Separable Component Patents (Class 108/180)
  • Patent number: 11744361
    Abstract: An adjustable power and data rail for static height and vertically adjustable desks. The adjustable power and data rail fits between the static height and vertically adjustable desks and expands as needed either horizontally or vertically to match the installation configuration with paired multiple desks. The power and data rail provides connectivity for each of the static height or vertically adjustable desks to data and power connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SQUARE GROVE LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Anderson, Jon Daniel Paulsen
  • Patent number: 11617433
    Abstract: A height-adjustable desk is disclosed. Exemplary implementations may include a work surface, a left-side support structure, a right-side support structure, a core body, and a working body that provides the work surface. The core body may include lifting mechanisms such that the work surface of the desk may be positioned for a person in a standing and/or sitting position. The working body may include a control interface configured to be manually engaged by the user, to control lifting and/or lowering of the work surface of the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Mateo Goods Co.
    Inventor: Matthew Jason Moore
  • Patent number: 11578739
    Abstract: A joint for furniture uses alternating tabs and slots formed along an edge of first and second furniture panels. The panels are joined together so that tabs in the first panel are disposed in slots in the second panel and tabs in the second panel are disposed in slots in the first panel. This arrangement causes the slots to flex outwardly and the tabs to flex inwardly once assembled and creates residual stress in the assembled joint which stiffens the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: Clark Davis
  • Patent number: 11533993
    Abstract: The invention regards a wedge for assembling a furniture unit, a kit of parts for a modular shelving unit, and a modular shelving unit for assembly without tools, wherein the wedge is a T-shaped wedge for assembling a furniture unit, comprising: a rectangular plate, wherein the edges of the plate define a length direction and a width direction, a trapezoid plate, superimposed on the rectangular plate such that a first parallel edge of the trapezoid plate is adjacent to a first width edge of the rectangular plate, and wherein the non-parallel edges are symmetrically tapered along the length direction and in the direction away from the first width edge, and a beam, placed at the first width edge, thereby forming the T-shape, wherein the wedge is configured for frictionally engaging two planes within the furniture unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: LARSANDPETER APS
    Inventors: Lars Jeppsen, Peter Minor
  • Patent number: 10765204
    Abstract: An Assemblable wardrobe made of a plastic material, comprising a first and at least a second module positioned one above the other, where each module comprises two side panels, a rear panel, at least a shelf and a reinforcing structure, the reinforcing structure comprising an upper cross-member and respectively a lower cross-member arranged along upper and respectively lower sides of the rear panel and a connecting upright joining said cross-members, each module further comprising an L-shaped support having a vertical wing connected along the connecting upright and a horizontal wing for supporting the shelf, the L-shaped support has clamping means of the upper cross-member to the lower cross-member of the overlying module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: TERRY STORE-AGE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Guizzardi, Ottavio Di Blasi
  • Patent number: 10687614
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a foldable desk, comprising a first foldable panel connected to a support panel capable to be folded towards the first foldable panel, and multiple second foldable panels. If the first foldable panel and the second foldable panels are folded, the first foldable panel, the second foldable panels and the support panel can be overlapping each other. If the first foldable panel and the second foldable panels are unfolded, the second foldable panels can be inserted into the support panel so that the second foldable panels are placed perpendicular to a lower surface of the first foldable panel, and an upper surface of the first foldable panel forms a desktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Muyuan He
  • Patent number: 10485331
    Abstract: A collapsible furniture item having a set of panels that a person without the aid of tools can slidingly interlock with each other to form a standalone upright furniture item and once assembled can be quickly disassembled also without the aid tools to allow the panels to be transported to a different location for quick and efficient assembled into a standalone upright furniture through interlocking engagement between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Casmir Valeri
  • Patent number: 10267035
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular system (10) for structuring or shaping spaces, surfaces, or the like, comprising a component assembly, which comprises at least two modular elements (12) and at least one connecting element (14, 15, 16), said modular element being designed as a box-shaped body, whose base has at least three corners, each corner forming a connecting structure for connecting the modular element to a connecting element, said connecting structure being designed as an arc-shaped contour of the corner together with a void adjacent to the contour, said connecting element forming a pin for each of the connecting structures to be connected, said pin being designed congruent with the void and in such a manner that the pin can be interlockingly inserted into the void, said connecting element forming a positioning device for positioning the connecting element on the modular element, said positioning device comprising an axis, said axis being designed congruent with the contour and in such a manner that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Hans Schreck
  • Patent number: 10244860
    Abstract: A collapsible furniture item having a set of panels that a person without the aid of tools can slidingly interlock with each other to form a standalone upright furniture item and once assembled can be quickly disassembled also without the aid tools to allow the panels to be transported to a different location for quick and efficient assembled into a standalone upright furniture through interlocking engagement between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Casmir Valeri
  • Patent number: 10221875
    Abstract: A mortise and tenon joint of two or more structural members wherein mortise and tenon are securely joined by moveable wedges in a locking mechanism. Several locking mechanisms, including hinged structures, are disclosed in which moveable wedges forcibly move the tenon and mortise in opposite directions thereby drawing the tenon into the mortise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Kerry David Bonney
  • Patent number: 10202769
    Abstract: An elongated composite profile has a first flange and a second flange. The first flange and the second flange together form an L-profile. Each of the flanges, inside the L-profile have a first rib and a second rib, respectively. The first flange, the second flange, the first rib and the second rib form a longitudinal closed channel in the composite profile. A method is for mounting the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Øglaend System AS
    Inventor: Arne Gya
  • Patent number: 9949566
    Abstract: Adjustable stool are configured to provide comfort and support for an occupant in a plurality of environments, including environments having uneven surfaces, such as a yard. Adjustable stools may include a seat platform and a pair of arms. The seat platform configured to support the occupant may comprise a seating surface and a plurality of pins. The plurality of pins may be affixed to corners of the seat platform and extend away from the seat platform. The pair of arms may define a slotted portion, with the slotted portion comprising a plurality of endpoints. The slotted portion may be configured to be engaged by each of the plurality of pins that extend away from the seat platform. Each of the plurality of pins may be configured to be reversibly held at each of the plurality of endpoints, with each of the plurality of endpoints defining a height of the adjustable stool. The plurality of endpoints may comprise a pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Inventor: Frank William Thiel, III
  • Patent number: 9674980
    Abstract: A mounting ear is provided. The mounting ear includes a front plate and a side plate connected to the front plate. The side plate includes a tail section proximate to the rear of the side plate, a midsection between the front plate and the tail section, and at least a portion of the tail section has a height larger than the midsection to thereby define a gap above the midsection. A brush is mounted on at least the midsection. The brush includes plurality of bristles extending from the brush such that the end of the bristles are substantially collinear with a top of the at least of portion of the tail section, to thereby substantially cover the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER, INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Jung Chen, Chih-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 9615989
    Abstract: A casket may include a casket shell, at least one casket cap pivotally mounted on the casket shell, a cap panel inserted in a cavity formed by a bottom surface of the at least one casket cap, a plurality of puffing members attached to the edges of the cap panel, and a cap panel shelf mounted on the bottom surface of the casket cap. The cap panel shelf may be mounted on the casket cap by using wooden dowels. The cap panel shelf may be mounted on the casket cap by using mounting brackets positioned in between a puffing member on the bottom edge of the cap panel and the cap panel. A hinged support may be fastened to the bottom surface of the cap panel shelf to retain the cap panel shelf at a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Matthews Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Brian Skeen, Yves Joseph Allard
  • Patent number: 9433284
    Abstract: At least two vertical supports have vertical arrays of edge shelf-receiving protrusions and notches that support shelving in the notches with bottom recessions to fit over the protrusions. Top tabs and bottom tab receiving caps enable vertical expansion of the vertical supports in vertically stacked arrays. The caps also attach to horizontal tie members which may expand horizontally in linear arrays. The components secure together in rectangular configurations of various shapes and sizes forming a modular reconfigurable furniture carcass system. Shelves, drawers or doors are added to the carcass to form variety of different furniture pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Pedro A. Miranda
  • Patent number: 8690471
    Abstract: A corner connector for a shelving display is provided comprising a planar base, an inner and an outer wall on and substantially perpendicular to the base, wherein a receptacle is formed between the inner and outer walls, a post on and substantially perpendicular to the base, and a first and a second end wall at opposing ends of the inner and outers walls, wherein said first and second end walls further define the receptacle. The corner connector further comprises a separator located within the receptacle to define an upper receptacle and a lower receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Batavia Container, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Wians, Jeff A. Waterman
  • Patent number: 8523299
    Abstract: A TV stand for a flat panel TV includes a base with plural shelves and a translucent frame on the top shelf. A rear support holds the TV juxtaposed with the translucent frame with the bottom of the TV above the top shelf, so that the TV appears as though it is floating above the top shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8316781
    Abstract: Method and apparatus discloses a modular furniture construction having interlocking connections which are formed by upright standing legs having vertical grooves therein for receiving interlocking connecting members therein disposed on the ends of cross members. The cross members can be arranged in many different arrays so that a table top support or legs and/or other configurations, e.g., forts and houses, can be constructed. The cross members are designed so that a table top or tray can be placed thereon for receiving various items therein and/or a cup can be placed thereon for receiving containers holding liquid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Stanley Barton Majors
  • Patent number: 8302542
    Abstract: A furniture frame includes an assembly of a front frame, a pair of side racks, and a rear board. The front frame includes a closed frame structure made of a tubular member and forms four fitting lugs at a rear side portion thereof in a symmetric manner. The two side racks are made of tubular members to each assume a lying U-shaped structure and each lying-U-shape has an open side at which free ends of limbs of the U-shape each form a bent section. The two side racks are of a symmetric arrangement and structure so that the bent sections are respectively fit into the fitting lugs to demonstrate an expanding resiliency between the connection sections of the two side racks. The rear board is a flat plate having opposite edges that are bent in an arc form to construct pawls thereon, and the pawls on the opposite edges of the rear board are sized and positioned to respectively receive and thus engage the connection sections of the side racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Joen-Shen Ma
  • Publication number: 20120227638
    Abstract: A table which has a removable top such that one side is a conventional table and the other side has a graphic or logo thereon. The convertible table top is set in a recess in the table base. The table base includes sliding trays for storage and including cup holders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Zoltan Boda, Richard Simek, Alfred Kraker
  • Patent number: 8230794
    Abstract: A workbench is equipped with a clamping device that has a moveable element. A holding system has a top with a fibrous or pierceable material that is disposed upon the workbench near the clamping device. The system employs at least one block having a working face and a connecting face. The working face is adapted to oppose the moveable element. The block has on its connecting face at least one connector for securing the block in place on the top against clamping forces from the clamping device. The connector includes a first hub and a second hub, each having on one side thereof a plurality of spiral prongs. The spiral prongs on the first hub spiral in a direction opposite that of the spiral prongs on the second hub. The connector also has a manually operable link connected between the hubs for relatively rotating them in opposite directions in order to releasably connect to the fibrous or pierceable material of the top. A workpiece is placed between the block and the moveable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: James Haas
  • Patent number: 8220399
    Abstract: An article of furniture and associated methods and kits comprising at least one first leg support structure, at least one second leg support structure, the at least one first leg support structure being inter-fitted with the at least one second first leg support structure via an interference fit to define a support assembly, a top that is supported by and attached to the support assembly without the need for a mechanical fastener or adhesive; and means for creating a force state that attaches the top to the support assembly without the need for a mechanical fastener or adhesive, and thereby stabilizes the article of furniture, wherein the force state includes one or more forces applied to the at least one first leg support structure and the at least one second leg support structure, in addition to any frictional force from the interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Edison Nation, LLC
    Inventors: Roger Jason Berent, Kyle David Hulewat
  • Patent number: 8191488
    Abstract: A support leg for a table includes a rod having a first end and an opposing second end. The rod includes a first groove that extends into the rod from an outer surface of the rod toward a geometric center of the rod. The first groove extends generally parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the rod and is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a first side panel of the table. The rod includes a second groove spaced-apart from the first groove along the outer surface of the rod. The second groove extends into the rod from the outer surface of the rod toward the geometric center of the rod. The second groove extends generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis and is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a second side panel of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Ed Sacco
  • Patent number: 8167253
    Abstract: A TV stand for a flat panel TV includes a base with plural shelves and a translucent frame on the top shelf. A rear support holds the TV juxtaposed with the translucent frame with the bottom of the TV above the top shelf, so that the TV appears as though it is floating above the top shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon W. Smith
  • Patent number: 8142128
    Abstract: An anchor that can fasten to a fibrous or pierceable substrate employs a base with a spaced pair of bores. A pair of hubs are rotatably mounted to axially reciprocate in the pair of bores between a retracted and a deployed position. Each of the hubs has on one side thereof a plurality of spiral prongs. The spiral prongs on one of the hubs spiral in the opposite direction from the spiral prongs on the other one of the hubs. The hubs when in the deployed position project the plurality of prongs beyond the base. A thrust member mounted over the pair of hubs can thrust them from the retracted to the deployed position. With the hubs placed side by side and with the spiral prongs against the substrate, the hubs can be rotated in opposite directions to embed the spiral prongs in the substrate. An object can then be anchored by being lashed to the hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: James Haas
  • Patent number: 8127695
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a display stand including a display stand housing is included. The display stand housing can be configured to hold one or more graphic panels. The display stand housing can define a table pocket. The display stand also includes a table assembly configured to move between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration. The table assembly can be configured to be disposed within the table pocket and concealed from view by at least one of the graphic panels when in the stored configuration. The display stand housing can further include a counter top panel disposed over the display stand housing. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Aisle Advertising
    Inventors: Mark R. MacDonald, Robert W. Stimson
  • Patent number: 8079315
    Abstract: An article of furniture and associated methods and kits comprising at least one first leg support structure, at least one second leg support structure, the at least one first leg support structure being inter-fitted with the at least one second first leg support structure via an interference fit to define a support assembly, a top that is supported by and attached to the support assembly without the need for a mechanical fastener or adhesive; and means for creating a force state that attaches the top to the support assembly without the need for a mechanical fastener or adhesive, and thereby stabilizes the article of furniture, wherein the force state includes one or more forces applied to the at least one first leg support structure and the at least one second leg support structure, in addition to any frictional force from the interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Roger Jason Berent, Kyle David Hulewat
  • Patent number: 8066240
    Abstract: A multi-configurable furniture assembly including height adjustable legs, a height adjustable pedestal support structure, a variable height foot support for cabinets and shelves and a panel wall assembly where each of the separate assemblies have finished and high quality appearances after a configuration is constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Duane F. Nagel, Joylene M. Battey
  • Patent number: 8020497
    Abstract: A two-tiered, interlocking, knockdown, sturdy furniture article such as a table, stool or stand which is fabricated and assembled easily from sheet-like material. Two (2) table tops are fabricated by being cut from two (2) base members. The lower table top rests horizontally and is vertically supported by a supporting means within inside walls of the interlocked base members. The upper table top is vertically supported by upper table top receiving ends of the assembled base members. The disassembled primary components can be arranged in a compact orientation for storage or transportation. The disassembled lower table top fits flush within the base member it was cut from and the other base member and upper table top can be similarly flatly arranged and stacked on top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Andrew Ossorguine
  • Patent number: 7914091
    Abstract: Asymmetrical joint systems, structures having interlocking joints, methods of fabricating asymmetric joint systems and methods for fabricating structures having interlocking joints. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a structure that incorporates a rotational diamond-shaped bracing system. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of assembling such a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jared L. Joyce
  • Patent number: 7789251
    Abstract: A shelf structure includes a first and second panel. Each panel has a pair of transversely spaced apart side rails. A plurality of equidistantly spaced slots is formed in an inboard side of each of the side rails and a plurality of slats has opposed ends received within corresponding slots. The first and second panels are hingedly connected to one another at respective uppermost ends so that an “A” shape is formed when their respective lower ends are laterally spaced apart from one another. Each slat forming a part of the first panel has a transversely disposed, corresponding slat in the second panel at the same height so that removal of a pair of corresponding slats creates a pair of level openings. A shelf is slidingly inserted into each pair of openings. A chain interconnects the first panel and second panel near their lower ends to maintain the A shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: John R Clark
  • Publication number: 20090277361
    Abstract: A cradle joint for customizing furniture comprises a recess in a horizontal support bracket, the recess defined by two opposing jaws forming a top opening, two angled support ribs, and a bottom bar, two rod cams disposed in the recess adjacent the side walls and movable between rod cam clearance pockets disposed below the jaws and lower corner regions adjacent the bottom bar, the bottom bars having inclined apertures for receiving threaded fasteners, the fasteners threadedly received in the rod cams, a cross beam have an I-shaped profile, two upper flanges and two lower flanges, the cross beam received in the recess perpendicularly to the support bracket and secured in the recess by tightening the rod cams into overlocking engagement with the oblique upper portions of the outer edges of the lower flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Goldin, Steven Goldin
  • Publication number: 20090260551
    Abstract: A rack assembly for transporting a unit from a first location to a second location and installing the unit at the second location on a support surface. The rack assembly can include a first pad member coupled to and supported by a plurality of uprights, a second pad member coupled to and supported on the plurality of uprights over the first pad member, and a space defined by the first pad member, the plurality of uprights, and the second pad member for receiving the unit. The second pad member can be removed from the rack assembly at the second location, and the first pad member and the unit can be secured to the support surface, such that the first pad member remains at the second location as a mounting structure for the unit when the unit is operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: David Owen Mattson
  • Patent number: 7546811
    Abstract: A computer testing platform for supporting computer hardware components in a highly visible and readily accessible manner for diagnostic testing and repair includes a housing made from clear acrylic plastic and a plurality of bays for storing the components. The bays are formed by removable shelving disposed vertically and horizontally within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Bernie A. Owen
  • Patent number: 7533940
    Abstract: A convertible multiple panel assembly includes a plurality of panels that carry complementary releasable interlocking components. The components are selectively interengagable in a first pattern such that the panels define a box. The components are selectively disengaged from one another and re-interengaged in an alternative, second pattern to define a table and at least one associated bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Zook
  • Patent number: 7484465
    Abstract: A furniture storage unit, and method of construction, configured to include one or more storage compartments each having dimensions (e.g., height and width) which can be readily varied by a user. The storage unit is configured to enable a user to arrange one or more compartments in a wide variety of configurations or patterns within the storage unit to optimize utility and aesthetic appeal. A storage compartment is formed by a suspended web of elongate flexible material having first and second hanger members respectively secured to the web at locations spaced along the web length. The first and second hanger members are configured to be supported by one or more rails at respective first and second locations longitudinally spaced along the rails. The hanger members suspend the web so that first and second spaced web portions hang substantially vertically bridged by an intermediate web portion suitable for supporting various objects, e.g., books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Todd Laby
  • Publication number: 20080302279
    Abstract: A modular bookshelf system is disclosed. The bookshelf system comprises a top shelf, at least one intermediate shelf, a base shelf, and a plurality of modular side walls. The plurality of side walls are slidingly supported and slidingly engaged between the base shelf and the at least one intermediate shelf and between the top shelf and the at least one intermediate shelf. Each of the plurality of side walls comprises a generally vertical end wall and back wall, and is configured to slidingly engage with and adjust along a plurality of lengthwise slots formed in each of the top shelf, bottom shelf, and at least one intermediate shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Robert T. Clifton
  • Patent number: 7438497
    Abstract: A plastic component is attached to a mounting structure by a fastener that extends at least into a mounting hole in the plastic component. The mounting hole is located near an edge corner of a cantilevered mounting tab that forms part of the plastic component. The mounting tab comprises a generally flat plate that has a depending flange that extends around a rounded corner near which the mounting hole is located and a depending sleeve that is contiguous with the mounting hole. The mounting tab has a break away portion so that the plastic component can be removed for recycling easily. Three variations of the breakaway portion are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Masahiro Yoshino, Thomas A. Volpone, Daniel J. Erdman
  • Publication number: 20080245947
    Abstract: A mat having a resiliently deformable mat portion and a securing element provided thereon for securing an item attached thereto against movement and relative to the mat portion is provided. The mat is arranged to grip a support surface on which the mat portion is laid, in use, by formation of at least a partial vacuum between the mat portion and the support surface upon deformation of the mat portion. The mat comprises a projection arranged to urge the item away from the mat when held by the mat, thereby to create a deformation in the mat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Ian Webb, Mark Armstrong, Tom Cotton
  • Patent number: 7398737
    Abstract: A foldable table includes a table top including confronting sections that are removably engageable so that a rectangular top surface is formed when the sections are abutted. The top surface spans across the back seat of the vehicle and is position within the vehicle. First and second sections have coextensively shaped front edges spanning along an entire top surface length. Third and fourth sections have coextensively shaped rear edges spanning along the entire top surface length. A guard rail is conjoined to an outer periphery of each section, wherein first, second, third and fourth rails are detachably abutted at an end-to-end orientation. First and second legs are coupled to the third and fourth sections, and have bottom ends positioned on a floor of the vehicle. A mechanism is included for releasably locking all the sections at an engaged position during transit, and is spaced from the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Rosanna Martellaro
  • Publication number: 20070234936
    Abstract: A stand includes a lower member, an upper member spaced apart from the lower member, a pillar member that supports the lower and the upper members, and at least one subsidiary member selectively mountable to the upper member and/or the pillar member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bong-joo Kim
  • Patent number: 7210416
    Abstract: A flatnose-edge structural member (12), comprising a laminated body (54) of two opposing sheets (56, 58) defining major planar surfaces sandwiching a corrugated paperboard intermediate layer having opposing sides (66, 68), and one of the major surfaces defining a pair of V-shaped channels (70) having a common side edge (72) extending parallel to the opposing sides, with the laminated body (54) folded along a line defined by the common side edge medial the V-shaped channels, whereby the major planar surface opposing the surface having the channels defines a flatnose edge (14) opposing the aligned sides. A method of making a flatnose-edge structural member is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: North American Container Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Grigsby, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7207540
    Abstract: A support for supporting a laptop computer has a top tray in cooperation with but not attached to a bottom tray. The top tray is moveable from an inclined working position to a flat storage position. The top tray has a top base having a lip proximal one end. The bottom tray has a bottom base having a flange extending upwardly proximal one end. The flange and/or the bottom base of the bottom tray has an aperture for accepting the lip of the top tray. The lip of the top tray may engage the top of the flange when the top tray is in the working position to prevent the top tray from sliding towards the opposite end of the bottom tray. The lip of the top tray engages the bottom base through the aperture when the top tray is in the storage position to limit sliding of the top tray toward the opposite end of the bottom tray. In the storage position, the support is readily packed together with the computer in the computer's carrying case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: George R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7197991
    Abstract: A bullnose-edge structural member (12), comprising a laminated body (54) of two opposing fiber board sheets (56, 58) defining major planar surfaces sandwiching a corrugated paperboard intermediate layer having opposing sides (66, 68), and one of the major surfaces defining a pair of spaced-apart channels (70) extending parallel to the opposing sides, with the laminated body (54) folded along a line medial the channels whereby the major planar surface opposing the surface having the channels defines a bullnose edge (14) opposing the aligned sides. A method of making a bullnose-edge structural member is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: North American Container Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Grigsby, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7140307
    Abstract: A framework for a display booth includes at least one base, at least one post, at least one beam and a connector. The post is adapted to be releasably attached to the base and to extend vertically upward from the base when attached thereto. The post includes at least two panels pivotally secured together. The beam is adapted to be releasably attached to the post and includes at least two panels pivotally secured together. The connector is adapted to be releasably attached to both the post and the beam. The connector is adapted to support the beam on the post when the connector is connected to both the post and the beam. The post and the beam may be folded to a folded orientation to ease transportation and storage of the framework when it is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Paul Wolbert, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Paul A Wolbert
  • Patent number: 7124695
    Abstract: A modular shelving system includes a plurality of modular upright support units spaced from each other in the length direction of the system. Each unit includes a plurality of generally horizontal through passages for receiving and respectively supporting a plurality of elongated shelf-supporting rails of varying lengths to allow for varying the length of the shelving system as well as varying the spacing between the support units. Some of the through passages are located at lower areas of the support units to position some of the supporting rails for supporting an appropriate lower shelf. Other of the through passages are located at upper areas of the support units to position other of the supporting rails for supporting an appropriate upper shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: James G. Buechler
  • Patent number: 7086341
    Abstract: A structure (10, 44, 50) can be formed by using a plurality of hubs (12), connectors (14) and elongate members (16). The hubs (12) have a series of locking slots (18) formed at regular intervals about the outer circumference. A T-shaped portion (32) of a connector (14) is slid into a selected locking slot (18) until a flexible catch (34) on the connector (14) engages a locking bar (20) on the hub (12) to securely attach the connector (14) to the hub (12). Both the hubs (12) and connectors (14) can frictionally receive elongate members (16), allowing the construction of various types of structure, such as furniture. The structures can be assembled without tools, and can be readily be disassembled if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 7028620
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modular shelving system for supporting various objects such as home furnishings, books, artistic objects, and the like. The shelving system includes a generally horizontal panel supported by a support assembly that includes a panel and at least one rod. In one example, the shelving system can be moved between first and second arrangements. In the first arrangement, at least two of the support assembly panels are aligned and in the second arrangement at least two of the support assembly panels are unaligned. The shelving system is easily moved between the disassembled and assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventor: Maynard Hale Lyndon
  • Patent number: 6981454
    Abstract: A shelving system having at least four posts with upper and lower traverses between the posts joined by dovetails on the posts and post connectors connecting the posts. A metal core forms the posts surrounded by plastic. A support post underlies at least one of the traverses having a metal interior portion and an exterior plastic with a foot at the base and an end cap distal from the foot for engaging the traverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Cambro Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Terry Burdick
  • Patent number: 6948435
    Abstract: An all-plastic light duty shelf unit includes rectangular shelf modules and vertical spacers. Each shelf module has four corner joints that can either be mated directly with each other or coupled together using cylindrical vertical spacers. This allows the user to customize the configuration of the shelf unit to meet his or her specific needs. It also reduces the cost to manufacture the shelf unit because the vertical spacers can be extruded rather than injection-molded. The corner joints also hold a shelf off the floor, thereby reducing part count and manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Honeyware, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony L. Sheng