Supporting Structure Extends Upwardly Of Surface Patents (Class 108/149)
  • Patent number: 11292397
    Abstract: A tablet holding assembly includes a panel that has a pair of track slots therein. A pair of arms is each pivotally coupled to and extends upwardly from the panel to releasably engage a ceiling in a vehicle. A pair of first couplers is each of the first couplers is coupled to a respective one of the arms to releasably engage the ceiling of the vehicle. A pair of second couplers is each of the second couplers is coupled to the panel to releasably engage the ceiling of the vehicle when the panel is positioned in a stored position. A pair of supports is each of the supports is coupled to the panel to support an electronic tablet on the panel. A pair of clamping units is each movably coupled to the panel to engage the electronic tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Timothy White
  • Patent number: 11266235
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved under cabinet mounted storage system with a one rotateable arm extending between a mounting anchor and a vertical support structure with an angled channel adapted for slidable receipt of at least one common kitchen, cooking or staging items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Lance A. Rinck
  • Patent number: 11221056
    Abstract: A connecting device (10) comprises a first securing arrangement (16) for securing a first elongate article (12) to the connecting device (10). The first elongate article (12) is secured in a first orientation. The connecting device (10) comprises a second securing arrangement (18) for securing a second elongate article (14) to the connecting device (10). The second elongate article (14) is secured in a second orientation. The second orientation is transverse to the first orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventor: Simon Davis
  • Patent number: 10471902
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining device for a still or video camera in the interior of a motor vehicle with a fastening apparatus (5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) for attaching the retaining device to a vehicle seat part, such as a backrest (2), headrest (3), or headrest holder (4, 4a, 4b) of a vehicle seat (1), and a carrier arm (6, 6?, 6?, 60, 60?, 60?, 62, 62?, 62?) which is oriented approximately horizontally and parallel with respect to the broad side of the backrest (2) and at one end of which a holder (7) is arranged for receiving a camera (8), wherein the carrier arm (6, 6?, 6?, 60, 60?, 60?, 62, 62?, 62?) protrudes beyond the vehicle seat part (2, 3, 4, 4a, 4b) to such an extent that the lens (8a) of the camera (8) has an uninterrupted view towards the front in the driving direction and/or towards the rear in the direction counter to the driving direction, and wherein the carrier arm (6, 6?, 6?, 60, 60?, 60?, 62, 62?, 62?) at its other end is connected via a first rotary joint (6a) with an approximately v
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: KINETIX AG
    Inventors: Andreas Wolfgang Fischer, Michael Andreas Keller, Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 10427562
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided herein. The vehicle includes a first seating assembly and a second seating assembly. The first seating assembly is positioned vehicle rearward of the second seating assembly and is comprised of a seatback pivotally coupled to a seat-base, a headrest coupled to the seatback via a connecting feature, and a panel assembly coupled to the connecting feature. The seatback is operable between a folded position and an unfolded position. The panel assembly is configured to protrude vehicle forward of the headrest when the seatback is in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Gibbons, Jeffrey Tien Vo, Pattrick Loew
  • Patent number: 10220898
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing objects above a floor surface comprises an endless loop driven for rotation about a pair of longitudinally spaced parallel axes, a plurality of pulleys at longitudinally spaced locations supported for rotational movement about axes oriented transversely, and a plurality of flexible links coupled to the endless loop and extending therefrom to a respective one of the pulleys about which each link wraps and extends downwardly to a support member for carrying the objects above the floor. Thus in rotation of the endless loop the flexible links are retracted or dispensed from a housing where the endless loop is located so as to raise or lower the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Vidir Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Delmer Plett
  • Patent number: 10117515
    Abstract: A salon chair with rail system and an integral electrical supply. A salon chair that includes an integrated tool work station (with multi-use containers, utility tray and articulating arm) with the capacity to hold a hair dryer, curling irons, clippers and the like at the rear of the chair. The chair is powered by an integrated electrical power source inside the rear of the chair seat whereby the power is supplied through to the base of the chair. The power source may be connected to an outlet under the chair or concealed under a power extension with cord cover (preventing trips and falls), or may be otherwise coupled to utility power. A caddy adapter kit. The caddy adapter kit including a frame in which a user configurable array of containers may be disposed. The frame being attachably mounted to the back of a styling or salon chair by a band encircling the chair back, or optionally with the frame being fixabaly attached to the chair back by screws or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Cathryn A. Osweiler
  • Patent number: 10111519
    Abstract: An expandable storage structure (10) comprises at least one extendable wall. The extendable wall comprises at least three slidably engaged panels (30, 32, 36), and at least a first and second panel (30, 32) are co-planar. At least one of the panels (30, 32, 36) is hollow and receives at least a part of at least one of the other panels (30, 32, 36). The first and second panels (30, 32) are movable relative to each other panel (30, 32, 36) in order to adjust a dimension of the wall. A linkage mechanism (34) connects the first and second panels (30, 32) and is configured to allow relative movement between the panels (30, 32, 36) while maintaining the first and second panels (30, 32) in the same plane as each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Saad Minur Bashir Rassam
  • Patent number: 10098293
    Abstract: A plant growing apparatus includes a support assembly and a height control mechanism. The support assembly includes a plurality of platforms, a plurality of elongated posts spaced apart from one another about the plurality of platforms, and a plurality of support clips selectively attachable to the posts to support selected platforms at different heights along the posts. The plurality of platforms include a bottom platform supporting lower ends of the posts, a top platform supported on upper ends of the posts, and upper and lower platforms movable along the posts toward and away from the top and bottom platforms. The height control mechanism is mounted by the top platform and coupled to the upper platform such that it operates to selectively raise or lower the upper platform along the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Robert Tinsley
  • Patent number: 9999299
    Abstract: A storage system has retractable cells used for with storing and transporting articles in totes. A plurality of spaced apart shelves extends transversely between left and right flexible vertical panels. Left and right hangers extend upward from a distal end attached to a shelf to a proximal end at a structural support. A plurality of guide members are attached to the vertical panels, juxtaposed with the shelves. Each guide member slidingly engages a hanger. Means is provided for pulling the left and right hangers upward to raise the shelves upward. The hangers can be secured either to the support or to a shelf above. The left and right panels will fold inwardly between the shelves. The space beneath the shelves will increase to receive an article larger than a tote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: UNEX MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Mark F. Neuwirth, David J. Burke
  • Patent number: 9629455
    Abstract: A storage apparatus attachable to a surface includes a polygonal support frame having first, second, third, and fourth support beams, a plurality of cross beams, and a plurality of suspension legs. In one embodiment, the storage apparatus further includes racks supported on at least a portion of the support beams and defining a first series of racks aligned transverse to a longitudinal axis and a second series of racks aligned along the longitudinal axis with the first series of racks being removable during adjustment of the first and second support beams and the second series of racks being removable during adjustment of the third and fourth support beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: NEWAGE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Parag Shah, Frank Spano, Robert Vandenham
  • Patent number: 9528808
    Abstract: In another embodiment of the present invention, an organizer assembly includes an article holding body and a mounting structure. The article holding body has a first body segment, a second body segment and a hinge segment connected between the first body segment and the second body segment. The first body segment, the second body segment and the hinge segment jointly define opposing major faces of the article holding body. An ammunition magazine holding structure, a shotgun shell holding structure, an article containment pocket and a canister holding structure are provided on a first one of the opposing major faces. The mounting structure is selectively attachable to and detachable from the first body segment at a second one of the opposing major faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: Philip R. Goodwin, Craig G. Bastarache, Michael K. Andrews, Bryan B. Lin
  • Patent number: 8701901
    Abstract: A shelving system including brackets and shelves suspended by straps from various types of shelving. One bracket for hanging shelves from straps from a solid surface shelf is provided. The bracket includes first and second legs and a connecting portion defining an opening for receiving the shelf. Another bracket for hanging shelves from straps from a wire shelf deck is provided. The bracket includes a plate with first and second edges bent in the same direction, and first and second substantially parallel slots in the plate receive a strap. A shelf for hanging from a plurality of straps is provided. The shelf includes a deck, which may include one or more materials, and a clamp mounted to the deck. A shelving system includes a bracket that engages a fixed shelf, a one strap depending from the bracket, and a shelf releasably attached to the at least one strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Rubbermaid, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gregory, Robert John Warner, Jr., Jean-Luc Camarda, Edgar Montague, Kurt Rampton
  • Patent number: 8667908
    Abstract: A furniture assembly comprising a frame for supporting an article of furniture, the frame including first and second spaced apart frame members, each frame member having a top end and a bottom end, the first and second frame members forming first and second substantially oppositely facing bearing surfaces along at least a portion thereof wherein the oppositely facing bearing surfaces are angled away from each other when moving from the top toward the bottom ends, at a first height, the oppositely facing bearing surfaces defining a first width dimension and a storage unit forming an opening defined by an opening rim including at least first and second substantially opposed bearing surfaces, the first and second opposed bearing surfaces defining a first length dimension that is similar to the first width dimension, wherein, the storage unit can be mounted to the frame by passing at least upper portions of the first and second frame members through the opening so that the first and second opposed bearing surface
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Kirt Martin, David C Eberlein
  • Patent number: 8661739
    Abstract: An apparatus for utilizing space under a deck for storage includes (a) a first securing element having a first and second portion, wherein the first portion is formed to engage the deck and extends downward therefrom toward the ground; and (b) a storage element sized to be received beneath the deck, wherein the second portion of the first securing element is secured to the storage element. A method utilizes the claimed apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Keenan
  • Patent number: 8656842
    Abstract: A wall mounted portable desk where a first shelf and a second shelf are supported by hanging straps. The straps are hung on a wall by hooks and attached D rings. The straps are inserted through and folded over the rings creating a pair of front and rear straps. Each shelf has loop type fastening strips extending from each corner. The hanging straps each have one surface covered with hook type fastening material. The front shelf strips attach to the attach to the hook fastener side of the front folded hanging straps. The rear shelf strips attach to the rear hook fastening side of the rear hanging straps. The front folded hanging straps proceed to the underside of the first shelf and a slide into a support ring and then proceed down to the front edge of the second shelf and finally under the second shelf and onto the hook portion of the rear folded hanging strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Patrick McDonley
  • Publication number: 20130284078
    Abstract: A method and structure are provided to suspend a support frame from a structural element such as an I-beam with an intermediate framework. An anchor is fastened to the structural element. An upper linkage is fastened to the anchor means and hangs therebelow. Legs are fastened to the upper linkage and hangs therebelow. The support frame is fastened to the legs and hangs therebelow. The upper linkage is selected from the group consisting of a scissors link and a mounting plate. The anchor can be a bifurcated C-Clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Domenick Francis De Rose
  • Patent number: 8371458
    Abstract: A ceiling rack includes a pair of transverse beams parallel to each other, at least one mesh unit and at least four supporting units. Each transverse beam has a side wall and a U-shaped hook body, and an assembly groove having an opening on a top surface thereof is formed therebetween. The mesh unit has a U-shaped end body at two opposite end portions thereof, which is assembled in the assembly groove and engaged with the U-shaped hook body. The supporting units are assembled between the side walls of the two opposite end portions of the transverse beam and the ceiling. With the U-shaped end body, the U-shaped hook body and the assembly groove, the mesh unit can be assembled in the assembly groove and engaged with the U-shaped hook body without any locking element, thereby providing the convenience of assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Clair Home Products Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Yu
  • Patent number: 8356720
    Abstract: A container shelving system including two shelf support members and a plurality of shelves, the shelf support members including a chain, a turnbuckle, an adjustable upper bracket and an adjustable lower bracket, each bracket including a first box beam, a second box beam, and a box beam adjustment fastener, the box beams including recesses at each end, the recesses configured to receive the chain; the upper bracket further including a stabilizer perpendicularly connected to an end of the upper bracket; the plurality of shelves each including a plurality of lumber whereby the lumber is configured to sit upon a bracket; whereby the chain is threaded through the first and second cargo rings and the upper and lower brackets and connected and tightened using the turnbuckle such that the shelves may be supported upon the brackets within the shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Container, Bracket & Shelving, LLC
    Inventor: Carl L. Mathews
  • Patent number: 8117970
    Abstract: An overhead storage system includes support beams forming a frame to a deck around its perimeter and four corner vertical mounts for suspending the deck from a ceiling. The frame is preferably made of Z-shaped beams supported by vertical L-shaped corner supports to provide strong support for a deck. The Z-shaped beams provide strength and a horizontal surface on which a deck can be rested. A welded wire deck can be strengthened by bonding it to ribs. In some embodiments, center supports can preferably be positioned anywhere along the length of the support beams, and do not require holes in the beams for mounting. The beams are preferably connected to the vertical corner brackets without using threaded fasteners, thereby making the assembly easier for assembly by a homeowner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Baez
  • Patent number: 7895955
    Abstract: An overhead storage shelf having a pair of side panels, with each side panel including a base, an outer rib connected to the base, and at least one reinforcement rib connected to the base. The storage shelf further includes a mounting strip for connecting the pair of side panels, wherein the mounting strip facilitates the securing the shelf to a single beam. The storage shelf also includes a front plate and a rear plate. One of the front or rear plate includes a protruding member and the other of the front or rear plate contains a groove wherein the protruding member of one storage shelf can be engaged in the groove of another storage shelf, allowing multiple storage shelves to interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: FT Products, LLC
    Inventors: Paul J. Ferder, Vall A. Iliev
  • Patent number: 7810655
    Abstract: A hanging organizer includes a top panel having vertical slots, storage boxes arranged at different elevations below the top panel, hanging straps for hanging the top panel on a hanging rod directly or on a door panel by means of hanging hooks, each hanging strap having one end affixed to one front vertical slot of the top panel and an opposite end inserted through one rear vertical slot of the top panel and folded portions respectively inserted through respective horizontal slots on the storage boxes, first pins inserted through respective transverse through holes on the hanging strap and stopped at the bottom side of the top panel, suspension straps inserted through respective vertical slots of the top panel, and second pins respectively inserted through a through hole at the top end of each suspension strap to secure each suspension strap to the top panel and set in folded portions of the suspension straps and stopped at the inside of the storage boxes to secure the storage boxes to the suspension straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 7789473
    Abstract: A cabinet, having a cabinet-section assembly including a circuit of four, interconnected, square cabinet sections arranged around a central pole. The cabinet sections are suspended from a hub that is free to rotate atop the central pole. The suspension system biases the cabinet-section assembly toward either an open configuration, exposing open sides of the cabinet sections, or a closed configuration from intermediate configurations. A stabilizing bracket provides lateral support to the suspended cabinet-section assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: James M. Loewen
  • Publication number: 20090178596
    Abstract: A universal desk or workstation assembly for enhancing learning is incrementally adjustable in height from sitting to standing positions, and includes a pendulum swinging footrest assembly. The swinging footrest assembly may be provided in kit form and is configurable for retrofit attachment to existing desks and workstations. The swinging footrest provides height adjustment and mounting depth adjustment relative to the depth of the desk or workstation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy A. Skiba
  • Patent number: 7543538
    Abstract: An overhead storage system includes support beams forming a frame to a deck around its perimeter and four corner vertical mounts for suspending the deck from a ceiling. The frame is preferably made of Z-shaped beams supported by vertical L-shaped corner supports to provide strong support for a deck. The Z-shaped beams provide strength and a horizontal surface on which a deck can be rested. A welded wire deck can be strengthened by bonding it to ribs. In some embodiments, center supports can preferably be positioned anywhere along the length of the support beams, and do not require holes in the beams for mounting. The beams are preferably connected to the vertical corner brackets without using threaded fasteners, thereby making the assembly easier for assembly by a homeowner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Baez
  • Patent number: 7445188
    Abstract: A modular system for use in a vehicle comprising a hanger bracket adapted to be secured to the vehicle. A second hanger bracket member is slidably connected with a first hanger bracket. A platform member extends transverse to the second hanger bracket member. An extension is slidably disposed on the platform. The extension defines a first groove thereon. The extension defines a second groove thereon. A top deck panel is disposed adjacent the first platform extension section and is disposed in the first groove. A bottom deck panel is disposed adjacent the second platform extension section and is disposed in the second groove. The modular system can provide many functions in the vehicle such as, luggage racks, HVAC ducting, wiring raceways, lighting, advertising panels, and window blinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Lamparter
  • Patent number: 7421957
    Abstract: An overhead storage system includes support beams forming a frame to a deck around its perimeter and four corner vertical mounts for suspending the deck from a ceiling. The frame is preferably made of Z-shaped beams supported by vertical L-shaped corner supports to provide strong support for a deck. The Z-shaped beams provide strength and a horizontal surface on which a deck can be rested. A welded wire deck can be strengthened by bonding it to ribs. In some embodiments, center supports can preferably be positioned anywhere along the length of the support beams, and do not require holes in the beams for mounting. The beams are preferably connected to the vertical corner brackets without using threaded fasteners, thereby making the assembly easier for assembly by a homeowner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Baez
  • Patent number: 7228669
    Abstract: A suspended table assembly includes a first support and a second support that are vertically spaced from each other. A plurality of legs is provided. Each of the legs has a first end and a second end. Each of a plurality of first brackets is pivotally coupled to one of the first ends. The first brackets are attached to the first support. A plurality of second brackets is also provided. Each of the second brackets is pivotally coupled to one of the second ends and each of the second brackets is attached to the second support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Steven M. Yaraschefski
  • Patent number: 7152535
    Abstract: A suspended storage shelf includes a platform formed by one or more panels supported by a support frame having at least one support beam and at least two suspension posts, optionally adjustable in length, spaced from one another and attached at a lower end to the support beam. A fastener secures the support frame to a structure. In an embodiment with two or more panels, the panels form a continuous surface by, for example, being positioned adjacent one another along the support beam, being secured to one another such as with a coupling, and/or being secured to the support beam. Optionally, the panels are positioned along the support beam and the length of the support beam is such that the suspension posts retain the panels in adjacency. Optionally, the suspension posts are attached at the ends of the support beam each of which extend beyond the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Hyloft, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mikich, Dwayne Dunseath, Timothy M. Matthias, Mark C. Torosian
  • Patent number: 7093691
    Abstract: A lift assembly includes a first platform provided with a top surface, a pair of opposed sides, and wheels and brackets connected to one of the sides for rotating the assembly. A plurality of rectilinear support shafts have opposed end portions conjoined to the platform and extending upwardly therefrom, and are spaced at opposed corners of the platform. Inverted U-shape guide rails are telescopically engageable along a length of the support shafts and have a pair of rectilinear regions slidably positionable about the support shafts. A second platform is provided with top and bottom surfaces, and apertures formed at opposed corners thereof that are vertically registered with the support shafts. A lifting mechanism is included for vertically biasing the second platform and the guide rails along the support shafts. The lifting mechanism is connected to the top surface of the first platform and the bottom surface of the second platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Barry Vaughan, Alvin Vaughan
  • Patent number: 6851376
    Abstract: A pull-down shelf for storage of articles has a lower shelf portion that contains a wind-up mechanism, which can be spring powered or motorized, an overhead mounting plate that attaches to ceiling joists or the like, and at least a pair of cables that are wound onto arbors of the wind-up mechanism for suspending the shelf portion from the overhead mounting plate. Scissors-action stabilizers hold the shelf from tipping or swinging. The user pulls the shelf down, and this unwinds the cables and charges the springs. A releasable ratchet wheel keeps the mechanism from turning in the rewind direction. The user can pull or actuate a release handle or button to release the shelf and let the spring rewind the cables to pull the shelf back to its overhead position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: James D'Agostino
  • Patent number: 6814418
    Abstract: A locker organizer includes one or more shelves which may be suspended from the conventional coat hooks of a wall locker or the like. The present locker organizer also includes a series of wedges adjustably extending from at least one edge of the shelf or shelves, allowing the shelf or shelves to be secured immovably between opposed walls of the locker. This precludes the banging of the shelves against the interior walls of the locker whenever the shelves are accessed, e.g., placement or removal of books and/or other articles thereon or therefrom. The shelf or shelves are adjustably suspended by suspension lines which may be formed of a stout cord, rope, or chain. The suspension lines may include index indicators to aid the user in adjusting the position of the shelf or shelves thereon, to assure that the shelf or shelves remain substantially level when installed in the locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald D'Orso
  • Publication number: 20040182291
    Abstract: A suspended storage shelf includes a platform formed by one or more panels supported by a support frame having at least one support beam and at least two suspension posts, optionally adjustable in length, spaced from one another and attached at a lower end to the support beam. A fastener secures the support frame to a structure. In an embodiment with two or more panels, the panels form a continuous surface by, for example, being positioned adjacent one another along the support beam, being secured to one another such as with a coupling, and/or being secured to the support beam. Optionally, the panels are positioned along the support beam and the length of the support beam is such that the suspension posts retain the panels in adjacency. Optionally, the suspension posts are attached at the ends of the support beam each of which extend beyond the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Mikich, Dwayne Dunseath, Timothy M. Matthias, Mark C. Torosian
  • Patent number: 6715427
    Abstract: An overhead storage assembly, vendable as a kit, includes a plurality of panels each of a rectangular platform having dimensions that are integer multiples of conventional structural spacing. The panels may be joined to each other to form a common support surface resting on a plurality of transverse support pieces connected at the ends to hanger assemblies that are attached to the overhead structure of a building. Each panel includes a first plurality of parallel elongate elements and a second plurality of elongate elements aligned perpendicular to the first plurality of parallel elements. Each panel, moreover, may include closely paired elongate elements near a longitudinal edge to increase the sectional stiffness of the panel and to facilitate releasable connection of the panels to the traverse support pieces and hanger assemblies. The hanger assemblies may comprise matching upper and lower straps that are secured to each other at selected suspension lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hyloft USA, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Mikich, Timothy M. Matthias, Mark C. Torosian, Dwayne Dunseath
  • Publication number: 20040020138
    Abstract: A platform module suspendable from a structure for supporting a dynamic load with respect to a support surface of the structure including a first framing member suspended with respect to the structure. A second framing member is suspended with respect to the structure and mounted with respect to the first framing member. A deck panel is positioned between the first framing member and the second framing member and suspended with respect to the structure. At least one adjustable suspension member is attached to each of the first framing member and the second framing member, and removably mounted with respect to the structure. Also disclosed is a modular platform system including a plurality of platform modules and a method for suspending a modular platform system with respect to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Grearson
  • Patent number: 6637609
    Abstract: A portable storage apparatus that suspends from a stationary object and neatly collapses into a compact form for easy storage and transport, consisting of fabric backing with a tapered top end housing four rigid shelves evenly spaced in front with four support rods attached to shelves providing rigid support and secure attachment to the fabric backing along with locking mechanisms under each shelf to maintain a horizontal angle and enhance shelf stability. A continuous cord passes through holes on one side of rigid shelves, through a back support bar, through grommets, forming a loop with hook, and back down the other side. The suspension allows for adjustable hanging height along with additional stability and support. Once unfolded in a hanging position, two support rods slide into vertical support rod access channels sewn into fabric backing along either side in the back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Dale Stevens
  • Patent number: 6595145
    Abstract: The present invention is a adjustable shelving system including a freestanding arch-like framework having a pair of horizontally spaced vertical columns interconnected by top and bottom horizontal beams. Two pairs of flexible connectors, such as link chains, are suspended from the top beam, each respective pair of connectors being disposed interior to and between the columns. The flexible connectors are attached to and support vertically adjustable shelves. In one embodiment, openings are formed through the adjustable shelves to receive the flexible connectors and a shelf support bar extends between the connectors in each pair to contact the bottom surface of the shelf and support it. In another embodiment, eye screws extend out from the side edges of the shelves to receive the shelf support bar, or the eye screws are supported by the flexible connectors. A bottom stationary shelf must be used to provide for attachment and tensioning of the flexible connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Lietz
  • Patent number: 6467632
    Abstract: A new simple easily mounted, attractive life-like shelf for display of model cars and that can allow for storage of their containers thereon. The invention is comprised of a mounting bracket, straight display shelf, curved display shelf, electrical power receptacle, graphic display board and decals. The device includes at least one straightaway display shelf made from at least one piece of material that hangs on mounting bracket attached to a wall. A sloped horizontal top shelf face surface forms the top surface of a race track, graphic decals and that is the length between end edges of the shelf. A electrical power receptacle located near join of said top shelf face surface and shelf bottom for plugging in display lights, signs and any other miscellaneous electrical device. Lighting can be plugged in as required in electrical power receptacle to provide lighting to only those areas desired by facing upward towards the visual side of the model cars on display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Guillot
  • Publication number: 20020089270
    Abstract: A mechanical joint for joining a pair of structural components. The mechanical joint includes a bracket having a pair of legs, a first recess formed in the first structural component, and a second recess formed in the second structural component. The first recess accommodates a first leg of the bracket, while the second recess accommodates a second leg of the bracket. The first leg of the bracket is positioned in the first recess and is affixed to the first structural component. The second structural component is placed in abutting relationship with the first structural component, covering the first recess and resting atop the second leg of the bracket, with the second leg of the bracket positioned in the second recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6394006
    Abstract: A handicapped accessible work table having a horizontal transparent table top, with removable plant trays, cushioned arm rest edges, and vertical legs with caster wheels. The tabletop is supported by parallel identical one piece aluminum franes. Each frame is formed from bending an aluminum bar at several points. Each side frame has vertical legs that have upper portions that bend to form supports for the table top and an upwardly bent mid-section that passes through a slot in the table top. A cross-brace bar connects the top of the opposite upwardly bent mid-sections of each frame to give the table structural support above the tabletop. Thus, wheelchairs have no obstacles when positioned about and under the edges of the table. An ultraviolet light source can be connected to the cross-brace bar so that plantings in the trays can have an adequate light source for growth when the table is used for gardening. The tabletop can include a solid working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: University of Central Florida
    Inventors: Robert L. Hoekstra, Michael Mullens, Steven F. Truntich, Jonas R. Hedman, Reinaldo Moraga, Sangram Vasant Shelke
  • Patent number: 6390573
    Abstract: A clothes cabinet includes a plurality of stretchers respectively fastened to the top panel, bottom panel and intermediate partition panels of the flexible cabinet body thereof to support the cabinet body in shape, each of the top panel, bottom panel and intermediate partition panels having two pockets at two sides of the respective bottom sidewall adapted to receive the respective stretcher, and at least one holding down strip suspending between the pockets and adapted to hold down the respective stretcher in the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Publication number: 20020043189
    Abstract: An overhead storage assembly, vendable as a kit, includes a plurality of panels each of a rectangular platform having dimensions that are integer multiples of conventional structural spacing. The panels may be joined to each other to form a common support surface resting on a plurality of transverse support pieces connected at the ends to hanger assemblies that are attached to the overhead structure of a building. Each panel includes a first plurality of parallel elongate elements and a second plurality of elongate elements aligned perpendicular to the first plurality of parallel elements. Each panel, moreover, may include closely paired elongate elements near a longitudinal edge to increase the sectional stiffness of the panel and to facilitate releasable connection of the panels to the traverse support pieces and hanger assemblies. The hanger assemblies may comprise matching upper and lower straps that are secured to each other at selected suspension lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Michael J. Mikich, Timothy M. Matthias, Mark C. Torosian, Dwayne Dunseath
  • Patent number: 6354232
    Abstract: An improved hanging shelf system has shelves suspended from a webbing. The shelves can be adjusted along the webbing to be spaced at any distance. The manner in which the shelves are suspended is hidden from view making it more aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Donald B. Hulke
  • Patent number: 6352230
    Abstract: The modular wall includes a sheet pile wall 12 with support brackets 20 that provide cantilever support to a facade of interlocking rows of blocks 30-34. The support member 20 includes vertical members that extend from the top of the sheet piling part way down the length of the sheet piling. Base members 24 extend firm the vertical members and are supported by angled braces 22. Horizontally extending key members rest on the base members and are affixed thereto. The key members provide a key for connecting to a slot of a first row of modular blocks. The modular blocks are stabilized by geogrid 28 that is captured in the key and slot interconnection of the modular blocks and is affixed to the sheet piling 12 or embedded in concrete fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Glynn Geotechnical Engineering
    Inventor: Jesse E. Grossman
  • Patent number: 6318822
    Abstract: A clothes cabinet adapted for mounting in a wardrobe, the clothes cabinet including a plurality of individual boxes, and at least one coupling wire rod adapted to secure the individual boxes in a stack, the individual boxes each having two vertical side panels, a horizontal bottom panel, a horizontal top panel, and a plurality of upper peripheral barrels and lower peripheral barrels horizontally aligned along top and bottom sides of the respective two vertical side panels, the at least one coupling wire rod each having a curved middle section attached to the horizontal top panel of one individual box at a bottom side, and two end rod sections respectively perpendicularly extended from two distal ends of the curved middle section and inserted into the lower peripheral barrels of one of the individual boxes and the upper peripheral barrels of a second of the individual boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 6202361
    Abstract: A table which defines an upwardly facing work surface and an acoustic dome for use above the table, both of which are suspended from overhead and movable in a vertical direction downwardly to create a work area, and upwardly for storage whereby the dome nests within the table. The table includes a plurality of alternating writable and tackable work surfaces and is generally arcuate in shape. The dome includes an upwardly facing side and a downwardly facing side including a smooth material capable of reflecting sound towards the work area. The upwardly facing side of the dome includes a plurality of sound-absorbing ring members to minimize the entry of outside sound into the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarkson S. Thorp, Steven J. Beukema
  • Patent number: 6105510
    Abstract: A folding table for the interior furnishing of a vehicle comprises a tabletop and two pairs of legs. In order to provide a folding table which does not restrict the leg room and can immediately be folded up, provision is made whereina) a tabletop is divided in a longitudinal direction to form two halves, the two halves being connected to each other in a foldable manner by a hinge having a hinge pin which is situated below the plane of the tabletop,b) the legs are adapted to be coupled pivotably at one end to the ceiling of the vehicle and at the other end to a point of the tabletop which is remote from the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Skoff, Anton Strassgurtl, Werner Bogner
  • Patent number: 5671990
    Abstract: A locker shelf apparatus includes a platform shaped to fit horizontally within a locker. There are three support members connected to the platform at spaced-apart positions. There are loops or the like on each support member for engaging hooks in the locker above the platform. Preferably there is a drawer slidably mounted below the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Mark H. Teasdale
  • Patent number: 5562050
    Abstract: An article of furniture such as a table, having four sides connected to each other by corner hinges. Two of the sides are each formed as two halves hinged together and normally rigidified by top rails, and by a horizontal work support panel located between the sides. When the work support panel is lifted and removed from the front, and the top rails are removed, the hinged sides can be folded inwardly so that the table frame assumes a relatively flat configuration. The front side of the table can be formed as two separate pieces, in which case the intermediate hinges in the sides can be removed. The table can also be made in a three-sided configuration, or in a bookshelf or cabinet configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Ross M. Colquhoun
  • 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