Adjustable Partitions Patents (Class 211/184)
  • Publication number: 20010010302
    Abstract: A self-facing, add-on shelf system is made up of universal base, divider, front, and rear sections. Universal in the sense that these sections form basic building sections for constructing shelf systems of various sizes and operational mode. The front and rear track sections are identical and can be combined with various combinations of bases, dividers and end sections to provide systems of different, desired widths. The depth of the self-facing shelf is generally set by the depth of the shelf with which it is to be used. The individual sections can be selected and combined to provide center pusher, side pusher, and gravity feed types of self facing systems. The bases, dividers and end sections are configured such that they can be extruded and interlock in assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: DCI Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Nickerson
  • Patent number: 6244447
    Abstract: A sterilizable instrument supporting bracket that may be attached to a sterilization tray having spaced perforations. The apparatus includes a resilient body used to support medical instruments. A skeleton structure is located within the resilient body for providing support to the resilient body and includes resilient metal locking devices for attaching the bracket to the tray. The locking devices include two locking numbers having resilient shaft portions that are biased to given position. A head is located to each of the shaft portions with two of the head portions facing in opposite directions. Resilient ribs are attached to the resilient body and are compressed against the tray when the resilient body and related skeleton structure are attached to the tray. The bracket is attached to the tray by squeezing the head portions toward each other and passing them into perforations of the tray and then allowing them to resiliently move outwardly on the shafts to lock the bracket onto the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Marcia A Frieze, Allan S. Frieze
  • Publication number: 20010002659
    Abstract: A device for displaying products for sale, comprises in combination two rails (1, 2) spaced for positioning and strips (3) forming cross pieces adapted to secure together said rails (1, 2). Each rail (1 or 2) comprises at least one positioning device (6) and one snap-in device (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Applicant: PLASTI-RAPID
    Inventor: Alain Marcel Bada
  • Patent number: 6227389
    Abstract: The invention concerns a flexible partition panel arrangement for stacking and shipping containers, shelves or the like, in connection with which the partition panels are arranged in the interior of the container or shelf. The flexible partition panel arrangement is characterized in that the partition panels are arranged on at least one board secured on a wall or on the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: KR-Porsiplast Verpackungssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Raimund Merkel
  • Patent number: 6227385
    Abstract: A self-facing, add-on shelf system is made up of universal base, divider, front, and rear sections. Universal in the sense that these sections form basic building sections for constructing shelf systems of various sizes and operational mode. The front and rear track sections are identical and can be combined with various combinations of bases, dividers and end sections to provide systems of different, desired widths. The depth of the self-facing shelf is generally set by the depth of the shelf with which it is to be used. The individual sections can be selected and combined to provide center pusher, side pusher, and gravity feed types of self facing systems. The bases, dividers and end sections are configured such that they can be extruded and interlock in assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: DCI Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry L. Nickerson
  • Patent number: 6186345
    Abstract: A stackable case has a base wall, a pair of opposed side walls and a back wall which are molded together to form a unitary crate structure with an open top and an open front. The open top and open front are designed to provide access to the articles to be accommodated in the crate structure. The base wall is arranged so that its upper surface provides a low friction, article-carrying floor inclined downwardly toward the open front. Partitions are provided to divide the floor area into two or more parallel tracks for receiving articles in rows. The tracks extend forward from the back wall so that the articles in each track are carried by the floor and are allowed to gravity feed toward the open front. A front stopper is provided at the open front for engagement with the leading article in each track to prevent the leading article from falling out of the crate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Display Industires, LLC.
    Inventor: James David Robertson
  • Patent number: 6170678
    Abstract: A modular display for consumer products, contains a support frame, several modular display shelves that can be displaced in a rotating manner upwards and downwards in relation to the frame, several containment elements that can slide laterally on a support grille, frontal securing elements and bracket elements that allow the modular shelves to rotate. The modular display allows the products to stay organized, contained and permanently at the front of the display. The display also facilitates the counting and distribution of the products. In addition, the modular display allows products of different dimensions, to be displayed, by simple adjustments to their configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramon de la Fuente
  • Patent number: 6164215
    Abstract: A shelf divider adapted for mounting within shelf spaces of differing heights generally includes a divider member defining a series of edges. Engagement tabs extend from the edges, and include a first pair of tabs on one edge and a second pair of tabs on another edge. A stabilizing tab extends from an edge opposite the first pair of tabs, and a stabilizing tab also extends from an edge opposite the second pair of tabs. Each shelf member includes a row of slots in an upper support wall, and also includes a row of slots in a lower, downwardly facing wall. The shelf divider is dimensioned and configured such that it can be positioned in a first orientation and engaged within a shelf space having a first height, by engaging the first pair of tabs with slots in the lower shelf member and engaging the oppositely-located stabilizing tab within the downwardly facing slot in the shelf member thereabove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Deborah Ann Cook, Marvin L. Runge
  • Patent number: 6161708
    Abstract: A system (10) of displaying merchandise (24) adjacent to a wall (12) of a retail fixture (11) includes support arms (16) carried by the wall (12). Tubes (19, 20) are carried by the arms (16) and have a plurality of regularly spaced apertures (21) therein. Hoops (22) are positioned through selected of the apertures (21) to define areas that divide items of merchandise (24) from other items of merchandise (24). Frames (25) have legs (28) received through selected of the apertures (21) and also have adjusting wires (29, 30, 31). Support brackets (26) include hoops (32) to maintain the merchandise (24) in the area defined by the hoops (22). The support brackets (26) each also have hooks (34) which engage selected of the wires (29, 30, 31) so that the size of the area for the merchandise (24) may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Darko Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffry A. Myler
  • Patent number: 6155438
    Abstract: A system for displaying products generally forming a queue on a display surface comprising a receiving apparatus operable for receiving products to be displayed. The receiving apparatus includes a surface for receiving the products in a queue. The surface has front and rear portions and is magnetically attracted to a magnet. The system also has an arranging mechanism operable for moving the products selectively and manually from the rear portion of the surface towards the front portion of the surface. The arranging mechanism comprises a positioning element having a vertical portion adapted to engage the rear product in the queue from the rear side of the product and has a horizontal portion extending parallel to the surface towards the front portion of the surface. The first and second elements each have a base with an upper and lower portion. The first and second elements are spaced apart and define a channel to receive and to support the products on the upper portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: James Garth Close
  • Patent number: 6142317
    Abstract: An apparatus for the display and storage of package products in a store environment for access by consumers is adapted for use in conjunction with conventional display gondolas having uprights for shelf mounting. The apparatus includes a gravity feed unit for positioning on a shelf behind an array of products to drive the products forward on the shelf towards a bumper unit. A track for guiding the gravity feed unit slopes downwardly towards the front of the shelf, allowing a force to be generated by the pusher unit against the arrayed products. The pusher may have a platform on which products may be placed to increase the effective mass of the pusher to enhance the produced forward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Milton J. Merl
  • Patent number: 6142323
    Abstract: A adjustable shelf divider for dividing a shelf into a plurality of stalls for organizing items on the shelf. The adjustable shelf divider includes a plurality of spaced apart panels each having first and second faces, a plurality of sides and a plurality of corners. Each of the panels has a plurality of holes therethrough extending between the faces of the respective panel. The panels are arranged in a row with the first faces of the panels generally facing in a first common direction and the second faces of the panels generally facing in a second common direction opposite the first common direction. Each of the holes of each panel is generally coaxially aligned with a corresponding associated hole of each of the other panels. A plurality of elongate rods are provided with each group of corresponding associated holes of the panel having one of the rods extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Lesley E. Veil, Sr., Bobbie Veil
  • Patent number: 6116436
    Abstract: A modular shelving system including a plurality of support posts, a plurality of shelves having respective support members for supporting each of the plurality of shelves at selective locations on the plurality of support posts, and at least one divider including first and second support beams and a plurality of partitions disposed between the first and second support beams. Each of the first and second support beams is supportable on one of the plurality of shelves at first and second ends of the support beams, and each of the plurality of partitions is supported at respective ends thereof by the first and second support beams and projecting away from the first and second support beams, thereby defining a respective plurality of slots between the plurality of partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Ferrucci, Robert K. Swartz, Robert J. Welch, Joseph R. Petcavage
  • Patent number: 6098821
    Abstract: A removable bottom standing divider unit for a shelving system having a shelving wall with a transverse slot. The divider unit has a dividing portion projecting upwardly from a base portion and is self-standing. A tab projects downwardly from the base portion. The tab is shaped to be inserted in the slot in a sliding movement of the divider unit, and has a hooking member to engage the underside of the shelving wall. A locking tooth is provided behind the tab and is also engageable with the slot to oppose against backward motion of the tab in the slot. The divider unit is thereby locked to the shelving wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Rousseau Metal Inc.
    Inventors: Gilles Dube, Serge Bisson
  • Patent number: 6082554
    Abstract: A data storage library and method for adaptively storing data cartridges therein utilizes a housing and a plurality of partitions removably mounted within the housing. Each partition has a longitudinal axis, a first side, and a second side, where each side includes a plurality of slots sized to receive at least a portion of a data cartridge. Either the partitions or the housing includes projections, and the other includes sets of apertures sized to receive the projections in order to mount the partitions within the housing. Pairs of partitions can be spaced and aligned with either their first sides or their second sides facing to form arrays capable of storing data cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy C. Ostwald
  • Patent number: 6082557
    Abstract: A shelving system including: (a) a frame (18); (b) the frame having a rear member (22), a front member (24) spaced from the rear member (22), and at least one side (20) joining the front member (24) and the rear member (22); (c) the rear member (22) having a rear attachment portion (36), the rear attachment portion (36) having a front face (60) with a plurality of grooves (62) therein; (d) the front member (24) having a front attachment portion (38), the from attachment portion (38) having a rear face (48) with a plurality of grooves (50) therein; (e) at least one product support (30, 32, 34) extending between and being supported by the rear member (22) and the front member (24); (f) the product support (30, 32, 34) having at least one fin (78, 80) depending therefrom to engage in at least one of the grooves (50, 62) of the front attachment portion (38) and rear attachment portion (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Checkmate International Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: John Leahy
  • Patent number: 6053338
    Abstract: An adjustable health improvement device for modifying a daily behavior by reminding a person to take medication includes a generally vertical housing for removably holding an instrument, such as a toothbrush, for use in a daily activity. A second adjoining member is operably connected to the housing member and defines therebetween a recess for retaining a container for holding a material, such as medication, to be taken by the person. The second member is movable relative to the housing for adjusting the size of the recess to accommodate various sizes of, for example, medicine bottles. When a person reaches to use the toothbrush, for example, the person is reminded to take the medication due to its close proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Rxtra, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan R. Avery, Lawrence H. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 6047647
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf assembly for storing products. The assembly includes a base and a generally upstanding front member including a plurality of teeth defining a plurality of slots along the length of the front member. The front member and the base include interlocking structure for removably interlocking the front member and the base together. The assembly includes a plurality of generally upstanding dividers removably engageable at alternative locations along the length of the front member for forming a plurality of rows and adjusting the number and width of the rows. Each divider is adapted to at least one of: (1) be alternatively and adjustably received within the slots defined by the teeth of the front member; and (2) alternatively and adjustably receive the teeth of the front member. The assembly also includes a plate member where the front member and plate member are configured such that the plate member is removably attachable to the front member for supporting products on the shelf assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Frank A. Laraia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6044982
    Abstract: A lever clamp which can be securely mounted at selected locations along a shelf or similar object includes a body member containing a slot for receiving the shelf, and a lever or clamping member pivotally connected with the body member which serves to clamp the clamp to the shelf when pivoted to an upright position. Items such as a lamp or dispenser, but not including a stop member, partition or banding and binning, are connected with the top of the clamping member to attach such objects to the shelf. A L-shaped body member is also disclosed in which a portion of the clamping member is connected with a stop member, partition, lamp or other item to attach said items to a shelf. Also disclosed are a flex member for the lever clamp which serves to increase the clamping force on the shelf as the load applied to the clamping member increases as well as latching means for the lever clamp and the previously disclosed clamping bookend. A one-piece lever clamp is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Stuart Shelving, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Stuart
  • Patent number: 6044989
    Abstract: A display rack incorporates an interlocking divider system that facilitates convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to separate and organize displayed items such as produce, meat products, and the like. Also, a display rack may incorporate a divider array system, alone or in combination with interlocking dividers, having two or more horizontal divider mounting sections for convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to provide an increased number of display options. The interlocking divider system allows easy installation of vertical dividers at different lateral positions along the display rack. Each vertical divider is configured for interlocking engagement with one or more horizontal dividers. In particular, each horizontal divider and vertical divider defines one or more mounting slots that interlock with one another to provide selective mounting of the vertical divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Stein Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter F. Sosso
  • Patent number: 6041720
    Abstract: A system for organizing and displaying items on a gondola shelf system comprising a gondola shelf connected to at least one vertical upright, the shelf including a front and a rear portion, a rail extending along and affixed to the front portion of the shelf, the rail comprising, a rail shelf surface extending longitudinally along the front portion of the shelf, the rail shelf surface including a first tongue extending from the rail shelf surface; a rail groove surface extending substantially perpendicular from the rail shelf surface, the rail groove surface including a first groove extending along the groove surface; and a display apparatus slidably engaged with the front rail, the display apparatus comprising a second tongue and a second groove, the first tongue engaging the first groove and the second tongue engaging the second groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 6027189
    Abstract: A molded plastic housing is mounted within an opening of predetermined size in the front wall of a cabinet beneath a counter top. Evenly spaced parallel grooves in the top wall of the housing receive dispensing modules constructed with peripheral pairs of upwardly protruding fins which are spaced distances which are multiples of the spacing between the parallel grooves. Each module, be it a napkin dispenser, a straw or stir stick dispenser, other box-like unit, may be inserted at any location within the housing. The volume within a single housing may thus be occupied by many different dispensing modules, or by multiple modules of the same type. Differentiated dispensing cavities may be formed by one or more dividers having a single upwardly extending fin which engages within a housing groove, and a lower base which engages the housing lower wall. A transparent face plate has two rearwardly extending ears which are flexible to extend into the housing on either side of the dispensing modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Acry Fab, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Gunderson, Ralph D. Shillingburg
  • Patent number: 6023024
    Abstract: A cableway of the kind which is constituted by a number of longitudinally extending thread elements positioned at a distance from each other as well as transversely extending thread elements connecting the longitudinally extending thread elements with each other is provided with a device in the form of partition elements for dividing the cableway into at least two longitudinally extending compartments occupying the whole height of the cableway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Defem System AB
    Inventor: Sven Stjerneby
  • Patent number: 6019234
    Abstract: A positioning bracket comprising a retaining section and a connecting section that is connected to the retaining section by means of a shoulder is provided. The connecting section is formed with at least two elongate openings along the longitudinal direction of the connecting section. The retaining section is provided with at least two through holes. At least a locking bolt is used to attach the retaining section to a board. A supporting rod is removably assembled to the elongate opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Chia-Sung Chang
  • Patent number: 6016928
    Abstract: A removable wire backstop apparatus is provided for use with an industrial wire decking. The wire backstop apparatus includes a rear wall structure and a plurality of dog-legged support members extending from the rear wall structure for removable engagement with the wire decking. The wire backstop apparatus can be installed in an interlocking engagement with conventional wire decking panels without the need for any tools. It can be quickly removed and reinstalled in any desired location. One manner of installation provides that the wire backstop apparatus extend laterally beyond a rear edge of the wire deck panel so as to provide a deck extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Nashville Wire Products Co.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Cothran, Thomas H. Peay
  • Patent number: 6006678
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for selectively securing a shelf separator array to display shelves includes a plurality of openings formed in the shelves, and resilent clips that are securable both to the separator structure and in the openings. In the first form the clips are provided with resilient split retaining clamps engageable to the extrusion forming the separator structure and resilient opposing projections conformed for receipt in a selected opening. In another form, the extrusion forming the separator structure includes a groove formed longitudinally therein in which fitted portions of the clips are slidably received. The projections depending from the fitted portions are then useful for insertion in a selected opening in the shelf. The extrusion may then be provided with recessed display panels extending over the shelf edge in which various message cards may be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventors: William Merit, Jo Merit
  • Patent number: 5971166
    Abstract: An improved box file structure is provide for use in a hanging office drawer file. A pocket member is formed of flat, sheet stock that is folded and fastened in such a way as to form a pair of transverse, mutually parallel retaining panels, a connecting web between the lower extremities of the retaining panels, and end flaps extending between the side edges of the retaining panels. A pair of rigid support bars extend through sleeves formed at the upper extremities of the retaining panels. The support bars have hooks at their ends that engage the rails of the hanging file. The connecting web and the end panels are each divided in half by a fold. The central fold in the connecting web is parallel to the support bars, while the folds that divide the end panels in half are perpendicular thereto. The structure of the pocket sheet may thereby be collapsed fully to bring the retaining panels into face-to-face contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Bon S. Ong
  • Patent number: 5971826
    Abstract: A system of display case modules can be connected to form a display case of variable size and configuration for displaying or storing toys and toy action figures. A single display module has shelves to make variable size compartments and has a clear front panel to allow viewing of the toys, which are vertically stacked inside the display module. The shelves can be varied in position so that various sizes of toys can be displayed. In addition, the shelves are tilted slightly backward so that toys lean against a back wall of the display module, thereby resting upright. The display module also has connectors on its sides, top and bottom so that the display module can be connected to other display modules to make a larger display case. The connectors on the sides of the display modules create a hinge mechanism to link display modules side by side, such that the modules can be pivoted in various directions with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Lisa A. Delzompo, Laura L. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 5971173
    Abstract: A shelf divider includes a front rail which extends along the length of a shelf and one or more divider arms releasably secured to the front rail and extending toward the back of the shelf. The front rail is formed with upper and lower clips which project generally upwardly from the back surface of the front rail and which are formed along the length of the rail. Each divider arm is formed with a snap clip and a finger which extend generally downwardly from the forward end of the divider arm and which are configured to engage the upwardly projecting upper clip and lower clip, respectively. The divider arm is secured to the front rail by moving the divider arm in a downward direction from a slightly raised position with the front end of the divider arm adjacent the back surface of the front rail. As the divider arm approaches the shelf, the finger slidably engages the lower clip and the snap clip resiliently interlocks with the upper clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Southern Imperial, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley C. Valiulis, Randy D. Long
  • Patent number: 5884782
    Abstract: A length adjustable rack for organizing and holding tools in a tool chest drawer. The rack is comprised of an elongated base member and a vertically upstanding body extending from the base member over substantially an entire length thereof. The body has at least one upwardly facing recess defined along a portion of its length. An end cap configured for attachment to the body is provided on an end thereof. Further, a frangible shear section is provided along a portion of the elongated body and the elongated base member. A key member formed on the end of the body is provided and configured for securing the end to the end cap. At least one additional key member is provided adjacent to the frangible shear section, and the additional key member is exposed for engagement with a locking portion of the end cap when the adjustable rack is flexed at the shear section and an excess portion of the length is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Andrew E. Dembicks
  • Patent number: 5875904
    Abstract: The invention refers to a box-like transport container having at least one partially open side and a flexible covering element movable between an opened and a closed position. The box-like transport container preferably has a flexible covering element that in an opened position of the container is located close to an upright. In a preferred embodiment the flexible covering element can be rolled up or folded up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Albertus Franciscus Vorstenbosch
  • Patent number: 5860535
    Abstract: A shelf restraint for holding books and other objects on a shelf in the event of an earthquake comprises a pair of identical bookends on the shelf, each with a deep central slot into which a rod is pivoted to form a gate spanning the space between the bookends. The gate is easily lifted for removal of a book and drops to a position near the center of the bookend for retaining the books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Nacio Jan Brown
  • Patent number: 5848709
    Abstract: A storage container (10) for storing, transporting and displaying various information and entertainment storage media, the container (10) including a floor panel (12) having a front edge (16) and a rear edge (17), and right and left edges (18, 19), a back wall (13) which attaches to the rear edge of the floor panel (17), left and right side panels (14, 15), which are attached to the left and right edges (18, 19) respectively of the floor panel (12), each side panel (14, 15) having a lower portion which terminates in a front foot (32) and the back wall (13) including a vertebra (50) which has a lower portion which terminates in a rear foot (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Point, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Gelphman, Christopher G. Palmer, Peter J. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5839588
    Abstract: A product supporting and feeding system is provided in which a plurality of tracks is mounted in spaced relationship from each other and equipped with spring-loaded sliders adapted to move the product along the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Terry B. Hawkinson
  • Patent number: 5816418
    Abstract: A self-adjusting storage rack including a plurality of coaxial coils wherein at least one pair of adjacent coils are provided with an extender to extend the storage area for flexible documents such as magazines so that they may stand in an upright position, the extender having a lower section which provides forcible contact with the coils to provide support for the extender in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Jung-Hsiang Hsu
  • Patent number: 5806690
    Abstract: The display apparatus herein includes a length adjustable track upon which a spring biased movable plate travels. A friction lock is provided to secure the track at selected lengths and is incorporated into stacking supports for interconnecting an array of display units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Gamon International, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Johnson, Randy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5803276
    Abstract: The present invention is a shelf divider for separating groups of products arranged on display shelves or the like and takes the form of a relatively thin vertical panel or partition which is self-maintained in upstanding condition on the shelf surface by laterally extending stabilizing feet adjacent each end and is preferably molded from tough, durable plastic. The partition is made of two (or more) co-planar sections interconnected in adjacent abutting pairs by at least one telescoping longitudinally extending mating elongated U-shaped tongue and slot connection permitting lengthwise adjustment of the sections to fit different shelving widths. The tongue and slot are held against lateral disengagement by shaping their proximate upper and lower edges as V-shaped (in cross-section) protrusions and grooves which mate together while permitting relative longitudinal movement of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Michael N. Vogler
  • Patent number: 5799802
    Abstract: Stemmed glassware separators including a plurality of separators. Each of the separators have a T-shaped upper portion and an arcuate lower portion. Each of the separators are slidably disposed within a hanging wine rack between two wine glasses hanging therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Carl F. Delia, Barbara A. Delia
  • Patent number: 5779064
    Abstract: Fastening arrangement for securing a roller track (3) of a racking system to a support element (1,2), which support element (1,2) has a flange (4,6). A plurality of resilient tongues (5,8) are regularly spaced along and pressed out from the flange (4,6). The roller track (3) is releasably supported on and held between the tongues (5,8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Dexion Group PLC
    Inventor: Vic Dolling
  • Patent number: 5775522
    Abstract: A divider and holder of the present invention is adapted to support and divide a number of articles such as cards within a rectangular container. The divider and holder includes a pair of flat surfaces connected by hinge portions. By bending the flat portions, a V-shaped member is formed which can be inserted between the side walls of the container, holding and dividing articles within the container. The bottom edges of the divider include a number of pointed protrusions which help prevent the divider from sliding along the length of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Chester Martin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5775523
    Abstract: A modular shelf organizer for partitioning a shelf. The organizer includes a plurality of trays each having a floor and four short upright walls, and a fence for spanning adjacent trays. The fence forms a storage compartment between two trays, and prevents stored items from rolling off the shelf. The fence comprises one or more fence members further comprising a short wall having a plurality of slots. Corresponding slots are formed in right and left lateral walls of the tray. Fence members can therefore attach to a tray by friction and gravity, and are manually removable therefrom. Supports are provided to support otherwise unsupported fence members where fence members are arranged in series between two adjacent trays. A support has a slot for receiving one or two fence members, and a flared opening for guiding a fence member into the slot. Each tray has interior subdividers which interconnect in a manner similar to that attaching fence members to trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: William M. Teringo
  • Patent number: 5772046
    Abstract: A food storage bag holder device is provided for holding a bag in an open position to facilitate filling. The device includes a main base. A first pair of parallel sides are respectively mounted to the main base. The first pair of parallel sides has first upper edges sized for receiving and supporting a first bag in an open position. The main base and first pair of parallel sides substantially define a main interior space therewithin. A second base is provided. A second pair of parallel sides are respectively mounted to the second base. The second pair of parallel sides has second upper edges sized for receiving and supporting a second bag in an open position. The second base being positionable in a storage position within the main interior space in parallel adjacency with the main base for compact storage of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventors: Richard A. Tercher, June G. Tercher
  • Patent number: 5762208
    Abstract: An adjustable disc rack including multiple rack units which are slidably and interlacedly serially assembled to form a length-adjustable disc rack or stacked to form a multi-layer disc rack. Each rack unit includes two clamping panels each of which is formed with multiple bottom latch holes and lateral latch holes and multiple connecting levers each of which is formed with two latch sections at two ends latched in the latch holes of the clamping panels so as to secure the clamping panels to two ends of the respective connecting levers. The connecting levers of several rack units can be latched in the bottom latch holes and lateral latch holes of the clamping panels of adjacent rack units, whereby the rack units can be interlacedly and slidably assembled to expand the capacity for containing different classifications of discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Morgen Yeh
  • Patent number: 5762213
    Abstract: An adjustable storage system which provides the flexibility to allow customization to fit individual and changing needs. The system is designed to be able to divide the provided storage space into smaller modules of a given size to expand the variety of storage options through use of application specific storage components. A divider panel is mounted to a conventional height-adjustable shelving system which creates additional modular spaces in the shelving system. A removably-mounted shelf is mounted to support members on vertical panels in the shelving system to further compartmentalize the storage system. The shelf can be mounted in multiple positions including both a horizontal and various inclined positions. Additional embodiments disclose a drawer-type tray, and other item-specific storage units, which are slidable between a retracted and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Windquest Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Heneveld, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5749616
    Abstract: An elongated divider panel comprising a widened bead-like top rail, an integrally attached thin intermediate portion and an integrally attached widened mount-base at the bottom thereof. The mount-base rests atop strut channel members, and is adjustably securable thereon allowing the divider panel to be shifted laterally as desired. The mount-base includes vertical through-bores for accepting bolts for bolting the mount-base atop the strut channel members. Spring-nuts are utilized within the strut channel members to receive the bolts mounting the mount-base. The vertical bores of the mount-base include space to recess the bolt heads. Multiple strut channel members are used in spaced parallel relationship to one another and extending transversely to the long axis of a fire truck cargo bed and the divider panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Thomas Body Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel A. Steever
  • Patent number: 5732832
    Abstract: A divider unit to support printed matter, and other objects, in a vertical orientation and whereby spacing between dividers of the unit can be easily varied. A substantially vertically oriented back member is releasable connected at its lower edge to the back edge of a base member. The base member has a support surface for the objects being held that slopes downwardly from the front edge. A plurality of dividers are held in selectable locations by the back member and the base member. This is accomplished by spaced-apart vertical slots in the back member to receive the rearward edge of the divider, and by projections in the lower edge of the divider held in spaced-apart slots in the base member. Provision is made to lock the dividers in their position to prevent inadvertent removal during removal of items therefrom. The back member is generally corrugated from top to bottom to provide the slots as well as insure rigidity. Further, a cap member is applied to the top of the back member to add rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: John J. Kordowski
  • Patent number: 5690038
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for selectively securing a shelf separator array to display shelves includes a plurality of openings formed in the shelves, and resilient clips that are securable both to the separator structure and in the clips. In the first form the clips are provided with resilient split retaining clamps engageable to the extrusion forming the separator structure and resilient opposing projections conformed for receipt in a selected opening. In another form, the extrusion forming the separator structure includes a groove formed longitudinally therein in which fitted portions of the clips are slidably received. The projections depending from the fitted portions are then useful for insertion in a selected opening in the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventors: William Merit, Jo Merit
  • Patent number: 5682824
    Abstract: A shelf system including a rail member and a plurality of shelf dividers. The shelf divider includes a longitudinally extending portion which has formed at its front end an integral flexible undulated C-shaped member disposed normal to the longitudinally extending portion. The divider includes at its front end a cutout whereby the divider and flexible member can be readily compressed so that the flexible member can be snap-fitted into channels formed by the rail member and the divider positioned relative thereto against accidental movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: RTC Industries Inc.
    Inventor: John Visk
  • Patent number: 5673801
    Abstract: A shelf organizer is provided for the storage and dispensing of a plurality of individual products. The shelf organizer is connected to the store fixture by a slide assembly which readily permits its movement between a retracted and extended position relative to the store fixture. A plurality of identical shelf dividers are adjustably positioned within the shelf organizer, so as to adjustably provide compartments of a desired width, in accordance with the product being dispensed. Each shelf divider includes a spring biased pusher bar for urging the products within an individual compartment to the forward most, or product dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Markson Rosenthal & Company
    Inventor: Richard Markson
  • Patent number: 5667082
    Abstract: A ball caddy includes a housing with dividers forming compartments within the housing. The compartments retain various size sports balls in a vertical arrangement The dividers have two hinged segments which are independently adjustably mounted within the housing to vary the size of each of the compartments. Each compartment also has an orifice formed at a lower portion thereof and a ball release device which has a retainer normally preventing dispensing of the balls. The handle attached to the ball release allows pivoting of the ball release to provide for dispensing of the balls through the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Core Group Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Hamilton, Eric J. Armstrong