Vertically Adjustable Patents (Class 108/106)
  • Publication number: 20020073902
    Abstract: A removable shelving unit for use with pop-up campers, flea market vendor tables and certain dormitory furniture. The shelving unit consists of two side arms, which use either a bottom edge or a slot as a stabilizing mechanism for the shelving unit. A plurality of shelves are attached, either directly to the side arms, or to a back attached to the side arms. One of a several securing apparatuses are used to secure the shelving unit to various fixed members in the pop-up camper, on the tables, or furniture. Certain securing apparatuses are for use with the flat surface of a table, a rod or a C-shaped track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Space Maker Systems
    Inventor: Lester F. Jipp
  • Patent number: 6349507
    Abstract: A slat wall structure including a substantially vertical support portion and at least one substantially horizontal web extending from the support portion. An end of the web includes a downwardly depending portion extending longitudinally along the end of the web, with the downwardly depending portion defining an upwardly extending recess. The recess is located below each of the webs, whereby both hook-like engagement brackets and upwardly extending mounting flange brackets can be supported by the slat wall. The web can also include a downwardly extending portion that defines at least one screw boss, wherein screws are receivable to mount the slat wall from its end. A pair of oppositely disposed and mutually spaced vertical end walls having a slat wall located between and attached to the end walls by screws placed through the vertical end walls and into the screw boss to thereby secure a side of the web to the vertical end walls and form an integral upright assembly which may be self-supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Spectra Products Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Muellerleile
  • Patent number: 6276358
    Abstract: A ventilation system for a cooking appliance includes one or more slidable vent hoods arranged in a tabletop extending above a heating surface of a cooking appliance to exhaust gaseous byproduct developed during a cooking operation performed on the heating surface. The tabletop is vertically adjustable relative to the heating surface in order to alter the distance between each vent hood and the heating surface. Each vent hood can be retracted within the tabletop or extended to a position disposed directly, vertically above at least a portion of the heating surface. Preferably, a pair of adjacent vent hoods are provided, with each vent hood opening into a common exhaust manifold formed in the tabletop. The tabletop is preferably mounted through multiple pillars which are connected to a vertical adjusting mechanism. One of the pillars is preferably provided with an elongated duct for directing exhaust gases from the manifold to a remote exhaust location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: George G. Brin, Jr., Luke Michas, Marc S. Harrison, Michael T. Lye
  • Patent number: 6241048
    Abstract: A storage platform and lift apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms; four cables; a plurality of elongated brace members; four elongated vertical members, each having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; and a drive axle. A pulley wheel is rotatably coupled to two vertical members, while the other two vertical members support a drive axle which contains the four cables. A plurality of brace members support the vertical members in an upright, stable position. Upper and lower gear assemblies, in combination with the four cables extending outwardly away from the drive axle and coupled to the platforms, provide means to raise and lower the platforms to any desired height for either short- and long-term storage of machinery, equipment, and the alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph John Heilmann
  • Patent number: 6105513
    Abstract: A shelving unit apparatus and method comprises vertical posts arranged at corners of a rectangle. A plurality of shelves are vertically spaced from one another and supported by the posts. At a front of the shelving unit, a channel-shaped base rests on a floor on which the shelving unit rests, the base being attached to the front two posts at ends of the base by projecting head rivets received in keyhole-shaped slots in the front two posts. At least one aperture in the base portion of the base receives a mounting bolt to be anchored to the floor. The bottom shelf has its front end resting on an upper edge of the front vertical wall of the base. A rear of the bottom shelf is supported by a shelf holding element attached to the two posts at the rear of the shelving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Richards-Wilcox, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas C. Mittag
  • Patent number: 6056382
    Abstract: A piece of furniture includes two vertical members each formed from a wavy sheet of material having alternating parallel horizontal crests and depressions on opposing surfaces thereof. A shelf is supported at opposite ends by bearing gaskets secured to opposite ends of the shelf with each bearing gasket disposed between two successive crests on a respective vertical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Fiam Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ron Arad
  • Patent number: 6015052
    Abstract: A shelving system is provided which includes a polygonal shelf assembly, shelf supporting assemblies and post. The polygonal shelf assembly includes at least three bracket receiving sections. At least three shelf supporting assemblies are provided for supporting the polygonal shelf assembly. At least three posts are provided for releasably coupling to the at least three shelf supporting assemblies for supporting a polygonal shelf assembly. Each of the shelf supporting assemblies includes a collar and a support bracket. The support brackets have a shelf receiving section. When assembled, each of the collars are frictionally coupled to the at least three posts and each of the support brackets are frictionally engaged to the collars. The at least three bracket receiving sections of the polygonal shelf assemblies are then releasably coupled to the shelf receiving sections of the support brackets to form a shelving system that may be easily assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Global Equipment Company a Division of Global Direct Mail
    Inventors: Mark Goldberg, Marc G. Block
  • Patent number: 5927213
    Abstract: Ergonomically, adjustable table with movable elements, in particular, for a mobility impaired person, comprising a frame (10) with a base (12) and at least two vertical members (14) secured thereto, and a stationary plate (16) secured to said vertical members. The table is characterized by having, at the rear, a first plate capable of vertical translation between a low retracted position and a hight work position at right angles to the stationary plate (16) and a second plate (20) capable of horizontal translation, arranged parallel and immediately above the stationary plate. The table is suitable for teaching applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Exess Technologie
    Inventor: Michel Leday
  • Patent number: 5921190
    Abstract: A modular display system includes at least two spaced apart, parallel, vertically oriented upright supports, each having an upper end and a lower end, and at least two spaced apart, parallel, horizontally oriented spanning supports extending between and connecting the upright supports and forming a frame. The upright supports and the spanning supports defining a plane. At least one of the upright supports and the spanning supports defines a plurality of spaced apart, corresponding openings formed therein lying in the plane. A partition member is positioned in the frame, within the plane, between the upright supports and the spanning supports. The partition member can include an interchangeable panel element for changing the color and display media and the like. The partition member has a mounting portion including a plurality projecting elements extending therefrom for engaging the openings in one of the upright supports and the spanning supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Stamford Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham Robert Wood
  • Patent number: 5906196
    Abstract: A portable gas stove includes a rectangular housing defined by parallel front and rear panels joined to parallel, opposed side panels. A top opening at an upper end of the housing provides access to at least one burner, and a hinged cover is adapted to pivot to close the upper opening entirely. At the bottom end of the housing, a coffer is formed with a downward opening, and a pair of flanges extending inwardly at the side edges of the coffer are dimensioned to retain the disassembled stove legs disposed therebetween. A clamp is provided to secure the legs in the coffer for travel with the stove. Each leg includes a tubular main portion, and a top end having an L-section. The L-section is dimensioned to fit in complementary fashion over any corner vertex formed by the conjunction of a side and front or rear panel of the housing. Each corner vertex includes a slot extending vertically therein, and a nut is slidably supported by a nut holder for translation along the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Dutro Company
    Inventor: S. Ty Measom
  • Patent number: 5884567
    Abstract: Split collars function to releasably attach shelving to a plurality of vertical support posts. Each collar comprises a front half and a rear half with interlocking structure between the collar halves for releasably locking them together. Each split collar has a frusto-conical interior surface, and an upwardly extending shelf supporting hook is integral with one of the collar halves. When the split collars are attached to the support posts the hooks engage and support the shelving, Such shelving may be mounted horizontally or angularly, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Bartz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5842585
    Abstract: A movable shelf arrangement has individual shelf members and tracks connected to the floor and extending parallel to one another perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the shelf members. A set of wheels is connected to each one of the shelf members for moving the shelf members on the tracks. At least some of the wheels of the set of wheels are driven. A drive is connected to each one of the driven wheels. A sensor arrangement is connected to each one of the shelf members for sensing alignment and lateral displacement of the wheels relative to the ideal line of movement on the tracks. A drive control unit is connected to each one of the driven wheels for receiving corrective control signals based on the detection signals of the sensor arrangement in order to correct the driven wheels with respect to alignment with the ideal line of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: NEDCON Magazijninichting B.V.
    Inventor: Rudolf R. Hollander
  • Patent number: 5833190
    Abstract: A shelf supporting bracket for a scaffold comprises a pair of spaced apart angle irons connected together by a first cross bar at the rear and a second cross bar located inwardly from the open front end. A diagonal brace bar extends downwardly and forwardly from the rearwardly facing end of the spaced apart angle irons and first cross bar, terminating forwardly at a location below the second cross bar and on a line that extends from the forwardly facing wall of the second cross bar normal to the direction in which the angle irons extend. A semi-cylindrical socket member is secured to the forward end of the diagonal brace bar to receive a lower portion of a scaffold upright when an upper portion is received through the open front end of the spaced apart angle irons and rearwardly to abut against the forwardly facing wall of the second cross bar. A pin is then inserted through a pair of aligned apertures of the spaced apart angle irons to the front of the scaffold upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Tommy J. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5810457
    Abstract: Collapsible shelving that can be tautly suspended by a single person within an erected wardrobe frame is described. The shelving is comprised of eight hooks that engage top and bottom poles of the wardrobe frame, four cords that engage the hooks at each end, a plurality of staples attached to each of the cords, and a plurality of shelves that rest on the staples horizontally and in parallel with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventors: Donald H. Felsenthal, Sandy A. Felsenthal
  • Patent number: 5806417
    Abstract: A shelf mounting assembly comprises front and rear opposed uprights and an adapter member on which a shelf is mounted. Each upright has engaging slots vertically disposed at spacings. The adapter member extends between the uprights and connected to the same by one or more of the engaging slots of each upright. This allows the adapter member to be supported at a selected elevation. The adapter member comprises a shelf-mounting flange for detachably and movably connecting a shelf to the adapter member so that the shelf may be mountable at different positions along the adapter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: James Douglas Whiten, Dennis E. Parham
  • Patent number: 5802989
    Abstract: A table support structure comprises a column (11) and a foot (12). A bar (13) is disposed within the column (11) and can be rotated in the column (11) in the direction of arrow (14) and displaced in the column (11) in the direction of arrow (15). The column (11) has plates (19, 20, 21, 22) which are held together by support rods (24). A plurality of bars (13) can be simultaneously disposed in column (11) to hold a support (18) via an adapter (16). Various objects can be attached to the adapter (16) such as additional supports, plates, extension arms and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Veyhl GmbH
    Inventor: Wolf Veyhl
  • Patent number: 5743193
    Abstract: In an office, a main table with an elevating panel is combined with an auxiliary elevating table with various arrangements. The elevating panel is elevated and lowered with respect to the main table. In the auxiliary table, the height of a top is variable. The auxiliary table is stored or concealed from view under the top of the main table at the lowest position, and is arranged at the same height at the intermediate position. At the highest position, the auxiliary table is higher than the main table. Depending on use, the whole surface area of the tops of the tables is variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Okamura Corporation
    Inventors: Tomokazu Kakuta, Tetsuya Narita, Makoto Takahashi, Nobuyuki Kojima
  • Patent number: 5735222
    Abstract: Vertical suspension legs are clamped to a margin of a desk top. The suspension legs support a tray at a plurality of selectable vertical levels. There is a connection station on each vertical leg corresponding to each of the vertical levels. The tray has engagement devices for engaging the connection stations corresponding to any selected vertical level. Each connection station can be a plurality of detents which mate with a corresponding plurality of tangs projecting from a side of the tray. The plurality of tangs engaging a corresponding plurality of detents prevents rotation of the tray about the connection points. The stations can also be laterally open horizontal open slots defined by the vertical legs which mate with side rails projecting from the tray. Slidingly extending through the vertical legs are vertical shanks, the top ends of which are connected to an elongated crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Sharon L. Webb
  • Patent number: 5702158
    Abstract: An arrangement in a structural element, for example in connection with a piece of furniture, in particular seating furniture or occasional furniture, comprising at least one first and second supporting member, each comprising a section with a cut-out. The cut-outs are adapted to allow the supporting members to be inserted retrievably into each other for mutual interconnecting. The first supporting member comprises a centre stem having a substantially continuous open slit extending therethrough, the centre stem including substantially bevelled or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces. The second supporting member comprising continuously adjustable supporting members with bevelled or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces complementary to the bevelled or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces of the divided centre stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventors: Hans Chr. Mengshoel, Oddvin Rykken
  • Patent number: 5687654
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable table appropriate for use with a chair or wheelchair whereby the table surface remains in a fixed horizontal plane and is adjustable only along the vertical plane. The table surface may be manually adjusted along guideposts with the use of a cable and pulley system, such that the user may easily adjust the table by pulling the table surface down for use and lift the table surface up when it is no longer in use. The guideposts are of sufficient length to allow the user to easily maneuver underneath the table surface when the table surface is in a raised position. This system is of particular use for individuals with physical limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Lloyd Huggins
  • Patent number: 5683004
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable support has a plurality of vertically stackable and unstackable platforms, adjacent ones of the platform being joined by a coupling each of which extends downwardly from a socket in an upper platform in which the coupling is accommodated and has projections for gripping a portion of the next adjacent lower platform so as to join the upper and lower platforms in such manner as to minimize the inadvertent separation or slipping of adjacent platforms relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Structural Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: A. Stephen Aho
  • Patent number: 5642923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable shelf system for a transport container. The removable shelf system includes shelves supported between opposed shelf supports. The shelf supports are supported in an upright position within an inner cavity of the container. The shelves may be removably supported relative to the shelf supports so that the shelves may be removed from the container when not in use or alternatively may be pivotally supported relative to the shelf supports so that the shelf system may be collapsed for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Temp Top Container Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. Meacham, Mark W. Wallace, Carl R. Nyberg, William W. Thompson, James P. Bland
  • Patent number: 5601016
    Abstract: A suspended shelf system for securing to an elevated structure for retaining various items includes a system mounting track member and fastener elements for securing the track member to the elevated structure, at least two suspension members, each having a suspension member mounting end with track member engaging structures for securing each suspension member to the track member, so that each suspension member hangs substantially vertically from the track member, and so that the suspension members are spaced apart from each other, and at least one connecting rail having two connecting rail ends, each connecting rail end a including suspension member engaging structure, for mounting substantially horizontally between and engaging the spaced apart suspension members for retaining item hangers and shelf structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Walter Witte
  • Patent number: 5588376
    Abstract: A system for removably and adjustably mounting one or more items to the leg of a worktable includes vertical slot structure formed in the worktable leg and one or more bracket members mounted to the item to be mounted to the leg. Preferably, a pair of spaced slot patterns are formed in both the inner and outer surfaces of the worktable leg, and a pair of bracket members are mounted to each item which is to be mounted to the worktable leg. The brackets are removably engageable with the slot patterns, enabling the item to be moved to varying positions relative to the worktable leg. The brackets may be mounted to any number of items for securing such items to the worktable leg, such as a work surface extension, a file cabinet, a holder for a computer unit, and/or an overhead storage unit. As many items as desired can be mounted to the worktable leg in order to minimize the footprint of a work space and to efficiently arrange the items contained within the work space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Krueger International
    Inventors: Lon D. Seidl, David R. Funk
  • Patent number: 5542530
    Abstract: Adjustable shelving which may be suspended from a cross-member includes a plurality of shelves suspended at desired levels from at least four vertical suspenders. Each shelf has at least four apertures through which respective vertical suspenders pass. For each shelf, a set of adjustable shelf fasteners is used to support the shelf by releasably attaching fasteners to respective suspenders at the desired location to support respective corners of the shelves. The vertical suspenders may include a pair of ropes which may be inserted into a pair of apertures in the fasteners. The shelving may be enclosed in an exterior garment bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Richard's Homewares, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Freelander
  • Patent number: 5531167
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a horizontal polygonal base shelf assembly and a substantially identical horizontal top shelf assembly, a plurality of vertical support posts, and one or more intermediate shelf assemblies positioned between the top shelf assembly and the bottom shelf assembly. Each intermediate shelf assembly is supported by hanger brackets which are removably secured to the support posts. Each hanger bracket is provided with a locking clip for securing the intermediate shelf and the hanger bracket to the support posts. In this manner, each intermediate shelf assembly can be quickly installed and removed without the necessity of disassembling the other components of the shelving system, and the installed intermediate shelf can be securely mounted in the shelving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Stevens, Bradley J. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5481988
    Abstract: A telescoping work platform having telescoping inner and outer frames that are telescopically adjustable and are capable of being locked relative to one another. The inner frame has a bottom wall at its lower end which serves as a work platform and is provided at its upper end with safety rails for stabilization of the user. The outer frame is provided with pivotal ladder rungs to permit climbing by the user and to permit user access to the work platform at all selected positions of the inner and outer frames. The work platform is also provided with retractable transport wheels and wheel actuators to permit stable use of the work platform and to permit wheeled transport of the work platform when its movement is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Daniel B. Dess
  • Patent number: 5181681
    Abstract: An adjustable stand apparatus includes a platform for holding tools and parts for a user. The platform includes a resilient magnetic pad to maintain such tools and parts, particularly those containing ferrous materials, in a relatively fixed location until used. The platform is adjustable vertically, horizontally, and angularly to maximize user accessibility to such tools and parts. The apparatus is mounted on a mobile base, affixed to the side of an existing tool cabinet, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Johnny W. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5176266
    Abstract: A fixing system, for removably and adjustably fixing shelves and other objects comprising, at least a first elongated element in the form of a cable or a rod. A top end and an a bottom end of said cable or rod being firmly connected to at least one support surface by anchor pieces. A plurality of object supporting fasteners each cable of being fixed at an adjustable height on a first elongated element in an intermediate region thereof, which intermediate region is tensioned in a substantially vertical direction, and kept at a distance from the support surface by at least one first spacer extending general horizontally between the supporting surface and the elongated element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Mobile Cables System
    Inventor: Guy Gillet
  • Patent number: 5143344
    Abstract: A system for molding concrete articles such as paving stones, including a rack having opposing first and second vertical walls that have corresponding rails, and trays that include article molds adapted to receive concrete for curing, the trays being sized and constructed to slide on the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Johnson Brothers Precision Precast Products, Inc
    Inventors: David L. Johnson, Robert A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5088420
    Abstract: A work station having a base the forward side of the base supports a pair of transversely spaced upward extending supports which extend obliquely through the space above the base, the supports supporting an upper platform and an intermediate platform above the base at least one of which is displaceable along the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Edwin R. Russell
  • Patent number: 5048429
    Abstract: A universal shelving unit is provided with opposite pairs of legs having a cross brace extending between each pair of legs. Support brackets are slidably mounted on the legs for supporting longitudinal braces extending between corresponding legs in each pair of legs. A shelf is positioned on the longitudinal braces. Additional support brackets, longitudinal braces and shelves can be positioned anywhere along the length of the legs. Leg extensions can be provided to further extend the length of the legs. The shelf unit can be extended linearly or at right angles by the use of additional legs, cross braces and support brackets. The length and spacing between shelves is adjustable and the depth is selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Dan L. Freiberg
  • Patent number: 4941412
    Abstract: A working table is described in which the rear support elements are formed as hollow sectional parts in order to achieve the highest possible degree of variability in the provision of working levels and storage levels. Coupling elements which are secured to the surfaces or to transverse support elements are connectable to the hollow sectional parts in shape-fitted and force-locked manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Ernst Fischer GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hartmut S. Engel
  • Patent number: 4895381
    Abstract: A furniture display cart is provided which allows vertical placement of furniture and display items to maximize warehouse or showroom capacity. The utilization of carts having vertical adjustable frames for three or more furniture items transforms a relatively small floor space into a much effectively larger space thus utilizing the area to its maximum potential. The cart is movable and can be nestled for storage purposes when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventor: Clifford B. Farlow
  • Patent number: 4815391
    Abstract: A computer desk comprising a pair of U-shaped frames of which one is longer than and pivoted to the other, two pairs of wheels disposed on the ends of the limbs of each U-shaped frame, two boards engagably disposed on the top of the inverted U-shaped frames and height adjusting device. The height adjusting device comprises three length adjustable rods connecting between the frames and between the boards and the frames. Adjusting the length of the adjusting rods changes the height of the boards and the angles of the boards with respect to the plane of the horizon so that the height of the desk is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Ton Li Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu Lee
  • Patent number: 4804159
    Abstract: A shelf bracket formed by a sheet of material having a rectangular front flange and a two triangular lateral flanges extending from two opposite sides of the rectangaular front flange. The two lateral flanges are folded towards each other along the said opposite sides of the front flange. The wide end of the lateral flanges are adapted to be fastened to an upstanding exposed stud. The upper edges of the three flanges are coplanar and adapted to support one end of a board to form a shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Andre A. Martel
  • Patent number: 4800821
    Abstract: A dispensing rack has a knockdown construction that permits quick and easy assembly and disassembly without any tools. The rack construction is also modular to facilitate varying the size and shape of the rack, and to greatly reduce manufacturing and transportation costs. Hanging row dividers stabilize and separate adjacent stacks of articles. Adjustable shelf jacks and casters provide additional rigidity for the shelves, and facilitate moving the rack from one location to another. A header assembly permits use of common parts to construct a low profile version of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Harbor Industries
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nook, Henry G. Oltof
  • Patent number: 4736691
    Abstract: A housing contains a plurality of vertically spaced shelves movable vertically relative to each other upon activation of a fluid pressure piston-cylinder unit mounted on the housing. Elongated suspension rods depend from the top shelf to support the next two adjacent shelves for relative vertical movement, and each subsequent lower shelf is similarly supported by a shelf above it but separated from it by one intervening shelf. The two top-most shelves also are arranged to be secured together detachably in abutting relationship. The lower end of each suspension rod mounts a rotary disc which supports a pair of upstanding spaced pins arranged in one position of rotary adjustment to abut the underside of a lug extending laterally from the adjacent shelf, and in a second position of rotary adjustment, 90.degree. from the first position, to register with openings in the lug, whereby the associated shelf is lowered from the first position of support a distance substantially equal to the length of the support pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Hull Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Fay
  • Patent number: 4706576
    Abstract: A shelving system including a plurality of parallel horizontally oriented shelves releasably and securely connected to four upright posts is disclosed. The releasable connection of the shelf to the post is achieved by use of corner connectors which fit into corner notches of the shelf. The corner connector includes a male segment and a female segment which mate to each other and fit into said post at step locator positions along the length of the post. Complimentary tooth and channel configurations of the mated corner connector and the corner notches of the shelf interlock the shelf to the corner connector and then to the post. The shelves are connectable to and releasable from the posts between shelves already mounted on the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventor: Barry A. James
  • Patent number: 4688684
    Abstract: A free-standing vertical display system for displaying merchandise, such as beverage containers, at the point of purchase, is described. The system includes a base and one or more trays which are slidably received on a center pole. In a first embodiment a merchandise-bearing tray rests on the merchandise on the tray beneath it. When the tray is empty, it may be stored on four screws protruding from the top of the center pole, allowing the customer to access the lower trays. A second embodiment of the invention provides a spring on the center pole, underneath each tray. When a tray is loaded with merchandise, the spring compresses and the tray rests on the merchandise on the tray beneath it. When a tray is emptied, the spring pushes the tray up, so that merchandise may be removed from the tray below. A third embodiment of the invention provides stationary spacer poles at the periphery of each tray to separate the trays, so that merchandise may be accessed from all trays simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Visual Marketing Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Young, John F. Deffner, Russell M. Barnes
  • Patent number: 4667605
    Abstract: A vertically-adjustable leg assembly particularly suitable for a pedestal table, the assembly having telescoping inner and outer tubes of generally rectangular cross section with the external dimensions of the inner tube being sufficiently smaller than the corresponding internal dimensions of the outer tube to define a perimetric space between them. A pair of vertically-elongated, channel-shaped bearing blocks formed of rigid polymeric material are located in the space between the two tubes and are supported by the outer tube adjacent the open end thereof. At least one of the bearing blocks is adjustably mounted and is constructed so that adjustment forces exerted at spaced points will be distributed along the length of the block. The end of the inner tube disposed within the outer tube has channel-shaped bearing shoes, also formed of rigid polymeric material, secured thereto and slidably engagable with the inner surfaces of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Hamilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Bastian
  • Patent number: 4655352
    Abstract: An expandable and contractible frame, for a display rack, which comprises moveable telescoping sides and an extendible top valance which are placed against and supported by an existing display such as a perforated board and a base such as a store gondola. The frame can be adjusted for the most advantageous display of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Androus D. Noyes, Joseph T. Ricci
  • Patent number: 4619208
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the height of a work surface (12) includes left- and right-side cable lift mechanisms (16, 18) coupled to a central drive mechanism (20) through cables (96). Each cable lift mechanism (16, 18) includes a hanger clip (22) engaging wall panel slots (15), a mounting plate (38) removably suspended from the hanger clip (22) and a vertically movable extrusion (74) guided along the plate (38) and having pulleys (88) engaging one of the cables (96) to support the work surface (12). Antidislodgment latches (50, 60) prevent accidental dislodgment of the mounting plate (38) and clip (22). One embodiment of the central drive mechanism (20) includes a motor-driven screw (134) and a forward slide block (114) positioned within an elongated channel (110) and mounting a slidable yoke (122) securing ends of the cables (96). The slide block (114) bears against a nut (146) captured within the channel (110) and threadably received on the screw (134).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Kurrasch
  • Patent number: 4604955
    Abstract: The table comprises a mounting with columns each comprised of a lower portion and of a telescopic upper portion. A cross-bar connects the upper portions. A height adjusting device acts on the upper telescopic portion which carries a plate for the keyboard and an independent height adjustable screen plate. Each plate has its own lower portions and upper portions and its own adjusting system. Each column has its own actuation handle arranged on the long side of the plate and comprising driving shafts for the height adjusting device of the keyboard plate and the screen plate. The driving shafts traverse the lower portion and the upper portion carrying the keyboard plate and the traversed upper portions are provided with oblong holdes for the driving shafts, of which the length corresponds at least to the adjusting travel. Such arrangement enables to house the driving shafts in an invisible manner and to support them in a simple way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Willy Fleischer Metallwarenfabrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Joachim Fleischer, Willy Fleischer
  • Patent number: 4589351
    Abstract: A shelf apparatus comprising, a plurality of vertical supports, at least one shelf defining holes whereby the shelf may be slidably located on the vertical supports, two wedge clamps adaptable to at least partially fit within each hole whereby the shelf will press the wedge clamp against the vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Inventor: Norman H. Love
  • Patent number: 4582001
    Abstract: A shelf connector assembly including cooperating dove-tail connector members respectively attached to the shelf and an upright post, in which the connector members are provided with mating tapering flanges for cooperative longitudinal slidable locking engagement in selective elevated positions along the post for varying the height of the shelf relative to the post or posts.One dove-tail connector member may be permanently secured to the side frame of the shelf, while the other connector member is in the form a a U-shaped clip member adapted to slip fit around the upright post in various vertical positions.In a modified form of the shelf connector assembly, one cooperating dove-tail connector member may be attached to the shelf while the other dove-tail connector member, in the form of a clip, may be affixed to the transverse outer frame member of an adjacent shelf so that two adjacent shelves may be connected together in a coplanar relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Nashville Wire Products
    Inventor: A. Juris Leikarts
  • Patent number: 4534473
    Abstract: A rotating stand or rack is provided for displaying various items of merchandise, such as greeting cards, paperback books, cassettes, cartridges, floppy disks, folders, and the like. The stand includes an elongated shaft mounted on the base for rotation around its longitudinal axis. The shaft extends away from the base and has a plurality of grooves in its outer surface extending along its length. One or more shelves are mounted on the shaft. Each shelf has an opening through its center and a plurality of guides around the shelf which extend into the shelf opening along its height. The number and positioning of the guides corresponds to the number and positioning of the shaft grooves so that when the shelf is on the shaft, the shelf guides are in the shaft grooves. The size of the grooves and guides are such that they provide a press or friction fit with each other to thereby hold the shelf firmly in position on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Pacific Display Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Post
  • Patent number: 4401036
    Abstract: A table is provided for use in association with a bed including a base member, a tubular support column and a table top. The support column includes an upper tubular portion telescopically mounted over a lower tubular portion; a locking spring mechanism for maintaining upward tension against the upper portion; release means for overcoming the spring mechanism to permit lowering of the upper portion; and means to permit the table top to horizontally pivot a pre-determined amount relative to the support column and be locked in a fixed position. The table top is mounted to the support column, in cantilever fashion, and includes a mirror recessed in the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Simmons Universal Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Russo, Richard Sonder, Robert E. Miller, Mark E. Cauthen
  • Patent number: 4348965
    Abstract: An easily mountable and repositionable cantilevered shelf supported from the rear wall of a commercial refrigerator or freezer cabinet on two vertical support members secured inside on the rear wall. Each support member has longitudinal flanges projecting forward from an elongate vertical base fastened to the rear wall and formed with front channels facing toward the base part, opposed flanges of the channels of the two support members having notches along their length. Shelves are made from rod and wire construction with a solid cross bar across the rear upper shelf edge. The ends of the cross bar project laterally as short trunnions and hook into matched pairs of notches in the facing channel flanges of each support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Kelvinator Commercial Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4329928
    Abstract: A reciprocable storage rack is provided having vertically movable rack frames with shelves on opposite sides of a main frame whose length is substantially twice that of the rack frames and is mounted in a well below a working surface, the well depth being substantially equal to the length of the storage racks and drive means arranged to raise and lower the racks to provide a counterbalance effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Inventor: Alvin W. Shaw