And Base Leveling Means Patents (Class 248/346.05)
  • Patent number: 9435626
    Abstract: A fixture apparatus for positioning an optical component has a transparent base. An adjustment plate that is formed from a transparent material is kinematically coupled to the base. Support posts extend from the adjustment plate for seating the optical component. A number of alignment elements extend from the transparent base for aligning one or more edges of the optical component seated on the support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Wesley J Buth, Ying Li, Paul F Novak, Rashid Abdul-Rahman, Kevin Lee Wasson
  • Patent number: 9119757
    Abstract: This invention relates to a self leveling walker to assist persons who have insufficient strength or movement in their legs when standing and walking on uneven surfaces, and for traversing ramps and stairs. The inventive self leveling walker includes a frame assembly with a leveling assembly for adapting the relative length of the four legs of the walker to accommodate a substantially constant level of the walker so that the user may maintain an erect standing posture at all times, without the need to lean forward or back to accommodate uneven surfaces. The invention employs a fluid or gas based circuit between the front and back walker legs on each respective side, so as to shorten or lengthen each front and back leg with respect to each other, thereby maintaining the overall level of the walker on the subject surface being traversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignees: The United States of America as Represented by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Ronald J. Triolo, Thomas C. Bulea
  • Publication number: 20150136932
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an illuminated cupholder assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises an upper portion comprising a lower mating portion forming a first diameter and a base portion comprising an upper mating portion forming a second diameter. A light ring is disposed substantially between the lower mating portion and the upper mating portion in an assembled configuration. The cupholder assembly comprises a photoluminescent portion configured to convert a first wavelength to a second wavelength to illuminate at least a portion of the cupholder assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James Hadley Muiter, Peter Joseph Bejin
  • Publication number: 20150130342
    Abstract: The present invention provides a baseplate that can be retrofit to a file cabinet, furniture, appliances or other large objects to improve a tip resistance of the object to minimize a tipping danger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Ralph Lipsey BARNETT
  • Publication number: 20150102195
    Abstract: A liquid applicator bottle holder that retains any size of a fingernail polish bottle. The holder has a spring loaded top capture ring that is slidably mounted within a tilting, lockable arm that allows the fingernail polish bottle to be stored or used in an angled configuration, The upper surface of the base has grippable, sawtooth non slip surface that is contoured with a central depression so as to grip a portion of the base peripheral edge of the bottle. The device holds a fingernail polish bottle on an angle so that it is easier for the user to get the top applicator in and out of the bottle. It also allows the viscous, expensive fingernail polish to collect at a corner of the bottle so that it can more easily be picked up by the applicator, and is less likely to dry out, therein saving material costs. The holder has a tapered side stand configuration such that other liquid applicator bottle holder may be abutted adjacently so as to form a ring of holders or a nail polish station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Connie Mah
  • Publication number: 20150048099
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a beverage container holder having an inner bottom face constructed and arranged to support beverage container, an upper trim portion space the distance from the inner bottom face, wherein the upper trim portion is constructed arrange to engage a sidewall of the beverage container, the upper trim portion having an upper surface spaced a distance from the inner bottom face of a distance of at least 95 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scott J. Soderberg
  • Publication number: 20150040967
    Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jack Raymond West, Tyrus Hawkes Hudson, Nathaniel Coleman
  • Publication number: 20150034787
    Abstract: Propane Tank Porter simplifies and solves the transit problems associated with domestic propane tank(s). Normally people carry propane tanks in their Car/Truck/SUV trunks. During the transit, they roll due to the motion/breaking of the vehicle and damage the trunk. This causes driver distractions, due to its rolling and bumping actions in the back of the Car/Truck/SUV trunk(s). Additionally it can spoil the trunk mats with the dirt that is sticking to propane tank(s) that naturally occur during the production process. The unique design of this “Propane Tank Porter” solves these problems, with its belted stoppers that sit on the either side of the propane tank (on its side laying position). Left & right stoppers have curved sides that hug the propane tank and small magnets connect the propane tank all the time. Belts are held in position due to gravity and the weight of the propane tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Purna C. Ramini
  • Patent number: 8931648
    Abstract: A horizontal frame support assembly allows a user to raise a frame with an irregular shape from a surface. The horizontal frame support assembly comprises a hub section mechanically coupled to a plurality of arms where each arm is attached to a frame support. Each frame support is configured to receive a portion of the frame with the irregular shape and has sufficient height to lift the frame from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Tam
  • Publication number: 20140354964
    Abstract: There is provided a projector comprising: a polyhedral main body portion made up of a plurality of surfaces which includes a projection unit; and a support plate which has substantially the same size as that of a first surface of the plurality of surfaces of the main body portion and which is detachably attached to the first surface, wherein the support plate has in a substantially central portion a fixing portion to which a second surface of the plurality of surfaces which is smaller than the first surface is fixed, and wherein when the main body portion is placed on the support plate in such a way that the second surface functions as a bottom surface, the second surface of the main body portion is fixed to the fixing portion of the support plate, whereby the main body portion is allowed to stand alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyosuke OGAWA
  • Patent number: 8899249
    Abstract: A lifting device for an umbrella includes a base, a plurality of fixing seats secured on the base, a plurality of movable members each movably mounted in the respective fixing seat, a pressing module movably mounted on the base and pressing the movable members, a threaded rod mounted on the base and connected with the pressing module, and a drive handle connected with the threaded rod. The pressing module includes a driven rod and two pressing rods. Each of the pressing rods is provided with a straight pressing portion that is movable to press the respective movable member and at least one recessed release portion that is movable to receive the respective movable member. Thus, each of the movable members is rotatable freely so that the lifting device is moved on the ground easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Galtech Computer Corp.
    Inventor: Jin-Sheng Lai
  • Patent number: 8893917
    Abstract: An overflow pan for a water heater utilizing recycled material for cost and material efficiency. The overflow pan includes a bottom, a sidewall with an outlet for water drainage therefrom as is standard, a U-shaped lip and a plurality of ribs spaced therearound. The pan bottom includes an exterior surface having a series of regular hexagon shapes, each comprising a concave web for material reduction while retaining integrity and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Russell, David M. Krawiec
  • Patent number: 8850753
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved assembly for facilitating the elevated and leveled placement of a paver surface. Yet further disclosed are related methods of using the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Ramin Tabibnia
  • Publication number: 20140266969
    Abstract: A support apparatus for an inflatable communications antenna system includes a case the size of airline carry-on luggage that is dimensioned to store a deflated antenna and its accompanying power, control and inflation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: William R. Clayton, Paul A. Gierow
  • Patent number: 8668176
    Abstract: There are provided a part fixing structure and a part fixing method to a resin-made fuel tank which can firmly fix a part to a tank wall without the need of providing a molding die with a convex portion and a recess. A part fixing method for fixing a tank-associated part to a tank wall of a resin-made fuel tank, the part being formed together with a pair of hook portions, the method comprising a step of burying the hook portions in the tank wall in a melted state when the resin-made fuel tank is molded, thereby fixing the part to the tank wall after the tank wall is cooled. In order to cause the resin of the tank wall to flow well, a chevron portion having a pair of first inclined faces is projectingly provided at the bottom face of the part between the hook portions, and a second inclined face which is inclined in a direction opposite to the buried direction toward the tip of the hook portion is formed at the bottom face of each hook portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Araya, Kazuhiro Ohtaki, Masahiro Niihori, Wataru Iwase
  • Patent number: 8657243
    Abstract: An operating table has a movable base which is provided with four casters, wherein the casters are each pivotable via a pivot lever. The pivot levers are connected to one another by a common drive and a linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Silvio Marugg
  • Patent number: 8544808
    Abstract: The ventilation support for laptop computers provides support for a laptop computer on an uneven or soft surface to allow improved air circulation for the cooling of the laptop computer. The ventilation support for laptop computers includes a flat, planar panel generally matching the bottom surface dimensions of the laptop computer. A front edge of the panel is hinged to the front edge of the bottom surface of the laptop computer. One or more collapsible support members join a rear portion of the panel to a rear portion of the bottom surface of the laptop computer. The collapsible support members will support the laptop computer above the panel in the open position during use, but readily collapse to allow the panel to be placed into the closed position for storage. The collapsible support member(s) may be rigid and unitary, or articulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: David J. Saad
  • Publication number: 20130221179
    Abstract: A projecting apparatus has an adjusting function to adjust a sub-projecting apparatus. The projecting apparatus includes a projector, a first supporting rack disposed on a side wall of the projector, a first carrying seat disposed on the first supporting rack, an adjusting mechanism disposed on the first supporting rack and connected to the first carrying seat, a second supporting rack disposed on the side wall of the projector, and a second carrying seat pivoting on the second supporting rack. The sub-projecting apparatus is disposed on the first carrying seat and the second carrying seat, the adjusting mechanism is adjusted to move the first carrying seat relative to the first supporting rack, and the first carrying seat drives the sub-projecting apparatus to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Delta Electronics, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8496214
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a printer frame, a media tray frame module disposed below the printer frame, and an anti-tip stability system including two alignment posts mounted substantially diagonally on the media tray frame module. The alignment posts have first surfaces and second surfaces where each second surface makes an acute angle ranging from about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees with a horizontal plane. The alignment posts provide anti-tip stability to the imaging apparatus by engaging with the printer frame when the printer frame is tilted at a first contact angle with respect to the alignment posts due to the application of an external force. The alignment posts also facilitate relatively easy separation of the printer frame from the media tray frame module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dustin Daniel Fichter, Jason Lee Rowe, Edward Lynn Triplett
  • Patent number: 8453391
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved component for apparatus for facilitating the elevated and leveled placement of a paver surface. Also disclosed are apparatus composed of the disclosed component. Yet further disclosed are related methods of use for the component and the apparatus composed of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Ramin Tabibnia
  • Publication number: 20130049561
    Abstract: A mounting system for mounting a bank of storage units in side-by-side relationship above a ground surface includes an elongate member having an elongate top wall, having side edges and at least one leg section extending downwardly from one of the side edges. Each of the at least one leg section includes an elongate flange at a distal end that is contiguous to the ground. The elongate top wall has an elongate dimension between opposed ends for receiving a bank of storage units in side-by-side relationship on an upper surface thereof. The top wall includes attachment members for cooperating with a mounting plate for attaching the bank of storage units in side-by-side relationship to the top wall. The elongate flanges include a plurality of leveling adjuster passages for receiving leveling adjusters therethrough and a plurality of anchor passages for receiving anchoring members therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: PENCO PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Kevin Everett Booth
  • Patent number: 8381435
    Abstract: An adjustable plant pot support for supporting a plant pot on an underlying surface. The support has a substantially rigid body having top and bottom surfaces and an outer perimeter surface. The top surface is adapted to support a portion of the plant pot and the bottom surface is adapted to be seated on the underlying surface. The body has male and female elements that are adapted to be interconnected with the corresponding male and female elements of an additional plant pot support. The supports are vertically stackable and have a retaining wall extending vertically from the top surface to provide a guide against which to place the bottom of the plant pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Austin Rand, Ron Aloni
  • Publication number: 20120193499
    Abstract: A projecting apparatus having an adjusting function includes a projector having an adjusting side; and an adjusting device disposed at the adjusting side and including a rotatable base pivoting on the projector, a moving mechanism disposed on the projector, a fixed mechanism comprising a fixed base, and a fixed component disposed on the fixed base, and an adjusting component connected to the fixed component and the moving mechanism. When the adjusting device is adjusted, the adjusting device drives the projector to rotate about an axial center of the rotatable base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Hsing-Tsung LIN, Lin-Hung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120146474
    Abstract: A positioning base for locating a household appliance in a cabinet is provided. The base has a main body for attaching to a support area of the cabinet; an elevated section attached to the main body, an upper surface of the elevated section being located above the main body; and a plurality of adjustable levelers attached to the upper surface. Each adjustable leveler has a head for supporting the household appliance, and an adjustment portion fixed to the head and movable relative to the upper surface of the elevated section such that movement of the adjustment portion moves the head vertically relative to the upper surface of the elevated section. The head of each of the adjustable levelers provides a resting point for a support point on the household appliance, and each adjustable leveler is adjustable independently of each of the other adjustable levelers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventor: James O'Neal Taylor
  • Patent number: 8087630
    Abstract: A cup holder includes a base having a cup-receiving central portion, a number of cup holding elongated members extending upward around the central portion to hold a cup in place so that it is not overturned or blown away by the wind, and a number of openings extending upward from a lower surface of the base to receive the cup holding elongated members of another, similar cup holder so that the cup holders can be stacked for storage. The cup holder may include a removably attached, downward extending member for attachment to a soft soil surface. In one version, the cup holding elongated members and the openings are tapered, with the openings extending within the cup holding elongated members. In other versions, the openings are placed within the base in patterns similar to the pattern of the cup holding elongated members, with the patterns being spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Zoya, Inc.
    Inventor: Loren Michael Matthews
  • Patent number: 7905465
    Abstract: A shimless aligner for insertion between a machine foot and base to align the foot relative to the base, which foot and base are secured together by a hold-down bolt extending between the foot and base. The aligner includes, a top plate having a slanted bottom surface, a taper wedge having a slanted top surface slidably engaging the slanted bottom surface of the top plate and further having a vertical alignment rod extending substantially laterally, a bottom plate below the taper wedge, and a back plate attached substantially perpendicularly at one end of the bottom plate. For receiving the hold-down bolt, the top and bottom plates have a corresponding hole, while the taper wedge has a slot. Said back plate has a hole for the vertical alignment rod to slidably engage the hole thereby preventing rotation of the taper wedge during vertical alignment operations and preserving bent foot corrections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Softway Industrial Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Abdul Gaffar Mohammad Anwar
  • Patent number: 7794243
    Abstract: A ground connector including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first member with a threaded post, a second member pivotably connected to the first member, and a pusher on the first member. The second member includes a stepped surface configured to be engaged by the pusher to clamp a pedestal directly between the first and second members. The second section is movably located on the threaded post and configured to directly contact and clamp a conductor towards the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Burndy Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Rzasa, Peter M. Wason
  • Patent number: 7748682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pedestal stand for a laundry treatment machine (1) such as a washing machine, a washer dryer or a tumble dryer, having a housing (3) which comprises a supporting plate (6), side walls (5), front frame (25) [sic; (26)] and a rear wall plus a bottom plate (8) with bearing feet (9), whereby the supporting plate (6) has holes (12) into which threaded stud bolts (11) attached to the underside of the laundry treatment machine (1) can be inserted and screwed down. Within the housing (3), a stud bolt (14) is arranged on the essentially vertical axis (A) between the openings (12) in the supporting plate (6) and the bearing feet (9) on the bottom plate (8) of the housing (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Hunke, Jörg Kempe
  • Patent number: 7717379
    Abstract: A furniture balancing pad stabilizes a furniture piece having an uneven leg base or support surface. The furniture balancing pad comprises a biscuit portion having a top surface, a substantially flat bottom surface, and side walls. A flexible stabilization cushion having a central cushion thickness is attached to the top surface of the biscuit to form an outer perimeter shelf extending horizontally and adjacently in relation to the flexible stabilization cushion and adjacent to the side walls of the biscuit. This shelf acts as a support lip for the furniture piece. The outer perimeter shelf of the biscuit includes a perimeter thickness, or height, and a shelf depth. The flexible stabilization cushion and the biscuit may be constructed as a unitary pad. As arranged, the flexible stabilization cushion and the outer perimeter shelf of the biscuit level and buttress the uneven leg base or uneven surface when the furniture balancing pad is slid under the furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: June Seley Kimmel
  • Publication number: 20090178441
    Abstract: A laundry assembly is provided. The laundry assembly includes a pedestal, a washer on the pedestal, and a dryer on the pedestal, in which the washer is adjacent to the dryer in a horizontal plane, and a longitudinal extent of the pedestal is parallel to the horizontal plane of the washer and the dryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Paige Detrick, Huiyu Fang, Andreas Hanau, Robert Douglas Willhoit
  • Patent number: 7481169
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling an object with respect to a support surface. The apparatus includes a top portion that defines a planar surface. The top portion transitions into or is connected with a base. The base is foldable with respect to the top portion, and a free end portion of the base is removably securable to the top portion at one of a plurality of positions to adjust a height of the base and maintain the planar surface level with respect to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Fritz Larson
  • Publication number: 20090014622
    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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: William H. Merritt, Jeffrey A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7344036
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rack including fingers which are pivotally mounted so that when an actuator is moved to an extended condition the fingers will simultaneously move to an extended position approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the rack so that items may be placed thereon for uses such as drying. The fingers are pivotally attached to the actuator so that, upon movement to a retracted position, the fingers will pivot downward and to a retracted position below the upper surface providing a flat rack that is easily stored. The rack also includes a liquid indicator for identifying whether liquid is present within a base of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Goeran Jerstroem, Boris Kontorovich, Alec Drummond, Arsenio Garcia Monsalve, Sally Bernadine Rumble, Steven Dibdin, Conor P. McNamara
  • Patent number: 7328879
    Abstract: A bearing washer is inserted into a horizontally elongated recess formed within the top flat surface of an upper tapered wedge of a support assembly through which equipment is adjustably positioned on a foundation. The upper wedge is vertically and horizontally adjusted in slidingly positioned contact with a lower tapered wedge along inclined surfaces within a recess formed therein before attachment of the tapered wedges to each other by horizontal fastener bolts extending through the upper wedge and the lower wedge. In such adjusted position of the wedges, a convex surface on the inserted bearing washer is in contact with a concave surface within a recess formed in the top surface of the upper wedge to support the equipment in close spaced relationship thereabove. Slidable adjustment of the wedges is limited by a recess shoulder in the lower tapered wedge to avoid excessive loading of the fastener bolts under severe shock and vibration conditions imposed on the equipment positioned on the foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Gus F. Plangetis
  • Patent number: 7275724
    Abstract: A laptop computer support platform including a rigid, multilayered assembly with a thermal insulator disposed between a generally planar upper side and a lower side defined by the assembly for reducing heat transference from a computer adapted to be supported on the upper side of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey N. Ward
  • Patent number: 7275730
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the height of an arrangement 2 relative to a mounting surface 3 is disclosed. Height-adjusting device 1 is designed so that during height adjustment no friction takes place as a result of rotation of the contact sites of the height-adjusting devices 1 with the mounting surface 3. Height-adjusting device 1 consists of a rotary wheel 8, a socket 9 and a foot 11. The height adjustment of rotary wheel 8 and foot 11 relative to the stationary socket 9 occurs in telescopic manner. Height-adjusting device 1 is designed so that the foot 11 undergoes a displacement twice as large as does rotary wheel 8. A support (30) for an optical system is provided with several height-adjusting devices 1 connected with the bottom 5 of a base 31 of the support 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Bender
  • Patent number: 7255316
    Abstract: A support device selectively disposed between a floor surface and a lower surface of distal end of a cantilever toilet in which a base defines a surface oriented at an oblique angle relative to a horizontal plane and with a guide rail attached to an upper portion of the base substantially parallel to the upper surface. A traveler operatively engaged to the guide member moves on the upper surface for selective positioning to bear against a lower surface of a cantilever toilet. A method of supporting a cantilever toilet is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy J. Popadics
  • Patent number: 7204348
    Abstract: An assembly arrangement for a lift construction supports the lift drive at the upper end of both a support column and lift cage and counterweight guide rails, allowing the lift drive load to be transferred to the floor of the lift by each of the supporting members. The support of the lift drive upon the rails may be accomplished through setting screws that allow the load applied to the rails to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Hanspeter Bloch, Mario Heggli, Roland Delvento
  • Patent number: 7131618
    Abstract: The invention comprises a ring-shaped support base comprising a first outer skirt portion supporting a second inner ring portion extending upwardly from the first outer skirt portion. The second inner ring portion is adapted to slidably engage a base ring attached to the bottom of a gas cylinder, and is provided with a chamfered lip adapted to supportably communicate with the bottom of the cylinder. The support base can be fixedly attached to the base ring through threaded fasteners extending through the second inner ring and the cylinder base ring or a plurality of detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Steven J. Berry, Marianne E. Berry
  • Patent number: 7070667
    Abstract: Tiles are installed on a vertical wall by employing an elongate, straight device that includes a spirit level. The device is positioned in overlying relation to the wall and rotated until it is horizontal as indicated by the spirit level. A plurality of longitudinally spaced and vertically staggered slots is formed in the device. Each slot receives a fastener so that the device can be secured to studs behind the wall. A row of tile supported by the device is then installed on the wall. The fasteners are removed after the tile installation is complete so that the device can be moved and re-used. Opposite ends of the device are configured to releasably engage a device of the same structure so that multiple devices can be linked together. An alternative embodiment is notched along its extent to provide utility in the context of convex and concave walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Mark E Kirby
  • Patent number: 6997424
    Abstract: A device for lifting an item such as an article of furniture to gain access underneath for performing a variety of tasks. The device comprises a horizontal actuating beam attached via a hinge member to one or more horizontal support beams that are affixed to the object frame. The horizontal actuating beam is also connected to the one or more horizontal support beams by one or more biasing members. The horizontal actuating beam includes a pivoting axle at one end that is attached to the one or more horizontal support beams and a wheel at the other end that presses downward on a surface and acts as a support point when the front of the object is raised up off of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ronald Neil Atkinson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6981680
    Abstract: Weights are provided for the legs of tents or display stands to stabilize the tents or stands. Each weight comprises one or more plates which may be stacked upon one another and secured by fasteners extending through aligned holes in the plates. Additional holes in the plates are adapted to receive another fastener extending through a foot on the leg to secure the leg to the weight. The weights may include leveling legs on the bottom plate to accommodate uneven or sloped terrain. Carrying handles are attached or formed in the plates. The weights are flat and provide a low profile to prevent accidental tripping over the weights and to minimize storage and transportation space of the weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: Cindy S. Gordon, Clarence H. Rail, Clyde T. Rail
  • Patent number: 6527241
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus adapted to angle and space a laptop computer above a surface. The apparatus is a laptop stand and comprises a concave member having a first portion and a second portion adapted to receive a laptop computer. The first portion is at a height which is substantially higher than the second portion so as angle the laptop as it lies atop the stand. The invention cantilevers the laptop to advantageously cool the laptop at a greater rate than if the laptop were directly in contact with a surface, such as a desk top, and, simultaneously, provides laptop users with a more user-friendly angle from which to operate the laptop keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Mobility Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Lord
  • Patent number: 6511282
    Abstract: An earthquake resistant frame structure which is shippable in a fully populated condition has abase member, a plurality of support members extending from the base member, a top portion disposed over the ends of the support members, a extension member disposed over the top portion, side stiffeners positioned perpendicularly between the support members, and a tie down assembly system positioned between the base member and a flooring surface. The extension member has a platform section and at least two legs depending substantially perpendicularly therefrom that slidingly engage the support members. The two legs have slots therethrough configured to receive fasteners that, when secured to support members, secure and maintain the extension member in position. First and second panels protrude laterally from the frame structure to form an extension area, from which a bracket hingedly depends. A variety of pin arrangements are used to prevent the removal of the bracket from the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Budy D. Notohardjono, John S. Corbin, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Howard P. Welz
  • Patent number: 6467746
    Abstract: A support structure including a turntable, support platform, and a set of ramps. The ramps and support platform provide support for a vehicle such as a motorcycle, snowmobile, or the like. The entire apparatus swivels by means of the turntable at 360°, and the apparatus also has a set of retractable wheels which enable the apparatus to be rolled across a horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Paskiewicz
  • Patent number: 6357590
    Abstract: A rectangular container base for a container for supporting a plastic liner bag for housing a liquid, includes a side panel coupling device on the container base so that four interconnectable side panels are able to be erected on the container base, respectively, adjacent edges of the base. A support panel tilting element, housed in the container base for tilting a liner bag support panel when overlying the container base, is included, and a support panel tilting device is provided with a floor panel lifter disposed adjacent one edge of the rectangular container base. The floor panel lifter has an operative position above an upper face of the container base and an inoperative position below the upper face. A resilient floor panel lifter biassing device urges the floor panel lifter to the operative position, with a floor panel lifter retaining device, for releasably retaining the floor panel lifter in the inoperative position against an action of the resilient floor panel lifter biassing device being provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Ladislav Stephan Karpisek