Top Patents (Class 248/452)
  • Patent number: 11852280
    Abstract: A fixing device for a portable electronic device includes: a base including a main body, the main body including a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the main body further including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to each other; a flip frame having one end pivotally connected to the first end, and the flip frame further including a holding portion for holding an electronic device, the flip frame is pivoted to the main body through a pivoting unit; two swivel members each including a pivoting end; and the base further includes two rotating seats, and one end of each of the two rotating seats is locked to the pivoting unit, and the pivoting ends of the two swivel members is pivotally disposed to the two rotating seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: E-LEAD ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Stephen Chen
  • Patent number: 11595073
    Abstract: A support system which allows for the use and mounting of a smart phone, or similar electronic device, in a variety of ways. The support system may be adapted to function as a hand grip while supporting the smart phone during image acquisition, or while watching images on the smart phone. In another configuration, the support system may be adapted to attach to the user's belt. In another configuration, the support system may function as a support stand. In another configuration, the support system may be mounted on a tripod. The support system may include a kit of parts which allow for the modification of support accessories to allow for different configurations. The support system may include a removable shutter which may actuate the camera functions via wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Vitec Imaging Solutions S.P.A.
    Inventor: Noah Balmer
  • Patent number: 11583076
    Abstract: A baby carrier storage assembly is provided. The assembly includes a base bracket with first and second elongate support members in overlapping arrangements with first and second telescoping support members, respectively, configured with the bracket on opposing sides. Attachment mechanisms are coupled to the top ends of the first and second elongate support members, and holding mechanisms are coupled to the lower ends of the first and second telescoping support members. The attachment mechanisms are adapted to attach the assembly to a separate structure, e.g., to the top of a door, and the holder mechanisms are adapted to attach a baby carrier to the baby carrier storage assembly. The length of the baby carrier storage assembly may be adjusted by setting the position of the first and second telescoping members with respect to the position of the first and second elongate support members, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Arthur Demoine Kinney
  • Patent number: 11363882
    Abstract: A reading book stand mainly comprises a base plate (1) and a support plate (2) and a clamp (3). An intersecting line divides a length (L) of the base plate into two parts (L1) and (L2). A reading angle (A) is not less than 90 degrees. This is applicable for a book in which the vertical forward direction of text on pages having the text of the main text part is nearly perpendicular to the spine of the book and points toward the fore edge of the book that is nearly parallel to the spine of the book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Xiaochuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 11284716
    Abstract: A reading stand contains: a body and a support pedestal. The body includes an accommodation space, a peripheral frame, multiple orifices, two central hanging orifices, a reinforcement rib, two opposite second recesses, and four shock absorbers arranged on four corners of an outer periphery of the peripheral frame respectively. The stand is hollow and is formed in a rectangle shape. The support pedestal includes two extensions arranged on two opposite long sides thereof respectively, and the support pedestal includes two non-slip parts covered on the two extensions individually. One of the two extensions of the support pedestal is engaged with the two opposite first recesses or the two opposite second recesses so as to change a readable angle of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Jui-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 11147368
    Abstract: A notebook computer leg support apparatus for securing a notebook computer on one leg includes a base and a pair of foldable legs coupled to the base. Each leg is hingingly coupled to the base left side and the base right side, respectively, and moves between an extended position substantially perpendicular to the base and a folded position adjacent a base bottom side. The legs in the extended position are configured to receive a user's thigh therebetween. An arm has an arm proximal end hingingly coupled to the base backside adjacent the base top side, an arm distal end, an arm left edge, an arm right edge, an arm inner side, and an arm outer side. The arm distal end is hooked and configured to secure a screen of a notebook computer. The arm moves between a use position and a store position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Merle Vandersluis
  • Patent number: 11060655
    Abstract: An adjustable stand for mobile devices includes a board-like body, and a first holding unit and a second holding unit. The first holding unit is movable between the upper end and the bottom end of the body. The second holding unit is movable between the left side and the right side of the body. Two lateral members are respectively connected to the left side and the right side of the body. A support includes a bar with two arms extending from two ends of the bar. Each arm has a connector and two connectors are pivotably connected to the left and right sides of the body. The bar can be put on a desk top. The mobile device is positioned by the first and second holding units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Autoland Scientech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 11028960
    Abstract: Holding gear for temporarily fixing a plate-shaped object, in particular a tablet computer, having a first holder which includes a coupling arrangement for connection to a supporting gear and a first receiving section for a positive reception at least in two spatial directions of a first narrow side of the plate-shaped object, and having a second holder, which has a second receiving section for receiving a second narrow side of the plate-shaped object in a form-fitting manner at least in two spatial directions, and further including a flexibly designed traction belt which is connected to the first holder and the second holder and which is designed for transmitting traction force between the first holder and the second holder for fixing the plate-shaped object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SACS GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Birk, Oliver Dratius, Rolf Kuhm
  • Patent number: 10813451
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a mobile device is collapsible and configurable in multiple degrees of freedom. The apparatus includes a mobile device support body, a base, a stand, a support arm, and a clamp. The stand is pivotably and/or rotatably coupled to the mobile device support body and pivotably coupled to the base. The support arm is releasably coupled to the stand and pivotably coupled to the base. The clamp is slidingly coupled to the base. The size of the mobile device support body is adjustable to receive a mobile device having different sizes and orientations. The length of the stand and the support arm can be adjusted to set a height and an angle of the mobile device support body. The mobile device support body can be rotatable to allow the mobile device support body to face backwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Hypnap LLC
    Inventors: Chloe Hill, HyukJae Henry Yoo, John Lonczak
  • Patent number: 10716395
    Abstract: A multipurpose holder designed for books, electronic devices, and fine art. It is comprised of a solid back and durable base that can support large items. An adjustable rear back support is held in place by an oval-shaped ring and tightened with screws. A rear back support allows for inclination of the multipurpose holder. Two feet provide stabilization. Two hinges hold a magnetic swinging visor in place and the visor can be placed in the upward or the downward position. When the visor is in the downward position, a built-in storage embodiment is easily accessible. The storage embodiment has an exterior box and interior compartment. There are hooks at the back and magnetic components at the front to allow for the attachment of accessories. It is light in weight and has handles that make it easy to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Estrella Bedania Partlow
  • Patent number: 10565902
    Abstract: A display panel support and a support assembly are provided. The display panel support includes a base, a pillar support, a first clamping assembly, and a second clamping assembly. The pillar support is detachably mounted to the base. The first clamping assembly is disposed on the pillar support. The first clamping assembly includes a first clamping plate and a first adjusting member. The first adjusting member is used for mounting the first clamping plate to the pillar support and adjusting a distance between the first clamping plate and the pillar support. The second clamping assembly is disposed at a bottom end of the pillar support. The second clamping assembly includes a second clamping plate and a second adjusting member. The second adjusting member is used for mounting the second clamping plate to the pillar support and adjusting a distance between the second clamping plate and the pillar support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: HKC Corporation Limited, Chongqing HKC Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wenqiang Bao
  • Patent number: 9999296
    Abstract: A laptop PC stand is disclosed, comprising: a carrier unit, an extension unit and a rotation support unit; the carrier unit and the extension unit being arranged side by side to form a platform carrying a laptop PC, the carrier unit having a placement surface with a partial area concave and forming a housing space, and a first side and a second side; the extension unit being adjacent to the second side, being disposed with a plurality of tracks extending into the carrier unit, and disposed with at least a stop block, the stop block standing on the extension unit when flipped; the rotation support unit coupled to the first side, and after rotation, being located inside the housing space or standing on the first side; the rotation support unit having a first clamping element and a second clamping element, able to move towards the same or opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Eagle Fan
  • Patent number: 9844256
    Abstract: Mounting apparatus useable with instruments and mobile electronic devices are disclosed which may contain a base structure, an upper support structure and an intermediate member. The base structure may contain a lyre clip attachment plate configured to attach to a lyre clip, which may in turn be connected to a musical instrument such as a wind instrument. The upper support structure and the base structure may both be configured to be pinned in a fixed position along the intermediate member in a manner that can accommodate a significant variety of mobile electronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Tonal Innovation LLC
    Inventor: Garrett Kessling
  • Patent number: 9364079
    Abstract: A folding keyboard height extender with a top plate, a bottom plate, and a right and left side hinged side arrangements. Each hinged side arrangements has an upper plate and a lower plate that are hinged to each other and between the left and right side edges of the top and bottom plates. A folding shear lock plate is hingeably attached to an underside of the top plate. In a first extended state, the right and left side hinged side arrangements form tall and straight walls, and the shear lock plate is swung down perpendicular to the top bottom plates and to the right and side hinged side arrangements. In a second lowered state, the upper and lower plates of the right and left side hinged side arrangements fold out away from the top and bottom plates lay flat against each other, and the shear lock plate is folded up and is sandwiched between the top plate and bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Thaddeus Brennan
  • Patent number: 9016640
    Abstract: A stationary base with at least two door shrouds extending from a tower portion. The tower portion has at least one groove communicating with a groove guide. An actuating housing is attached to the groove guide and connected to at least one force member positioned between the base and the actuating housing. At least one containment door is positioned in a door groove adjacent each door shroud. Each containment door communicates with the actuating housing with at least one guide pin positioned in a guide slot of each containment door, the guide slot being angled at a predetermined angle to translate vertical movement of the actuating housing to horizontal movement of each containment door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: RKS Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Kavinder Singh, John Vernon
  • Publication number: 20150034799
    Abstract: A clipboard is defined by a planar support having a back surface that retains at least one magnet, thereby permitting releasable attachment of the clipboard to a metallic supporting surface. A dry-erasable steel surface is secured to the front of the support and a hinge clip attached enables at least one paper to be secured to the front side of the clipboard as well as at least one magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: INTELPROPOLIST LLC
    Inventors: Christian Q. Krapf, Artem G. Sivak, Dana Castronova
  • Patent number: 8925890
    Abstract: A height adjustable stand for musical instrument includes a connecting housing including a sleeve secured to the stand, a bifurcation extending out of the sleeve and including a top opening communicating with a slot therein, and two limit surfaces on both sides of the opening respectively; two opposite hooks each pivotably secured to the bifurcation and including a coupling member including a spring receptacle, a lever, an inclined surface adjacent to the receptacle, and a latch, and a curved member extending from the coupling member; a torsion spring biased between the spring receptacles; and a lock pivotably supported in the opening and including a first part, a second part at an angle with respect to the first part, and a protrusion on a bottom of the first part. Pressing of the first part moves the protrusion out of the slot to unlock the hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Yuan Terng Liaw
  • Publication number: 20140291469
    Abstract: A universal tablet and smart phone holder includes an enlarged soft core, an upper tip section; an elongate spine element extending at least partially through the soft core and to the tip section. A flexible cover is disposed about the soft core, spine element and tip section. The spine element and tip section are operable to bend and rotate such that when a tablet or smartphone is placed into the novel holder, a bottom edge of the tablet is supported by the soft core, and an upper edge of the media device held by the tip section such that the media device is firmly secured thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: David Zito, Grant J. Stafford
  • Patent number: 8770536
    Abstract: A clipping apparatus includes a base, a support bracket, a positioning member and a rotating arm. The support bracket is located on the base. The support bracket is oblique relative to the base and defines a sliding slot. The positioning member is slidably engaged in the sliding slot. A first end of the rotating arm is pivotably engaged with the base. A second end of the rotating arm, opposite to the first end, is secured to the positioning member. An angle defined between the base and the support bracket is adjustable when the positioning member is slid relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (WuHan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cong-Xu Hu, Yu-Lan Liu, Yong Ma, Chao-Jie Cai
  • Patent number: 8708302
    Abstract: A wall calendar holder that includes a base plate operable to be attached to a vertical surface and a face plate pivotally connected to the base plate. A stanchion extends from a central portion of the base plate and operable serves to support a wall calendar. The face plate snaps into engagement with the stanchion and the combination of the base member and face member serve to hold an upper edge of the wall calendar is a secure and flush condition upon a vertical presentation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Stan G. Wilder
  • Patent number: 8672285
    Abstract: A document holder for a computer holds multiple documents at a single time and provides easy visual access for up to three documents concurrently. The document holder attaches to a computer and has a full extension position during the time the document holder is in use. Also, the document holder has a stored position which allows it to be compactly stored on the computer when not in use. The stored position allows the document holder to remain attached to, but not interfere with, the use of the computer. The document holder has mount clamps which provide easy attachment and removal to and from the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Maria B. Romero
  • Patent number: 8651446
    Abstract: A pc tablet holder for suspending pc tablets above the mid-body section of a user lying on bed with the back against the headboard. The holder has a tripod configuration with front legs made from a resilient elongated round bent in inverted “U”-shape and held in position by a string. A rear leg is connected to the “U”-shape's vertex by a retainer. A top clamping element, having a surface to catch the pc tablet's top edge, is carried at the “U”-shape's vertex. A bottom clamping element, having a space to receive the pc tablet's bottom edge, is carried by the string. The holder is placed on the bed with front legs across the user's mid-body section and the rear leg adjacent the user's crotch area. A pc tablet is removably clamped between the top and bottom clamping elements, achieving a hands-free holding of the pc tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Emiliano Lausell
  • Patent number: 8517330
    Abstract: An ergonomic clipboard that can be easily grasped by persons of various body shapes and sizes. Preferably, the ergonomic clipboard comprises a writing board including a surface having a clamp attached to it, a top edge, a first side edge sharing a first corner with said top edge and having two recesses, each of which recesses being configured to engage with the crook of an arm of a user, a second side edge sharing a second corner with said top edge and that is opposite said first side edge, said second side edge having a protrusion and an adjacent notch that are configured to be graspable by the fingers of the same arm of the user, and a bottom edge sharing a third corner with said first side edge and a fourth corner with said second side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Jared L. Joyce
  • Publication number: 20130037683
    Abstract: Showcase made up of a support structure, with a flat portion and an upper portion for holding sheets, wherein the upper portion is configured as a housing with at least one eyelet-configured open end so as to contain a plurality of rolling ball elements adapted to hold the sheet against the flat portion given that the sheet is inserted in the upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Luigi Bertaso
  • Patent number: 8302929
    Abstract: A hanger for sheet material and method of hanging sheet material. An embodiment of the hanger for sheet material includes a base, a magnet assembly support member adjacent the base, and a magnet assembly. The magnet assembly may include one or more holding members and one or more magnets. Each magnet may be attached to a holding member. Each holding member may be hinged to the magnet assembly support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Kimberley Lanio
  • Publication number: 20120091308
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a two clip double sided clipboard. The two clip double sided clipboard may comprise a flat clipboard with a clip on each flat surface of the clipboard. The clips may include pads for resting on the flat surfaces of the clipboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: LaRue D. Small, Jeannie C. Small
  • Publication number: 20110168865
    Abstract: An adaptive aid used for reading, writing and with a laptop computer for typing. The Slant Board is comprised of several components that when assembled work in synergy to provide the unique functions of the invention. The folding locking legs are utilized to set the dry erase/magnetic-working surface at a prescribed angle to perform a task. The Slant Board is compact for storage, multifunctional in its uses and lightweight for transportability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Steven Magaudda
  • Publication number: 20100139050
    Abstract: One embodiment of a clipboard characterized by a flat plate with a spring loaded center clip and 3 or more top flanges used for engaging various surfaces. The clipboard is designed to be hung and removed from various surfaces quickly and easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Brian James Kelly
  • Patent number: 7722007
    Abstract: A foldable easel strut assembly is provided for supporting the easel when the easel is in use, and for moving the legs of the easel to a storage position when the easel is to be stored. The invention comprises an easel support board to which a rear leg assembly is pivotally connected. A pair of forward struts are pivotally connected at a first end to the support board. A pair of rear struts each have a first end pivotally connected to a second end of a corresponding forward strut, and a second end of each rear strut is pivotally connected to the rear leg assembly. Each rear strut includes a stop flange that abuts an upper edge of a corresponding forward strut when the rear leg assembly is pivoted away from the support board to a maximum position. In an embodiment, two front legs are pivotally connected to the support board, and the rear leg assembly comprises a rear leg member that pivotally folds against a bracket, and the bracket folds against the support board, when the easel is in its storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Swank Audio Visuals, LLC
    Inventor: Michael John Stengel
  • Patent number: 7712408
    Abstract: A personal safety device for protection from a firearm attack includes a conventional accessory item adapted for use other than as a personal safety device and a bullet resistant panel that is integrated into the conventional accessory item. The conventional accessory item may take the form of a clipboard, a backpack or other item. Integration of the panel with the selected item is conducted in such a manner as to cause the panel to be placed in the path of fire when a person engages in natural defensive posturing. The clipboard is provided with a light, multiple spring clips and a suitably sized handle to encourage proper grasp of the clipboard for the intended purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Pro-Tecks, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David J. Copeland, Kermit W. Fox, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100051777
    Abstract: A folding and collapsing easel that includes one or more retainer devices or attachments that can be coupled to the top of the display material. The easel includes a top portion and a bottom portion, each portion having three legs that are coupled together to form a stand. The top portion of the easel includes two elongated members that are pivotally coupled to two of the legs and further coupled to each other at adjacent ends, such that the elongated members may form a “V” shape when extended. The easel further includes one or more chart holding pins with retainer springs to secure display materials to the easel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Office Images, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Eckhardt
  • Publication number: 20090321605
    Abstract: The EZ Laptop Stand® is a stand for a laptop computer that is very inexpensive, extremely lightweight, easy to assemble and disassemble and folds flat for portability. It is made from foamcore for its light weight, inexpensive material cost, and strength and durability when designed in the manner that it is. Manufacturing is done by laser cutting or die cutting, both methods being cost effective and practical for use with foamcore. There are three models of the EZ Laptop Stand®, the main feature of all three consisting of primary support members, which when folded or hinged at an acute angle at their mid point, create two strong triangular sloped surfaces tapered to a narrower dimension towards the bottom, front edge (the side closest to the user), where feet protrude upward for the laptop computer to rest against.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Scott Petrie
  • Publication number: 20090314917
    Abstract: A field easel with an integrated sketch box is provided. The sketch box comprises cavities for art supplies, allowing art supplies to be stored inside the cavity and secured with plates covered in memory foam. An easel is hinged to the rear wall of the box such that the easel can display painting support in a multitude of angles, and the easel provides adjustable support clamps that accept different sizes of painting support and can raise and lower the height of the painting support with respect to the box. Optionally, the field easel can be secured to a standardized tripod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Susan Anette Edgmon, Billy Joe Edgmon
  • Patent number: 7614598
    Abstract: An apparatus for retaining at least one sheet against a back surface is disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a wedge member, a roller member, a biasing member, and a release mechanism. The roller member is moveable between a first position where the roller surface contacts the wedge member and a second position where the roller surface is separated from the wedge member. The biasing member biases the roller member toward the first position. The release mechanism is connected to the roller member and moveable between a clamp position and a release position. The release mechanism moves the roller member from the first position to the second position when the release mechanism is moved from the clamp position to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: David C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7611117
    Abstract: The laptop computer document holder is an unobtrusive plastic sheath with two plastic telescopic arms for moving in and out of the sheath. One of the telescopic arms has a top with a document clipper for clipping the document to the top when the telescopic arms are extended. This clipper secures the document at eye level above a screen or monitor of the laptop computer. The plastic sheath has a flat face with adhesive tape affixed for permanently attaching the plastic sheath to the laptop computer. Once the document holder is attached to the laptop computer, the holder cannot be misplaced or lost. Thus, the laptop computer holder is readily available and accessible when needed to hold a document at eye level above the laptop computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Lang, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090207589
    Abstract: A reading stand is described which includes a stabilizing base, a column extending upward from the base, and an arm projecting laterally from the column. Mounted at or near the end of the arm is a clamp which is used to hold reading material and/or a reading material support. Reading material placed in the claim is fully or at least substantially below the level of the arm, thereby providing greater clearance between a reader's body and the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: David Smith
  • Patent number: 7530543
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a central support shaft that has an elongated shape provided with axially opposed ends. Rectilinear legs have opposed ends conjoined to the bottom support shaft end and extending outwardly therefrom at an oblique angle. The legs are pivotal between compressed and expanded positions. Auxiliary support shafts have elongated shapes provided with opposed medial and lateral ends. The auxiliary shafts are pivotally conjoined to the brackets and pivotal about the medial ends, such that the auxiliary shafts can be independently biased between vertical and horizontal positions. Brackets are attached to the central support shaft and spaced along a longitudinal length thereof. Clamps are positional along the auxiliary shafts. Each clamp is adaptable between open and closed positions for releasing and gripping the window blind. The window blind is centrally registered between the auxiliary support shafts during cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Carl M. Kremzar
  • Patent number: 7523900
    Abstract: A multilayer tray system especially for a hospital bed having side rails includes a first rectangular structure having hooks along each lateral edge for being supported on the top edge of the side rails, the first rectangular structure has cavities formed in the upper surface for disposition of such items as a tissue box, drinking glass or miscellaneous items. A second rectangular tray is selectively connected to the first rectangular support. The second tray has a planar upper surface for providing a writing surface thereon. The tray is aligned relative to the rectangular structure and slidably maintained on the rectangular structure by means of a pair of parallel brackets extending from the lower surface of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: John D. Hlatky
  • Publication number: 20090084924
    Abstract: A document holder is provided for a vehicle such as a cart, and especially a shopping cart having a back panel. The document holder includes a writing portion and a bracket portion. A securing member is provided at the writing portion to secure a piece of paper such as a grocery list or coupons. Preferably, the bracket portion has a forward bracket member spaced from a rearward bracket member to define a channel for receiving an upper portion of the back panel to support the holder. The securing member may be configured to hold a writing instrument. An advertisement holder may be positioned on the holder to hold and protect advertisements, store announcements, pictures, or the like while also providing a writing surface thereon. In a preferred embodiment, a document holder includes a flexible, resilient frame or bumper, and/or a two-piece bracket portion for attachment to a shopping cart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: ABS STUDIO LLC
    Inventors: Amy Youngblood Schuermann, Brian Stier Schuermann, Anthony Honerkamp, Geoff Ficke, Nancy Ficke, Richard D. Harrington
  • Publication number: 20090045314
    Abstract: A wall mount clip for sheet like materials includes a sheet base and a sheet retainer, wherein the upper end of the sheet retainer is mounted together with the upper end of the sheet base, and the sheet retainer is extended downwardly to the curled lower end which provides resilient force due to deformation of the sheet retainer. The contact point between the curled lower end and the sheet base extends continuously and latitudinally along the elongated lower end to form a contact line to exert said resilient force to hold the sheet like materials. The user can easily slide the sheet materials from the contact point from various angles upwardly to the empty space created by the sheet base and sheet retainer. The wall mount clip will not damage the sheet materials because the resilient is smaller than that generated by conventional clips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Hsiung Lien
  • Publication number: 20080298047
    Abstract: An illuminated clipboard is provided including a base member having an outer surface with a first lamp retainer and a storage compartment with a second lamp retainer. A document holder is secured to the base member for holding a document. An illumination source is removably attachable to the first lamp retainer to selectively illuminate a document held by the document holder and attachable to the second lamp retainer for storage in the storage compartment. A second clipboard can be removable attached to the illuminated clipboard in a back-to-back relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony S. Leanza
  • Patent number: 7458555
    Abstract: A book holder includes a tray for holding a book, a ball joint and swivel assembly connected between the back of the tray and one end of a gooseneck, and a C-clamp connected to the other end of gooseneck, whereby the book holder can be attached to an arm of indoor and outdoor furniture with the tray being rotatable in the plane of its front face over 360° to a desired position, rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the gooseneck to a desired position, and the gooseneck bent to further position the tray, thereby permitting a user to be sitting or prone with a book positioned on the tray in a desired reading position, or permitting the book holder to be moved while still attached to the furniture, to a non-use position out of the way of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Together Us Two LLC
    Inventors: Cosmo D. Mastropaolo, Mary Ann Mastropaolo, Joseph R. Petrella, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7445246
    Abstract: A clipboard may be assembled from a backboard and a clip assembly by sliding the clip assembly onto the top edge of the backboard. The clip assembly and the backboard are shaped so that the clipboard assembly has a substantially continuous contour along its top edge. Specifically, the top edge of the backboard is spaced away from the remainder of the top edge in the area where the clip assembly is attached. The amount of spacing away corresponds to the thickness of a lip that depends from the clip assembly and engages the top edge or the backboard in the area where the clip assembly is attached. The clip assembly is retained on the backboard by flanged rails that engage slots in the backboard and by ramped projections that engage detents and the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Gary Plastic Packaging Corp.
    Inventors: Edward A. Wagschal, R. Christopher Kidd, Gary L. Hellinger
  • Publication number: 20080241802
    Abstract: Improvements in the instruments for drawing lines using grooves providing the presentation of lines that may be drawn by placing a sheet of paper over the presentation and engaging the sheet of paper with the point of a writing tool with sufficient force to press the engaged part of the paper into a selected groove and then moving the writing tool point within the line, depositing pencil lead or ink from the end of the writing tool on the paper that is pressed into the selected groove to form a line on the paper. The improvements include the provision of registration marks on a clipboard which has the presentation of grooves for lines to be drawn on the upper side of the clipboard, the registration marks acting as guidelines for the precise placement of the sheet of paper on which lines are to be drawn and its retention in that placement by a clip attached to the end of the clipboard and engaging the end of the sheet of paper for such retention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Louis Hachey, Ryan Loron Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080202007
    Abstract: An elongated sign holding extrusion for supporting a sign from an overhead member, comprising an elongated unitarily extruded frame assembly having an upper edge and a lower edge, with a first side portion and a second side portion extending therebetween. An elongated upper receiving-channel is arranged at the upper edge of the frame assembly. An hollow elongated, upper channel is arranged in a spaced-apart, adjacent and parallel manner to the elongated upper receiving channel in said frame assembly. An elongated middle channel contains a pair of elongated biasing members therein for pinchably supporting a poster therebetween. An elongated central channel is spaced adjacent the lower edge of the frame assembly for capture of slidable sign supporting hangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: ROSE DISPLAYS LTD
    Inventors: Rebecca C. Suciu, David E. Pitcher, Thomas P. Burrous, Alan L. Stenfors, Sidney Rose
  • Patent number: 7284734
    Abstract: A hanger comprising a base having a supported surface adapted to be positioned along a generally vertical surface, and an elongate peg having one end mounted on the base with a portion of the peg projecting from an outer surface of the base opposite its supported surface generally at a right angle with respect to the supported surface of the base. The peg has an axially extending surface portion adapted to be positioned uppermost when the supported surface of the base is positioned along a generally vertical surface, which axially extending surface portion restricts free movement axially of the peg of sheets of paper around and hanging on the peg. That axially extending surface portion can be defined by a layer of adhesive on the peg or by closely spaced sharp edges on the peg. Such sharp edges could be on screw threads around the peg, ridges extending transversely across the peg, serrations formed on the peg, or by abrasive granules adhered along the peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Hamerski
  • Patent number: 7128301
    Abstract: A holder for decorative sheet material comprising two separate pieces, one piece for attaching to an upper edge portion of a sheet material and for hanging from a wall, the other piece for attaching to a lower edge portion of the sheet material. Each piece of the holder comprises a top plate and a base plate hingedly connected together, and means such as a post, adhesive tape or spring-loaded clip for connecting the sheet material to the base plate. In particular embodiments, spring-loaded clips both hingedly connect the top and base plates, and act as a means to connect the sheet material to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Sandra Shepard, Raffi Minasian
  • Patent number: 6905104
    Abstract: A sign-in device having a privacy screen provides a clipboard which supports a sign-in sheet for patent or visitor sign-in purposes. An elongated spool of substantially opaque flexible sheet material is held within a housing or support of the paper clamp. An elongated header bar is movably attached to a side margin of the board. An exposed end margin of the opaque material is attached to the header bar whereby movement of the header bar along the length of the clipboard causes the opaque material to be withdrawn from the spool forming the privacy screen which covers and conceals a selected portion of the sign-in sheet which includes the names and/or signatures of previously signed-in patients or visitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Offenhauer, Harold Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6883769
    Abstract: A clipboard has a clip with upper and lower parts joined by a hinge. The lower part includes a locking wall and spaced-apart hold-down edges. The board has at least one upstanding lock element engaged with the locking wall on the lower part of the clip. The board includes grips engaged with the hold-down edges of the lower part of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Ellis N. Shamoon
  • Publication number: 20040084597
    Abstract: A hanger comprising a base having a supported surface adapted to be positioned along a generally vertical surface, and an elongate peg having one end mounted on the base with a portion of the peg projecting from an outer surface of the base opposite its supported surface generally at a right angle with respect to the supported surface of the base. The peg has an axially extending surface portion adapted to be positioned uppermost when the supported surface of the base is positioned along a generally vertical surface, which axially extending surface portion restricts free movement axially of the peg of sheets of paper around and hanging on the peg. That axially extending surface portion can be defined by a layer of adhesive on the peg or by closely spaced sharp edges on the peg. Such sharp edges could be on screw threads around the peg, ridges extending transversely across the peg, serrations formed on the peg, or by abrasive granules adhered along the peg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Hamerski