Knockdown Patents (Class 312/108)
  • Patent number: 5405192
    Abstract: Modular display booth units are made from an upstanding bent sheet body portion located at its top and bottom in respective depending and upstanding lips of counter top and tray portions. Inside the body portions, rails extend from side to side. Hooked ends latch into latching apertures in the side wall and the side wall of any adjacent unit to link them together. Special angled joining units are provided to allow the units to be joined to form elongate assemblies of varying configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 5372415
    Abstract: A storage locker constructed of recyclable thermoplastic that utilizes insertion tabs and sockets molded into the sides, top, bottom, front and side panels for permanent interlocking without the need of conventional fasteners. The storage locker is assembled on site by inserting the tabs of the appropriate panel into the socket receptacles of an adjoining panel. Assembly of a basic locker requires snap attachment of the side walls to the top and bottom panel. A front frame, preassembly with a hinged door panel, is snap attached to the structure to complete the assembly wherein the structure is available for mounting directly to a wall. For a stand alone locker assembly, a perforated rear panel is available for attachment to the rear of the locker by use of locker pins. The rear panel provides aeration and allows various hook placement for hanging items. Shelves are available in either fixed or adjustable disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tisbo, Stephen P. Whitehead, Lyle A. Rosine
  • Patent number: 5350057
    Abstract: A display device that can be used singularly for securing a single open-faced container on a shelf for display of and access to the container contents or in multiples to secure any number of like open-faced containers on a shelf for display of and access to the contents of each container. The display device includes a frame defining an access opening. The frame is dimensioned to surround the open face of the container on which the frame is to be mounted. The display device further includes a releasable lock for removably securing the frame to the open-faced container, and an anchor for attaching the frame to the shelf when the display is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Bemis, Timothy J. Otte
  • Patent number: 5340207
    Abstract: A foldable assembly cabinet having the parts thereof formed by injection molding can be collaped into a compact size without disassembly thereof for effective reduction of the packing volume so as to facilitate the delivery thereof in one aspect and lower the cost of transportation in another. The cabinet includes a case body, a left and a right side board, a top lid and a bottom board and a number of partition boards. The left side board and the right side board are pivotally secured to the case body and the right side board is made wider than the left side board so that the former can be folded in superposition on top of the latter; and the two side boards are located in abutment against the folded top lid and bottom board in the collapsing of the cabinet. Each of the side boards and top lid and the bottom board and the partition boards of the cabinet is provided with a grid-like reinforcement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Shern Diau Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Teng Chen
  • Patent number: 5328260
    Abstract: An office furniture module comprising a body portion having a removable top portion adapted for mounting thereto in a spaced relationship with respect to an upper surface to define an upper horizontally extending passage way; one or more optionally removable upper insert panels adapted to be mounted between the removable top portion and the body portion; a bottom member also adapted for mounting to the body portion in a spaced relationship with respect to a lower end thereof to define a lower horizontally extending passage way between the bottom member and the lower end; and one or more optionally removable lower insert panels adapted to cover one or more respective openings in the body portion communicating with the lower horizontally extending passageway to enable the furniture module can be adapted for use with other like furniture modules to form a linearly extending course of furniture modules with horizontally extending passageways therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Beirise
  • Patent number: 5291700
    Abstract: An activities module is positioned on a support surface, such as the floor of a room, to provide activity stations with horizontal work surfaces. The module includes an upright post member that has at least two vertical grooves. A flat panel has an opening sized to receive the post member when the flat panel is oriented horizontally, and upright partition panels are provided corresponding to the vertical grooves in the post member. Each partition panel has an inner edge fitted into the groove, an outer edge and a bottom edge that rests on the support surface. The partition panels each have a slot to receive the flat, horizontal panel, and fasteners secure the module together. A second flat, horizontal panel may similarly be mounted below the first flat panel, and a third flat, horizontal panel may provide a shelf or bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Keith Chew
  • Patent number: 5259669
    Abstract: A lightweight collapsible trade show display case has a transparent showcase. The support legs are opposing rectangular side panels which are hinged to the base of the showcase. A single front facia panel slides into grooves of the support legs and locks in place thereby providing an extremely stable base. Assembly is accomplished in under a minute. A UPS suitable shipping container holds the sliding front facia panel and pre-assembled showcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Berg Showcase Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel S. Leach, Jay R. Beyer
  • Patent number: 5161343
    Abstract: A file cabinet door is disclosed whose front carries a contrasting design or pattern. Decorative openings are provided through a front panel in the door in the form of a pattern. A decorative interior panel of contrasting appearance to the front panel is provided rearward of the front panel. A person on viewing the front panel sees a contrasting design by reason of the openings rendering the interior panel visible therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Hollanding Inc.
    Inventors: John Edwards, Douglas Boileau
  • Patent number: 5086593
    Abstract: An integral modular built-in storage wall system is provided including a plurality of prefabricated modular base components, each having a supporting surface mounted to four adjustable legs located at four corners of the suppport surface, and at least a first removable front cover extending between forward facing surfaces of a first forward pair of the legs. The base also has open side areas between the first and second pair of legs so that, when a plurality of said base components are aligned in side-by-side relationship, a substantially unobstructed passage is created extending along the plurality of base components beneath the top walls thereof. A plurality of prefabricated modular storage components are also provided for mounting on individual ones of the base components. The storage components have substantially uniform depth and height dimensions, but the width dimensions may vary in accordance with a predetermined modular format based on the total width of the wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: J. G. Furniture Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ellis B. Walentine
  • Patent number: 5054863
    Abstract: A display case having a framework, a plurality of panels, and a unique lighting system includes a releasably mounted light fixture, a releasably mounted backfeed housing, and releasably mounted downfeed channel for feeding the cord through the display case. The light fixture, the backfeed housing and the downfeed channel are all capable of being installed and removed without the use of tools. Secondly, a display case assembly involving a pair of adjacent abutting display cases includes a plurality of clips and latches which securely couple the display cases together in a manner which is generally hidden from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Amstore Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Amstutz, Ronald A. Vanderboegh
  • Patent number: 5046789
    Abstract: A modular panel assembly includes more than one first modular unit having a plate member with a rear face, which has first and second connecting corner pieces longitudinally and oppositely disposed near the side faces. The first connecting corner piece of each of the first modular units is engageable with the second connecting corner piece of another first modular unit. The first modular unit further has a plurality of substantially T-shaped protrusions projecting from a front face of the plate member and forming a plurality of substantially T-shaped grooves between them. Each of the T-shaped protrusions has a pair of oppositely extending flange ends. Each of the T-shaped grooves has a restricted opening between two flange ends. The T-shaped protrusions of each first modular unit can engage with the T-shaped grooves of another first modular unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Alvin Lee Jewelry, Inc.
    Inventor: Yeou-Ching Lee
  • Patent number: 5044595
    Abstract: A kit for constructing a collapsible podium which includes a laterally pliable yet longitudinally rigid panel such as tambour and a top plate with a circumferential channel into which one of the conformable edges of the panel is operably receivable by using a sloped guiding wall on the plate. The kit may also include a bottom plate with a circumferential channel into which the other conformable edge of the panel is operably receivable by using a sloped guiding wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Nomadic Structures, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur G. Carr, William D. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 5031974
    Abstract: A cabinet is disclosed which includes a frame defining a cabinet interior. A plurality of dividers separate the cabinet interior into a plurality of storage compartments. The frame includes opposing side walls and top and bottom walls. The top wall is attached to the side walls by first and second mounting plates carried on the side walls and top wall, respectively. The first plate is resiliently urged against the side wall. The second plate is sized to be received between the first plate and the side wall, with latch mechanisms for holding the attaching plates in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Liberty Diversified Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Feucht, Harold S. Klein, Stanley R. Thorud, Mark Siedlecki, Andy Pis, Tony Toscano, Mario Perea
  • Patent number: 5027961
    Abstract: A modular stackable shelf storage apparatus for stacking with other units with a top shelf providing a base for mounting a facsimile machine, wherein a body unit is adapted to be interlockably stacked together with the units to provide segregated shelf spaces for storing documents such as are produced by a facsimile machine, the body unit having a flat top surface, first and second sides and an open front to define an open space within the body unit including a centrally disposed hollow finger serving as a space divider and as a mounting device; whereby in stacking two or more units together a firm base mount is provided for a facsimile machine and a plurality of shelf storage spaces are provided for segregated storage of documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Curtis Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Howitt
  • Patent number: 5016946
    Abstract: A modular storage container including a drawer configured to be received into and contained by a housing. The housing consists of two identical molded units that are joined and fastened together by a guide bracket. The guide bracket also functions to position the drawer within the housing. The drawer slides within the housing on a drawer glide which interfaces with the guide bracket of the housing. Two sets of ridges are disposed on outer surface of the base of each molded unit. When two or more containers are stacked, the ridges on the top of the supporting container will interdigitate with the ridges on the underside of the mounted container to align the containers squarely atop each other and to inhibit longitudinal and lateral movement of the stacked containers. Each container has a drawer lock for security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Innovative Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Naum Reznikov, Marc T. Protiva
  • Patent number: 5016947
    Abstract: A cable or wire (information bus, power supply, etc.) carrying method and apparatus for modular computer cabinets and the like in which the cabinet frame end walls have notch-like voids. The notches, preferably on the rear side of the cabinets are nearly fully enclosed, save a small opening (to preserve structural integrity) through which the cables may enter. The openings are covered by closure members and decorative trims once the cable is in place. The result is a modular computer system without unsightly wires, and in which the modules may be easily and quickly inserted or removed without the need for dismantling the cable attached to the backs of the other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Sawyer C. Y. Hsu, Carlo V. Daleo, Sidney L. Valentine, James Fratis, Robert W. Fischer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5004116
    Abstract: A modular sectional container for conserving substances, in particular for alimentary use, fit for being manually transported having the walls formed by panels made of insulating material, the edge of each panel being formed by two substantially V-arranged faces. Along both the faces of said edge which form a 90.degree. angle between them, there is formed a continuous groove for accommodating tridimensionally extending sealing means with the same shape as that of said container. In the vicinity of each corner of said panels, and on both surfaces, there are provided engaging means for connection means designed to join at least three panels together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Andrea Cattarozzi
  • Patent number: 4998023
    Abstract: A portable utility cart having a number of blow molded shelf members, supports on corner post members, wheel connector members and wheel members. A slip sleeve and bayonet hook assembly interconnect the various pieces thereby making the assembly of the cart simple and expedient. The portable utility cart has no small loose pieces which can be lost or misplaced during shipment or assembly. The assembly of the cart, therefore, requires no tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Lakeside Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith D. Kitts
  • Patent number: 4957333
    Abstract: A cable of wire (information bus, power supply, etc.) carrying method and apparatus for modular computer cabinets and the like in which the cabinet frame end walls have notch-like voids. The notches, preferably on the rear side of the cabinets are nearly fully enclosed, save a small opening (to preserve structural integrity) through which the cables may enter. The openings are covered by closure members and decorative trims once the cable is in place. The result is modular computer system without unsightly wires, and in which the modules may be easily and quickly inserted or removed without the need for dismantling the cable attached to the backs of the other modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Sawyer C-Y. Hsu, Carlo V. Daleo, Sidney L. Valentine, James Fratis, Robert W. Fischer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4944402
    Abstract: A pyramid cosmetic container of a pyramid structure which is divided into a top housing for retaining a lipstick and a base housing of truncated pyramid in shape including a plurality of compartments in slidable engagement therebetween thus enabling easy access to each of the articles stored therein and is aesthetically attractive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Fong Yang Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shui-Kuan Wu
  • Patent number: 4906824
    Abstract: A cash register hood comprises a front panel 110, two side panels 112 and an overhead panel or tray 116. The hood is fitted to a base board 118 which is fixed to a counter-top. The hood may be assembled using keys 125 and slots 126 integrally formed on the panels. The cash register hood also includes a product display panel 116 and a shelf 117. Trays 32,33 and product dispensers 50 may be attached to the hood as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Carroll Products and Designs Limited
    Inventor: Francis A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 4874210
    Abstract: A product display and dispensing unit comprises a plurality of juxtaposed compartments made from body members and side panels. Keys are provided on the body members and engage complementary slots on the side panels. Each slot accommodates two keys, one key of a comaprtment located at either side of the panels. The lid comprises a plate member having a handle and an upper lip which engages dowels in the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Institute for Industrial Research and Standards
    Inventor: Francis A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 4867513
    Abstract: A portable cupboard formed as a collapsible container which is made from plate members hinged on their edges so that the whole container is collapsible, holding panels which enable the container to be kept solidly box-shaped and a pair of legs on top of which the container is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Kwang S. Choi
  • Patent number: 4859007
    Abstract: A slidable disk holder extends from a box structure a sufficient distance to permit dispersement of the disks. Means for simultaneous dispersement of all of the disk holders fit between each envelope-like disk holder. In an interconnecting tabular embodiment, tabs cut from the sides of each envelope-like holder connect each holder to an adjacent holder at a front end. Envelope extension surfaces interconnect inner ends of the envelopes slightly distant from the inner end of each envelope. The disks may be fanned out manually or, with pretensioned or spring actuated living hinges, the disks may fan out automatically upon release of a panel and notch locked into a base plate of the slidable disk holder. In another embodiment simultaneous dispersement is accomplished by a mechanically pivoting arm with a protrusion between each adjacent pair of envelope-like disk holders. Vertical or horizontal fanning may take place using living hinge connections to a slidable base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Richard L. Schapker
  • Patent number: 4854655
    Abstract: A cabinet assembly for a post-mix beverage dispenser including: an upper housing assembly for containing flavor concentrate containers, a carbonator and portions of a refrigeration unit; and a lower housing assembly for containing other portions of the refrigeration unit and other mechanical equipment. The respective upper and lower housing assemblies are formed from a minimal number of parts which slide together into an interlocking relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: William J. Saunders, Samuel C. Crosby
  • Patent number: 4844566
    Abstract: Hingedly connected rectangular panels are used to construct demountable module assemblies useful alone or in combination as multifunctional furniture items. A modular dressing table includes four such module assemblies secured in a two-by-two matrix, and a restraint belt and pad affixed to the top of the matrix. The module assemblies are provided with an aperture to allow user access to the interior space of said assemblies for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Cosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Moore, Raymond Spilman, Thomas Pendleton
  • Patent number: 4819814
    Abstract: A display assembly formed from a number of individual display modules which are snap-fit together so as to provide a unitary display assembly. Each of the individual display modules is in turn formed from identical side walls and identical front and rear panels, the side walls being mounted to the front and rear panels in a snap-fitting relation so as to form a unitary structure. Further structures such as base stands and angular brackets can be provided which enhance the versatility of the display assembly as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: John Fogelgren
  • Patent number: 4793667
    Abstract: A knockdown metal cabinet is particularly suited for the food merchandising business and can be quickly assembled from a plurality of flat panels. A rectangular base member has upstanding brackets at each corner along front and back sides which receive channel members secured to a pair of opposed side panels. The side panels are joined together at the top by a pair of horizontal braces each secured at two vertically spaced points to the adjacent side panel to produce a rigid box structure. Front and back panels are then hung in place and supported by the horizontal braces and the base without fasteners. The assembly may then be completed by a top member which is secured to horizontal flanges extending along the top edges of each of the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Gilliom
  • Patent number: 4791278
    Abstract: A cash register cover which is designed to enclose and operate a modern cash register and to simulate an ornate, antique cash register. The cash register cover of this invention is characterized by an interdigitating front panel, side panels and rear panel which rest on the cash box of the enclosed cash register. The cover incorporates a keyboard panel fitted with the keyboard of the enclosed cash register for operating the enclosed cash register and further includes an indication cover that closes the front panel, side panel and rear panel perimeter by means of cooperating mount screws and brackets for easy assembling and disassembling of the cash register cover. In a preferred embodiment, components of the cash register cover are fabricated of a moldable plastic material and the front panel, side panels and rear panel are provided with external decorative ornamentation which simulates the elaborate scroll-work and decoration of antique mechanical cash registers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Hudson, David E. Gormley, James E. Dowdy, Edward F. Vampola
  • Patent number: 4728158
    Abstract: A modular storage system comprising an elongated base part having two spaced continuous channels extending generally parallel to one another longitudinally of the base part, and at least one upright member extendable transversely of the base part and including a pair of downwardly projecting lugs respectively engaged in the channels in the base part. The lugs are spaced apart in relation to the spacing of the channels to enable the lugs to be inserted into the channels with the upright member vertical and at an angle to the channels whereupon the upright member can be turned to a position tranverse of the base part to secure the lugs in the channels and the upright member on the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Delco Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. D'Elia, Philip N. DeVries
  • Patent number: 4719337
    Abstract: A cash register cover which is designed to enclose and operate a modern cash register and to simulate an ornate, antique mechanical cash register. The cash register cover of this invention is characterized by an interdigitating front panel, side panels and rear panel which rest on the cash box of the enclosed cash register. The cover incorporates a keyboard panel fitted with the keyboard of the enclosed cash register for operating the enclosed cash register and further includes an indication cover that closes the front panel, side panel and rear panel perimeter by means of cooperating mount screws and brackets for easy assembling and disassembling of the cash register cover. In a preferred embodiment, components of the cash register cover are fabricated of a moldable plastic material and the front panel, side panels and rear panel are provided with external decorative ornamentation which simulates the elaborate scroll-work and decoration of antique mechanical cash registers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventors: Kenneth Hudson, David E. Gormley, James E. Dowdy, Edward F. Vampola
  • Patent number: 4681378
    Abstract: A module (20) comprising a top panel (22) that is attached to a pair of opposed side panels (32). The assembly forms a channel or "U" shaped structure with a rear channel cover (42) snapped into place over a channel (26) defining a horizontal raceway. A pair of cable recess covers (46) enclose a recess (34) in the sides (32) providing a duct that forms a path for wires and cables. Electronic equipment is positioned upon the top panel (22) of the module (20) with ancillary components in the area underneath; thus providing a management system for the equipment, including a passageway for interconnecting the wires and cables. A number of modules (20) may be stacked together on a base (60) having casters (62) in each corner. A paper basket (64) and a keyboard storage board (66) may also be added to allow an entire electronic system, such as a computer complex, to be self-contained within the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Microcomputer Accessories, Inc.
    Inventor: Nat Hellman, III
  • Patent number: 4660905
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a mounting mechanism for releasably mounting a drawer unit under a work surface, wherein the drawer unit comprises a drawer enclosed in a drawer casing. The mounting mechanism comprises an elongated mounting bracket that is mounted transversely on the underside of the work surface. A mating upper drawer casing flange on the drawer casing faces the mounting bracket flange and fits over the mounting bracket flange when the drawer casing is mounted. A releasable retaining means holds the drawer casing flange in overlapping relationship with the mounting bracket flange. Additional drawer units may be releasably mountable on the underside of each drawer unit immediately above it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Trendway Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Conner, Terry Mitchell, Craig Miller, David L. Vander Kooi, Donald Herringa
  • Patent number: 4650263
    Abstract: A structural support and thin panel assembly wherein the longitudinal axis of the structural support is attached perpendicular to the thin panel comprising a structural member, a thin panel, a female member attached to the structural member and a fastening means removably attaching the female member to the thin panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Tandem Computers Incorporated
    Inventors: William A. Monaghan, James M. Shook
  • Patent number: 4650085
    Abstract: An enclosure structure for housing switchgear apparatus (such as circuit breakers) is fabricated from a pair of sheet metal panels that are held in precisely-spaced upstanding relationship by a plurality of metal cross-struts of U-shaped cross-section which mechanically interlock with apertured portions of the panels and are held in such position by triangular-shaped metal gussets which overlap and are bolted to adjacent portions of the cross-struts and panels. The cross-struts are provided with longitudinally protruding tangs at each end that are slip-fitted into and interlock with slot apertures in the panels. The width dimension of the finished enclosure structure is precisely controlled by positioning tabs on the ends of the cross-struts that are offset from the associated tangs and are drawn into abutting relationship with the inner surfaces of the respective panels when the structure is bolted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Norman Davies, John D. Petrisko, Allen G. Filson, Robert E. Wobrak
  • Patent number: 4620636
    Abstract: An office accessory system for use on both horizontal and vertical surfaces and in both conventional and open-plan environments. Accessories are provided, each being self-supporting on a horizontal surface, one of them being self-supporting on a horizontal surface in either a horizontal or a vertical orientation. The accessories have recesses for receiving support hooks engageable with the arm of a cantilever support. The cantilever support has an attaching bracket which is selectively engageable with the side channels found on a wide variety of open plan wall panels for mounting the accessories thereon in a vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: McDonald Products Corporation
    Inventors: Francis V. Herr, Thomas B. Walklet, James G. Hansen, Theodore J. Hasler, Valentin Beil, Harold E. Donlon, Ken E. Christian
  • Patent number: 4602826
    Abstract: An L-shaped molded plastic panel which is adapted to be joined with three similar L-shaped panels to form the respective side walls of a rectangular tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Inventor: Edward F. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 4600252
    Abstract: A modular metal cabinet is described which includes vertical interchangeable support columns formed from sheet metal and having a pair of web portions at right angles to each other. A plurality of interchangeable hollow reinforcing box panels also formed from sheet metal are secured to the web portions of the columns by fasteners hidden within the box panels. Each box panel is composed of the central rectangular wall sections, parallel top and bottom walls, parallel side walls with coplanar tabs extending toward one another from the edges of the side panels and positioned in overlapping face-to-face relationship with the webs of the columns. The fasteners extend through the webs into the tabs to hold the panels in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventor: Steven C. Barber
  • Patent number: 4595105
    Abstract: For supporting hard- and soft-covered books, magazines, catalogs and other reading material of various sizes and shapes in an upright position on a bookshelf, table or desktop, this bookrack may be stored or shipped in knocked-down form, easily assembled without need for tools or fastening hardware. Sheet metal divider plates are held parallel to each other by sheet metal bottom and rear spacers, attached to the dividers by concealed fastenings, the bottom spacers being held in place by the rear spacers, which are in turn held in place by gravity and friction, holding the bookrack together in an interlocked assembly. The bookrack may be easily retrofitted into an existing bookcase without need for tools, fastening hardware or modifications to the bookcase. Spacers, available in different widths, may be tandemed together to build up the bookrack to any desired total width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Gold
  • Patent number: 4592601
    Abstract: An expandable modular storage system for holding slides and cassettes comprises storage compartments formed by a first wall element of C-shaped transverse cross-section having a pair of parallel facing walls integrally joined by a web or side wall normal thereto. The outer edge portions of the C-shaped elements are slidably interconnected with additional C-shaped elements along the opposite edges of the side wall to provide additional storage compartments as needed and a last compartment in a row is closed with a generally flat wall element having opposite edges slidably interconnected with the free outer edges of the walls of the last C-shaped wall element in a row. The storage system may include any number of rows of modular compartments and the rows are stacked vertically and interconnected with joining elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Emil J. Hlinsky, Keith Hellon
  • Patent number: 4560257
    Abstract: Various geometric structures are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is a mirror cube formed by five rectangular mirrors defining four sides and a top panel, and an inset base. Upper and lower frames extend around upper and lower margins of the side panels and are coupled together by clamping means. In one embodiment, these clamping means comprise a bolt extending between an inner top panel and the base and releasable from below the base. Other forms of structure are disclosed and may be used as, say, packing cases, furniture structures and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: Martin Otema
  • Patent number: 4502741
    Abstract: The storage and display rack includes four like panel structures (A) and a plurality of dividers (B) mounted between opposite panel structures. Each panel structure includes an outer wall (30) from which a face portion (32), a rear edge portion (34), a tongue portion (36), a tongue receiving portion (38), and a plurality of rib pairs (40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 60, 62) project inward. The face portion has breakout regions (86) which are adapted to be removed from panel structures disposed at the sides of the rack such that associate rib pairs slidably receive the dividers. Each divider has a display box supporting area (200), a display box retaining projection (206), an extra parts supporting area (202), a pair of guide edges (220, 222) which are slidably received in rib pairs of opposite side panels, and a handle (240) for facilitating manual sliding of the dividers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Midwest Fasteners Corp.
    Inventors: Henry L. DeVries, Myron A. Roth, Jr., William A. Roth
  • Patent number: 4477128
    Abstract: There is disclosed an intermediate support member for use with multiple suspended storage units in a portable panel partition system. The support member has a hanger for straddling and bearing on the adjacent end posts of two portable partition panels and hanging support on those two panels, with bolts for snug tension joining of the adjacent ends of two hanging storage units through the support member to form a rigid truss-like unit of the storage and support components to avoid sagging of those units. The support member is of an appropriate thickness to insure a snug fit of the rigid unit between the end panels. Interlocking tabs and shoulders prevent unhooking of the storage units and support member from the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: Hon Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Gene B. Hasbrouck
  • Patent number: 4470647
    Abstract: A set of identical connectors are secured to a plurality of rectangular panels to form a tubular or box-like storage unit with the connectors forming parallel longitudinal edges thereof. The connectors each have a longitudinal T-shaped rib and a T-shaped, longitudinal recess, capable of slideably receiving the rib of an adjacent storage unit, so that a plurality of units may be arranged and stacked to form a self sustaining structure from which one or more storage units may be slideably removed without disturbance to the remaining structure and units. In one embodiment a connector and a panel are formed integrally as a one-piece unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Mark L. Bishoff
    Inventors: Mark L. Bishoff, George Nelson, Daniel J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4462647
    Abstract: A boltless sheet metal cabinet assembly having a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls, a flange on the back longitudinal edge of each side wall, that forms a U-configuration, a flange on each of the side edges of said back wall that forms a U-configuration, the flanges on the back wall and the flanges of the side walls being adapted to interlock with each other, the front longitudinal edge of each side wall being formed with a channel, rigidifying top and bottom bars having stab connectors at each of their ends for entry into the channel of one of the side walls whereby to extend between the side walls and space them apart, the top wall having downwardly extending flanges, the flange along the front edge of the top wall adapted to snap over the lower portion of the rigidifying top bar, the flange along the back edge of the top wall having a U-configuration, the upper edge of the top wall having a flange that forms a U-configuration that is adapted to interlock with the flange on the ba
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Gerald Key
  • Patent number: 4461384
    Abstract: A card frame kit includes end lates (10a, 10b) and cross rails (16) that can be assembled together to form the card frame. The kit is packaged in a box (30) with the end plates (10a, 10b) laid flat. When the kit is to be assembled, the box (30) is used as a temporary, disposable jig. To this end, inserts (40) that receive the cross-rails (16) comprise slots (44) in which the side plates (10a, 10b) can be stood up in the relative orientation they are to adopt in the assembled card frame. The assembler thus has his hands free to assemble at least some of the cross rails (16) to the side plates (10a, 10b) to form a self-supporting structure that can then be removed from the jig, if necessary or desired, to complete the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. Kg.
    Inventor: David P. Erlam
  • Patent number: 4418627
    Abstract: A storage system comprising a plurality of shelf units adapted to be stacked vertically upon one another. Each of the shelf units includes a relatively rigid, horizontally disposed shelf member and a liner member fabricated of an inexpensive, yet relatively strong and durable material, such as corrugated paperboard, cardboard or the like. The vertically stacked shelf units are adapted to be mounted upon either a fixed or a rolling base, and in the case of a rolling base, said base may be operatively associated with a track system whereby vertically stacked assemblies of the storage shelf units may be moved along the track system to provide a highly compact storage system incorporating only a single aisleway for multiple storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Inventor: Edward A. Baker
  • Patent number: 4418967
    Abstract: An office furniture system is disclosed that provides an unlimited variety of assembly configurations from basic component parts. To meet changing needs, configurations such as desks, drafting tables, cubicles, stands, shelves, may be easily disassembled and reassembled into configurations more suited to current needs. Rectangular panels are positioned such that the edges of some panels fit into grooves in the side of other panels and are held firmly together by a unique bolting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Inventors: Henry T. Winkelman, Jr., Edward E. Huckaby
  • Patent number: 4417774
    Abstract: A collapsible display booth is disclosed which is used to vend merchandise at concerts on a tour, the booth comprising two easily movable boxes with storage areas inside the boxes for storing merchandise when the booth is being moved from one location to another, the merchandise being sold directly from the storage areas. The front box contains a sales counter, an elevated display which is mounted above the counter to prominently display the merchandise being vended, and two side doors which fold out of the front box to both form the sides of the booth and open the merchandise storage compartment in the front box. The rear box is fastened to the side gates of the front box to form a structurally secure, pilfer-resistant sales booth, and has an additional merchandise display which, when moved into position to display the merchandise, opens the merchandise storage area in the rear box to the interior of the booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Hastings, Clayton, Tucker & Craig, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Bevan, Garry C. Kief
  • Patent number: 4378137
    Abstract: A furniture construction is disclosed in which a self-supporting framework of identical and interchangeable frame members engages and maintains interchangeable exterior prefinished panel pieces, shelves, and drawer guides by means of identical and interchangeable fastening means which engage only the frame members and thus do not mar or deform the panel pieces, shelves, drawers, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventors: Robert Gibson, Barry Z. Morgan, Quentin W. Utz