Coaster Or Caster Cup Patents (Class 248/346.11)
  • Publication number: 20030168565
    Abstract: A urinal drink coaster is a lightweight apparatus with a rigid body member formed from a lightweight, easily molded plastic material forming a cylinder with an interior wall dividing the cylinder in half. There are raised squares which the drink rest on and groves to allow drainage of liquid. The drink coaster is placed over the flushing devise on the urinal. The purpose for this coaster is to secure drinks while in the restroom as well as displaying advertisement on the circumference of the drink coaster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Nick Frank Casiello
  • Patent number: 6596374
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for removably securing a wide variety of objects to different surfaces utilizing a partial vacuum. The device includes flexible material comprising one or more opening(s), wherein each opening is capable of forming a continuous seal with a portion of an object and the remaining material is capable of forming a continuous seal with a surface. The size of the opening and the size of the material can vary within the constraints that adequate material remains surrounding the opening to enable a continuous seal to be formed with a surface when an object is inserted into the opening. The device is used by inserting an object into an opening, thereby forming a continuous seal between the object and the opening and pressing the device against a surface, displacing air to create a partial vacuum in a manner that causes a continuous seal to form between the flexible material and the attachment surface, thereby removably securing the object to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: 3849953 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Adjeleian
  • Publication number: 20030122050
    Abstract: A substantially flat, generally circular coaster made of a material that can absorb and/or prevent transmission of moisture is designed to receive the enlarged base of stemware and to be carried with the stemware, so that the coaster is always in position and ready for use without any handling of the coaster being required by the user after the coaster is initially placed in position on the base of the stemware. The coaster has a bottom portion and a top portion joined at their periphery to define a hollow cavity in which the base of the stemware is received. The top portion is provided with shaped slots or cuts so that the base of the stemware can be inserted through the top portion and into the hollow cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the coaster is made of an attractive fabric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Nancy Dauer
  • Patent number: 6585213
    Abstract: An article of furniture foot elevational spacer in the form of a carpet pile shield (10) comprises a generally rectangularly shaped hollow dual sided foot support (12) and a spacer leg configuration constituting a plurality of legs formations as provided by legs (14) ending with spiked opposite ends (16). The legs (14) fit adjustably and removably along threaded apertures (18). The one end (16.1) of each leg (14) is more acute than the opposite end (16.2) to enable the shield (10) to accommodate two pile thicknesses. The upward facing parts of the legs (14) perform a boundary defining function in bordering the seating area (12.2) of the support (12) to constrain the foot (22) of an item resting on it, once in use. The support (12) is also fitted with a foot dismounting counteracting finger (24) fitting screw-fashion along a centrally located threaded aperture (26) in the support (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Josua Olivier
  • Patent number: 6578809
    Abstract: A flexible grip, the right materials and a reusable and environmentally friendly molded, injected, sprayed, layered or painted coating an ultimately consumer friendly apparatus, having memory, absorbency and low cost can be offered for consideration. According to a preferred embodiment, FLEX GRIP® apparatus, system and method functions with articles including any and all beverage containers to mitigate and/or preclude undesired transmission of liquids by selectively absorbing the same in an open celled medium bordered by a waterproofed layer. In a particularly preferred embodiment dimensional sizing is featured to fixingly and matingly engage, and completely cover a bottom-portion and selected side portions of, for example, a pint glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent A. Dimella
  • Patent number: 6575414
    Abstract: A bed lifting system utilizing a unitary block having bed leg receiving cavities, each of different depth, on reversable top and bottom sides of the block. One of these sides has four round cylindrical bore holes for stably supporting a bed leg (with or without a small wheel) at each of four different elevations. The other side has four cavities shaped to support a large bed leg wheel at each of four elevations. Extension blocks are provided for fitting over the unitary block to further raise the bed leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Cuzzocrea
  • Publication number: 20030094554
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for interconnecting a caster plate of a wheeled caster to a bottom surface of an object. The bracket includes a mounting plate that extends along an axis. A first guide track extends along the lower surface of the mounting plate adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. The first guide track has an upper surface for receiving the caster plate thereon, and first and second open ends. A second guide track extends along the lower surface of the mounting plate adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. The second guide track has an upper surface for receiving the caster plate thereon, and first and second open ends. It is contemplated for the caster plate to be slidably positioned on the upper surfaces of the first and second guide tracks from either the first ends of the first and second guide tracks or the second ends of the first and second guide tracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Richard D. Bushey
  • Patent number: 6540190
    Abstract: A sturdy and non-marking standoff is inserted between a piece of furniture and a supporting surface and comprises a platform supported by a plurality of radially extending, non-marking vanes. When supporting furniture over wet carpet, the carpet is permitted to dry due to air spaces formed between the vanes and between the carpet and the platform. Preferably, an upstanding rim is added about the perimeter of the platform for cooperating with additional standoffs to enable stacking; the vanes of one standoff being laterally constrained by the rim of an adjacent and lower stackable standoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Sadruddin Keshavjee
  • Publication number: 20030034430
    Abstract: With the use of an absorbent pad in a plastic coster body we are able to wick away condensation from the bottom of a drinking vessel and in doing so will reduce or eliminate a mess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Terry Lee Hailey, George Andrew Beard
  • Patent number: 6513281
    Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Ernest H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6513280
    Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Ernest H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6511031
    Abstract: A removable docking station (20) disposed on a coffee mug or liquid container (22) for increasing surface stability and, when separated, to allow use of the coffee mug or liquid container in a vehicle cup holder. The docking station includes an integral flat base (24) with a cavity (28) on the inside and a number of partial female threads (34) protruding outwardly from vertical walls (30) formed in the cavity. The base is snapped onto the coffee mug or liquid container forming its integral substructure. A docking station body (36) having a bottom larger in surface area than the flat base is configured to mate with the flat base on the container. This body has a top recess (42) with a raised pedestal (46) inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 6510648
    Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Ernest H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6508477
    Abstract: A one piece, lightweight, compressed gas module designed for easy loading, unloading and transport to and from automobiles, aircraft, etc. as well as easy transport across a variety of terrains including floors, asphalt, and other surfaces. The compressed gas module includes a pressure vessel and frame wherein the frame includes a vertical member and horizontal members extending perpendicular to the vertical member at opposing ends of the vertical member. The pressure vessel includes polar ends wherein each polar end includes a boss for rigidly engaging a respective horizontal member whereby the pressure vessel forms a load bearing component of the module in combination with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Jerald S. Burkett
  • Patent number: 6505433
    Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Ernest H. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20030001061
    Abstract: The invention is a turning coaster consisted by two disks folding together, which offers the brainstorming game for entertainment. The patterned stickers on each surface of the disks may form various patterns by turning and present many kinds of look, which may improve the visual effect and reach the purpose of promotion. This design does not only make the best use of the coaster, but also produce higher added values. In addition, this invention can also used for other purposes, such as coaster, brainstorming game, stationery, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: I Fen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20020190179
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a resilient glide for a chair's leg for minimizing the noise that normally occurs when a chair is moved along a floor. The glide comprises a flexible element with a small contact area against the floor in order to minimize friction. The flexible element comes off from a contact surface for the chair's leg arranged in a sleeve intended to surround the leg and is forming an integral part of said sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Jan Rydell, Tomas Eriksson
  • Patent number: 6484437
    Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest H. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20020166735
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a wheeled device such as a shopping cart is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a body having a pair of spaced stops with an intermediate trough. In use, the wheels of the cart are rolled along an upwardly extending face of one of the stops, over the stop and into the trough between the stops. In one embodiment, advertising is located on the surfaces of one or more of the stops. In one embodiment the apparatus includes an LCD display located on one of the faces and a control system for presenting advertising and other information using the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Scheffer
  • Publication number: 20020162934
    Abstract: A urinal coaster affixed to an upper portion of a plumbing fixture of a urinal. The coaster includes a planar section affixed to a top of the plumbing fixture by an elastomeric attachment section surrounding the upper portion of the plumbing fixture. A beverage container may be positioned on top of the planar section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Cameron Dawson
  • Publication number: 20020134903
    Abstract: A removable docking station (20) disposed on a coffee mug or liquid container (22) for increasing surface stability and, when separated, to allow use of the coffee mug or liquid container in a vehicle cup holder. The docking station includes an integral flat base (24) with a cavity (28) on the inside and a number of partial female threads (34) protruding outwardly from vertical walls (30) formed in the cavity. The base is snapped onto the coffee mug or liquid container forming its integral substructure. A docking station body (36) having a bottom larger in surface area than the flat base is configured to mate with the flat base on the container. This body has a top recess (42) with a raised pedestal (46) inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 6439529
    Abstract: The pizza support employs three holes in its platform to allow for stacking of two or more pizza supports, one on top of the other. This provides a reduction in the volume of the pizza supports and a cost savings in both storage and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Wong
  • Patent number: 6422525
    Abstract: A stand having pedestals for providing a support for a pumpkin being carved and/or displayed. The stand also protects an underlying surface from juices and debris discharged from the pumpkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sheerlund Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McAdam, Emerson M. Reyner, II
  • Publication number: 20020079411
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for promoting posture and for providing support and a combination of the device and a sitting structure, such as a chair. The device comprises a multi-level riser of unibody construction that includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of perimeter sides. The first surface has a first hole that is defined therein and the second surface has a second hole that is defined therein. At least one raised surface is positioned inside each of the first hole and the second hole and each raised surface can have a different depth measurement with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Andrei Pricope
  • Patent number: 6405982
    Abstract: A sliding support for a legged article, such as an article of furniture, that can be attached to the article without the need for a separate fastener. The support will not become dislodged if the article of furniture is moved, can be reused many times, and will not damage the legs of the furniture. The support includes a resilient element for gripping the legs of an article of furniture and a slidable element for contact with the floor. The interengagement of the two elements assures that the support will not become dislodged as the article is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Magic Sliders, LP
    Inventor: Madi Ferencz
  • Patent number: 6386331
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a wheeled device such as a shopping cart is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a body having a bottom surface for engaging a support surface and a top surface defining at least one first stop having a first face and a second face, the first face sloping upwardly from the bottom surface towards the rear face and defining a leading edge positioned near the support surface, an apex provided between the first and second faces, the second face sloping downwardly from the apex, and at least one securing element for securing the cart securing structure to the support surface. In use, the wheels of a cart are rolled over the sloping first face into engagement with the second face. In another embodiment of the invention, the body defines first and second stops having a trough positioned therebetween and the wheels of a cart are rolled over a sloping surface of the first stop into engagement with the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald L. Scheffer
  • Publication number: 20020053572
    Abstract: An elongated bar rail mat having a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated, resilient members that cooperate with each other to form fluid damping chambers therebetween while supporting a wet glass thereon with the spaced-apart, elongated, resilient members cooperating with each other to provide a longitudinal stability to the bar rail mat to enable one to empty the contents of the bar rail mat without the bar rail mat collapsing and accidentally spilling the contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: DONALD T. NORDVIK
  • Patent number: 6378242
    Abstract: A holder for isolating an article from a surface is comprised of a receiving member for retaining an article in a position removed from a surface. A crawling arthropod-deterring component is applied at least adjacent to lower periphery of the receiving member. A base situated below the receiving member supports and stabilizes the receiving member and distributes a load applied by the retained article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventor: Ernest H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6367748
    Abstract: Desktop mobility is provided for a desktop electronic device by at least one mobility assembly to translate the desktop electronic device from a first position to a second position on a desktop. The mobility assembly(s) may be integral with a housing of the desktop electronic device, connected to the desktop electronic device, or combined with a platform used to provide mobility for the desktop electronic device. The mobility assembly(s) include at least one primary revolving member and at least three secondary revolving members in contact therewith, The primary and secondary revolving members may be spherically or cylindrically shaped, independently. The mobility assembly(s) may be selectably engaged with and disengaged from the desktop. Additionally, various braking mechanisms may be selectably applied to restrict movement of the desktop electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: SolVisions Technologies Int'l
    Inventors: Gary B Solomon, Mark B Solomon
  • Publication number: 20010040206
    Abstract: A sliding support for a legged article, such as an article of furniture, that can be attached to the article without the need for a separate fastener. The inventive support will not become dislodged if the article of furniture is moved, can be reused many times, and will not damage the legs of the furniture. The support includes a resilient element for gripping the legs of an article of furniture and a slidable element for contact with the floor. The interengagement of the two elements assures that the support will not become dislodged as the article is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: LIEBERMAN & NOWAK, LLP
    Inventor: MADI FERENCZ
  • Patent number: 6290194
    Abstract: A retention apparatus is provided for mounting a blower unit for an air mattress to a bed frame member. The blower unit retention apparatus includes a pair of retention brackets, each including a U-shaped member having a base portion and a pair of outwardly projecting arms defining a slot for receiving the bed frame member. A locator pin is configured for insertion through oppositely disposed openings formed in the projecting arms of each of the retention brackets for securing the bed frame member between the locator pins and the respective base portions. An upstanding post is mounted to each of the two retention brackets for reception in a corresponding opening in the blower unit housing to secure the blower unit housing to the bed frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Chaconas, James R. Stolpmann, Jonathan H. Mueller, Gary W. Ferdon, Roger D. Dalton
  • Patent number: 6234439
    Abstract: An illuminated cup holder assembly (10,10′) generally includes an elongated waveguide (12,12′), a cup holder bottom portion (14,14′), and a cup holder top portion (16,16′). The cup holder bottom portion (14,14′) includes a waveguide support (22,22′) disposed above a base (18,18′), with at least a portion of the waveguide (12,12′) disposed on the waveguide support. The cup holder top portion (16,16′) includes a shield (24,24′) extending over the waveguide (12,12′). This assembly (10,10′) splits the cup holder in two wherein the two pieces (14,14′ and 16,16′) create a pocket to hold the waveguide (12,12′) in place. In other words, the top and bottom portions (14,14′ and 16,16′) sandwich the waveguide (12,12′) into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Steven Townsend, James Burr Anderson, George Robert Hulse
  • Patent number: 6219882
    Abstract: The glide assembly is constructed with a shell which includes a circumferential flange which is crimped around a base which further includes an impact pad therewithin. The shell further includes the male portion of a ball joint with a relatively small aperture at a central portion thereof. A ferrule includes a cup shaped portion for receiving a furniture leg. The base of the ferrule includes the female portion of a ball joint with a relatively large aperture at a central portion thereof. A rivet swivelably attaches the male portion of the ball joint from the shell to the female portion of the ball from the ferrule. A washer/retainer engaged by the rivet accommodates the relatively large aperture of the ferrule while maintaining the swivel relationship. The cup of the ferrule engages an inside-holding or an outside-holding clip for engaging the leg of a piece of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Olson
  • Patent number: 6206424
    Abstract: A furniture slide for moving furniture over a floor surface and also serving to provide foam drying blocks under the furniture for placement on wet carpet surfaces. The furniture slide of the present invention includes a sheet of material having a convex bottom base for sliding on a floor surface and further includes compressible material that is adhered to the top face of the sheet for support contact with the furniture to be moved. This compressible material is precut whereby a plug of the compressible material may be readily removed therefrom to provide a cavity in the compressible material. Then a slightly thicker Styrofoam drying block, which is dimensioned for insertion into this cavity, is inserted into the cavity. The drying block has an upper surface with a sticky adhesive so that the drying block sticks and remains adhered to the supported furniture when the remainder of the furniture slide is removed. The slide sheet is further provided with an upturned perimeter edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Donald J. Edwards, Donald V. Edwards