Mirror Or Picture Type Patents (Class 248/466)
  • Publication number: 20100103546
    Abstract: In a substrate, particularly in a substrate for a mirror support, in which recesses are introduced in one surface, preferably in the back side of the substrate, as a result of which, in particular, bridging pieces are defined between the recesses, in order to achieve the situation that despite a reduced weight, a high rigidity still remains, which means only a slight sagging after its correct uptake in a holding device provided for it, it is provided that at least one first portion of the bridging pieces has a width that is different than a second portion of the bridging pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Schaefer, Thorsten Doehring, Volker Seibert, Thomas Westerhoff, Hans-Joachim Nowak
  • Patent number: 7690615
    Abstract: A gasket for a door mirror according to the present invention is constructed so that when the gasket is interposed and pressed between a mirror base of a door mirror and a mounting seat of a car body, a tip part of a seal lip is pushed against a seating surface of the mounting seat, so as to tilt and bow toward a circumferential portion of the gasket. Then the tip part of the seal lip is resiliently urged against the seating surface of the mounting seat because of its flexibility, so as to seal a clearance between a joint surface of the gasket and the mounting seat of the car body throughout the entire circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitake Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20100032539
    Abstract: A clothes hanger having an insert for providing a location for promoting and otherwise advertising various products and services. The hanger having a hook, a pair of arms extending away and downward from the hook and a crosspiece extending between the distal ends of the hanger arms. The insert being dimensioned to be located within the space between the arms and crosspiece and secured to the hanger by engaging the arms and crosspiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: George R. Roesler, Maureen A. Roesler
  • Patent number: 7658361
    Abstract: A window frame display stand includes a corner body having a pair of mutually perpendicular legs, and a pair of spaced feet on one of the legs for supporting the body on a support surface such that the one leg is parallel to the support surface and the other leg is perpendicular to the support surface. The legs have adjacent interior surfaces that are contoured, preferably with slots or notches, to receive and support a window frame corner. The legs on the corner body preferably are mirror images of each other. The feet preferably are removably mounted on the one leg of the corner body, most preferably by interference press fit of the corner body leg into slots on the feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Milgard Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin Dwayne Vihauer
  • Patent number: 7628372
    Abstract: The universal mounting for a vehicle rear view mirror has a mounting bracket which is attached to the mirror on one side and has an engaging surface for engaging a mirror arm on the opposite side; a clamp holds the mirror arm against the engaging surface. The engaging surface is an open recess with two parallel, opposing end walls, and base that extends between the two end walls. The base forms in perpendicular to the end walls. In the middle of the base is a V-shaped recess. The engaging surface is designed to hold mirror arms that different cross sectional shape, such as, a polygon or a circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Hugh Norman
  • Patent number: 7607631
    Abstract: A frame leveler is disclosed that automatically levels picture frames, and mirror frames. A pivotable, weighted bob is used as a gravity reference to control a lock that unlocks the extension of a cable on the side of a frame that is tilted up with respect to the other side, when the frame is not level. The extensible cable is let out until the frame is once again level, at which point the extensible cable is locked and prevented from extending further. When the frame side is tilted down with respect to the other side, or the frame is level, the extensible cable is locked and prevented from extending on that side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Arnold L. Newman
  • Publication number: 20090219675
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body and a frame. The frame includes a back part and a front part. The back part defines a front surface, a back surface, a first inner surface and a second inner surface, and includes shoulders extended face to face from boundaries of the first inner surface, the second inner surface and the back surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface face to each other. The front part is attached to the front surface of the back part. The frame further includes resilient means disposed on the first surface. The main body is received in the frame, two opposite ends of the main body respectively contact with the resilient means and the second inner surface. The front part and the shoulders keep the main body in the frame. The electronic device can change the frame, thus to change appearance easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: LI-ZHANG HUANG, WEN-HSIANG LU
  • Patent number: 7566042
    Abstract: A picture hanging apparatus aids in hanging pictures, paintings, or other similar wall mounted decorations. The apparatus temporarily supports the picture on a hanger such as a hook, which is suspended on a hanging arm attached to a wall end of a shaft leaning against a wall. The shaft, and thus by extension the hanger and the hanging picture, are moved freely until the desired position for the picture is found. Once found, the shaft remains in place against the wall while the picture is removed from the hanger. The position of the hook indicates where permanent picture hanging hardware such as a nail or permanent hook should be positioned in the wall in order for the picture to hang in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Inventor: William Shuford Yates
  • Publication number: 20090091489
    Abstract: One embodiment of a rearview mirror encompassing a plurality of radar detectors and laser detectors comprises of an opaque housing, a rearview mirror assembly, a universal mount, and a PCB assembly providing all of the illumination, audible indication, logic, user inputs, and radar and laser detection. Visual indications of radar or laser signals via illuminated indicators visible through the mirror, provide a fully functioning rearview mirror, when in standby mode. The device accommodates a plurality of mounts in order to accommodate all vehicle types. The geometry and mounting locations provide for more sensitive and accurate detection of radar and laser signals, while neither distracting the driver, detracting from the aesthetic nature of the vehicle, or causing a safety hazard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Sarah V. Banko, Joshua D. Banko
  • Patent number: 7513477
    Abstract: A device for hanging an object on a surface. The device includes a body portion, a channel, a locking member and an attachment member. The channel passes through the body portion and is configured to receive an elongated connecting member. The locking member protrudes into the channel and is configured to releasably engage the elongated connecting member and prevent the elongated connecting member from passing through the channel when engaged. The attachment member is connected to the body portion and is configured to attach the body portion to the object to be hung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Todd Lampert
  • Patent number: 7513056
    Abstract: A level is disclosed with a sliding measurement system. The level includes a planar upper surface, a planar lower surface and a web extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The web includes at least one elongate channel to which a track having an inwardly facing slot is mounted. The level further includes one or more pods slideably received on the track in the inwardly facing slot. The pod includes a generally cylindrical female member having upper and lower ridges extending outwardly therefrom, and a generally cylindrical male member configured to receive a marking instrument, the male member being matingly received in the female member. The upper and lower ridges of the female member are configured to be received in the inner slot of the track and are slideable thereon. The level further includes at least one bubble level vial mounted to the web of the body of the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. B. Hobden, Gregory Scott Snider
  • Publication number: 20090050774
    Abstract: A micro-optical bench may include a substrate having a substantially planar surface on which an optical element is to be mounted, and two lithographs protruding above the substantially planar surface adapted to position and restrain movement of the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Menelaos K. Poutous, James T. A. Carriere
  • Publication number: 20090040636
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reinforcing strut of the invention is a polyhedron attached to a plate and having at least two slanted facets, with each of the slanted facets oriented with respect to the plane of the plate at an angle different from about 90 degrees. Two slanted facets intersect to form an edge that causes the strut to have a tapered profile along the longitudinal axis of the strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Fred P. Klemens, Flavio Pardo
  • Publication number: 20080297019
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a display for a refrigerator, comprising a display case mounted to a display mounting portion provided to a front surface of a refrigerator door and provided with a predetermined installation space therein; a printed circuit board (PCB) installed to the display case and including an input portion for receiving various operation signals for the refrigerator and a display portion for displaying a variety of operating information for the refrigerator; and a display cover provided to one side of the PCB and defining a front surface of the display. According to the present invention, there are advantages in that errors occurring at an installation process can be minimized, the assembly and installation processes can be more easily made, and the repair and exchange can also be easily performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Ung-Su Kim
  • Publication number: 20080296240
    Abstract: An apparatus; banner or plaque that is designed for holding and displaying Sports Caps, Photographs, Awards or other collectibles on a vertical plane. The apparatus includes tabs on top at either side to secure apparatus to a vertical plane. The soft display frame is produced by a transparent material in shape and size desired, that has been edged with a flexible material and permanently secured by the edges to the base of banner on 3(three) sides. This opening allows entry for items desired to be inserted securely. An attachment mechanism for the cap is a single strap, which is secured at both sides to base. Strap is connected at such points; as to allow the remainder of the strap to fall loosely to form a U shape. To secure the cap it is needed to fold the cap in half, from back to front; so that the back of the cap is nestling within the front of the cap and brim, and inserting the cap between base of banner and strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Ethel Geraldine Napier
  • Patent number: 7445190
    Abstract: A mirror adjustment mechanism for adjusting a mirror housing including an actuator housing and a drive mechanism arranged in the actuator housing. The drive mechanism includes an electric motor including an output shaft; a drive train having an input part coupled to the output shaft; and an output part coupled to a driven part. The driven part is connected to an electrical circuit and is configured to be movable under a spring action relative to the actuator housing. The driving part controls the electric motor and includes a first contact part that cooperates with a second contact part fixedly arranged relative to the actuator housing. The driving part is movable between a first position in which the impedance between the first and second contact parts has a first value, and a second position in which the impedance between the first and second contact parts has a second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Stefan Frits Brouwer
  • Publication number: 20080168623
    Abstract: A hinge construction for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle including a first hinge part for mounting on a motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected therewith, for supporting a wing mirror unit. In an embodiment, the first and second hinge parts cooperate via a rack-and-pinion guide that causes the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate and translate relative to each other. The invention also relates to a wing mirror unit provided with embodiments of a hinge construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: EATON AUTOMOTIVE B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Frits Brouwer, Paulus Gerardus Maria van Stiphout
  • Publication number: 20080078915
    Abstract: A two piece hanger device for mounting an object on a wall wherein one piece is mounted on the object and one piece is mounted on the wall and wherein one of the two pieces can be angularly adjusted with respect to the other to permit proper horizontal alignment of the object to be hung.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Emad El Haje
  • Publication number: 20080002435
    Abstract: A frame (34) for fixing an optical sheet (31) thereon includes a frame body (35) and at least a fastener (36). The frame body includes a plurality of contiguous sidewalls (352, 353, 354, and 355) and at least one latching portion (358) defined on the at least one of sidewalls. The fastener is mounted into the latching portion correspondingly such that the optical sheet is fixed on the top portions of sidewalls of the frame body. A backlight module using the frame is also provided, which has a lightweight, and also can be assembled easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shao-Han Chang
  • Patent number: 7309053
    Abstract: A hanging module assembly for frames having four frame moldings comprises a hanging bracket, a fixing plate, four circular through holes separately disposed at two adjacent sides of the fixing plate, a pressing portion disposed at the middle of the fixing plate and sunken towards a frame molding, four penetrating holes separately disposed on four sides of the hanging bracket, a face portion protruded from the middle of the hanging bracket and having a cross-shaped through hole. After a transparent plate, a picture, and a board are placed in concave edges of the frame moldings, the circular through holes and penetrating holes are secured into an internal thread hole at distal ends of two adjacent frame moldings by bolts, such that the pressing portion presses and fixes the board, and the cross-shaped through hole of the hanging bracket is mounted onto a wall by screws for simple and quick installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Lin Kun Ta Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 7226032
    Abstract: A picture-hanging device, method, and kit enable a user to effectively mark a select vertical location and quickly hang a picture at the select vertical location. The device comprises a hanger portion and a handle portion. The hanger portion comprises an anterior surface, an elongate hanger slot, and a hanger hook, all of which depend from the handle portion. The hanger slot extends through the hanger portion adjacent the end of the hanger portion. The hanger hook extends from the anterior surface and is designed to receive and support a picture-hanging cord and its load. The anterior surface comprises certain indicia for marking the select vertical location of a superior picture portion. Together with the hanger slot, the indicia enable the user to mark the select vertical location, after which the user may hang the picture at the select vertical location upon a fixed picture anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Richard A. Schlais, Donald E. Truitt
  • Patent number: 7185870
    Abstract: A positioning mechanism for reflectors in a scanner is capable of tool-less assembling and precise positioning. The mechanism mainly includes a carrier, some angular positioning members, and resilient arms. The carrier is a plate-like member for mounting an optical assembly. The angular positioning members are mounted on the carrier and formed with cutoffs of supporting surfaces. The resilient arms extend from the carrier to outer sides of the supporting surfaces of the angular positioning members. The clearance of the end of resilient arm to the supporting surface is less than the thickness of the reflector to position the reflector simply, easily and precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-De Hong
  • Patent number: 7165854
    Abstract: A reflecting mirror fabrication method, which includes the steps of (a) stamping a steel plate into a back panel, which has a rib-reinforced base, a rim extending around the rib-reinforced base, (b) installing nuts in the back side of the back panel for mounting, (c) stamping a steel plate into a mirror, which has a rounded base, a rim extending around the rounded base, and an annular connected between the rounded base and the rim, and (d) roller ramming the rim of the back panel into a scrolled holding down rim portion to affix the rim of the mirror to the rim of the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Cheng-Shun Liu
  • Patent number: 7104661
    Abstract: A viewing panel device, such as an infant entertainment panel, or a mirror device used inside a motor vehicle for observing an infant in a rear-facing child safety seat secured to the rear seat of the vehicle, or a combination entertainment panel and mirror. The viewing panel device may be employed in a plurality of attachment configurations, for use with a plurality of possible vehicle configurations. In one configuration, the top tether anchorage point included in newer vehicles as part of the LATCH anchorage point system is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Blue Ridge International Products Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Kane, Stephen P. Chininis, Jose Longoria
  • Patent number: 7070156
    Abstract: An adjustable securing rack for plasma TV is disclosed. The securing rack is conveniently used for mount a plasma TV, allowing the TV to be adjusted in various positions and angle. The rack comprises a base seat, an adjusting plate and a suspension plate. The base seat has a base plate having circumferential edges being bent to form side plates, and the side plate surface of the top and bottom side edge is formed with at least one adjusting hole, and the two ends of the adjusting plate of the L-shaped steel are correspondingly mounted to the adjusting hole of the base seat so that the adjusting seat can move to the left and right side. The suspension plate is locked to the adjusting plate and is an L-shaped steel, and the corresponding side of the plasma TV has at least one adjusting hole for adjustment of the locking hole on the plasma TV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Jung Huang Liao
  • Patent number: 7044653
    Abstract: The present invention provides a microassembly comprising a support structure, a body having a rounded portion in close proximity to the support structure and a microelement carried by the body. A fastener is provided to secure the rounded portion of the body to the support structure. The rounded portion of the body is translatable relative to the support structure and rotatable relative to the support structure about an axis before being secured to the support structure for permitting the microelement to be desirably positioned relative to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Coherent, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene E. Reis
  • Patent number: 7011282
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting exterior devices, such as mirrors, to vehicles and the like. The mirror is attached to a bracket which in turn is connected to the mounting device. The mounting device includes a convex mounting disk, a planar deformable backing disk and two gasket members, all of which are connected to the vehicle with a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Mirror Lite
    Inventor: William Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7008067
    Abstract: An electrically operable pivoting actuator for a door mirror is disclosed. The pivoting actuator comprises a frame, an electromotor, and an annular coupling member secured onto a horizontally extended support of the door mirror, the coupling member comprising two diametrically opposite protuberances wherein one protuberance is adapted to engage with a stop on the frame for stopping a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the coupling member relative to the frame so as to define a predetermined angle ? of the fold-in door mirror as an angle between an extreme position of the stop engaged with one protuberance and another extreme position of the stop engaged with the other protuberance. The invention can be produced in a large scale for reducing the manufacturing cost and is adapted to install in any of a variety of door mirrors of motor vehicles without further modifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Chaw Khong Technology co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Pang Hsu
  • Patent number: 6986586
    Abstract: The thin-film mirror includes a pan-shaped housing having a pan surface and a hollow wall bordering the pan surface. The hollow wall has a mounting surface for thin reflecting film, which mounting surface is stepped above the pan surface. The hollow wall has an open portion opposite the mounting surface and accommodates a reinforcing member that rigidities the pan-shaped housing. A thin reflecting film that spans the pan surface is secured to the film mounting surface. The pan-shaped housing is a miterless one-piece structure which can be in the form of a trapezoid. Hollow fillets can be provided at the acute angle corners of the trapezoid. The fillets constitute an additional mounting surface portion for the thin reflecting film and are formed such that no corner of the mounting surface has an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Eugene Martinez, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6969038
    Abstract: A vehicle external mirror assembly (10) comprises three main parts: a vehicle-to-mirror assembly attachment bracket (15), a mirror housing (20) and a mirror (41). Housing (20) comprises a thin molded external plastic shell (50) and a foam core (21), the foam anchoring and supporting the shell. A load diffuser (45) may be positioned within foam (21) to reduce the maximum tensile and compressive stresses within the foam (21). Attachment bracket (15) is of a similar construction with a thin shell (15) internal foam (18) and load diffuser (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ingmar Manfred Birgden, Garry Gordon Leslie Fimeri, Robert William Gilbert, Duncan William Nash
  • Patent number: 6955329
    Abstract: A support device includes a head, a lock nut threaded to the head and having a peripheral flange, and a control ferrule having a peripheral rib engaged with the peripheral flange of the lock nut, to rotatably attach the control ferrule to the head with the lock nut. A coupler includes a shank, and an arm secured to the shank and attached to a frame device, a rod is extended from the shank and engageable through the lock nut and into the head. One or more fasteners may secure the shank to the frame device. The shank is threaded to the control ferrule, to secure the shank and the frame device to the head, and the fastener is received and shielded within the control ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Ming Chun Shieh
  • Publication number: 20040245426
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for mounting and securing pictures, frames, and other objects onto a surface, such as a wall or other support, which device is made up of a tool by which the object can be placed in level position against the surface and a tool by which the object can be securely fastened to the surface. This device can be removed and reused in the event the object is moved to another location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Willard Lowell Barnes
  • Publication number: 20040201910
    Abstract: A bathroom mirror frame assembly has a pair of rings, a pair of balls disposed between the rings, a mirror disk inserted in a spacing between the rings, and each of the rings having a lower connection portion to be connected. A positioning frame surrounds the rings. The positioning frame has a pair of inner sockets engaging with the balls. A basket is disposed on a top portion of the positioning frame. An upper hook device is connected to the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Lin-Ho Liu
  • Publication number: 20040182985
    Abstract: A positioning mechanism for reflectors in a scanner is capable of tool-less assembling and precise positioning. The mechanism mainly includes a carrier, some angular positioning members, and resilient arms. The carrier is a plate-like member for mounting an optical assembly. The angular positioning members are mounted on the carrier and formed with cutoffs of supporting surfaces. The resilient arms extend from the carrier to outer sides of the supporting surfaces of the angular positioning members. The clearance of the end of resilient arm to the supporting surface is less than the thickness of the reflector to position the reflector simply, easily and precisely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-De Hong
  • Publication number: 20040079852
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mirror holder for holding a mirror. The mirror holder comprises a mirror protection wall for bearing the backside of the mirror, a sidewall extending from the protection wall to contact one side of the mirror longitudinal, and a fastener for fastening the mirror. A mirror holder combination apparatus comprises a mirror holder and a mirror. The mirror holder comprises a mirror protection wall for bearing the backside of the mirror, a sidewall extending from the protection wall to contact one longitudinal side of the mirror, a fastener for fastening the front of the mirror, and a chassis for loading and fastening the mirror holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Yin-Chun Huang, Chien-Liang Yeh
  • Patent number: 6719260
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for hanging frames upon mounting surfaces. A hanger, upon which a frame is hung, is securely attached to a mounting surface, such as a wall. The hanger comprises a two-level, female, mandrel slot for receiving a two-level male mandrel. Additionally, bottom-rail-supports may be used to secure the bottom of the frame to the wall to support the weight of the frame and to immobilize the frame on the wall. A spirit-level device may be used for leveling the installed frame on the apparatus prior to fixing the frame to the wall with or without bottom-rail-supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Hoyt E. Hart
  • Publication number: 20030146363
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting exterior devices, such as mirrors, to vehicles and the like. The mirror is attached to a bracket which in turn is connected to the mounting device. The mounting device includes a convex mounting disk, a planar deformable backing disk and two gasket members, all of which are connected to the vehicle with a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: William Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6601816
    Abstract: A art display bracket for mounting works of art in a spaced apart relationship from a wall. The art display bracket includes an elongate mounting bracket that has opposite first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. The second end of the mounting bracket has a stop portion extending upwardly from it. The mounting bracket has a flange upwardly extending from it that is positioned towards the second end of the mounting bracket. The flange has a threaded aperture extending through it. A threaded fastener is threadably inserted in the threaded aperture of the flange of the mounting bracket and is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventors: Ivan G. Hunte, II, Henric A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030141429
    Abstract: A mirror device for a vehicle which is equipped with a mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism. In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a load is applied to a rod drive in an axial direction, a claw member elastically deforms, and an engagement valley of the rod drive rides up over an engagement projection provided at a distal end of the claw member and is moved. Here, given that angles of inclination of two surfaces of the engagement valley, at a mirror side and at a side opposite the mirror, with respect to a direction orthogonal to an axis of the rod drive, are respectively &thgr;1 and &thgr;2, &thgr;1>&thgr;2. In this way, two loads for manually moving the rod drive toward a side opposite the mirror and toward the mirror side can be made to approach substantially a same magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Masato Sakamoto, Yoshio Tsujiuchi
  • Patent number: 6578812
    Abstract: One or more horizontal brackets mounted to a surface provide support, positioning, and locking when one or more hanger bodies with adjustable hooks are attached to the back of a picture or other object so that the hooks grab onto the brackets. The brackets are beveled to provide space for the hooks between the surface and the bracket. The upward and downward facing hooks on the hangers move vertically along screws and hook onto the top and bottom of the horizontal brackets. The downward facing hooks that grab onto the top of the bracket provide support and horizontal positioning by sliding along the length of the bracket. They also position the picture to the desired height and make it level. The upward facing hooks that grab onto the bottom of the brackets lock the picture onto the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Lemire
  • Patent number: 6572067
    Abstract: An assembly for hanging picture frames and other objects to a vertical support includes a base adapted to be mounted to the vertical support, a wheel supported by the base and rotatable on the base, and a hook rotatably coupled to the wheel and adapted to rotate upon rotation of the wheel relative to the base. The hook includes a hooked portion that receives an item to be mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Kamenstein, Joseph P. Opramolla, Robert Howitt
  • Publication number: 20030053226
    Abstract: A device for displaying indicia is constructed to fit onto a mirror housing of an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle. The device, upon installation, displays a desired indicia facing the front of the vehicle without obstructing the view of the mirrored surface facing the rear of the vehicle. Variations in structure are provided, including connectors to the mirror housing that slidably engage with respect to a base that supports the indicia. Embodiments provide for removal of the device without harm to the mirror housing, and also provide for ready change-out of indicia. Slidably engaging connectors in various embodiments provides for easy adaptation to a range of sizes and shapes of mirror housings. The invention also relates to kits and methods employing embodiments of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Johnathan C. Strode, Joseph M. Savage
  • Patent number: 6527244
    Abstract: An assembly for hanging picture frames and other objects to a vertical support includes a base with locking grooves that is mounted to the vertical support and a wheel disposed on the base and which is movable thereon. The wheel includes a set of teeth disposed around its perimeter and where one of those teeth is received within one of the base's locking grooves. A mounting knob fixed off-center to the front surface of the wheel is designed to receive the item to be mounted thereon. To mount a picture frame or other object, the assembly is mounted to the vertical support, the object to be mounted is mounted on the assembly's knob, the amount of correction to the mounted object's vertical and/or horizontal position is ascertained, the object is removed from the knob, the wheel of the assembly is moved accordingly and then locked in place, and the object is re-mounted on the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Peter Kamenstein, Joseph P. Opramolla, Robert Howitt
  • Patent number: 6503188
    Abstract: A rollable visual display is used in a room containing an article of furniture adapted to support a person, such as a bed or chair, wherein the room has a visual display support structure facing the article of furniture within the room. The visual display member, which is mounted on the support structure, is located so that when the visual display member is unfurled from the cylindrical housing, the pictorial image thereon is visible to a viewing person lying or seated in the article of furniture, wherein the pictorial image is located within the line of vision of the viewing person. Optionally, the visual display member displays a pictorial display on a surface facing the person, which is a biophilic savanna-type landscape containing imagery designed to create relaxation and reduce stress of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Healing Environments International, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph August
  • Patent number: 6484996
    Abstract: A device for removably fastening a picture to a board or the like is disclosed. The device includes a frame which defines an opening for holding the picture, the frame having a front and a back face, a top and a bottom edge and a first and a second side. A fastener is disposed between the back face of the frame and the board, the fastener having a first and a second end, the first end of the fastener defining a board engaging portion for pressing into the board. The second end of the fastener includes a head which removably cooperates with the back face of the frame. The arrangement is such that in use of the device, when the picture has been inserted into the opening in the frame, the frame is fastened to the board by pressing the board engaging portion of the fastener into the board and fastening the head of the fastener to the back face of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Astell
  • Patent number: 6471175
    Abstract: A frame hanging tool has an elongated body member formed with a plurality of openings. Inserts are removably fastened to the body member in the openings. The inserts are each configured to receive and guide fasteners such as nails and screws. One of the inserts has a level for indicating whether the fasteners received in the inserts are aligned level with respect to each other. In this manner, a person is assured that the object being hung will be level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Martin L. Kratish, Lawrence Kratish
  • Patent number: 6409140
    Abstract: A frame hanging tool has an elongated body member formed with a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of openings has an opening edge and a recessed border formed at least partly around the opening edge. The inserts have an overhanging edge that has a shape corresponding with the recessed border for removably fastening the inserts to the body member within the openings. The recessed border can have a protrusion and the overhanging edge can have a recess, or vice-versa, the recess aligned with and corresponding to the protrusion. The protrusion and the recess can be curved or linear in shape. A shape of the recessed border can correspond with or be slightly smaller than a shape of the overhanging edge. The overhanging edge can have a tapered corner for easier insertability. The inserts are each configured to receive and guide fasteners such as nails and screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Martin L. Kratish, Lawrence Kratish
  • Patent number: 6357716
    Abstract: An object hanging tool includes an elongated body member having at least one removable insert holder for removably fastening, to the body member, an insert for receiving and guiding a fastener to be secured to a structure. The insert holder is slidably disposed at an edge of the body member, and has a holder opening with a holder opening edge and a recessed border formed at least partly around the opening edge. The recessed border self-secures to an overhanging edge of the insert upon placing the insert into the holder opening. The recessed border can have a protrusion and the overhanging edge can have a recess, or vice-versa, the recess aligned with and corresponding to the protrusion. A shape of the recessed border can correspond with or be slightly smaller than a shape of the overhanging edge. The inserts are each configured to receive and guide fasteners such as nails and screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Lawrence Kratish, Martin L. Kratish
  • Publication number: 20010038061
    Abstract: A device for removably fastening a picture to a board or the like is disclosed. The device includes a frame which defines an opening for holding the picture, the frame having a front and a back face, a top and a bottom edge and a first and a second side. A fastener is disposed between the back face of the frame and the board, the fastener having a first and a second end, the first end of the fastener defining a board engaging portion for pressing into the board. The second end of the fastener includes a head which removably cooperates with the back face of the frame. The arrangement is such that in use of the device, when the picture has been inserted into the opening in the frame, the frame is fastened to the board by pressing the board engaging portion of the fastener into the board and fastening the head of the fastener to the back face of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Astell
  • Patent number: D449775
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Street Scene Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony J Ervolina