With Means To Facilitate Installation, Repair, Or Transportation, Or Broken Parts Retainer Patents (Class 248/544)
  • Patent number: 6405501
    Abstract: The shimless-shim employed with an edge member of a rough opening in a structure helps true up a jamb in the rough opening comprising a first member disposed parallel to the edge member having a length equal to the width of the edge member and the thickness of the wall boards attached to both edges of the edge member; a pair of a second members attached to the first member in a perpendicular relationship thereto, the pair of second members being disposed in a spaced relationship with respect to each other to enable each of the pair of second members to be disposed between a different one of the edges of the edge member and an adjacent one of the wall boards, the pair of the second members being adjustable in and out to assist in truing up the jamb in the rough opening; a first fastener is associated with the first member to enable fastening the jamb thereto; and a second fastener is associated with each of the pair of the second members and the edge member to secure the pair of second members to the edge memb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Jaime M. Cerrato
  • Publication number: 20020066847
    Abstract: A twist lock attachment system for attaching a fixture having a sheet metal mounting plate that is part of a sheet metal housing to a structural support. The exemplary fixture disclosed is a lighting fixture attached to a wiring conduit. The mounting plate has a generally circular mounting aperture. A twist lock bushing includes a tubular body correspondingly generally circular in cross section. The mounting plate and the twist lock bushing releasably engage each other by relative movement to insert the tubular body into the mounting aperture with the mounting plate and the bushing angularly oriented in an insertion and removal position with reference to each other, followed by rotation of the mounting plate and the twist lock bushing relative to each other to an installed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Lee J. Belknap
  • Patent number: 6354555
    Abstract: A unit installation tool facilitates installation of a unit of a separate type air conditioner on a vertical member, preventing exposure of conduit to the elements, and improves the appearance. The tool has a yoke fitted to the vertical member with bolts, and a support part extended forward from the yoke, for mounting the upper part of the back side of the unit on its leading end. The mounted unit is supported at an upward position by a specified extent from the support part. A conduit space is formed on the support port between the supported outdoor unit and the yoke or the vertical member on which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nishizuka, Koji Hatano, Mitsuo Nakanuma
  • Patent number: 6347780
    Abstract: System to easily install and remove hangers for a string of decorative lights around a house, while standing on the ground and without the use of a ladder. The system is particularly intended for attachment to gutter lips, but could be used to attach light strings to a variety of surfaces found on buildings. The system is comprised of two components, a hanger clip which holds the light string and which has spring loaded jaws to attach to the building, and an elongated staff with hanger clip actuator at one end to temporarily hold the clip until it can be positioned and attached. The staff has an actuating means which opens and closes the hanger clip jaws. In use, the actuating means is used to open the hanger clip jaws, the clip is then positioned on top of the gutter lip or other surface, and then the actuating means is used again to close the hanger clip jaws, allowing the clip to be firmly attached to the gutter lip or other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Robert Holbrook
  • Publication number: 20010045491
    Abstract: A mounting device suitable for use with a conventional bathroom tissue fixture. The mounting device may be used to support a dispenser from a conventional bathroom tissue fixture. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes a positioning member, a first support member, a second support member and a linkage operatively disposed between at least one of the support members and the positioning member whereby movement of the positioning member causes relative motion between the distal ends of the first and second support members. Latching mechanisms may also be used with the invention to inhibit the relative motion of the first and second support members. The mounting device may also include a housing and an attachment mechanism, such as a threaded fastener for attaching a dispenser to the mounting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: William R. Newman, Herb F. Velazquez, Cherry A. Bochmann
  • Patent number: 6322038
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a davit to support a platform by supporting lines, is secured by a receptacle flush mounted on an elevated floor of a building. The mounting assembly is secured and moved into engagement with the mounting assembly by a socket of a mounting assembly receiving the davit engaging the assembly with the mounting assembly by engagement blocks which engage a locking member in the receptacle upon tilting of the davit mounting assembly toward a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Skymaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Ali Ghahremani
  • Patent number: 6322029
    Abstract: An installation bracket includes a generally L-shaped main body with a top wall, a rear wall, a supporting leg on the top wall for receiving a front rim of a head rail, a projection extending forwardly from the rear wall substantially parallel to the top wall, and a locking member pivotally mounted on the forward projection to swivel in a plane substantially parallel to the top wall between a first position juxtaposed to the rear wall and a second position perpendicular to the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Marko Henry Sonnenberg, Jovo Ilic
  • Patent number: 6317926
    Abstract: This invention provides a device for fixing an LCD unit for a computer. It includes two slots formed on the main body of computer for receiving two connecting blades of pivots of the LCD unit. Each of the connecting blades is formed with a step portion in the middle of the blade so as to temporarily keep the LCD unit in a position suitable for users to connect the connectors between the LCD unit and the main body of computer when the step portions are placed on rims of the slots. The LCD unit needs no hands to hold, so the connectors can be easily handled by both hands, and the wires can be well connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Huey-Shyang Ren
  • Patent number: 6315250
    Abstract: The device is a swivel clip or swivel prong with a relatively rotatable swivel and base elements. The swivel element rotates about a shaft which passes through an aperture in the base element. The swivel clip is initially formed in one piece by molding windows in an upper portion of the swivel element which are opposed to molding windows in a lower portion of the swivel element (that is, alternating around the periphery of the shaft). The windows meet in the base member, forming the swivel shaft, the swivel aperture and the internal gates as a single piece. Subsequently breaking the internal gates provides vestiges which support the swivel shaft within the aperture. Radially oriented upwardly extending inverted V-shaped support boss formed on the swivel and base elements position the swivel and base elements with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Meyer
  • Patent number: 6308372
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus including right and left hand pivot shafts and a wiper motor are incorporated into an integrated modular type holder member. A mounting section having a generally trapezoidal configuration is formed on a pivot holder to extend therefrom outwardly with respect to one of the pivot shafts. The wiper apparatus includes a trapezoidal insertion hole on a vehicle body side. The mounting section is inserted into the insertion hole loosely in a tilted posture when the pivot holder takes a mounting posture, and for mounting the wiper apparatus, using, as a lever, a supporting portion formed on the vehicle body side, the mounting section is pressed against an upper edge of the insertion hole having a smaller dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Abe
  • Patent number: 6289636
    Abstract: Replacement of a damaged post for a parking meter can be accomplished by cutting the post off near the ground and affixing a replacement post to the stub of the original post with a retaining device which grips the two portions of the post from inside the post. The retaining device is only reachable through the post when the meter head is removed, thus preserving the integrity of the post from vandals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: POM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth R. White, Seth Ward, II
  • Patent number: 6286805
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing shocks and vibrations that equipment can be subject to when the equipment is moved is provided. The apparatus includes a stationary support assembly fixedly held in a transport unit that is moved using a vehicle and a movable support assembly fixedly connected to the equipment. The stationary support assembly includes a number of isolator members that prevent unwanted shocks and vibrations from affecting the equipment being transported. A pallet truck is used to separate the equipment and the movable support assembly from the stationary assembly and then carry them to their next location. The movable support assembly includes a number of inflatable air bladders that are sufficiently pressurized to prevent unwanted shocks and vibrations from affecting the equipment as it is moved from the transport unit to its next location. The equipment being moved can include laser equipment for use in performing eye corrective procedures and which has sensitive, aligned and calibrated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Clear Vision Laser Centers, Inc.
    Inventors: William Bunn, John C. Spencer, Stephen P. Kregstein, Mark Lamphier, Donald B. Wingerter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6279865
    Abstract: A mounting device suitable for use with a conventional bathroom tissue fixture. The mounting device may be used to support a dispenser from a conventional bathroom tissue fixture. In some embodiments, the mounting device includes a positioning member, a first support member, a second support member and a linkage operatively disposed between at least one of the support members and the positioning member whereby movement of the positioning member causes relative motion between the distal ends of the first and second support members. Latching mechanisms may also be used with the invention to inhibit the relative motion of the first and second support members. The mounting device may also include a housing and an attachment mechanism, such as a threaded fastener for attaching a dispenser to the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Newman, Herb F. Velazquez, Cherry A. Bochmann
  • Patent number: 6244558
    Abstract: The present invention describes an improved mounting device or catch intended for mounting mirrors, glass plates or other generally flat objects to walls, doors, cabinets or other appropriate surfaces. The present invention comprises a plastic shell element, similar in appearance to existing mounting devices, but having a recessed means on its back side to accommodate a support plate. The support plate is a preferably metal, generally J-shaped plate that slidably engages the plastic shell to provide much greater structural integrity to the mounting device. In addition to strengthening the basic support structure, the metal plate provides a secondary support means that can retain the supported object even in the event of a failure of the plastic shell, potentially preventing the destruction of the supported object. The improved structural features are accomplished while retaining the aesthetic features and resilient support features of prior-art plastic mounting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Richard A. Castle
  • Patent number: 6155527
    Abstract: A base pad for supporting an appliance during assembly and shipping is provided. The pad has a pair of endpieces, each having portions for supporting the weight of an appliance, a pair of crosspieces connected to the endpieces to form a substantially rectangular base, and wrapping substantially covering the weight supporting portions of the endpieces. In addition to providing strength, the wrapping may also help hold the crosspieces and endpieces together. The endpieces are formed of a low density material, such as expanded polystyrene and the wrapping is formed of a medium to high density material such as kraft paper. The combination of the crosspieces formed of a low density material and the medium to high density wrapping material provides an optimum combination of strength and cushioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Muyskens
  • Patent number: 6131361
    Abstract: A combination clamp and support bracket for transient support of sheet goods during their alignment and fastening to underlying support structures, like joists and studs. The bracket has either one L-shaped longitudinal end, or at least one offset longitudinal end, or, in an alternate configuration, a pair of one L-shaped longitudinal end and the other an offset longitiudinal end. A pattern of bore holes and key slot perforations are arrayed along the bracket longitudinal axis and provide temporarily tacked pivot points and/or ledges for subjacent support of the sheet goods during placements of an abutting edge and permanent fastening. The brackets are handily displaced and ready for reuse in placement of subsequent sheet goods, like dry wall installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: James T. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6129324
    Abstract: The catch comprises a bolt (22) having a locking body (24) and means for clipping the body (24) into a keeper (28) by clamping the keeper (28) between a bearing bush (54) and at least one retractable locking ball (56). The bearing bush (54) is mounted to slide axially around the locking body (24), being moveable, by cooperation with the keeper (28), against a return spring force, from a position releasing the bolt (22), in which the bush (54) covers the locking ball (56), holding it in the retracted position, to a position locking the bolt (22), in which the bush (54) and the locking ball (56) grip the keeper (28). The bolt (22) further includes safety means (80) preventing accidental displacement of the bush (54) from its bolt releasing position to its bolt locking position other than by cooperation of the bush (54) with the keeper (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Cesa-Compagnie Europeenne de Sieges pour Automobiles
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6116564
    Abstract: A mounting strap is provided to assist in holding a lighting fixture near an attachment point. The mounting strap has a first end having a portion that is bent at a point along its length to form an acute angle with respect to the length of the remainder of the mounting strap. An aperture is provided in the length of the member to attach the mounting strap to the lighting fixture. The bent portion may be suspended over the mount to which the lighting fixture is to be attached. Following the necessary installation steps, such as connection of electrical wire, the mounting strap may be placed on the mount on which the lighting fixture is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Thomas Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Cates
  • Patent number: 6107568
    Abstract: An electrical box and a holding device for use therewith is disclosed. The holding device can be a flexible plastic bag-like container having a first wall coupled to a second wall and forming a substantially enclosed inner receiving area. A mounting fastener such as fan or fixture mounting screws are temporarily secured within the receiving area of the container. A box mounting screw extends completely through the container and extends through a side of the electrical box to temporarily secure the container and the electrical box to a structure; such as a joist. The fan or fixture mounting screws are then accessible for removal from the container and can be used to further fix the electrical box and the fan or fixture to the joist. The electrical box also has a pair of slots for receiving the fan or fixture mounting screws. Each slot has two areas for receiving a screw with a knockout between the areas. The knockout can be removed if the screw must be positioned between the two areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Schnell, Gregory J. Kesler, Robert W. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 6081240
    Abstract: A satellite antenna alignment device is described for use with a satellite antenna to enable the satellite antenna to be aligned with respect to a particular satellite. The alignment device is operatively secured to the support arm of the satellite antenna and includes a compass for indicating the directional position of the support arm and also includes a clinometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Robert J. Hemmingsen, II
  • Patent number: 6048010
    Abstract: A tool for manipulating suspended display holders such that a user can mount suspended displays on and remove suspended displays from an overhead support structure from floor level is provided. The tool includes an elongate handle having an upper end on which is arranged a gripping head. The gripping head includes a channel portion which can be brought into engagement with a suspended display holder and a clamp member which is mounted on the gripping head for sliding movement between a position wherein the gripping head engages the suspended display holder and a retracted released position. The slide member is biased towards the engaged position by a spring which is provided on the gripping head. The tool also includes an actuating cord which can be used to effect movement of the clamp member between the engaged and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Harold L. Stocker
  • Patent number: 6039297
    Abstract: A flashlight holder having a hollow interior walled casing which extends around the sides of a held flashlight. Apertures or holes in the casing's sides permit the tip and front part of a screwdriver to be insert into from one side of the casing to turn screws in an aligned side hole to mount the holder flush against a supporting surface, such as a wall. Upper opposite cut out portions of the casing allow the side switch on any retained flashlight to clear the adjacent casing wall if inserted in either of two different opposite orientations. A lower support rod fixed into the casing's side walls extends completely across the hollow interior of the casing and is used to support the lower base of a retained flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Robert E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5984242
    Abstract: The device is a swivel clip with a relatively stationary base element and a relatively rotatable swivel element. The swivel element rotates about a shaft which passes through an aperture in the base element. The swivel clip is initially formed in one piece by molding windows in an upper portion of the swivel element which are opposed to molding windows in a lower portion of the swivel element (that is, alternating around the periphery of the shaft). The windows meet in the base member, forming the swivel shaft, the swivel aperture and the internal gates as a single piece. Subsequently breaking the internal gates provides vestiges which support the swivel shaft within the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Meyer
  • Patent number: 5977922
    Abstract: A satellite antenna alignment device is described for use with a satellite antenna to enable the satellite antenna to be aligned with respect to a particular satellite. The alignment device is operatively secured to the support arm of the satellite antenna and includes a compass for indicating the directional position of the support arm and also includes a clinometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Robert J. Hemmingsen, II
  • Patent number: 5964489
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and manipulating ornaments and other objects includes a double-ended support hook for attachment to an object and having a segment forming a hook recess between the ends of the support hook. A support member supports the support hook, the support member including spaced side elements forming an interior for receiving the support hook and a hook engagement member located between the spaced side elements for engaging the support hook and positioning within the hook recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin Mahoney
  • Patent number: 5957414
    Abstract: A support system for devices, in particular electrical devices, to be attached transversely to a trunking body between two longitudinal walls of the latter comprises two crossmembers each engaged with one of the longitudinal walls at each end and each equipped with fixing arrangements for local fastening of the device. These fixing arrangements are mounted on the crossmember so that their position can be adjusted along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNC
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Perrignon de Troyes, Bertrand Decore
  • Patent number: 5954307
    Abstract: An apparatus releasably clamps a wheeled or castored object to the floor or other surface to thereby restrain its movement during a seismic event such as an earthquake. The apparatus comprises a pair of wheel tracks or receivers which guide the castors into position whereby a pair of horizontally projecting pins on the receivers enter corresponding openings on the object and snubbers on the receivers abut the object. An overcenter locking clamp releasably holds the object in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal Williams
  • Patent number: 5938255
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tool to permit the support and lifting of a planar sign member to a ceiling so as to attach that sign to a ceiling support rail. The tool comprises an elongated pole having a first or lower end and a second or upper end and a frame assembly attached to the upper end of the pole. A pair of spaced apart yokes are mounted on the top side of the frame assembly. Each yoke is arranged to directionally align and hold a ceiling anchor thereon, from which anchor, sign support hooks hang, to permit a sign to be hung from the anchor upon the anchors being secured to a ceiling rail by the tool extending thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventors: Sidney Rose, Alan L. Stenfors, Michael S. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5921522
    Abstract: A utility box positioning fixture provides a box holding device onto which a utility box may be easily placed and held relative to the fixture. A set of jaw and spacer bars are mounted onto a vertically held support bar, the width of the jaw and spacer bars establishing the horizontal position of the utility box relative to a horizontal stringer and a vertical stud of a wall structure. With the utility box positioned against the side surface of the stud, and with the jaw bars positioned against the front face of the stud, the box is positioned for mounting and therefore may be accurately fastened into place on the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Scott D. Weber
  • Patent number: 5909758
    Abstract: A supporting tool which can be easily mounted at a desired position on a wall surface or the like at a low cost to function as a supporting bar or a handrail includes a sucking pad. An adhesive agent layer is disposed on one main surface of the sucking pad and on a portion of the other main surface, opposed to a pedestal. One end of a shaft shaped connection member is fixed to the other main surface of the sucking pad, whereas the other end of the shaft-shaped connection member penetrates through the center of the pedestal. A horizontal shaft is inserted through the other end of the connection member which extends upward through the upper surface of the pedestal. Each end of the horizontal shaft is rotatably supported by shaft-receiving members. The horizontal shaft is fixed to a rotatable cam. The horizontal shaft is moved vertically by rotating the cam. As a result, the center of the sucking pad is moved vertically through the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Akio Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5901935
    Abstract: an auxiliary jack including a foldable base assembly and a bracket pivotably connected to the base assembly. The bracket has a sleeve for guidingly receiving an elevator. A protruding height of the elevator with respect to the sleeve is adjustable and a locking pin passes through the adjusted elevator and the sleeve to maintain the adjusted relative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Chen-I Lai
  • Patent number: 5884447
    Abstract: A device (1) for supporting a second panel in edge-to-edge relationship with a fixed panel, the support device (1) including a support plate (2), means (16) to permit the support plate (2) to be attached against the fixed panel, and means (4) for aligning the support plate (2) to overhang the fixed panel by an amount sufficient to support the second panel in the said relationship. The support plate may include a lip (5) to assist in placing the second panel on the support plate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Michael John Earp
  • Patent number: 5823482
    Abstract: A wiring device support for supporting electrical devices such as duplex receptacles, switches, Decora switches or ground fault circuit interrupters. The C-shaped wiring device includes a ramp portion on the top inside perimeter of the C, a tapered notch portion on another end of the inside perimeter of the C, and an integral rib extending substantially around the inner periphery of the C. The wiring device support may be used to support an existing electrical device which is loose or has sunken into a wall by loosening the existing electrical device, sliding the wiring device between the electrical device and the electrical box, and retightening the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 5816558
    Abstract: A pole-assist hanger aid for suspending light-weight objects from an elevated structure. The hanger aid comprises a wire member with a hook-shaped first end to temporarily engage the elevated structure and a second end to engage the light-weight object. An open bottom pole receiving member is offset from the wire member at a mid-portion thereof. It has a hollow interior which is tapered upwardly and is dimensioned to receive an end of an elongated pole. The hanger aid is especially useful for suspending objects such as bird feeders from an elevated tree limb with the use of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventors: Robert L. Sommer, Donald L. Gemperline
  • Patent number: 5797581
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and mounting fixtures is described. At least one ring for fitted insertion into a fixture to be mounted is provided. A disc having an opening for receiving a fastening device is provided for each ring. The fastening device is installed through the opening in the disc, then aligned through the ring in the fixture with a pre-drilled hole in the mounting surface, and loosely tightened into the pre-drilled hole. The fixture is then aligned to a desired position relative to the mounting surface, and the fastening device is tightened such that the underside of the disc fixedly engages the ring and the fixture to the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Norman Sherman
  • Patent number: 5794906
    Abstract: A new Sign Support System for offering a device that is effective and efficient in the hanging of a sign and causes the action to become safer. The inventive device includes a hanger clamp assembly, a stabilizer bar assembly, and a telescopic applicator assembly and "J" hooks. In use, a sign 2 is affixed to the hanger clamp assembly 20 at an upper end of the sign. The stabilizer bar assembly 30 is fastened to the bottom of the sign 2 and serves as a weight which holds the sign taught and causes the sign 2 to resist movement ordinarily caused by air draft or slight wind. The sign support system 10 is then lifted up by use of the telescopic applicator assembly 40 and hooked on "J" hooks or wire, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventors: David Harris, Ken Resavy
  • Patent number: 5794903
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing freestanding objects to a support surface. The apparatus includes an elongated member having a first leg connected to a second leg such that the first leg is substantially perpendicular to the second leg. The first leg includes a first longitudinal axis along which at least one hole is formed in the first leg at a predetermined location permitting the apparatus to be secured to the freestanding object. The second leg includes a second longitudinal axis, parallel to the first longitudinal axis, along which at least one hole is formed in the second leg at a predetermined location permitting the apparatus to be secured to the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Max R. Peterson, II
  • Patent number: 5791625
    Abstract: An adjustable bracket for sawtooth picture hanger includes a base element adapted to be affixed to a wall, and an adjustable element having a ledge for supporting the hanger, a vertical tab extending upward from the ledge, over which the hanger is placed, and a horizontal tab received in the base element. A machine screw or other adjustable-tension fastener connects the adjustable element to the base element. At least one of the tab and the fastener has widthwise lost motion to permit the adjustable element to be tilted somewhat with respect to the base element, while the fastener is not tightened, to reorient the picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Garry Orser
  • Patent number: 5791627
    Abstract: An engine mounting system for an internal combustion engine includes a bracket adapted for attachment to an engine and detachable locator members which are attached to fasteners extending axially from the bracket through the frame member of a vehicle. The detachable locator members wedge the engine mounting brackets into a desired location upon the frame crossmember. Once the engine has been decked, the locator members may be removed so as to allow installation of additional fastening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Frederick Fisch, Mark Hollis Jackson
  • Patent number: 5758858
    Abstract: A paralleling device comprises a thin sheet of material which is adapted to support a bubble level and be removably attached to a hanging wall article. The paralleling device can be used to parallel a wall article to be hung with the surface of an adjacent piece of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Renny H. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5677936
    Abstract: A tool for vertically supporting a shroud repair tie rod assembly having a clevis hook by bracing the clevis hook against a clevis pin incorporated on a lower support fixture toggle-bolted to the shroud support plate. The provision of vertical support at the bottom of the tie rod assembly allows the vertical support at the top of the tie rod assembly to be removed, so that the upper support structure can be coupled to the threaded upper end of the tie rod. The lower end of the tie rod assembly is supported on both sides of a vertical support plate of the fixture. The tool for vertically supporting the lower end of the tie rod assembly comprises a support frame which sits on the top surface of a fixture bracket while receiving the coupled toggle bolt and nut in a recess that allows the tool to rotate about the axis of the toggle bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert William Whitling, Wing G. Jung
  • Patent number: 5639058
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is a removable shift slide stabilizer tool used in the repair and maintenance of inboard-outboard engines used on watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: John J. Mammel
  • Patent number: 5636825
    Abstract: A hanging device for frames comprising a supporting assembly that is mounted to a vertical wall and a hanging assembly that is rigidly mounted to the back of a frame or other object to be hung. The hanging assembly has front and rear walls separated by an upper wall. The upper wall is removably mounted to the supporting assembly. The supporting assembly has a tubular shape with a rectangular cross-section. The supporting assembly includes a straight edge against which the straight upper wall of the hanging assembly rests ensuring that the frame will conform to the same orientation, typically horizontal, of the straight edge. A leveling device is mounted to the supporting assembly to facilitate the determination of the position of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Carlos Pernas
  • Patent number: 5582025
    Abstract: A low obstruction window air conditioner has a platform on an outer member of its sill straddling bracket so that a jack screw can raise or lower the platform and the outer unit containing the compressor, the condenser coil, the fan (driven by a motor) and a condensate pump. Once in position, the inner unit is suspended from a pair of bars inserted through the bracket into the outer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Slant/Fin Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin Dubin, Jack Kayne
  • Patent number: 5577702
    Abstract: A wall mounting bracket comprising a plastic body which includes a wall having an integral projection facing outwardly with a centering recess to receive the tip of a hole saw or the like. At least one opening is provided through the wall adjacent the projection. Preferably, a plurality of openings are provided at equally spaced radial locations adjacent the projection. In use, the body is mounted on the building and then siding is applied to the wall of the building and the edges of the siding or brought into closely adjacent relation with the plastic body. In a preferred form, the centering recess is provided on both sides of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Mid-America Building Products Corporation
    Inventors: Norman L. Chubb, Richard J. MacLeod, Charles E. Schiedegger
  • Patent number: 5544851
    Abstract: This invention pertains to brackets for mounting fixtures and the like to buildings, especially at elevated locations and to servicing such fixtures. Brackets of the invention include a wall mount subassembly for mounting directly to e.g. a vertical wall of the building, and an interface subassembly which serves as an interface between the wall mount subassembly and a fixture, optionally also a fixture holder. The interface subassembly preferably is mounted for pivotation with respect to the wall mount subassembly, whereby the fixture secured to the interface subassembly can be pivoted toward or over the roof or other safe place on the building for installation or servicing of the fixture or fixture holder. In some embodiments, the combination of the fixture, fixture holder, and interface subassembly is readily removed, or installed onto, the wall mount subassembly as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Steven A. Moore
  • Patent number: 5539584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power pack for an exterior automotive mirror assembly having a central depression in its upper housing whereby a large diameter pivot cup can be used. The pivot cup, of this power pack, is separate from the mirror casing and is retained by a unique spring retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Perry, Kerry L. Helmer
  • Patent number: 5527016
    Abstract: A handrail positioning apparatus for accurately positioning a handrail during the process of installing the handrail in an inclined position on a building wall above an inclined stairway. The apparatus may include two vertically adjustable stanchions positionable at the upper and lower ends of the stairway. Miniature platforms are tiltably mounted on the upper end portions of the stanchions to underlie end areas of a handrail. C-clamps may be used to clamp the handrail to the platforms. The platforms are so tiltable that the platforms can seat flatwise against the handrail, whatever the slope or inclination of the rail, and the stanchions are vertically adjustable to control the rail slope and rail height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Wilborn F. Wilkerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5484127
    Abstract: A support brace for the adjustable support of a basketball goal system having a deformable parallelogrammatic structure is disclosed. The support brace is pivotally connected to the parallelogrammatic structure so that the brace can pivot in a vertical plane in response to the application and release of a force applying implement. The support brace comprises a trough shaped member, integrally formed of a single unit of material, with an elongated base and a pair of sides angularly extending from the base. The support brace is stackable such that multiple support braces are capable of being stacked one on top of another, with the base of one brace fitting within the trough of an adjacent brace. The trough shaped member has a locking mechanism for securing the parallelogrammatic structure in one of a plurality of positions and a receiving member for receiving a tip of the force-applying implement and restraining the tip from inadvertent slippage from the support brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Tony L. England
  • Patent number: 5451027
    Abstract: A picture hanging device having a top member with a lower linear edge, a bottom member with an upper linear edge in parallel relationship to the lower linear edge of the top member, and a level connected to at least one of the top and bottom members. The top member is slidably connected to the bottom member so as to vary a distance between the linear edges. The level is a bubble level for indicating when the linear edges are extending in a horizontal plane. The upper and lower linear edges are angled from a back side to a front side of the device. The upper linear edge of the bottom member has a plurality of nail-receiving slots formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Raymond McHenry