Hold-down Patents (Class 248/500)
  • Patent number: 7607632
    Abstract: The fixing device includes a base including elements for pivotal mounting of the ring; a foot carried by the base, including a first pair of lugs extending from the base, a crossmember disposed between the lugs, and a second pair of lugs connected to the base; and a rod adapted to enter a bore provided through the base; each of the lugs having a shoulder over the whole of the width of the lug, the shoulder forming a transition between a first section of the lug and a thinner second portion. The support includes the above device and a ring retained in the pivotal mounting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: ITW de France
    Inventors: Emile Droche, Jean-Pierre Lesecq
  • Publication number: 20090218471
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing furniture and implements that risk tilting. The system includes a rail that is mounted on the floor and a roller that is mounted on the piece of furniture or the implement. An extension which engages into the rail so as to form a positive connection thereto is provided on the roller or a roller holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Kempte, Karl-Friedrich Laible
  • Publication number: 20090189046
    Abstract: A restraint device for securing approximately cylindrical objects to an apertured surface is presented. The restraint device generally includes a base, a support, an abutment and an activation system. The restraint device may further include a lateral restraint and a cover. The base, along with the activation system, secures the restraint device to an apertured surface. The abutment, which is placed adjacent the outer edge of the object, acts as a barrier to the object, thus reducing or preventing movement of the object in the direction of the restraint device. The abutment and the support may be moved relative to the base by the activation system. To engage and disengage the restraint device from an apertured surface and the generally cylindrical object, the activation system may include a rotational device such as a lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Robert B. Winsor
  • Patent number: 7556228
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for secure placement on a substantially flat surface. The apparatus includes a case; at least one support piece located on the substantially flat surface for placement of the case, the support piece including at least one piece of a first material; and at least one piece of a second material located within the case. The case rotates about an axis when a facing/bearing of the apparatus is changed. The axis may be either horizontal or vertical. Preferably, at least one of the first material and the second material is a magnet for magnetic attraction between the at least one piece of the first material and the at least one piece of the second material. The apparatus may be a web camera, a set of speakers, a microphone, a light source, or any combination of the aforementioned. It is advantageous for stability that the at least one piece of a second material is located at a fixed position relative to an inner surface of the case whatever the facing/bearing of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Creative Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Yuen Khim Joseph Liow, Siang Thia Goh, Jun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20090146038
    Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing vertically stacked sheet material is disclosed. The sheet material may be construction wallboard. The system includes a bracket and an elongate flexible link element. The method includes attaching the bracket to the sheet material, attaching the flexible link element to a support structure such as vertical stud framing member, and attaching the flexible link element to the bracket to stabilize the vertically stacked sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Erik SHOUTEN
  • Patent number: 7543667
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting structure for a compressed gas storage tank of a vehicle in which at least two high pressure storage tanks are modularized and mounted in a vehicle. For this, the present invention provides a mounting structure for a compressed gas storage tank of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of storage tanks for storing a compressed gas therein, including a hemispherical dome portion formed on both ends thereof; panel brackets connected to both ends of the storage tanks; pipe frames connecting edges of the panel brackets connected to both sides of the storage tanks; and high pressure parts and pipes connected to the storage tanks in a state where the panel brackets and the pipe frames are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ki Ho Hwang, Gyu Jin Jang, Young Min Choi, Sang Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7513478
    Abstract: An eyebolt anchor apparatus provides a fixture that is preferably mounted flush with the deck of a structure to which vehicles, equipment packages, aircraft or the like are to be supported and maintained in their position with tie down straps, such straps can span between the aircraft, vehicle or package and the anchor apparatus. The tie down straps are supported at the deck level with an anchor bolt that can be stored below deck in a fixture that is part of the anchor bolt apparatus. The fixture has a hatch that is movable between opened and closed positions. The eyebolt can be stored below deck in a hatch interior for storage or removed and installed above on the upper surface of the fixture when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Carroll Diaz
  • Publication number: 20080296461
    Abstract: A secure device, which provides an elastic metal bar made main body, includes a press part, two force exerting parts and two holding parts. The press part is disposed at the middle of the main body for pressing a heat sink. Each of the force exerting parts is aslope extending from an end of the press part respectively with a large flat portion for force exertion. Each of the holding part extends from the force exerting part respectively with a hook end to correspond to and engage with a component on a heat source. Hence, the heat sink is capable of contacting the heat source tightly and the press part is capable of being operated conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: ZHI-WEI TAO
  • Patent number: 7455276
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat securing system for securing air passenger seats to a securing rail (10), whereby the system permits a relative motion between a mounting part (24) and a base body (26) that, in the longitudinal direction of said securing rail (10), can be brought into a fixed position. In this securing position, a locking body (34), which can pivot from a release position and into a locking position and which is subjected to the action of an energy storage device (32), secures the respective detent parts (22, 30) and thus the base body (24) and mounting part (26) on the securing rail (10). Said energy storage device permits a compensation of tolerances so that the inventive fitting always rests securely against the rail(10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Recaro Aircraft Seating GmbH Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Frey
  • Patent number: 7455373
    Abstract: An electric arc engine welder housing has an opening defined by the housing and a door connected to the housing. The door has a first panel and a second panel. The second panel has a pair of members extending from opposite ends of the second panel. The members are selectively received by slots formed on opposite walls of the opening. The members slide along the slots during movement of the second panel. The housing has mounting brackets each of which has a first leg and a second leg, each having an opening therethrough. The legs are substantially perpendicular to one another. The first leg is mounted to a side wall of the cabinet, and the second leg is mounted to a support surface for the cabinet. Fastening members secure the legs to the cabinet side wall and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bender, David E. Osicki
  • Publication number: 20080224015
    Abstract: The present invention provides a retaining clip for securing an air conditioning evaporator coil to a drain pan. The retaining clip has a U-shaped body formed from a single piece of material, wherein parallel panels for the sides of the U. One side of the U is longer than the other. A tab is formed from the end of the side panel that constitutes the longer side of the U, wherein the tab points toward the center of the U and is approximately perpendicular to the sides of the U. The retaining clip is mounted over a side wall of the drain pan, with the tab securing the clip in place by fitting underneath a section of the drain pan wall that projects outward from the general plane of the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Charles David Biggers, James W. Pickle
  • Patent number: 7424791
    Abstract: The cable bracket mechanism is extendable between a cleat or clamp mounted to a building and a part of a bay or bow window that is remote from the building. The mechanism includes an elongated bracket having a a flange at one end extending about right angles to the main body and a reversely curved hook portion at the other end that is joined to the main body and is extended into a second bracket opening, a cable having one end connected to a building and at its opposite end to a stud extended through an aperture in the flange, the second bracket being mounted to the window, and a fastener threadable on the stud to bear against the flange for adjusting the tension in the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Window Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7407228
    Abstract: A system for mounting a seat to the front of a gaming machine. A base platform is provided that has a front edge. At least one hole is disposed in the base platform proximate its front edge. A seat is attached to the base platform utilizing a vertical column. The vertical column is adjustable in height between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. The vertical column holds the seat in a position facing the gaming machine. However, when the vertical column is in its fully retracted position, the seat can be turned ninety degrees to facilitate a person entering or exiting the seat. A locking mechanism joins the base platform to the gaming machine. Authorized personnel can only open the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Vittorio Infanti
  • Patent number: 7399550
    Abstract: A battery module fixture applicable to a battery module having a first positioning portion is disclosed. The battery module fixture includes a base and a spring member. The base includes a second positioning portion having a first end for engaging with the first positioning portion, and a second end connected to the first end capable of being fixed to the first positioning portion. The spring member is capable of being fixed to the base, and includes a third positioning portion corresponding to the first end of the second positioning portion of the base, and a actuating portion for moving along with the third positioning portion, so as to break the third positioning portion away from the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20080164400
    Abstract: A chainsaw holder adapted for receiving a chainsaw bar and chain within an interior compartment of a mounting piece. A pressure piece fits at least partly within the interior compartment and is forced by an operator against the chainsaw bar to capture it within the compartment. The operator is adjustable to release the chainsaw bar. The operator may be a screw operator which bears upon the pressure plate. The pressure plate may have an end flange for keeping it positioned within the interior compartment. The mounting piece preferably has flanges which allow fasteners to extend therethrough and secure the apparatus to the side wall of a supporting structure such as the wall of a pickup bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Kelly M. Beechinor
  • Patent number: 7370840
    Abstract: A retainer device for securing a displayed electronic device with a hinged member and a base portion to a support includes a grooved track secured to the support. First and second retainers are positionable in the track to define a space for the electronic device and include shoulder portions for engaging the grooved track and apertures for receiving elongated fasteners. First and second sets of spacers having complementary recesses and protrusions and through-holes for receiving the elongated fasteners are disposed over the retainers. A slotted member, through which the hinged member of the electronic device can be inserted, is supported by the first and second sets of spacers. Elongated fasteners are insertable through the slotted member and the sets of spacers and are engagable with the retainers for securing the electronic device to the support. A front grip secures a front of the base portion of the electronic device to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Protex International Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph Deconinck
  • Publication number: 20080099653
    Abstract: An anchor rack having a coupling pawl has a plurality of slots on the coupling pawl and a conical outer surface. A sleeve and an elastic element are provided to be coupled with the coupling pawl to form interactions with one another. The coupling pawl has an opening which can be extended or shrunk. Hence a housing space formed in the coupling pawl also can be extended or shrunk. Thereby a tight coupling with a holding rack can be easily formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Chiang, Kun-Yen Lu
  • Patent number: 7344113
    Abstract: A tool holder includes a base body having a through hole and a tubular clamp rotatable between first and second positions. The tubular clamp has a plurality of axially extending split parts which extend through the through hole and which define a clamping hole to clamp a cutter. The split parts are resilient to move inward or outward. A plurality of push elements are formed on the base body to push the split parts inward when the tubular clamp is in the first position. The split parts are released when moving from the push elements in the second position of the tubular clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Gau Woei Super Hard Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Chang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7337590
    Abstract: A retaining system in which straps are provided with hooks that remain engaged with retaining loops even when tension on the straps is released and in which the tightening mechanism includes rods which are located partially below a rib surface on which the straps are placed such that the ends of the rods are near the plane of the strap ends, thereby greatly reducing the bending moment applied to the strap ends and threaded rods. The hook preferably includes a cavity opposite the hook end that will engage the retaining loop when no tension is on the line. In some embodiments, the hook includes a spring-loaded retaining clip to further ensure that the hook does not become disengaged from the retaining loop. The tightening mechanism includes two rods, each of which is positioned to one side of a rib on which the straps rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Xerxes Corporation
    Inventors: John Burwell, Douglas Morrissette, Robin L. Berg, Sr., David Grams
  • Publication number: 20080023617
    Abstract: A weight assembly which includes a container having a first portion and a second portion. In addition, the weight assembly includes a means for attaching the weight assembly to a fastening means, and a fastening means. The first portion and the second portion of the container matingly engage one another and form a hollow interior cavity within the container. Placed within the cavity are weight bearing materials or items that add weight to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Stanley Ho
  • Patent number: 7305794
    Abstract: A flower mounting assembly for a headstone includes a block that has a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side. Each of a plurality of hook members is extended into the block. A plurality of discs is provided. Each of a plurality of fasteners is attached to one of the discs for securing a respective one of the discs to a front side, back side or top edge of a headstone. Each of a plurality of clasps is attached to one of the discs. Each of a plurality of bands is attached to and extended between one of the hook members and one of the clasps so that the bottom side of the block is abutted against and secured to the headstone. A plurality of flowers is extended into said top side of said block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory R. Cantrell
  • Patent number: 7305040
    Abstract: A splicer/transcoder 21 interfaces with a material archiver/server using a stream. The splicer/transcoder 21 interfaces with an editor and switcher 22 using a base band signal. In a predetermined region including at least an edit point, a transcoding process is performed. In an input stream, two programs to be edited have been multiplexed. The editor and switcher 22 receives base band signals Sa and Sb of which respective programs have been encoded. As with a conventional editing device, the editor and switcher 22 edits the base band signals and returns the edited result as a base band signal Sc to the splicer/transcoder 21. The splicer/transcoder 21 re-encodes the base band signal Sc into an output stream using codec information obtained in the decoding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromi Yoshinari, Yoshihiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 7296777
    Abstract: Forces are minimized in an object supported relative to a surface by providing a first, preferably static force sufficient to retain the object is position when at rest, preferably through a clamping arrangement having a first actuator, measuring or predicting an acceleration and applying a second, preferably dynamic force corresponding to the acceleration. The first and second forces are preferably arranged to be additive or reinforcing but the arrangement can be made fail-safe at the expense of increased power consumption by arranging the first force in accordance with the maximum anticipated acceleration and counteracting the first force with the second force for lesser or zero accelerations. The second force is preferably provided by a clamp of arbitrary configuration which can be moved into and out of engagement with the object. By minimizing forces applied to the object in such a manner, damage such as creep and propagation of crystal lattice dislocations over time can largely be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher S. Margeson
  • Patent number: 7261262
    Abstract: A bucket brace holds a bucket in place while the bucket's contents are mixed or stirred. The bucket brace prevents the bucket from spinning due to the mixing. The bucket brace is an assembly made up of four parts: a base, a foot pressure portion, a front support, and a rear support. A handle is provided for carrying the base. The front and rear supports are of semi-circular shape, and are made of rigid or semi-rigid material, as are the base and the foot pressure portion. The foot pressure portion and the base are integral, preferably both parts being formed from the same piece of material. The foot pressure portion and the rear support preferably have surface grip portions. The handle may be made of any suitable material, preferably the same rigid or semi-rigid material as the other parts of the bucket brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: DPS, LLC
    Inventor: Jessie L. Dunson
  • Patent number: 7258312
    Abstract: A two-part bucket stabilizing apparatus for use with cylindrical joint compound buckets or the like during the mixing of the contents thereof includes a horizontal base member containing an opening for receiving the bottom of the bucket, and a support member having a first edge portion pivotally connected with the base member, and a remote edge portion containing a semi-circular recess. The support member is pivotally operable from an initial horizontal position upwardly and inwardly toward a clamping position above the base portion in which the wall of the semi-circular recess is in clamping engagement with the outer circumferential wall surface of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Joel H. Grosse
  • Patent number: 7240890
    Abstract: An assembly for maintaining a vehicle at a stationary position during inclement weather conditions includes a support surface and a plurality of housings disposed about the vehicle. The housings include an open top end and a lid. A plurality of flexible straps having opposed end portions are engageable with the vehicle along a traversing plane. The assembly further includes a mechanism for securing the plurality of flexible straps to the plurality of housings.and a mechanism for adjusting a length of the plurality of flexible straps for obtaining a desired tension between the opposed end portions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Robert L. Pellegrino
  • Patent number: 7185872
    Abstract: An appliance stabilizing device which is useful in securing an appliance in position against a supporting structure surface. The device includes a plurality of brackets which are selectively positionable on an appliance, with a plurality of elongated members, each pivotally attached to a bracket. Each elongated member has at least one aperture spaced a distance along the length of the elongated member from the pivotal point with the bracket. The elongated member is attached to a support surface, typically a baseboard and/or a wall. The bracket includes apertures spaced from each other in a generally triangular configuration, and the elongated member is typically pivotally attached at the apex of the generally triangular configuration of apertures. The device is self adjusting during attachment of the appliance to a supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Arnold G. Lowenstein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7185376
    Abstract: A mounting clip for securing a sink within an opening in a countertop having at least one side includes a body portion adapted to be secured to the sink and a flexible sink engagement section. The flexible sink engagement section includes a first and a second section. The first section is disposed proximate a first end of the body portion at an angle A1 relative to the body portion. The second portion is disposed at an angle A2 relative to the first section and includes a tip adapted to engage a substantially vertical face of the countertop opening. When the sink is secured in the countertop opening, the tip frictionally engages the sides of the countertop opening. The mounting clip may include a fastener for securing the clip to a mounting channel disposed on the sink, or alternatively may be secured directly to the sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Brown
  • Patent number: 7185871
    Abstract: A tie down resistive to strong winds for lightweight but bulky equipment. The tie down includes anchors driven into the ground which hold cables that in turn are attached to the base of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Carson Industries LLC
    Inventor: Michael M. Orozco
  • Patent number: 7175149
    Abstract: An anti-tipover device for retaining an object adjacent a structure, the anti-tipover device comprising an elongate flexible link element including opposing first and second end sections, the first and second end sections defining first and second longitudinal axes, respectively; first and second pin elements defining first and second rotational axes, respectively, the first and second pin elements being coupled to the respective ones of the first and second end sections with the first and second rotational axes disposed perpendicular to the respective ones of the first and second longitudinal axes, the first and second pin elements being sized and configured with the first and second end sections being pivotable about the respective ones of the first and second pin elements; first and second cable retaining members being attached to the respective ones of first and second pin elements and being mountable to the respective ones of the object and structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hangman Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Gallien
  • Patent number: 7137474
    Abstract: A support structure for a container (1) provided with neck portions (47, 49) on both ends of a longitudinal direction thereof which includes; a first support member (5) for supporting one of the neck portions (47, 49) of the container (1); a second support member (7) for supporting the other of the neck portions (47, 49) of the container (1), and elastically pressing the container (1) in the longitudinal direction thereof; and a frame (3) to which the first and second support members (5, 7) are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatsugu Yokote
  • Patent number: 7134635
    Abstract: A mounting system for a device encasement, including an elongated, T-shaped tenon rail, the T-shaped tenon rail being affixed to the device encasement. One or more detachable mounts may be detachably affixed to the T-shaped tenon rail. The T-shaped tenon rail is permanently affixed or detachably affixed to the device encasement. The device encasement encases a computing device. The T-shaped tenon rail is comprised of plastic or metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: WYSE Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Jack M. Burriel, Paul Noble-Campbell, Jeff Mulhausen
  • Patent number: 7131620
    Abstract: A portable assistive device adaptable to most vehicles with hinged doors. The invention as described allows for anchor unit to rest outside vehicle and to be positioned for use with the door open. The apparatus user can then shut the door without holding the invention in place. As described, the anchor unit is connected to the grip unit with flexible connector straps and does not interfere with operation of the window and does not require the disconnection of the flexible connector straps to transfer the device between vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Joy Viren Murphy
  • Patent number: 7114405
    Abstract: The invention relates to a probe (207) mounting device for a scanning probe microscope, especially a scanning force microscope, comprising a retaining member (200) for installation in a measuring assembly of a scanning probe microscope. The probe (207) is detachably mounted on the retaining member (200) by means of a clamping member (201), the clamping member being secured in self-locking fashion to the retaining member (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: JPK Instruments AG
    Inventors: Olaf Sünwoldt, Heiko Haschke
  • Patent number: 7103942
    Abstract: A water heater security system includes a woven, flexible strap disposed around a water heater to maintain the water heater in a fixed relationship with an adjacent wall. The system includes a pair of wall brackets and may include a buckle assembly. The strap may be formed with two or four ends at least one of which is adjustably attachable to one of the wall brackets or buckle. The buckle can be stamped from metal and bent back on itself to form a slide channel with two sidebars and a crossbar. A slide is disposed within the channel. Side flanges can be formed on the buckle portions or the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Little Firefighter Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Ezra Youngberg
  • Patent number: 7044426
    Abstract: A fitting to prevent movement during seismic activity between a building structure or the like and a rod and channel support or the like connected to said building which may include anti-torque means between the anchor and the channel for preventing rotation of the anchor about the rod. The fitting is directed to a specific slot design to permit ease in access around a rod of a rod and channel support or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventors: James A. Allmon, Larry J. Simon, Jr., Douglas E. Weiland, Allen A. Spielberger, John D. Pryor
  • Patent number: 7028967
    Abstract: A retaining system in which straps are provided with hooks that remain engaged with retaining loops even when tension on the straps is released and in which the tightening mechanism includes rods which are located partially below a rib surface on which the straps are placed such that the ends of the rods are near the plane of the strap ends, thereby greatly reducing the bending moment applied to the strap ends and threaded rods. The hook preferably includes a cavity opposite the hook end that will engage the retaining loop when no tension is on the line. In some embodiments, the hook includes a spring-loaded retaining clip to further ensure that the hook does not become disengaged from the retaining loop. The tightening mechanism includes two rods, each of which is positioned to one side of a rib on which the straps rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Xerxes Corporation
    Inventors: John Burwell, Douglas Morrissette, Robin L. Berg, Sr., David Grams
  • Patent number: 7025321
    Abstract: An anti-falling device for refrigerators has an improved structure capable of effectively preventing a refrigerator from falling flat on a front thereof despite a heavy door and allowing the cabinet of the refrigerator to move from a wall of a building easily when the rear portion of the cabinet needs to be cleaned or repaired. The anti-falling device is provided at a position between the cabinet of a refrigerator and a wall of a building against which the cabinet stands, thus preventing the cabinet from falling flat on the front. The anti-falling device includes a hooking rod provided on the wall of the building. A rotary hook is rotatably mounted to the cabinet and is engaged with or disengaged from the hooking rod in accordance with a rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Gyu Jung
  • Patent number: 6986494
    Abstract: A self-aligning bracket for use in mounting a planar surface such as a roof to a fixed structure such as a bank of fuel cylinders mounted to the roof of a vehicle frame. The bracket provides a locating block on a saddle mount which co-operates with a depression formed on the inner surface of the roof to align fasteners depending from the roof with a coupling fastener on the bracket. The coupling fastener is laterally moveable within an oversized hole in the bracket and engages the locating block to permit co-rotation. An anchor is attached to an end of the coupling fastener so that when the roof fastener is actuated in the coupling fastener, the anchor is drawn towards the coupling fastener, tightening the locating block, coupling fastener and anchor to the saddle mount, preventing further lateral movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dyneter Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel G. Strasser
  • Patent number: 6971623
    Abstract: A fitting to prevent movement during seismic activity between a building structure or the like and a rod and channel support or the like connected to said building which may include anti-torque means between the anchor and the channel for preventing rotation of the anchor about the rod. The fitting is directed to a specific slot design to permit ease in access around a rod of a rod and channel support or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: James A. Allmon, Larry J. Simon, Jr., Douglas E. Weiland, Allen A. Spielberger, John D. Pryor
  • Patent number: 6944994
    Abstract: An anchoring bracket is adapted for applying an anchoring force to a mount having a support stud depending from a force-distributing pad including a contact surface defined by a perimeter and adapted for supporting engagement with a support surface and an anchoring-force bearing surface opposite the contact surface. The bracket has an anchoring-force-exerting surface adapted for force-exerting engagement with the anchoring-force bearing surface of the mount and further includes at least one elongated shank which, when the bracket is oriented for anchoring, extends outside the mount-pad perimeter. Depending from at least one shank is a heel adapted for force-exerting engagement with the support surface outside the mount-pad perimeter. Situated between the anchoring-force-exerting surface and the heel is an anchoring-force application region of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Louis J. Hendzel
  • Patent number: 6935686
    Abstract: A mounting device for an infant's safety chair has at least two holding frames and a bracket. Each holding frame has an attaching base secured under the infant's safety chair and a U-shaped tube slidably and rotatably mounted on the attaching base. The U-shaped tube is composed of multiple sections adjustably connected with each other. The bracket is a U-shaped strip secured under the infant's safety chair to hold the U-shaped tube when the holding frame is pressed down parallel with a bottom face of the infant's safety chair. By adjusting the sections, the U-shaped tube can be clamped to an original adult's seat even in different vehicles to provide an excellent positioning efficiency to the infant's safety chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Huang-Kuo Liao
  • Patent number: 6926244
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing an appliance to a support surface comprises a first base and a second base. The first and second bases are sized to allow the first base to be nestable within the second base. The first base is movable between first and second positions with respect to said second base. In the first position, the bases are in an unlocked position and an interlocking member is disengaged; and in the second position, the interlocking member is engaged to interlock the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Edward L. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 6827994
    Abstract: A means for securing a beach towel or blanket or the like on a beach, lawn or the like, having a container sized to receive a weight such as sand, and a slotted diaphragm of flexible resilient material shaped to receive and secure the edge or corner of the towel or blanket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Avi Ellman, Brent Coetzee
  • Publication number: 20040211878
    Abstract: A tie down resistive to strong winds for lightweight but bulky equipment. The tie down includes anchors driven into the ground which hold cables that in turn are attached to the base of the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Michael M. Orozco
  • Publication number: 20040211875
    Abstract: A mounting assembly includes a pair of fingers upturned from a surface on which the sensor is mounted. The fingers are spaced a distance apart and the sensor is mounted between the fingers. Extending between the fingers is an elastic member. This elastic member extends over the sensor and secures the sensor onto the mounting surface. Another mounting assembly according to this invention includes a catch that extends upward from the mounting surface and a corresponding key portion disposed on the sensor. A fastening member corresponding with the sensor maintains the sensor in the received position within the catch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew J. Wisniewski, Jeffrey A. Clark, Kevin R. Koshorek
  • Patent number: 6796099
    Abstract: A strap connector is compressibly held to a support member by a holder which is connected to the support member by fasteners. The support member can be a formboard for containing a concrete foundation during pouring and setting, and the strap connector is a strap tie holdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Georges, Stephen B. Lamson, William F. Leek, Gregory S. Powell
  • Patent number: 6793190
    Abstract: A retainer clip includes a ratchet plate and a cooperating pawl for anchoring a sink to a countertop with a press-in, above-counter installation. The ratchet plate has a plurality of detents and is affixed to an edge of a cutout in the countertop. The pawl includes a spring element mountable to the sink and has at least one upwardly angled, resilient tab which successively engages the ratchet plate detents with a one-way action as the sink moves downwardly in the cutout. When the sink is fully inserted, the tab seats upwardly in a detent of the ratchet plate. In an embodiment, the pawl includes multiple tabs having slightly different lengths to provide an installation tolerance that is less than an incremental distance between ratchet plate detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Donald E. White, Geraldine A. Domrose, Stephen J. Doyle, Daniel Erickson, Paul Randolph Payne, Peter Wozniczka
  • Publication number: 20040124331
    Abstract: An anchor member for anchoring a beach blanket or beach towel at the beach, the anchoring member having a stake portion having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being tapered for facilitating insertion into the sand, the upper end being rounded and having extended therefrom a biased clamping means comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw and biasing means disposed there between, the upper jaw and lower jaw having serrated surfaces so as to engage the fabric of a beach blanket or beach towel, the edge of which would be disposed there between, there being an anchor member associated with each corner of the beach blanket or beach towel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Kornacki
  • Patent number: 6752369
    Abstract: A camera steadying device for steadying a camera while taking a picture. The camera steadying device includes a body member being designed for being coupled to the camera being held by a user. A flexible extension member extends from the body member. The flexible extension member is designed for being stepped on by the user opposite the camera whereby the flexible extension member resists upward vertical movement of the camera for steadying the camera when the user is taking a picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Kim Cameron