Charles N. Carter
  • Patent number: 7661421
    Abstract: A wok support ring supports the weight of a wok and food items to be cooked in the wok and imparts a rocking motion to the wok as it is moved in a back and forth motion by the worker. A wok rocking device includes the use of a wok support base which moves in a rocking motion via cam tracks with roller followers. When the worker pulls the wok in a back and forth motion, the rollers follow the cam track to cause the wok to rise rapidly and then rock forward near the end of the stroke. A wok rocking device also can utilize movable linkages attached to a wok support base in order to create the rocking motion needed to mix and fold the food items within the wok.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Lustig, Frederick Thomas, Larry Behm
  • Patent number: 7648113
    Abstract: A support for a cylindrically-shaped accessory has a first frame defining a receptacle for a cylindrically-shaped accessory and a connecting assembly. The first frame has a bottom wall and a peripheral bracing wall structure. The bottom wall defines an upwardly facing surface. The peripheral bracing wall structure extends at least partially around a region occupied by a cylindrically-shaped accessory in the upright stored orientation, bearing on the upwardly-facing surface, to thereby limit tipping of the cylindrically-shaped accessory. The connecting assembly has first and second connector parts attachable one each to the first frame and second frame upon which the support can be placed. The first and second connector parts are engagable, each with the other, by relatively translating the first and second connector parts along a connecting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Ruben Johnson
  • Patent number: 7631844
    Abstract: A corner potted plant holder (1) for holding a pot in a corner (19) having a body (2) with a top surface (26) and a bottom surface (27), an internal perimeter (9) and an external perimeter (10), a first arm (3) and a second arm (4) secured to the body (2), at least one corner securing means (6) for securing the body (2) to the corner (19) and at least one wall securing means (11) for securing the arms (3 and 4) to the walls (20 and 21) that form the corner (19). The internal perimeter (9) has a predetermined shape for the acceptance of a pot (22) having a larger congruent predetermined shape. In this manner, a person may easily secure a potted plant (24) in a corner (19) above a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen J. Styles
  • Publication number: 20090078835
    Abstract: A bracket is provided having a spacer connected to a first and second arms. The spacer has a proximate end and a distal end disposed apart from each other at a suitable distance. The first arm has a base end and a free end, the base end being connected to a first side of the proximate end of the spacer and the free end extending from the proximate end. The second arm has a base end and a free end, the base end connected to the proximate end, and the free arm extending from the proximate end. The first arm, the second arm, and the proximate end substantially form a ring having a gap between the free ends of the first and second arms. Another bracket is provided having a hook and a ring connected to a top of the hook, wherein the ring includes a gap formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Tellabs Petaluma, Inc.
    Inventors: TODD A. NEWHOUSE, Richard F. Gianni, Joseph F. Kidd
  • Patent number: 7344116
    Abstract: An improved pony bottle bracket that is light weight, compact, simple to use, and facilitates a quick and easy set-up is disclosed. A push button latch enables a diver to quickly disconnect the pony bottle from the main bottle. The pony tank bracket and base unit bracket are mounted by use of a belt and adjustable band straps. The locking mechanism is self-contained, thereby eliminating or minimizing the use of separate components (e.g., no clevis, hitch, cotter or quick release pins) which may be lost. The bracket also eliminates or reduces the use of any items which may entangle the diver or entangle other objects in the diver's surroundings (e.g., no string, cord, chain or lanyards). The bracket is bidirectional (e.g., reversible) such that the top bracket mount may be rotated between about 0 and 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: North South Machine Shop, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Ficarra, Joseph Ficarra
  • Patent number: 7341230
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device removably attachable to a vertical rod-like structure to hang articles such as flower pots. The device has a main body on which the article to be hang can be attached and a U-shaped bracket. In use, the main body and the U-shaped bracket are assembled in such a manner as to surround the rod-like structure. The article to be hung once attached, generates a cantilever action that presses the main body against the rod-like structure and causes the device to lock on the structure. Advantageously, the rear part of the main body is carved in a stepwise manner in order to fit rod-like structures of different sizes and shapes. The device may also be advantageously used with interchangeable supports for use to hang articles of different sizes and shapes. The device and the support are easy to use and can be installed without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Beaudry
  • Patent number: 7325775
    Abstract: An automotive gauge mounting bracket is provided that is engagable to an automotive vehicle interior. The bracket comprises at least one gauge receiving aperture formed in the bracket. The aperture is provided with a perimeter defining a plurality of displaceable gauge receiving segments. The segments are displaceable in response to insertion of a gauge into the aperture, for friction fit engagement of the gauge directly to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Innova Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Ieon Chen
  • Patent number: 7322551
    Abstract: An apparatus with a first and second loaf spring portions extending from a bridge portion, the second leaf spring portion provides an article support mounting aperture for attachment of an article support to the second leaf spring portion by structure for attaching said article support, and additional structure for securing the article support to the second leaf spring portion is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the article support is a towel ring, the structure for attaching the towel ring to the second leaf spring portion includes a shaft extending from a distal end of a post, and a retention groove formed at a distal end of the shaft. The additional structure for securing the shaft to the second leaf spring portion includes: a compression spring enclosing the shaft and interposed between the second leaf spring portion and the post; and a fastener affixed to the retention groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph M. Simonsen
  • Patent number: 7300031
    Abstract: A collapsible beverage container supporting apparatus is disclosed that includes a mounting framework having a first mount spaced from one end of the framework and a second mount located adjacent to the other end. A container stabilizer is pivotably secured at the first mount and is movable between a substantially perpendicular configuration relative to the framework and a stored configuration with the end thereof located adjacent to the one end of the framework. A container bottom support is pivotably located at the second mount and is movable from a stored deployment adjacent to the framework to a substantially perpendicular deployment. Corner mount openings in the tray and/or a rear wall of the framework are provided for receipt of selected sheet material (such as advertising).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Patrick M. Bertsch, Brent W. Murray
  • 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: 7275727
    Abstract: A hanger is formed as an open loop of an elastomeric material. The open loop includes an integral eyelet formed at one end and an integral latch formed at the opposite end. The latch is inserted through an orifice defined by the eyelet and is held in place by an interference fit. Before engaging the latch with the orifice, a user passes one end of the hanger around portions of two or more objects, so that when the latch is engaged with the eyelet, the objects are connected by the hanger. The hanger, which can be made either of a clear or translucent colorless plastic, or of a colored plastic or other elastomeric material, can be used for hanging one or more objects from another object, or for simply connecting two or more objects together. It's low cost and ease of use make the hanger ideal for such applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Pamela Parker Granston, Diane Christine Dorow
  • Patent number: 7188814
    Abstract: This cord holder may be used for storage or transport of any coiled elongate article, such as a rope or electrical cord. It comprises a collar that surrounds and contains the coil, and a shank that extends away from the collar and forms a shoulder across the collar. The shank supports the coil to keep it from falling through the collar or otherwise becoming tangled or uncoiled. The collar may be open or closed, and the shank may take on various angles and shapes to accommodate a variety of coiled elongate articles. This cord holder may be made from a variety of materials and is scalable in size to accommodate varying loads. Methods of use are shown that include mounting brackets and transport features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry A. Davis
  • Patent number: 6964398
    Abstract: A container holding device for use with a vehicle fuel filler cap used on a fuel tank. The device includes a spacer interposed the fuel filler cap and the fuel tank. A container support is connected to the spacer by an arm which extends outwardly from the fuel filler of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen M. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 6951328
    Abstract: An adjustable garbage can holder that conserves space by mounting to a deck rail includes integral rails sized and positioned for receiving a waste basket therein. Select rails are spaced and extend vertically along the body while other rails have substantially annular shapes spaced along top and bottoms portions of the body for defining a diameter thereof. One of the select rails has a slot formed therein and is positionable adjacent to a support surface. The other rails have end portions securable to each other for selectively adjusting the diameter of the body. The body includes a flange portion that is engageable with the support surface for cooperating therewith to maintain the body at a substantially stable position. The apparatus further includes brackets for attaching the body to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventors: Andre Drapeau, Claude Drapeau
  • Patent number: 6932223
    Abstract: A combination suspension rack includes a base portion, and two receiving portions each formed on the base portion. Each of the two receiving portions has an insertion hole having a wall formed with a plurality of elastic clamping plates. Thus, the tool, such as the screwdriver, is inserted into the receiving portion of the combination suspension rack easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user's use. In addition, the screwdriver is closely positioned on the receiving portion of the combination suspension rack rigidly and stably, thereby providing an efficient positioning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Sung Min Lee, Yu Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 6923409
    Abstract: A tooth brush holder having a base plate, a rotating cover, and a receptacle therein for receiving a tooth brush. The cover has at least one opening in alignment with the receptacle. The base plate includes facilities for closing the receptacle when the tooth brush is removed so that the user cannot replace the tooth brush until a predetermined time has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Strunk
  • Patent number: 6880794
    Abstract: A universal tool holder for carrying a tool or other article, for example, a cordless drill, nail gun, hammer or shovel is provided comprising a stretchable cord that is formed into a looped end and adapted to be wrapped about the handle of a tool in such a manner that it tightly engages the tool, and a second end having a retainable object, such as a ball, that is configured to be safely and securely held within a retaining receiver. The retaining receiver is in the form of a socket-type receiver configured to correspond to the geometrical shape of the retainable object such it can removably secure the retainable object. The socket-shaped retaining receiver can be incorporated into a variety of articles usefull in carrying and storing tools, including a belt clip, a wall mounting implement or a ladder mounting implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Peter P. Kahn
  • Publication number: 20040245423
    Abstract: The Table Ring is a holder designed to place on table top around a center post or umbrella. The ring would then hold any item from candles, cutlery, swim oil, or even plants. The ring will be made of any material from metal, plastic, glass, pottery, or even ceramic. There is no item as such on the market to compare this item to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: G.C. Harned
  • Publication number: 20040173722
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a storage unit having a holder for securing a storage unit to a surface and a cover attached to the holder is provided. The cover is sized to conceal in whole or in part the storage unit. A method is also provided for securing a storage unit to a surface and concealing in whole or in part the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Michelle Grandy
  • Publication number: 20040129852
    Abstract: A cup holder for retaining a cup on a shopping cart has a ring and a bracket. The ring supports the cup, and is in turn supported by the bracket attached to the shopping cart. Further supports for holding the cup in the cup holder are provided as attachments to the ring or the bracket. The cup holder may be mounted on a wall of the shopping cart, a handle, or may be carried by the individual through the provision of a handle on the bracket or ring. The cup holder contributes to preventing spills and provides a safe and convenient way to transport beverages, especially hot beverages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Giampavolo
  • Patent number: 6719254
    Abstract: An article holder includes a device that is removably securable to a pair of mounting bolts, which secure a handle mounting to a bicycle. The device includes a bracket having a generally planar configuration and having an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A pair of arms is attached to the first side edge. The arms are spaced from each other and each has a free end having one of a pair of protruding members attached thereto. Each of the protruding members generally extends toward each other. The protruding members are positioned such that each of the mounting bolts may be removably extended through one of the protruding members. A cup support is removably attachable to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Beryl Speiser
  • Patent number: 6702245
    Abstract: A bracket that is adapted to attach to a deck rail and hold an umbrella with a long pole similar to the umbrellas that come in patio sets. The bracket is a piece of material with an opening at one end. Within the opening on the bottom of the piece of material, a ring is placed which is adjustable and adapted to tighten against the umbrella's pole. On the other end of the bracket on its bottom side, two L shaped brackets are placed. These two L shaped brackets are spaced a distance equal to the width of a deck rail. On both L shaped brackets, a slot is placed for a belt. The belt contains a buckle that enables the belt to be tightened. To use the bracket one places the deck rail between the two L shaped brackets and then tightens the belt against the deck rail to hold the bracket in place. Then one places the umbrella through the opening and tightens the adjustable ring against the umbrella's pole to hold the umbrella in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: F. Thomas Otterman
  • Patent number: 6667010
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector, the grasping portion having opposed lateral side portions, and the ring having at least one perturbation on an interior diametral dimension. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis such that the lateral side portions are approachable one to another, with each side portion on an opposed side of a plane coaxial with the longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Plastic Design, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 6651946
    Abstract: A cane holder includes a base plate and a gripping element that attaches the holder to an element of a wheelchair. A cane supporting plate is hingeably attached to the base plate and includes a bore, which slidably receives a cane. The cane holder aids in the usage of proper safety precautions. Because of its location, it provides a person with a convenient storage area to put a cane without causing the loss of stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Janet L. Thornton
  • Patent number: 6595377
    Abstract: A tree-shaped potted plant holder (10) including an adjustable length main support unit (11) that comprises an upper tubular support member (30) that is rotatably and telescopically received within a lower tubular support member (20); wherein, both the upper (30) and lower (20) tubular support members are provided with rows (33) (34) and (26) of horizontally arrayed apertures that are dimensioned to receive a plurality of different length support arm members (40) each provided with a split ring pot receiving element (43); and, wherein, the lower tubular support member (20) is further provided with a stabilizing unit (13) for maintaining the main support unit (11) in a vertically upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Thelma Hetu
  • Publication number: 20030057334
    Abstract: In a bracket mounting structure is disclosed for mounting a bracket holding a center bearing of a propeller shaft to a vehicle body member by bolts and nuts. The structure contains a bush collar formed in a cylindrical shape having a flange in an upper end, fitted to the bolts and fixed to the vehicle body member by the bolts and the nuts. It also contains a pair of upper and lower rubber bushes fitted to an outer periphery of the bush collar and gripping the bracket there-between, and a washer provided in a lower end of the lower rubber bush among the rubber bushes. An outer peripheral edge of a lower end of the bush collar extends all through an inner peripheral edge of the washer and is expanded outward in diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Teiji Suka, Masaru Naoi, Kazuhiro Iwano
  • Publication number: 20030031603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Publication number: 20020179794
    Abstract: A disposable female urine sample cup holder for hospital use includes an elongated handle having an end provided with a rectangular sleeve with a rectangular slot at a top thereof, a metal sheath made of a T-shaped metal sheet having an end with two sides folded on a bottom of an end of the handle, another end of the metal sheath being bent to a bottom of the handle to form a U-shaped member for mounting on a toilet bowl seat, a cup holder having a circular end shaped to hold a disposable cup in place, and a rectangular portion containing a foldable protruding tongue located near another end of the cup holder, the rectangular sleeve having an opening at both ends thereof to enable forward and reverse movement of the cup holder so that a user can adjust the cup holder according to her preference for urinating distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Hsuan Yang
  • Patent number: 6488242
    Abstract: The device method of holding a mouth of a bag. The mouth of a bag is drawn through the inside of a hoop, and then is folded around the outside of the hoop. The open edge of the mouth of the bag is positioned below the outside of the hoop. An elastic O-ring is then stretched around the portion of the bag end which overlies the hoop. The O-ring is positioned on the hoop beneath a shelf and is stretched around a lug on a sloping support to hold the bag securely. Triangular openings allow finger insertion to remove the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Francis A. Barriere
  • Patent number: 6464188
    Abstract: A nutrient feeding support apparatus for providing an effective and efficient manner of securing a feeding syringe or tube. The nutrient feeding support apparatus includes a bracket assembly including a first bracket and a second bracket which is removably mounted to the first bracket and which is adapted to be removably mounted to a bed; and also includes a support assembly including an elongate member upon which the first bracket is adjustably and securely mounted, and also including a feeding device support member being securely attached to a top end of the elongate member, and further including a support adapter being removably mounted to the feeding device support member for supporting a feeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: James L. Donovan
  • Publication number: 20020130236
    Abstract: The invention provides a stand for a stemmed drinking implement, such as a wine glass, and in a preferred form provides a stake for insertion into the ground and a support for engaging and supporting the cup of the drinking implement, rather than the base of the drinking implement with the base of the glass raised above the ground. Since the region of support is much nearer to the center of gravity than the base or even above the center of gravity of the drinking implement, the stability of the drinking implement in the stand is much improved compared to merely placing the drinking implement directly on the ground. Provision of a stake permits that the stand can accommodate uneven or sloping ground easily. In one broad form the invention provides a stand for a stemmed glass or the like including a base portion for attachment to or insertion into a relatively stable object and at least one support portion for holding a stemmed glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tracey Anne Swensen
  • Patent number: 6447730
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Michael A. Kuchar
  • Patent number: 6431514
    Abstract: The support ring of the includes an outer mounting bracket that is connected to a fixed bracket by a swivel. The outer mounting bracket pivotly supports a bolt-together collar that rotatably receives an inner collar. The inner collar is designed to tightly clamp onto the tool to be supported. The inner collar and the tool thus rotate inside the outer collar while the outer collar allows the tool to pivot with respect to the bracket. The support ring thus allows the tool to be weightlessly supported in essentially any useful position as if the tool were not supported at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: George B. Ailing
  • Publication number: 20020095881
    Abstract: An end member is joined against axial displacement to a handrail by a lock member that is coupled to a mounting flange portion of the end member against axial movement and for rotation relative to the mounting flange portion. A locking cam portion of the lock member is received in an undercut mounting groove of the handrail and is configured to permit the lock member to be moved axially along the locking groove in an unlocked rotational position relative to the locking groove and to frictionally engage walls of the locking groove in a locked rotational position relative to the locking groove and thereby retain the end member against axial movement relative to the handrail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shreiner
  • Patent number: 6418674
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a line barrier system and method of installing such a system which includes, a plurality of modular supports having a base for mounting to the structure, with the supports having at least one projecting member extending in a fixed position from said base; a fastener for mounting said plurality of modular supports to the structure; and, at least one generally translucent line fixedly attached to said projecting member on more than one of said plurality of modular supports to provide a line barrier between the bird and the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Deraedt
  • Patent number: 6416026
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a device for suspending objects such as fruit. In a specific embodiment, delicate fruit can be suspended from a kitchen fixture such as a cabinet. The device of the subject invention comprises a fixture attachment means, such as a ring for placement over a hook or knob of a cabinet; a fruit attachment means, such as a rigid tube on which bananas, for example, can be placed; and a connection means between the fixture attachment means and the object attachment means, such as a piece of cord or string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Porraro
  • Patent number: 6412740
    Abstract: An adjustable pot supporting device including an adjustable circular band adapted for being positioned below the annular ridge of the small pot. A pair of adjustable brackets are secured to the adjustable circular band. The adjustable brackets are positionable on the upper end of the larger decorative pot to support the small pot within the larger decorative pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Milagros Rush, Gary Rush
  • Publication number: 20020023993
    Abstract: Disclosed are wall mountable accessories which have a bracket with an axial extension and a plate adjacent an inward end of the extension. An escutcheon shrouds the bracket. A recess and projection connection is provided between the plate and escutcheon that restrict relative rotation there between so that the escutcheon can be properly positioned. An accessory, such as a bathroom accessory, is removably linked to the escutcheon adjacent its outer end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Gary A. Fleischmann, Joel T. Smith