Stacked Similar Units Patents (Class 211/194)
  • Publication number: 20020063100
    Abstract: The invention is a modular and wooden blocks type of CD rack. The CD storage comprises of several individual modules. And with different combinations of different modules, one can assemble different types of racks for storing CD and CD box. The modules comprise side plate, end plate, back plate, bottom feet, stand plate, support beam, connection structure. Because of the different modules, multiple types of CD rack such as vertical, horizontal and plane type CD racks can be structured and therefore it is capable of storing CD jewelry case, CD boxes and other objects. The framed racks are stackable unlimitedly in both vertical and horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Yun-Ming Kwang
  • Patent number: 6382432
    Abstract: Knockdown glasses show rack including several connecting blocks which are stacked and connected with each other by insertion. The top face of each connecting block is formed with several insertion bosses at equal intervals. The middle of front side of the connecting block is formed with an arch insertion channel with a certain depth. The upper sides of two lateral walls of the insertion channel are formed with arch sockets with an elliptic cross-section. The bottom of the connecting block is formed with a central insertion slot. The connecting blocks can be easily and freely assembled to achieve various patterns of the glasses show rack with more live and beautiful appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Tzaishu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6364133
    Abstract: An all-plastic module forms a letter-by-legal frame in which file folders can hang. The module is assembled from two identical end pieces and two identical side pieces. Casters can be attached to the module so it can roll on a floor or a desktop. The modules can be stacked. A lid can be detachably secured to a module to prevent dust from settling on the file folders therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Honeyware, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony L. Sheng
  • Patent number: 6360903
    Abstract: A support for casks includes a base structure having (a) stanchions which can be disassembled or folded down, (b) complementary intermediate stanchions which can be disassembled or folded down, and (c) pivots or housings for forming mortised connections to the free ends of the stanchions or intermediate stanchions of subjacent supports. The pivots or housings are out of alignment with respect to the stanchions and intermediate stanchions, such that the supports and casks supported thereon are arranged in staggered, parallel rows when stacked. The support can also include a plurality of freely rotating wheels such that the casks seated thereon can be rotated on their axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sagarte, S.A.
    Inventor: Sebastián Flores Flores
  • Publication number: 20020017500
    Abstract: A system for stacking vehicle frames on a floor support has a floor support with a plurality of upwardly reaching support pillars for holding a bottom frame of a stack of frames, stacking means with a resilient body and a support pin inserted into holes at an end of the frames so that the stacking means separate one of the frames from another of the frames in the stack of frames a predetermined distance. The stacking means has a non-metallic body with an upper end, forming an upper surface, which is angled to cooperate with a lower surface of a the frames, and a lower end, forming a lower surface, which is angled to cooperate with an upper surface of a the frames, and a support rod coated with a plastic material and centrally arranged in the body in a longitudinal direction of the body, the support rod being inserted into holes of the frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Terrance F. Warren
  • Publication number: 20020000417
    Abstract: A rotating sunglass merchandiser display unit includes vertical display panels disposed between top and bottom horizontal support members. At least one of the vertical display panels is rotatable between a first position for displaying sunglasses, eyeglass frames or similar merchandise, and a second position for displaying promotional material or other non-eyewear products. The display unit includes a locking mechanism for releasably locking the rotatable vertical display panel in either the first or second display positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: R. CHRISTOPHER KIDD, JUDD A. ETTINGER, BRUCE J. BARTLEY
  • Patent number: 6325224
    Abstract: A stackable transport pallet comprising a planar support member having a substantially cloverleaf shape. The planar support member includes a first and second wide frame member and a first and second narrow frame member that are joined together to form the cloverleaf shape. A pair of lateral bumpers and a pair of longitudinal bumpers are additionally connected to the planar support member, such that the lateral and longitudinal bumpers will provide a distance between the planar support member and the ground surface. The stackable transport pallet includes a set of braces that are operable to support a vehicle or other item being stored on the stackable transport pallet. In addition, a set of leg assemblies are also attached to the planar support member to allow the pallet to be stackable. The leg assemblies are pivotable between an extended and a retracted position. In the extended position, cargo may be loaded on the planar support member and stacked accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Tubular Products Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James Stephen Brown
  • Patent number: 6321918
    Abstract: A modular shelving system has a first wall and a second wall. Extending between the first wall and the second wall is a plurality of rigid bridging members. Each of the walls has a base panel and a detachably connected ancillary panel. An upper profile of the base panel and a lower profile of the ancillary panel vertically interlock to form an interface. A plurality of apertures is formed along the interface when the panels are interlocked. A fastener, such as a screw, can be inserted through each of the plurality of apertures to detachably connect one of the walls to one of the plurality of bridging members. Additional walls and bridging members may be provided to form additional storage modules. Each wall may also be heightened by adding ancillary panels to form a highly accommodating expandable shelving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Eric James Rollins
  • Patent number: 6318570
    Abstract: A stackable and nestable rack including a surface platform, formed of lateral and/or longitudinal wires, a perimeter frame at least formed along the sides of the formed platform, the rods forming the perimeter frame are bent downwardly, into the configuration of legs, and the legs are integrally bent or formed extending outwardly, and incorporate integral transverse rods formed of the feet to provide structure for stacking of two or more racks one upon the other, but with their integral rod formed of the feet assuring that a pair of stacked racks will remain erected, when stacked and assembled. In addition, a pair or more of the racks may be nested, together, into a very snug configuration, when stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: John Gusdorf and Associates Ltd.
    Inventors: Lou Mueller, Paul M. Denk
  • Patent number: 6318571
    Abstract: The loader device is made of a thermostructural composite material and comprises a base (20), a loading pole (30) secured to the base and extending at least over the full height of the loader device, and a plurality of loading trays (40) each provided with a central passage through which the loading pole can pass. Each loading tray carries a plurality of spacers (50) enabling the trays to be mounted in succession at predetermined intervals, each tray carrying the same number of spacers which are in alignment so that after the trays have been assembled the spacers make up load-carrying columns extending over the height of the loader device, and at least one of the spacers carried by each tray has a disposition and/or a size that differs from the other spacers carried by the same tray so as to enable the trays to be indexed during assembly. Each tray (40) has means (45) for positioning parts at predetermined locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Societe Nationale D'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs D'Aviation - S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Maumus, Guy Martin, Jean-Roch Vivier
  • Publication number: 20010032824
    Abstract: A modular organizer includes a plurality of walls, two face plates, and a plurality of shelves. In a storage mode the walls and shelves of the organizer are stored within the containing walls of the face plates. The containing walls of the face plates are each equipped with an exterior edge that presents an uneven outline. When the uneven outlines of each face plate are positioned adjacent each other, a substantially sealed interface is created containing the walls and shelves within. In an organizer mode, the walls are supported by, and serve to separate the face plates. The shelve are placed within the structure formed by the walls and are positionable between a display and storage position. Each face plate of each modular organizer is identically configured to incorporate at least one post and hole pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: Safco Products Company
    Inventors: Pamela R. LaFontaine, Stanley R. Thorud
  • Publication number: 20010025824
    Abstract: A bottle holder to be used as packaging support device as well as storage and display furniture. The invention includes two panel members with four sides each and one of the side in each panel member includes at least one bay for receiving the body of a bottle. Elongated structural members are rigidly mounted panel members to keep the latter at a spaced apart and parallel relationship with respect to each other and to keep bays of the two panel in alignment relationships so the holder can be used to keep bottles vertically and separated inside a case in one position and horizontally in another position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Silvia Emilia Olivero
  • Publication number: 20010025822
    Abstract: A support unit includes an outer panel intended to lie in a vertical plane when in use, the outer panel having a straight, horizontal lower edge. The support unit further includes an inner panel extending generally at right angles to the outer panel and connected thereto along a portion of the lower edge of the outer panel which is adjacent one end of that edge. The inner panel has structure defining a first horizontal contact plane on the upper side of the inner panel, and a second horizontal contact plane on the lower side of the inner panel. These two planes are substantially parallel. The preferred embodiment further includes a flange adjacent the mid-region of the outer panel and extending generally parallel with the two contact planes. In the preferred embodiment, the flange is flat and has a top surface which contains a hypothetical line extending at right angles to the outer panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Mitel Knowledge Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Craig Mathieson, Chris Gorman
  • Patent number: 6290074
    Abstract: A storage and display rack for supporting and displaying large substantially cylindrical objects, such as five gallon plastic water bottles. The storage and display rack is fabricated from one or more shelves, supported by a plurality of tubular legs. Where the storage and display rack includes more than one shelf, a plurality of tubular legs is employed to vertically separate and support successive levels of shelves. Each shelf is provided with one or more inclined slots for receiving a bottle. Each slot is provided with a back wall, having an inner resiliently support back wall member, and a plurality of ribs for raising the bottle above the bottom web of the slot. The resiliently supported back wall member is fabricated for resistance to fatigue failure. The ribs are provided to permit insertion and removal of the bottle(s) with reduced friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Max Syvuk, Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: 6279763
    Abstract: A collapsible and stackable pallet rack is provided for shipping and storing heavy roll goods having a central mandrel. The rack includes two pairs of adjacent and opposite upright corner posts being foldable inwardly and downwardly. Two side bars connect together the pair of opposite upright corner posts. There are also two pairs of upper and lower end bars. Each pair of end bars connect together one pair of adjacent upright corner posts. On top of each upper end bar, there is one cradle positioned centrally thereon for receiving one end of the central mandrel. A holddown plate is fastened on top of each cradle. Two pairs of hinge plates connect the two pairs of corner posts with the two side bars. This rack provides a shipping unit that prevents damage to heavy roll goods during transit and simultaneously provides a cost-effective stackable storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bush
  • Patent number: 6254112
    Abstract: A portable file case holder including a frame member having a vertical wall and an attached bottom wall; the vertical wall having a front wall surface and a rear wall surface; and the bottom wall having a top wall surface and a bottom wall surface. The front wall surface includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart front V-shaped mounting brackets thereon. The rear wall surface includes a rear mounting plate having a pair of mounting track rails thereon. A plurality of removable compartments are provided each having a rear wall; and each having compartment V-shaped mounting brackets on each of the rear walls for each of the compartments for connecting the compartments to the plurality of front V-shaped mounting brackets on the front wall surface to form a stacked arrangement of compartments. A wheel assembly is detachably connected to the rear mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Lee M. Clegg
  • Patent number: 6253934
    Abstract: A stacking arrangement for at least two controllers in a powder spray system provides for the controllers to be vertically stacked one on top of the other, and an interlock mechanism between each pair of adjacently stacked controllers. In a preferred embodiment, the interlock mechanism comprises a tab and slot arrangement between each pair of adjacent top and bottom covers of stacked controllers. The tab and slot securely hold the stacked controllers together in a stable vertically aligned configuration. Locking plates are also provided to releasably secure the controllers together. The invention also provides a vertically adjustable cover mechanism for the stacked controllers. The cover mechanism encloses various lines that are connected to the controllers in the final assembly. The cover mechanism includes a vertically fixed cover part and an adjustable cover part that telescopically slides over the fixed cover part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph G. Schroeder, Merle C. Lehman, Robert J. Allsop
  • Patent number: 6230906
    Abstract: A display rack for displaying and dispensing cylindrically-shaped products. The display rack includes a first storage region and a second storage region. The first storage region is capable of holding a plurality of cylindrically-shaped products. The first storage region has a first dispensing position. The first storage region is tilted towards the first dispensing position. The second storage region surface is capable of holding a plurality of cylindrically-shaped products. The second storage region has a second dispensing position. The second storage region is adjacent to the first storage region. The first storage region and the second storage region tilt away from each other. The second storage region is tilted towards the second dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Cormark, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Padiak, Paul C. Evans
  • Patent number: 6230909
    Abstract: A modular shelving assembly includes at least two U-shaped base units. Each base unit includes a base plate having side walls extending transversely from opposite ends thereof. Fittings are provided at free ends of the side walls and at opposite ends of the base plates. The two base units are capable of being assembled in a laterally staggered and overlapped orientation with a portion of one base unit fitting in the other base unit. A distance holder is engageable with a free end of one side wall of the one base unit that is laterally spaced from the other base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Andreas Dornbierer
    Inventor: Adolf Suter
  • Patent number: 6230632
    Abstract: In an improved modular space system, a first lower frame resting on a support surface such as the floor is coupled to a second frame spaced from and aligned in parallel relationship to the first frame by a plurality of posts. Each post has a bore provided in each of a top and bottom surface to receive a stud extending toward the post from one of the frames. Each of the frames has a substantially tubular cross section, and each of the top and bottom surfaces of the post is provided with a groove, having a curvature to matingly engage the tubular outer surface of the frames. Planar members are received by and extend between slots provided in the posts to provide three sides of a substantially rectangular enclosure. Supports provided on the inner surfaces of the planer members have a series of equally spaced holes, allowing an end user to position sets of rails at selected locations within the enclosure. The rails receive shelves, or slidingly receive drawers, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: John C. Moore
  • Patent number: 6220465
    Abstract: The present invention would be fabricated from a plurality of rectangular boxes having several external slots along their outer surface. The rectangular boxes would be placed against one another, and would have a plurality of female tracks running lengthwise along each outer surface. Female tracks from adjoining boxes would join up, allowing a male track to be inserted through both female tracks, locking them in place. The present invention would include a center-mounted rectangular box which would include a hinged door. Additional rectangular boxes could be made available for use if desired, depending on the size of a particular freezer unit. The present invention would be sold as a kit, and would come in configurations to fit top mounted, side mounted, and full freezers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Herman Jones
  • Patent number: 6216894
    Abstract: A sectional system for constructing newspaper and other periodical stands in a variety of different configurations. The system includes a plurality of generally U-shaped sections that are stackable upon each other. The sections are preferably formed of spin-molded plastic and include a base section, a shelf section and a display section. The shelf section comprises a horizontal display section while the display section comprises an angled display section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Hendricks
  • Patent number: 6213315
    Abstract: The disclosed bulk bag storage rack facilitates both storage and unloading of a bulk bag and thereby eliminates the standard handling techniques heretofore required in transferring a bulk bag from a conventional rack to the bag unloader. The storage rack includes a bag suspension frame to which the bulk bag is attached. A base is shiftably intercoupled with the frame so as to permit vertical shifting between vertically expanded and contracted conditions. During storage, the rack is vertically contracted and the bag attached to the frame rests on the base, whereby the frame provides essentially no support to the bag. When it is desired to unload the bag, the frame is maintained at a desired height and the base is allowed to shift downwardly relative the frame. This eliminates the support provided by the base and the bag is consequently suspended from the frame. An unloading station includes a stand to support the frame at the desired height and a stop for limiting downward movement of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: BKD Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Forney, Dean A. Weber
  • Patent number: 6209735
    Abstract: An interlocking tube and tube arrangement are provided. The tube includes an interior surface being adapted to allow placement of the object. The tube includes an exterior surface having a number of rails and a number of channels formed therein. Both the rails and channels have side surfaces that are back-cut. Portions of the rails and channels are cross-sectionally sized and shaped similarly to each other to permit a first tube to matingly engage a second, similar tube. The rails and channels extend between tube ends and are formed alternatingly about the tube exterior surface in an orientation parallel to the tube longitudinal axis. To engage the two tubes together, the rails of the first tube are slid into the correspondingly-sized channels of the second tube, their mutually back-cut side surfaces maintaining their engaged relationship. In one embodiment, the tubes are interlocked at angles of 90 degrees therebetween. In another embodiment, the tubes are interlocked at angles of 60 degrees therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Colorado Clubhouse Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Gladstone, Bobby L. Magness
  • Patent number: 6189705
    Abstract: A shallow tray of the type for use on a worksurface or other support top having a construction which enables several such trays to be disposed vertically one above the other and at least partially nested one within another, either when the trays are empty or contain only a small number of documents therein to permit compact storage on a worksurface top while utilizing minimal space. The tray construction in addition allows the trays to be vertically cross-stacked one on top of another to provide for desired vertical separation and hence at least limited visibility and access to the individual trays in the stack, while at the same time providing significant storage capability and document separation while minimizing the amount of space utilized on the worksurface top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Saylor, Sheldon Phillips, Edward Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6189710
    Abstract: A display device for displaying articles of merchandise, such as gelatin and pudding. The display device has a base having a central opening, a vertical support pole secured in the central opening of the base, a plurality of three-sided trays defining three corner areas mounted on the pole, a plurality of U-shaped filler panels disposed between at least two of the trays, a plurality of support columns mounted in the trays, and a header assembly coupled to the support pole and engaging the columns. Each tray has a plurality of edges and comprises a plurality of cantilevered shelves disposed transversely, preferably at an upward angle, relative to the pole. The trays are vertically stacked and spaced apart from each other along the support pole. The filler panels are mounted in the shelves of one of the trays and each filler panel forms an open-faced compartment for display of the article of merchandise. Each of the support columns is mounted in two of the shelves in each tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: NDR Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy L. Mason
  • Patent number: 6179137
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stackable carrying rack comprising a support base provided with support legs extending downwardly from the base and vertical support means mounted on the base and provided for supporting and storing a plurality of items placed in the rack. The support base has a configuration allowing to freely dispense items of smaller dimensions stored inside the rack downwardly though a central opening formed in the base without any obstructions or restrictions. The support base has a generally square configuration formed by side support members, and the central opening has a diamond-shaped configuration formed by reinforcement members extending between each adjacent side support member; the diamond-shaped configuration facilitates free dispensing of items through the central opening. Each of the reinforcement members forms a hypotenuse of a right triangle with respect to the adjacent side support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Joe Talarico
  • Patent number: 6155435
    Abstract: A media storage or display assembly is adapted to stand erect and receive multiple media storage cartridges therein. The media storage assembly comprises at least one modular media storage unit having multiple upright members, multiple intermediate shelf units, a lower base and an upper base. Each multiple upright member is releasably secured in a receiving socket in the lower base and additionally releasably secured in a receiving socket in the upper base. The multiple intermediate shelf units are disposed intermediate the upper base and the lower base upon the multiple upright members. Each intermediate shelf unit has multiple keyhole shaped ports disposed therethrough adjacent an outer peripheral rim of the shelf unit, each port adapted for receiving one of the upright members therethrough and having a mechanism for slidably engaging the upright member associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Vijay S. Malik
  • Patent number: 6142324
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly bracket with a number of individual main frame bodies assembled together, each having two side frames, two lower connecting shafts, two holding shafts and a plate piece all of which are secured to be in a cube-shaped form. The two side frames include at least one curved side frame and the holding shafts can hold a metal, glass, or wooden plate piece. The assembled main frame body has at least one concave or convex side for a different assembly arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Lian-Chuen Huang
  • Patent number: 6135299
    Abstract: A display rack is comprised of a multiple stacked frames which are engaged with each other by a socket and pin connection wherein the skirts are provided to insure that the pin will properly engage with the socket. In a preferred embodiment, the skirt is provided around sockets associated with the upper frame member inasmuch as the skirts also serve as support pads for the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: B 4 Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6126020
    Abstract: A storage unit for compact discs or other like storage media having three column members positioned in a triangular formation when seen from above. A plurality of substantially horizontal shelves are each located in slots provided in the column members. Each shelf member can receive onto its surface between columns at least two storage media items, each spaced from the adjacent item by relief features which may include an upward projection of the shelf member, a downward projection of the proximate shelf member, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Sunhing Millennium Limited
    Inventor: Sze Man Mok
  • Patent number: 6123344
    Abstract: A portable file case holder including a frame member having a vertical wall and an attached bottom wall; the vertical wall having a front wall surface and a rear wall surface; and the bottom wall having a top wall surface and a bottom wall surface. The front wall surface includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart front V-shaped mounting brackets thereon. The rear wall surface includes a rear mounting plate having a pair of mounting track rails thereon. A plurality of removable compartments are provided each having a rear wall; and each having compartment V-shaped mounting brackets on each of the rear walls for each of the compartments for connecting the compartments to the plurality of front V-shaped mounting brackets on the front wall surface to form a stacked arrangement of compartments. A wheel assembly is detachably connected to the rear mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Lee M. Clegg
  • Patent number: 6123034
    Abstract: A modular space system includes open-sided modular frames stacked together to form open-sided columns, the upper frames having the same width but smaller depth than that of the frames on which they rest, thereby enhancing stability. Shelving elements of varying, selected dimensions extend through guide openings in the frames or rest on upper surfaces of the frames to provide horizontal work and storage surfaces. Snap-on frames are selectively attached to the modular frames to provide support for a variety of accessories, including file folders and drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: John C. Moore
  • Patent number: 6116432
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mounting for flat objects, such as CD cases for example. According to the invention, an open frame (1) consists of an upper side leg (2), a lower side leg (3) and a transverse leg (4). In a preferred embodiment of the frame (1), the outer edges (5, 6, 7) of the legs (2, 3, 4) and the inner edges (8, 9, 10) are interconnected at right angles, the inner edge and outer edge of a leg being non-parallel, so forming a tilted holder (11). Since one inner edge (9) is shorter than the length of an edge of the object to be held, a corner of the object projects over the end face (22) of the frame (1). The frames can be secured adjacent to one another by suitable securing elements, and adjacent frames can be rotated through 180.degree., such that the projecting corners of the objects to be stored lie alternately at the top and the bottom, and the objects can thus be removed from the mountings easily, even through the amount of space available is very small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas Rohner
  • Patent number: 6116438
    Abstract: A pool accessory storage unit is provided including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion each with a rectilinear configuration. The upper portion and lower portion of the frame each are defined by a plurality of interconnected horizontally oriented bars. Each frame each further includes a plurality of stanchions for maintaining the bars of the upper portion and lower portion fixed with respect to each other. A panel assembly is provided including a plurality of flexible panels for encompassing sides and a bottom of the frame, thereby defining an interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Charles Lovett
  • Patent number: 6102217
    Abstract: A stackable wall shelving module adapted to fit between wall studs and sit on a soleplate. Modules may be stacked one upon the other, from the floor to the ceiling if desired. The module has side walls, a horizontal support at a right angle to the side walls and a back wall attached to a rear edge of the side walls and the horizontal support. A horizontal member is attached to the side walls at a front edge of the horizontal support to serve as a railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Stephen J. Mathy, Michael S. Mathy
  • Patent number: 6102219
    Abstract: A combination storage rack, which includes a plurality of storage units that can be connected in stacks by pins, and a plurality of bridge plates for connecting the storage units in pairs, wherein each storage unit includes a rectangular open frame, a cover plate covered on the open frame, the cover plate having two rows of first downward lugs with hook means and two second downward lugs, a collapsible shield suspended from the hooked portions and defining therein a plurality of compartments for keeping storage items, and a hanging rod between the second downward lugs for hanging things; the bridge plate has two downward lugs near its two opposite ends which holds a hanging rod for hanging things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 6098819
    Abstract: A magazine for pipette tip-shaped articles including a plurality of plates for holding the pipette tip-shaped articles and each having a plurality of bores for receiving the pipette tip-shaped articles in their entirety, a plurality of racks stacked over one another and adapted to each receive at least one holding plate, and complementary locking elements provided on the adjacent racks, respectively, and engageable with each other to form the at least one of a form-locking connection and a force-locking connection upon insertion of a holding plate in one of the adjacent racks and disengageable from each other upon removal of the holding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Eppendorf-Netheler-Hinz GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Link
  • Patent number: 6070743
    Abstract: A supporting shelf for compact disks includes at least a first tubular housing and a second tubular housing and each has a different inner diameter but a similar cross section. The second tubular housing that has a small inner diameter is disposed within the first tubular housing. Each of the first and second tubular housings has its opening directed upward for readily engagement therebetween. Each of the tubular housings is provided with a plurality of retaining slots at the outer wall and that are parallel to each other, wherein a CD can be readily inserted and retained by the retaining slots of the housings. When a plurality of first and second tubular housings are engaged with each other, a tower-shape supporting shelf can be configured. Each of the receiving slots can be directed upward and angularly. The engagement between the first and second tubular housing can be facilitated through retaining holes and pin-shaft or retaining ball and recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Ching-Ling Hsueh
  • Patent number: 6056133
    Abstract: A combination display device and storage rack component that is made of a transparent plastic so as to allow complete visibility of a CD jewel box housed therein and is either hung on a vertical wall or rested inclined on a horizontal surface. The component includes a base, a pair of side walls, a hanging apparatus, a resting apparatus, and a stacking and interlocking apparatus. The pair of side walls extend upwardly from the base. The hanging apparatus is for hanging the combination display device and storage rack component on the vertical wall. The resting apparatus is for supporting the combination display device and storage rack component inclined on the horizontal surface. The stacking and interlocking apparatus is for stacking and interlocking a plurality of the combination display device and storage rack components in a staggered arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Carl D. Luenser
  • Patent number: 6039563
    Abstract: A candle holding bowl has an upwardly facing hexagonal annulus joined to a downwardly facing hexagonal annulus. The upper annulus has a substantially hexagonal opening for entry into the bowl, and the lower annulus is closed by a hexagonal bottom wall. The hexagonal bottom wall of one bowl fits within the hexagonal opening of another identical bowl to permit vertical stacking of two bowls. Each hexagonal annulus comprises a plurality of flat panes which coact with each other for stacking a plurality of bowls in triangular or pyramidal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd.
    Inventor: Christopher Hardy
  • Patent number: 6029828
    Abstract: A turntable storage device which has a turntable and a plurality of storage containers for condiments and other granular materials. The turntable has a base member and a platform that is removably attachable to the base and rotatable on the base member. The base member has an upwardly extending hollow post. The containers are attachable to the turntable by means of mating projections and receptacles. The turntable storage device is convertible. It is provided with structure for selectively attaching and removing either a handle or a hanging support member. The hanging support member is adaptable to hang one or more turntables from a shelf, if desired. The support member also is shaped to fit into the hollow post of another turntable, whereby two turntables can be stacked on top of the one another. In one embodiment, a rotary measuring dispenser is mounted in each container for dispensing predetermined quantities of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Robbins Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Stanley Robbins, Rodney W. Robbins, Frans M. Weterrings, Ted A. Bell
  • Patent number: 6015050
    Abstract: A modular storage system utilizes pluralities of mutually orthogonal members removably coupled to one another through cooperative male and female connectors to form a lattice structure with a plurality of receptacles for storing articles such as compact disc (CD) jewel boxes and the like. First members include female connectors having at least one aperture through which are coupled a pair of coaxially-oriented second members extending orthogonal thereto. One of the second members includes a pin which is hollowed out to define an aperture suited for receiving the pin of the other second member such that both second members are coupled to one another as well as to the first member. In addition, the female connectors in the first members include a pair of apertures, with male connectors of the second members including pairs of pins suitable for engaging the apertures in the first members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Mark D. Gilbertson
  • Patent number: 6007167
    Abstract: A modular storage cabinet for compact disk jewel boxes that includes a plurality of connectible members to construct a cabinet of a desired architecture or configuration of choice. The cabinet of the invention will be provided to the user in disassembled form wherein the various parts or members can be assembled into a configuration of choice to hold a desired number of compact disk jewel boxes including both single and double boxes. The members include side, back, top, bottom and expander members for constructing an enclosure having a front opening into which jewel boxes may be inserted and withdrawn wherein the structure is in the form of a tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Manifestation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gary M. Cohen
  • Patent number: 5997084
    Abstract: A stackable chair is provided which is configured to alter the forward shift of the center of gravity of a stack of the chairs such that a larger number of such chairs can be stacked in a stable stack as compared to a stack of prior art chairs. The stackable chair includes a seat member, a seat back extending from the seat member, a plurality of legs secured to the seat member and a seat pan secured to the bottom of the seat member. The seat member defines a wedge shape and the seat pan is disposed at angle with respect to the seat member. The seat member and the seat pan cooperate to alter the forward shift of the center of gravity to an arcuate path when the chairs are placed in a stack. Further, the seat pan is configured to protect the seat cushion upon which it rests against indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Shelby Williams Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Barile, Jr., Peter Barile
  • Patent number: 5992647
    Abstract: A storage rack system comprises free standing modular units which are releasably joined and secured together. Each modular unit has identical parallel end frames separated by at least two parallel support tubes fitted into sockets in the front face of the frames. End frames of the units may be joined in a back to back relationship to extend the storage rack system lengthwise end to end to occupy available horizontal space and may also be releasably engaged bottom to top to occupy available vertical space. Holes for joining the frames together are within each of the sockets. The support tubes may be telescoping to assist in occupying the available horizontal space. The modular units may be optionally joined in a vertically offset relationship. The modular units of the storage rack system may be separated and rejoined in another configuration without unloading the items stored on the individual units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Vijay S. Malik
  • Patent number: 5979677
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a display stand which generally includes a series of stacked platforms with a means to attach figurines to the top of each platform. Each platform also includes a back surface composed of display columns and scenic cards which may contain appropriate scenery to the figurines. The platforms are stacked upon these display columns and support columns with each platform having attachment means on both upper and lower surfaces. The figurines can therefore be displayed on multiple levels with appropriate scenery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Collectible Display Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Morton Simpson, II, Michael Pfeifer, Stuart Karten, Eric Olson
  • Patent number: 5931313
    Abstract: A stack and sack waste container for holding, sorting and disposing of recyclable refuse. The container comprises a plurality of substantially similar frames, where each frame includes a locking aperture, a receiving aperture, a large aperture, an upper concave lead-in or locking notch, an upper convex lead-in or receiving notch, a lower convex lead-in or locking notch and a lower concave lead-in or receiving notch. The frames also have two opposing handles. The holder is formed by the interconnection of said frames, and where the frames pieces are interconnected by the locking means being connected to the receiving means of a adjoining frames. The structure of the holder allows for a plurality of such containers to be stacked in a vertical fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Judith Kane
  • Patent number: 5924577
    Abstract: The present invention embodies a novel modular rack and storage system for receiving and supporting planar articles such as stencils, frames, or the like. The rack includes at least one pair of opposed channels, with an upper channel of the pair being located vertically above a lower channel. Each channel has a retaining area facing the opposed channel, thereby forming a slot for receiving the edges of a planar article. The channels are mounted on a spaced pair of rectangular frames, with each frame having an elongate upper horizontal member and an elongate lower horizontal member. The upper and lower horizontal members are each supported on a first end by a first elongate vertical support and on a second end by a second elongate vertical support. The upper channels are mounted to the upper horizontal members and the lower channels are mounted to the lower horizontal members so that the channels hold the spaced frames in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Roy E. Gessert
  • Patent number: 5918751
    Abstract: A display rack for soda bottles or the like, the rack including a number of trays each having a pillar in each corner of the tray and a post seated on the top of a corner pillar of a lower tray and seated in the bottom of a corner pillar on an upper tray to thereby provide a space sufficient for removal of bottles from any tray in the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Tulip Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel E. Kelly