Portable Patents (Class 160/351)
  • Patent number: 6415567
    Abstract: A partition for spatially dividing open building space and the like including a plurality of frames having adjacent frame ends interconnected by vertically spaced connector brackets to define a post-simulating joint and a trim system for the plurality of frames. The trim system includes a locator bracket and at least one side trim strip. The locator bracket is shaped to be attached to one of the connector brackets and includes upstanding side walls with outward extending upper tabs. The at least one side trim strip is shaped to enclose an associated open side of the post-simulating joint and includes at least one inwardly protruding top tab, each top tab mating and abutting at least one of the upper tabs of the locator bracket to positively locate the at least one side trim strip with respect to the adjacent frame ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Karl J. Mead, Marvin C. Knauf, Thomas R. Maas
  • Patent number: 6397534
    Abstract: A cover member for room partitions having a frame with at least one slotted cross-member. The cover member includes a pivoting lock member having a protruding lock tab shaped for reception in a slot in a slotted cross-member of a frame. A connecting member rotatably connects the lock member to a surface of the cover member in a manner which permits the lock member to be rotated about a center of rotation between an insertion position wherein the lock tab is in registry with the cross-member slot and an engaged position wherein the lock tab is engaged with the cross-member to positively yet removably lock the cover member on the frame. The lock member is set up such that the lock tab has a smaller lateral displacement from the center of rotation of the pivoting lock member in the engaged position than in the insertion position. At least one frictional member is configured to be connected to the cover member and extend through the pivoting lock member to frictionally hold the pivoting lock member in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Allen C. Hager, Steven F. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20020062933
    Abstract: A privacy screen comprises a free-standing wall member and a support stand. In one embodiment, the wall member has a thickness and an outer surface visible to the user. The wall member is preferably made of expanded beads that extend across the entirety of the thickness of the panel and define the outer surface thereof, such that they are visible to the user. In another embodiment, the wall member comprises a first and second sheet, each of which has an outer surface defining the outer surface of the wall member. At least a portion of the first sheet is spaced from at least a portion of the second sheet, and at least another portion of the first sheet abuts at least a portion of the second sheet, with the abutting portions being connected. In another aspect, a system of privacy screens comprises a first and second privacy screen comprising a wall member having a curvilinear side edge. The first and second privacy screens are arranged such that the curvilinear edges thereof are disposed adjacent one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Robert W. Insalaco, David J. Ritch, Mark B. Saffell, Gordon J. Stannis
  • Patent number: 6371190
    Abstract: A kit for assembly into a wall-mounted decor unit. The kit includes a laminate board, a fabric cover, and fasteners for attaching the laminate board to a wall. The laminate board includes sections folded in zig-zag fashion along lines of weakening. The sections of the laminate board can only be folded away from the lines of weakening. The fabric cover is slidably, removably mounted on the laminate board after the laminate board is unfolded and mounted on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Rene D. Owens
  • Patent number: 6367213
    Abstract: A wall spine assembly for a modular office system comprises a plurality of individual panel assemblies. Each of the panel assemblies includes a vertical support structure and mechanically affixed lower panels in a rigid box-beam structure. Facing panels are removably attached to support brackets mounted on the vertical supports. A cavity exists between the facing panels and vertical supports to permit the lay-in of cabling through the office system. A crown member is provided on the top of the vertical support and is adapted to receive brackets for the mounting of accessories above a desk or other work surface attached to the panel. The panels, and especially the crown, permit the mounting of office components such as shelves, storage cabinets, lighting fixtures and the like anywhere along the horizontal length of the wall. A horizontally telescoping vertical end post is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Reuter, Charles P. Rozier, Jr., Wallace C. Bullwinkle
  • Patent number: 6357510
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have one or more support frames, each having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, with the frame member defining a periphery for the support frame. Where more than one support frame is provided, the support frames can be hingedly coupled to each other. The frame member(s) can be used, for example, to support panel pieces, objects and coverings, among others. In some embodiments, one or more objects can be coupled to and supported by the support frame(s). In other embodiments, a covering may be placed over the support frame(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6351917
    Abstract: A partition frame assembly includes a lower partition frame having at least two elongated lower structural uprights. The lower partition frame defines an upper edge, and includes an upwardly-opening utilities channel extending adjacent the upper edge to permit lay-in of utility lines along the upper edge of the lower partition frame. An upper extension frame is positioned above the lower partition frame, and includes at least two elongated upper structural uprights, each of which is in vertical registry with the lower structural uprights. The partition frame includes first and second brackets, each of which rigidly interconnect a selected upper structural upright to a selected lower structural upright. Each bracket has a lower end rigidly interconnected with the selected lower structural upright, and an upper end rigidly interconnected with the selected upper structural upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Steven E. Sanders, James R. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 6345475
    Abstract: Pivotably mounted barriers extending across a portion of and staggered in an alternating manner from opposite sides and spaced apart as to permit directed travel up or down stairs or staircase. Barriers extend across staircase to the extent that in addition to acting as an aid in ascending or descending, should a person stumble or lose their footing, their fall would be interupted within a few feet instead of tumbling all the way to the bottom suffering certain injury and possible death.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Darnell Flory
  • Patent number: 6330898
    Abstract: A rain canopy apparatus for a stroller provides a canopy for shielding the stroller from storms and snows. The canopy utilizes an edge spool to roll itself up and to be stored inside an accommodation pipe formed by pivotally connecting upper and lower half pipes. The accommodation pipe has slidable end caps at both ends. Each end cap provides a protruding threaded bar to engage with a clamp for being fixed to a respective side bar of the stroller. When the accommodation pipe is opened with the upper half pipe pivoted away from the lower half pipe, the canopy has one edge hung at the interior hooks of the accommodation pipe and another edge pulled to cover the whole stroller. The canopy apparatus for a stroller can have advantages in storability, portability and operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Tony Chang
  • Patent number: 6321823
    Abstract: In a spring-loaded curtain mount, includes a pole interface at a proximal end, a compressive mechanism, and a head at a distal end. The pole interface is adapted to recieve the end of a standard length adjustable pole or a painter's pole. The compression mechanism is disposed between the proximal end of the mount and the head. The mount includes a clamp adapted to recieve a portion of a curtain. During installation, the curtain mount is coupled to the end of an extension pole and the length of the pole is adjusted such that the combined length of the pole and mount is slighty longer than the distance between the floor and ceiling. At ground level, a portion of the curtain is attached to the head of the curtain mount. the curtain and mount are raised to the ceiling and the mount and pole are compressed between the floor and the ceiling. This compressive force operates to urge the head toward the ceiling, securing the mount in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Zipwall LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Whittemore
  • Patent number: 6314687
    Abstract: A wall panel including a rectangular frame, a pair of wall members and a thin decorative sheet covering the wall members. The frame includes two spaced apart, generally parallel vertical frame members and spaced apart, generally parallel horizontal lower and upper frame members. The horizontal frame members are connected to the vertical frame members at opposite ends thereof to form the rectangular frame. Each of the frame members includes a core member and a pair of sidewall members attached to opposite sides of the core member. The wall members are attached to the sidewalls on opposing sides of the frame members. A decorative sheet covers the outer surface of each wall member. A method for manufacturing the frame members includes providing a fixture with spaced apart first, second and third surfaces. A hanger bracket is mounted to the vertical frame core member and is positioned in the fixture such that the hanger bracket engages the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: Gerald Schondelmayer, Richard Weise
  • Patent number: 6305128
    Abstract: A bulkhead includes an upper member and a lower member which are vertically adjustable to vary the height of the bulkhead. The bulkhead has a reduced thickness portion along at least one vertical edge. The reduced thickness portion is configured to overlap with a reduced thickness portion of another bulkhead in order to vary the width of the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Horner, Richard J. Coughtry
  • Publication number: 20010022217
    Abstract: A balcony shielding device for shielding a balcony against sun rays and providing a visual shield preventing adjacent on-lookers to visually access the balcony. The balcony shielding device includes: a first and a second shielding section. A securement component is provided for securing the second shielding section to the banister directly in front of the latter. A first securement component is provided for securing the first shielding section to the second shielding section so that the first shielding section is positioned above the banister. Adjustment components are provided for allowing adjustment of the height and angulation of the second shielding section. The second section securement components are adapted to attach the shielding device to both the handrail and the footrail of conventional balcony banisters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Normand Larin
  • Patent number: 6279643
    Abstract: A prefabricated furniture system including an overhead framework having utility conduits and supporting a plurality of rigid infill panels. The framework extends over a floor of a building space, and has a plurality of posts, and a plurality of beams, at least some of which are supported at a predetermined elevation above an average user height to define an open, three-dimensional gridwork which spatially partitions the associated portion of the building space. The utility conduits extend along the posts and the beams to provide access to utilities throughout the gridwork. The rigid infill panels are constructed to permit bodily translation of the same by an adult user, and are shaped for positioning between the beams and the floor of the building in side-by-side juxtaposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Shipman
  • Patent number: 6272803
    Abstract: A partition system includes adjacent partitions that have aligned top frame members with abutting and horizontally aligned cantilevered end sections. An in-line connector system includes a flat top connector and a U-shaped bottom connector that mateably span between the cantilevered end sections and that engage top and bottom surfaces, respectively, on the top frame members. Specifically, the top connector fits into a cavity in a top of the top frame member. The bottom connector includes a bottom wall and opposing sidewalls that matingly receive and engage bottom and side surfaces of the cantilevered end sections. The connectors combine with a beam-like strength that holds the cantilevered end sections in a particularly stable in-line condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony A. Stachowiak, Steven C. Gortsema, Mark T. Slager
  • Patent number: 6257559
    Abstract: A portable fence is practically easy and fast to be installed along the boundary of a keep-off area to restrict and entry of the unconcerned at construction or events-holding sites and is conveniently compact to carry and store due to its foldability. This fence comprises a conjunction screen formed by connecting a plurality of fence components, preferably formed of synthetic resin by blow molding, side by side through a hinge mechanism such that they are foldable to each other and a support means or stay pivotably mounted onto a lower fringe portion of said conjunction screen, and stably provides a restricted area at a site where an access of the unconcerned is restricted in an easy and fast manner and is convenient to carry and store due to its foldability. The addition of a weight container thereto further enhances the standing stability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Yagikuma & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Mouri
  • Publication number: 20010002615
    Abstract: A covering system in which a cover constructed of a flexible sheet material may be placed on the surface of a floor between a door frame to a room. A door frame cover having an edge that is configured to conform with the shape of the door frame proximate to the floor. The door frame cover also includes a fastener or other securing mechanism to attach the door frame cover to the cover such that the edge that is configured to conform to the shape of the door frame contacts the door frame and covers the surface of the floor left uncovered by the cover by the door frame. This cover may be used in conjunction with another cover placed within the room to provide a continuous cover for the surface within the room and within the door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: REGINALD MICHAEL LACROSS, RICARDO R. GARZA
  • Patent number: 6240939
    Abstract: A portable and foldable shelter for use by ice fishermen and other outdoorsmen is described. A tripod of pole members, hingedly interconnected at one end, is covered with a canvas or plastics cover. A hinged tang is provided on the central pole member which can be secured to the ice and about which the erected shelter can be rotated to keep the open side thereof directly downwind in the event of a wind shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Charles P. McGee
  • Patent number: 6237668
    Abstract: A folding convertible screen/display made from rigid, structural material, comprising a floor and three walls, positionable and free-standing on a support surface without formal assembly at the point of usage, is disclosed. An optional continuous top provides additional structural integrity and definition to the space delineated by the screen/display, without adding complexity. Being of unit construction, the screen/display is simple to manufacture, decorate, set up, use and fold for compact transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Hitchings
  • Patent number: 6226931
    Abstract: A modular display system includes base units angularly positionable relative to one another on a floor area to define a lower edge of a display space. Base units include an elongated body and a pair of detachable end members connectable to the opposed ends of the elongated body at upper or lower positions. An end member connected at a lower position at one end of the body is connectable at a plurality of angles to an end member on an adjacent base unit connected at the upper position. The angular connection allows the display area to be defined and adjusted prior to installation of vertical elements forming walls. Vertical supports, preferably including columns positioned over the end members between the base units and uprights supported in sleeves in the base units are removably connectable to the base units. Crossbars are removably connectable to the upper ends of the vertical supports for defining an upper edge of the display space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Canfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Haversat
  • Patent number: 6216398
    Abstract: A selectively reconfigurable wall system for use in a work environment is disclosed. The work environment provides at least a first work space and a second work space. The wall system is configured to control access to the work spaces and is adapted for association with a frame system having a plurality of floorstanding posts and overhead beams. The wall system includes an articulating partition adapted for mounting to a vertical member and for selective positioning between a first position and a second position. The articulating partition in the first position increases the relative level of privacy provided by the first work space, and the articulating partition in the second position increases the relative level of privacy provided by the second work space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: David Allan Shipman, Michael Damien Luyckx, Adam Alan Luedke, Errol Stafford Pearsons
  • Patent number: 6213191
    Abstract: A screen for use in a work environment providing a generally planar surface is disclosed. The screen includes a frame providing an outer perimeter tending to a first shape. The screen further includes a web at least partially circumscribed by the frame and having a shape at least partially defined by the shape of the outer perimeter of the frame. The screen also includes a mounting assembly configured to attach the frame to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Nitzsche
  • Patent number: 6209615
    Abstract: In a spring-loaded curtain mount, the mount includes a pole interface at a proximal end, a compressive mechanism, and a head at a distal end. The pole interface is adapted to receive the end of a standard length adjustable pole or a painter's pole. The compression mechanism is disposed between the proximal end of the mount and the head. The mount includes a coupling device adapted to receive a portion of a curtain. During installation, the curtain mount is coupled to the end of an extension pole and the length of the pole is adjusted such that the combined length of the pole and mount is slightly longer than the distance between the floor and ceiling. At ground level, a portion of the curtain is attached to the head of the curtain mount. The curtain and mount are raised to the ceiling and the mount and pole are compressed between the floor and the ceiling. This compressive force operates to urge the head toward the ceiling, securing the mount in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Zipwall, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Whittemore
  • Patent number: 6206079
    Abstract: A frame having a top frame piece, a bottom frame piece with a receptor, a first side frame piece attached to the top frame piece and to the bottom frame piece and a second side frame piece attached to the top frame piece and to the bottom frame piece. A foot is attached to the receptor, wherein the receptor has a structure such that the foot can be attached to the receptor only at n predetermined positions, where n is ≧2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Noise Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Wayne Selgrad
  • Patent number: 6190084
    Abstract: A modular separating barrier element including a frame of generally rectangular structure which is molded from synthetic material and which borders an inner panel having plain regions and regions having perforations and other regions having reinforcing ribs. Detachable feet are coupled rotatably to the lower ends of the shorter sides of the structure of the element. The shorter sides have elements for complementary coupling with other elements of adjacent barriers. Each of the shorter sides may include a pair of projections, those of one of the sides having respective vertical through-holes and those of the other side having respective pairs of coaxial rods which extend vertically and which can be fitted in the holes of the projections of an adjacent barrier element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Construcciones Mecánicas Marés, S.A.
    Inventor: Pere Mares Ibañez
  • Patent number: 6182740
    Abstract: A portable room divider apparatus for providing privacy in any room, in particular, in any hotel and motel room. The portable room divider apparatus includes a base having a pair of elongate members and a cross member removably interconnecting the elongate members; and also includes a plurality of tubular support members interconnected to the base with T-shaped tubular couplers and interconnected end-to-end with one another with sleeve-like tubular couplers; and further includes a plurality of barrier support members being interconnected end-to-end and being horizontally mounted upon the tubular support members with T-shaped tubular couplers; and also includes a barrier member such as a curtain which is removably mounted to the barrier support members and which has a height of approximately 6 feet and a width of approximately 6 feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond J. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 6161320
    Abstract: A portable display system is provided for use by exhibitors at tradeshow and other events that is comprised of a plurality of display stands and display-stand connectors. The individual display stands are comprised of a free-standing frame and a rollable panel that is attached to the frame for viewing. Multiple display stands may be easily connected and arranged relative to each other to create larger displays, for example, a substantially-curved wall or a triangular tower. The exhibitor has the flexibility of using the display stands individually or connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Steven Charles Peterson
  • Patent number: 6145528
    Abstract: A blind having a support system and a sheet material secured to at least a portion of the support system. The support system includes a number (n) of horizontal support members and a number (n+1) of vertical support members, wherein n corresponds to an integer of 2 or greater, and a plurality of flexible joints connecting each vertical support member to at least one of the horizontal support members, with at least one of the vertical support members connected by one of the joints to at least two of the horizontal support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Shelter-Pro, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Egnew, Elvin Byrd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6141926
    Abstract: A light weight panel for use in modular and free standing office landscaping systems. The panels form free standing partitions which can be rearranged and assembled into space divider or partition systems. Panels can be interconnected and positioned in a variety of ways relative to adjacent panels via posts and/or special connectors. The panels are constructed with perimeter frame members along each edge, the perimeter frame members being inter-connected with the vertical frame members by corner connectors. The corner connectors have protrusions which engage hollow cavities in the ends of the frame members. The perimeter frame members incorporate formations to secure panel fabric and trim as desired. An inter-panel connection system cooperates with the corner connectors to provide an easy to assemble but rigid partition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Tetrad Marketing/Sales Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Rossiter, Scott Gammon, Steven Jones, Andrew Schoenherr
  • Patent number: 6129416
    Abstract: A device for shading a child from sunlight while positioned in a child seat. The device includes a visor shaped for shielding the child from the sun. A bendable support arm is used for mounting and adjusting the visor. The support arm includes an interior member that is pliable for adjusting the orientation of said shield relative to the seat, and a protective outer member extending around the interior member to prevent contact of the interior member by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventors: Cynthia L. Bowen, Walter Lee Bowen
  • Patent number: 6128877
    Abstract: A variable width panel includes a frame having a knock-down construction adapted for on-site assembly. The frame includes a first rigid stile adapted to be disposed in a generally vertical assembled orientation along a first side of the frame. At least two rigid cross-members having first ends thereof rigidly attached to the stile are disposed in a vertically spaced-apart relationship, and extend in a generally horizontal assembled orientation. The cross-members having predetermined full width with a construction which permits the cross-members to be cut to a custom width at a second end thereof during the on-site assembly for use in a special width panel that is adapted for connection with the standard width panels. The frame also includes fasteners for detachably connecting the second ends of the cross-members with the second stile to define a pocket therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Goodman, Roy W. Fink, Allen C. Hager, James D. Houda, Michael H. Abson
  • Patent number: 6116326
    Abstract: A mobile screen having a "T"-shape for use on a ground surface is disclosed. The screen includes a base section having at least one panel providing a first surface having a first surface treatment and a second surface having a second surface treatment. The screen may also include an end section having at least one panel providing a first surface having a first surface treatment and a second surface having a second surface treatment. The base section is rigidly coupled to the end section to form the "T"-shape. At least one surface treatment of the base section or the end section is a functional surface treatment intended to selectively provide for the display of information. The screen may include a base section having a vertical frame member and at least one base panel extending therefrom and an end section having a pair of vertical frame members with at least one end panel extending therebetween. The mobile screen may also be provided with a handle or a tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lyle Domina, Paul Brian Siebert, Jess Allen Sorel, Paul Jesus Espinoza, Lewis Mark Epstein, David Eric Simon
  • Patent number: 6109329
    Abstract: A modular panel having integral connection member for use in display board assemblies. The panels are fabricated from multiple sheets of corrugated board laminated together. A plurality of spaced-apart fingers are provided on a panel for matingly interfitting the panel to an adjacent panel having similar fingers. Several panels of identical or varied configurations may be interconnected to form a suitable display board assembly. A beam element is also provided for use in such assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Ralph Russo
  • Patent number: 6061972
    Abstract: A portable divider wall including a wall member of a lightweight foam material and two foot supports or feet located along a bottom portion of the wall member for supporting the wall member in an upright position. The foot supports each include a recess in which the bottom portion of the wall member is disposed, and a projection which projects into the interior of the wall member to removably secure the foot to support the wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarkson S. Thorp
  • Patent number: 6056038
    Abstract: A safety barrier comprising a support, a partition frame hingedly connected to the support, and a retractable membrane attached to one end of the partition frame. The partition frame and the support can be extended across an opening, such as a doorway, to securely position the barrier within the opening. The partition frame includes a first member hingedly connected to the support and a second member slidingly engaged to the first member. The retractable member may be deployed toward an opposite end of the partition frame to close off the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Allset, Incorporated
    Inventors: James D. Foster, Paul E. Brefka
  • Patent number: 6036249
    Abstract: The present invention is a low cost, easy to operate, and ever handy device of blocking views of accidents, stalled cars or other incidents. This is accomplished by an accident shield device unit installed in the trunk of official vehicles which can be assembled by a single person in a few minutes. The unit consists of a screen which is large enough to prevent most passersby (motorists or pedestrians) from viewing the scene. As a result, this device aids in maintaining traffic flow and safety by preserving the natural momentum of traffic and keeping other drivers focused on traffic conditions, rather than the accident scene or stalled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Eagle Inventors, L.L.C.
    Inventor: William Kuntz
  • Patent number: 6003275
    Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Cornell, Robert J. Luchetti, Gregg R. Draudt, Kurt S. Bodden, Linda K. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 5992071
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stand-alone display device (100, 200) with one integral configuration capable of obtaining a flat configuration for efficient shipping and capable, without assembly, of achieving a deployed three-dimensional configuration. In the flat configuration, the display device (100, 200) is formed from two folded sheets adhesively secured or sandwiched between two unfolded sheets. To achieve the deployed configuration, the folded sheets are articulated (unfolded), resulting in folds in the previously unfolded sheets. In the deployed configuration, the display device is capable of supporting itself. The display device may be mass manufactured using printing press and inline finishing equipment, including plow folding stations, multiple glue application systems, a rotary cutter, and a delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sleepeck Printing Company
    Inventor: Ake L. Dahlquist
  • Patent number: 5943834
    Abstract: A furniture system for outfitting a building space, includes a plurality of partition frames, each having horizontally spaced apart uprights with opposing sides, and having horizontal frame members connecting the uprights. A top one of the horizontal frame members is one-piece and attached to a top of the uprights. The top one horizontal frame member includes opposing side faces that are spaced apart a distance greater than the opposing sides and that include cover-supporting connectors. Cover panels are provided having frame-engaging connectors extending horizontally beyond an inside surface of the frame. The frame-engaging connectors are configured to releasably engage the cover-supporting connectors. This allows the cover panels, when attached to the partition frames, to define an internal cavity in the frame that extends horizontally a width of the frame and vertically substantially the height of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Jeffers, Melissa A. DuBuis, Scott M. Miller
  • Patent number: 5924469
    Abstract: In a spring-loaded curtain mount, the mount includes a pole interface at a proximal end, a compressive mechanism, and a head at a distal end. The pole interface is adapted to receive the end of a standard length adjustable pole or a painter's pole. The compression mechanism is disposed between the proximal end of the mount and the head. The mount includes a coupling device adapted to receive a portion of a curtain. During installation, the curtain mount is coupled to the end of an extension pole and the length of the pole is adjusted such that the combined length of the pole and mount is slightly longer than the distance between the floor and ceiling. At ground level, a portion of the curtain is attached to the head of the curtain mount. The curtain and mount are raised to the ceiling and the mount and pole are compressed between the floor and the ceiling. This compressive force operates to urge the head toward the ceiling, securing the mount in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Zipwall, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Whittemore
  • Patent number: 5906069
    Abstract: An infant gate includes a pair of rails mounted along opposed lateral edges of a stair substantially parallel to each other, and a first gate section and a second gate section connected together so that the first and second gate sections may be selectively moved laterally relative to each other. A first support member has a pair of leg elements connected together at ends thereof at a right angle. One leg element is connected to the first gate section by a hinge member and the other leg element is connected to one of the rails. A second support member has a pair of leg elements connected together at ends thereof at a right angle. One leg element is connected to the second gate section by a hinge member and the other leg element connected to the other of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Allen Jay Berliner
  • Patent number: 5899025
    Abstract: An integrated prefabricated furniture system is provided for fitting-out a building room of the type having a generally open plan interior and having at least one utility source. The furniture system includes a plurality of horizontal beam segments interconnected in an end-to-end fashion to form a rigid overhead framework configured to be positioned above the floor surface. A plurality of overhead support columns each have an upper portion rigidly connected with the overhead framework, and a lower portion shaped to support the overhead framework on a floor in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation above average user height. Each of the overhead support columns includes an interior support structure in a generally X-shaped plan-form defining vertical raceways between adjacent legs of the cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Casey, Ronald A. Dykstra, Carl V. Forslund, III, Peter C. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 5884424
    Abstract: A portable roll-up sign having a simplified and economical construction. The sign face is a flexible pvc based sheet that can be imaged on both sides with vinyl graphics or silk screen inks. The sign frame comprises two vertical legs and an intermediate header, all field assembled by mutual interlocking without fasteners or tools. Vertical edges of the face sheet are joined to respective legs by the sign manufacturer by wrapping the same through at least a full turn and clamping with specially shaped retaining clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: David A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5881518
    Abstract: This invention relates to an upright partition for use in a modular office furniture system, the partition comprising: a frame comprising: two vertical posts each having outward opposing faces defining spaced apart parallel forward and rearward planes; a plurality of horizontal beams, at least one beam in each said plane, each beam having an inward face and an outward face, the inward face of each beam being connected to one said outward face of an associated post in an overlapping moment resisting connection; and a plurality of cladding panels each connected to one said beam; whereby an internal cavity is defined inward of the outward faces of said beams, and a raceway is defined outward of said outward post faces and inward of the outward faces of said beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Hollanding Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Edwards, Richard J. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5875591
    Abstract: Adjacent backdrop panels and a suspended canopy comprising a stage shell, wherein the backdrop panels include angular alignment devices for readily and accurately aligning adjacent panels to present a pleasing, uniform appearance and tilt aligning devices to readily align the angle of tilt of the backdrop panels. The suspended canopy formed of individual canopy panels having rotatable hinge devices for storing the canopy panels in a substantially vertical position and having a readily engageable stay assembly for accurately fixing the relative angle of the canopy panels when deployed in a performance position above the backdrop panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Jines
  • Patent number: 5826385
    Abstract: A partition construction for subdividing a building space includes a partition frame having an open interior and defining a front side, a first cover covering a section of the partition frame with apertures for providing utility access, and a second cover slidably supported on the partition frame proximate the first cover. The second cover is slidable parallel the front side between a closed position covering the open interior and an open position providing access to utilities in the open interior. The second cover is semi-flexible so that it can be simultaneously slid along the partition frame and flexed away from the partition frame to a disengaged/removed position, thus allowing it to be removed even when the second cover is "trapped" on the partition frame by a furniture component attached to or positioned in front of the partition frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Dykstra, Russell P. Whitaker, Michael D. Elsholz
  • Patent number: 5791391
    Abstract: A portable display includes a central display panel and opposite side tubular hollow end panels or columns constructed from a single sheet of substantially resilient elongated material. Each column is formed by rolling a side edge portion rearward bringing a tubular polygonal reinforcing member carried by each side edge portion into magnetically attracted sectirement with another hollow member. Hubs are inserted into the interior of the side columns to lend rigidity thereto, and two such displays or display sections can be stacked one relative to the other to transform a table-top display to a floor display. In this stacked configuration magnetically attractable securing elements hold the lower edge portion of an upper display section intimately relative to an upper edge portion of a lower display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Wallace Thomas Carter
  • Patent number: 5778959
    Abstract: A reusable lightweight folding screen or partition is composed of slim shallow panels interconnected in edge-to-edge abutment by a plurality of elastic thread means. The elastic thread means are disposed within each panel and extend between adjacent panels through corresponding apertures in the contacting edge wall of neighboring panels. The elastic thread means are adapted to maintain said panels in abutment and to permit the screen to fold along said edges. An anchorage flap adapted to anchor one end of the elastic thread means and to facilitate rigidity in the panel by spreading the load developed in the elastic thread means over an area of the panel is provided within each panel. Said anchorage flaps are positioned such that the elastic thread means extend without abrupt changes in direction between their anchorage points. Each panel comprises a rectilinear backing frame overlaid by a rectilinear cover sheet to provide a neat sharp edge about one face of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Keith Guetschow
  • Patent number: 5778580
    Abstract: An image display unit includes a sheet-like image carrier, the carrier having at least one edge, the carrier being bendable. The image display unit also includes a coupling device, the coupling device including at least a first and a second part, the first part of the coupling device being disposed proximate the at least one edge of the carrier and the second part of the coupling device being attached to the carrier at a distance from the at least one edge, the first and second parts of the coupling device defining a first carrier section, the first and second parts of the coupling device each being vertically-oriented strips and having first and second coupling structures, respectively, the first and second coupling structures being engageable with each other. The carrier has a second carrier section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Christer Zarelius
  • Patent number: D400361
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: William D. Sobrito