Connectors Patents (Class 312/111)
-
Patent number: 6629802Abstract: Method of connecting or joining at least two panels in a piece of furniture and a piece of furniture made thereby. The method includes providing a first panel, wherein the first panel includes a surface having at least one recess, providing a second panel, wherein the second panel includes a surface having at least one recess, arranging the surface of the first panel adjacent the surface of the second panel, and connecting the first panel to the second panel using at least one sphere. The at least one sphere projects into the at least one recess of each of the first and the second panels.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Inventor: Mario Bissegger
-
Publication number: 20030173875Abstract: A modular storage rack, display structural element or cube system formed by snap together panels with alignment guides, which may also support wheels, shelves, drawers and doors. The system is assemble-in-place and may shipped and displayed for sale in a flat pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Darren Saravis
-
Patent number: 6557955Abstract: An modular storage rack, display or cube system formed by snap together panels with alignment guides, which may also support wheels, shelves, drawers and doors. The system is assemble-in-place and may shipped and displayed for sale in a flat pack.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Inventor: Darren Saravis
-
Publication number: 20030071544Abstract: A stackable rack device for receiving an electronic product comprises a first clamping member, a second clamping member and a connection member, wherein each of the clamping members includes at least one positioning members and snapping members distal from a housing of the electronic product being stacked and the connection member is coupled to the corresponding ends of the clamping members to form a U-shaped trough for securing to one side of the housing and allowing it be stably stacked with other electronic products through the engagement of the positioning members and snapping members.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: D-Link CorporationInventor: Yu-Shuan Chang
-
Patent number: 6532707Abstract: A structural system comprises a set of elements including two or more plank members 10, which are preferably hollow and divided by interior partitions 12 into longitudinally extending compartments 13. The plank members 10 are open at each end, and are interconnected by connectors 20, comprising a stem 21, and two arrays of projections which may be aligned for in-line connection of the plank members, or set of right angles to form a corner, or have three arrays to provide a T-connection. The plank members 10 are connected vertically by rods 26 which pass through aligned apertures 14 in the plank members and notches 25 in the projections.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Armillatox LimitedInventor: Humphrey Richard Ian Cannon
-
Publication number: 20030038566Abstract: A disk drive bracket fastening structure includes identical first and second disk drive brackets (30, 30′). She first bracket includes a rack (32) and a cover board (34) secured to the rack. The rack defines a pair of grooves (43) in a bottom panel (36) thereof, and forms a fixing portion (47) between the grooves. The cover board has a pair of rails (53) stamped upwardly therefrom. A fixing tab (55) is formed at a free edge of the cover board between the rails. In assembly the first bracket is firstly secured into a computer enclosure (10). The rails (53′) of the second bracket are then slid into the grooves of the first bracket. The fixing tab (55′) of the second bracket abuts against the fixing portion of the first bracket, and is fastened thereto. The second bracket is thereby firmly secured to the first bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Inventor: Xiao Hua Qiu
-
Patent number: 6520605Abstract: A equipment mounting metal plate to be attached to a wall comprises a receiving shelf for placing a lower face of an electronic equipment case, a mounting base plate from which the receiving shelf is projected, and a fixing part for fixing the electronic equipment case to the receiving shelf. The equipment mounting metal plate is provided with an upper and a lower fitting pieces for fitting equipment extension metal pieces which install a second electronic equipment case in front of the wall overlaid on the first electronic equipment case. Additional installation of the electronic equipment case is conducted by attaching the equipment extension metal pieces to the upper and lower fitting pieces and attaching a second equipment mounting metal plate having the same structure to the equipment extension metal pieces. Thus, a plurality of the electronic equipment cases can be overlaid and installed in front of the wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Nunokawa, Kimitoshi Fujii
-
Patent number: 6520606Abstract: An urn display system is provided that can include anywhere from two or more urns stacked one upon another, and an ornament display can be placed on top of the stacked urns. Various connections between adjacent ones of the stacked urns are provided. Also provided is a wall panel removably engaged in a hole in the urn wall to provide access to the receptacle through the hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventor: Hewitt Robinson
-
Patent number: 6488346Abstract: A toolbox includes at least one case having a bottom panel, two side panels, a back panel and a top panel connected together to form an internal space. The connecting devices between these panels are integral keys and are corresponding slots respectively formed on the abutting surfaces on the panels. Consequently, these panels can be connected to one another without separate fasteners. A locking lip is formed on the top edge of the side panels and the back panel, and a corresponding locking wall is formed on one side of the top panel opposite to the back panel. Multiple ridges extend out laterally from the top edge of the locking lip and locking wall so a seat or a working table can be attached to the top of the toolbox to make the toolbox more useful.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Inventor: Kun-Chen Chen
-
Patent number: 6471308Abstract: The frameless, stackable cabinet system for use with rack mounted electronic equipment comprises stackable wall members that mechanically interconnect without the need for tools to assemble the cabinet. A base unit and cover unit provide the interlocking top and bottom members of the cabinet. The stackable wall members come in various heights and can be interlocked together and to both the base unit and cover unit to configure a cabinet of desired height. Each stackable wall member therefore not only provides a mounting site for a rack mounted piece of electronic equipment, but also serves to provide the wiring channels through openings formed in the stackable wall members. The cabinet system can be transported in a disassembled form to reduce shipping costs and can be simply assembled on site via the interlocking interconnection of the stackable wall members. The resultant cabinet can be reconfigured without a significant effort and the certification of the resultant cabinet configuration can be simplified.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1998Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Storage Technology CorporationInventors: Michael Vaughn Konshak, Dale Robert Eichel
-
Publication number: 20020121847Abstract: A loudspeaker box arrangement has a plurality of loudspeaker boxes. Adjacent boxes are actively connected to one another by connecting elements in a positionally adjustable manner. Adjacent boxes are pivotally connected at their front sides and joined by the connecting elements at their rear sides for adjusting the pivot angle between boxes. The connecting elements are automatically adjustable as to angle and/or length by a control unit for achieving the individual positional adjustment of a particular loudspeaker box.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Applicant: d&b audiotechnik AGInventor: Matthias Christner
-
Patent number: 6443542Abstract: A cabinet system includes first and second cabinets each including first and second side walls, upper and lower rectilinear frames extending between the side walls at vertically spaced-apart locations therealong and weldments connecting the upper and lower frames to the side walls to form a rigid housing. A pair of spaced-apart locating holes are formed in the side wall of the first cabinet adjacent to the lower frame thereof and an additional locating hole is present in the first wall of the first cabinet adjacent to the upper frame thereof. Further, a pair of spaced-part locating pins are provided in the second side wall of the second cabinet adjacent to the lower frame thereof along with an additional locating pin in the side wall of the second cabinet adjacent to the upper frame thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Compaq Computer CorporationInventors: Stephen E. Lindquist, James F. Staples, Richard E. Olson, Robert M. Mondor, Phil Tousignant, Kenneth D. Ganon
-
Patent number: 6435759Abstract: A device for connecting switchgear cabinets which can be attached to each other. The switchgear cabinets have racks with frame sections and form connecting frames extending as far as connecting planes. The frame sections have side sections which are oriented towards an inner space of the switchgear cabinet. Corresponding frame sections of the attached racks are interconnected by one or several connecting elements with a positive fit. The connecting elements are fixed at receptacles of the side sections. In order to provide considerable flexibility in attaching different types of switchgear cabinets, the vertical frame pieces connected to the connecting element have different cross-sectional dimensions, the connecting element is fixed to a fixing receptacle of the first frame section by a first fixing element, and the connecting element grips the second frame section with a clamping element.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Paul Root
-
Patent number: 6428126Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting a plurality of electronic, or electrical, devices include at least one elongated structural element that defines an elongated channel in which the devices can be supported. The structural element can be a singlepiece configuration. A plurality of support surfaces can be defined on the structural element, or can be defined on a support member which is mounted on the structural element. The support surfaces supportably contact each of the devices while the devices are supported on the structural element. Two or more structural elements can be connected to one another in a substantially parallel orientation to provide additional supporting capacity for additional devices. A fan can be employed to induce the flow of a stream of air through a respective structural element to facilitate cooling of the devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Co.Inventors: Darrel Poulter, Thomas W Ives, Jon Anson
-
Publication number: 20020092247Abstract: A columbarium for cremation remains constructed of at least one unit which includes a generally planar bottom surface and at least five vertical outer sides with each side having a corner. A cover supported by a plurality of walls which, along with said outer sides and said bottom, form compartments. An opening in each outer side providing access to a compartment for receiving cremation remains.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: M. Erskine Thomas, Ron Scarcella, H. L. Jordan
-
Publication number: 20020093272Abstract: An modular storage rack, display or cube system formed by snap together panels with alignment guides, which may also support wheels, shelves, drawers and doors. The system is assemble-in-place and may shipped and displayed for sale in a flat pack.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Darren Saravis
-
Publication number: 20020084729Abstract: A equipment mounting metal plate to be attached to a wall comprises a receiving shelf for placing a lower face of an electronic equipment case, a mounting base plate from which the receiving shelf is projected, and a fixing part for fixing the electronic equipment case to the receiving shelf. The equipment mounting metal plate is provided with an upper and a lower fitting pieces for fitting equipment extension metal pieces which install a second electronic equipment case in front of the wall overlaid on the first electronic equipment case. Additional installation of the electronic equipment case is conducted by attaching the equipment extension metal pieces to the upper and lower fitting pieces and attaching a second equipment mounting metal plate having the same structure to the equipment extension metal pieces. Thus, a plurality of the electronic equipment cases can be overlaid and installed in front of the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Nunokawa, Kimitoshi Fujii
-
Publication number: 20020070641Abstract: A unitary container for the accessible storage and convenient transportation of books and/or the like featuring top and bottom surfaces which are other than solid, being composed of various longitudinal slats spaced such that, when two or more units are stacked in a bookcase configuration, the top slats of lower units interpose between the bottom slats of upper units to form an effectively solid planar shelf for the storage of books and/or the like within each upper unit. The spaces between the slats are large enough to allow this function, and at the same time small enough to provide effective containment of books and/or the like when an individual container is removed from the stack and used for transportation of said books and/or the like. Additionally, the container features conventional nesting means whereby it may be stacked and interlocked with other like containers in an alternate configuration with the planes of the rear panels parallel to the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: Sean Michael Ragan
-
Patent number: 6385551Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for obtaining a connection characteristic (e.g., pin wipe) of a connection assembly having a first set of contacts (e.g., pin-receiving contacts of circuit board connectors) and a second set of contacts (e.g., pins of backplane connectors) using less destructive approaches than a conventional disassembly approach. In particular, the invention does not rely on disassembling a backplane from a card cage and cutting connectors. Rather, in one arrangement, the invention uses a test structure in place of a normal operating circuit board. The test structure includes a support member (e.g., circuit board material) that supports the first set of contacts, and that is capable of moving relative to the second set of contacts. The test structure further includes a detection circuit, coupled to the support member, that detects an electrical event resulting from movement of the first set of contacts relative to the second set of contacts (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: EMC CorporationInventor: Frank Rienzo
-
Patent number: 6364133Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Honeyware, Inc.Inventor: Tony L. Sheng
-
Patent number: 6360422Abstract: A method of securing a mounting bracket on a wall of a structural member comprises inserting lugs of the mounting bracket through slots through a wall of the member and securing the lugs to an inside surface of the wall. The mounting bracket is used for mounting the structural member within a cabinet by sliding the member in snug fit within a cabinet, the internal securing of the lugs avoiding interference with the snug fitting relationship.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Lucent Technologies, IncInventor: Lit-Yan Kam
-
Publication number: 20020017839Abstract: A frame structure of a playing machine includes upright posts located at corner positions of the entire frame and each having an outer face provided with two outer grooves facing outward. A transverse rod has two ends each defining a positioning hole for securing the transverse rod to the upright post by a positioning member. The transverse rod itself defines an insertion groove. The insertion grooves of two adjacent transverse rods align with each other for allowing insertion of a glass piece or a plate. Alternatively, a frame rod has a protruding plate inserted into the outer groove or the insertion groove, and has an insertion groove allowing insertion of a glass piece or a plate. The transverse rod is provided with a locking groove for allowing insertion of a press plate which co-operates with the lip of the transverse rod to clip a partition plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2000Publication date: February 14, 2002Applicant: Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming Shan Wei
-
Patent number: 6332533Abstract: A media holder mouse pad having an upper half casing and a bottom half casing that when sandwiched together forms a storage compartment therebetween for storing 3.5 inch floppy diskettes, CDs, DVDs, mini DVDs, and the like. In the diskettes/disk storage mode, the casing can be but not limited to triangular, rectangular, and polygonal shapes and can easily be placed in the mail and/or stored similar to traditional diskette/disc cases. The upper half casing and the bottom half casing can be completely separated and has connectors on their respective sides for allowing each half to be attached in a side by side arrangement so that it can be used as a work surface for supporting mouse pads, and the like. The arrangement is expandable so that other casing halves can be attached side by side so that a larger workplace surface can be formed for supporting other objects such as laptop computers and the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: H.H.H. IncorproratedInventor: Harry J. Howisen
-
Patent number: 6332657Abstract: To assemble pieces of furniture, for example shelves, hollow supporting shapes (1, 2, 3) having a rectangular cross-section are connected by means of Lshaped angle braces (4) and tenons (5) which can be inserted into the ends of the shapes so as to form frames (19, 21), and assembled into cubic pieces of furniture using said shapes (3) as upright posts. According to the invention, frame shapes (23) having four chambers are preferably also used, which can save as the resting edges for shelves (22). These frame shapes (23) have a slot (36, 37, 38, 39) for each chamber, in which slots sliding door elements (33, 34) of different thicknesses can be held by means of an elastic shape (35) in such a way that the doors can easily be displaced. Said elastic shapes (35) preferably comprise grooves (36, 37, 38, 39) of different thicknesses for receiving the sliding door elements (33, 34).Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Lukas Fischer Chamaeleon DesignInventor: Lukas Fischer
-
Patent number: 6325472Abstract: A fastening device attaches a printed circuit board, such as a backplane, within a support framework of an electrical cabinet. The fastening device includes two adjacent members of the support framework. A threaded stud is attached to one of the members and extends toward the adjacent member. A captive fastener is attached to the other adjacent member. The captive fastener has a thread that cooperates with the thread of the stud. The fastener is aligned with the stud, the cooperative thread of the fastener is capable of engaging the thread of the stud. The fastening device secures the printed circuit board between the adjacent members of the support framework.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: EMC CorporationInventors: Paul T. Tirrell, Erik Nelson, Edward Claproad
-
Patent number: 6318822Abstract: A clothes cabinet adapted for mounting in a wardrobe, the clothes cabinet including a plurality of individual boxes, and at least one coupling wire rod adapted to secure the individual boxes in a stack, the individual boxes each having two vertical side panels, a horizontal bottom panel, a horizontal top panel, and a plurality of upper peripheral barrels and lower peripheral barrels horizontally aligned along top and bottom sides of the respective two vertical side panels, the at least one coupling wire rod each having a curved middle section attached to the horizontal top panel of one individual box at a bottom side, and two end rod sections respectively perpendicularly extended from two distal ends of the curved middle section and inserted into the lower peripheral barrels of one of the individual boxes and the upper peripheral barrels of a second of the individual boxes.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
-
Patent number: 6318672Abstract: The invention provides a quick disconnect mounting system for cabinets and partitions which entails only the removal of one or two bolt fasteners on the bottom of the cabinet and a pair of retractable pin fasteners on the upper portions of the cabinet, with an optional retractable pin fastener in the center rear of the cabinet. Each of these acoustical mounts are insulated, thus preventing vibration in the structural portion of the fuselage from entering the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Cessna Aircraft CompanyInventor: David L. Traylor
-
Patent number: 6312068Abstract: In a row of adjacent switchgear cabinets with a frame, vertical frame pieces of adjacent switchgear cabinets are connected to each other and the top and bottom sides of the frame are closed by upper and lower metal sheets which have edges at least on the sides facing each other. The edges are staggered in relation to the outer sides of the adjacent frame pieces and form a type of groove with the end pieces of the edges and/or the profiled sides of the horizontal frame pieces facing each other. The grooves in an area of the top and bottom metal sheets of the adjacent switchgear cabinets are protected from water penetration because they are sealed respectively in the area of the top and/or bottom metal sheets of the switchgear cabinets by a covering strip running from the front face to the rear face of the switchgear cabinet flush with the top and bottom metal sheets.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rolf Benner, Wolfgang Reuter, Paul Root, Martina Köhler, Udo Münch
-
Patent number: 6267462Abstract: A modular cabinet system is disclosed whereby a number of modules can be combined to form a unique cabinet configuration. Each module may be an accessory, such as a lamp or cable duct, or a storage compartment. The storage compartment may be configured as a square or rectangular box with one open side and side walls made of a multiplex. Each side wall has at least one system hole and at least one system thread positioned so that the holes and threads of one module line up with the holes and threads of another module for assembly. The pre-existing system holes and threads allow the modules to be separated and combined repeatedly without damage.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Inventors: Helge Krause, Hans-Peter Welke
-
Patent number: 6246022Abstract: A connecting element is provided which has integrated catches in the area of the engagement sections, so that after they are inserted into engagement grooves have a matching shape on the individual contactors, the catches are engaged on a housing contour. Due to this design, when the individual contactor is screwed onto a base plate, dislocation of the connecting elements and migration to the base plate is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Stephan Faber, Klaus-Dieter Paul
-
Patent number: 6216894Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Robert Hendricks
-
Patent number: 6193340Abstract: A snap-together file storage system includes a plurality of storage units stacked on each other. Each storage unit includes a cabinet having a forwardly-opening cavity, and a drawer slidably received with in the cavity. The cabinet and drawer are constructed of plastic panels that are locked together by way of tabs of a first panel inserted into slots of an adjacent panel. The panels may be disassembled by removing the tabs from the slots. One or more optional accessories may be mounted on the storage units by way of tongues inserted into tabs.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Geographics, Inc.Inventors: David A. Schenker, Jeffrey M. Kildow
-
Patent number: 6176561Abstract: A desk or worksurface arrangement is provided which has a cable management slot along a back edge of the worksurface wherein removable end caps enclose the opposite ends of the slot. The caps retain cabling within the cable management slot but are removable without tools to permit the cabling to be slid out of the slot or past horizontally to an adjacent desk. The end caps may also be fixedly attached to a vertical storage unit to connect the vertical storage unit to the top of the desk arrangement while permitting the vertical storage unit to be removed from the desk without requiring tools.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Haworth, Inc.Inventors: Bryan Roels, Chris Simmons, Tim Fookes, Bret Marschand
-
Patent number: 6120116Abstract: A circuit board storage cabinet assembly provided having first and second panel members, a plurality of elongate frame members connected to the panel members, and a plurality of side panels. Each of the frame members has a first pair of grooves disposed perpendicularly to each other and a second pair of grooves disposed perpendicularly to each other. The second pair of grooves of adjacent frame members cooperate to hold a circuit board. Each of the side panels has two edges, with each elongate frame member first pair of grooves having disposed therein adjacent side panels. Each side panel has two side edges, a central planar portion having a planar outer surface and a planar inner surface, a panel insert portion directly adjacent each of the side edges, and a pair of intermediate panel portions, with each of the intermediate panel portions extending between the central planar portion and one of the panel insert portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Buckeye Stamping Company, Inc.Inventor: Render W. Phillips
-
Patent number: 6116403Abstract: A clip or protrusion which is built into the mechanism of a parking meter allows the mechanism to be attached outside the meter housing in an upright position so that it can be evaluated and simple repairs can be performed quickly without dropping the mechanism onto the pavement. By designing the clip with tapered notches, the mechanism can be attached to various thicknesses or styles of meter housings.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: P.O.M. Inc.Inventor: William C. Kiehl
-
Patent number: 6109707Abstract: A storage case including a boxlike outer body section and an inner storage section that is slid into the outer body section. The storage case further includes a slidable joint member supported by an engaging section supported by the bottom of the outer body section, wherein adjacent cases can be easily joined by sliding out the joint member of one of the storage cases and inserting nad engaging the joint member with the engaging section of the other case.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Ozaki
-
Patent number: 6102219Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
-
Patent number: 6086170Abstract: A combination compact disk storage box includes a bottom shell, a top cover shell, and a plurality of indiviudal compact disk holder units arranged in a stack between the bottom shell and the top cover shell for holding individual compact disks respectively, wherein each individual compact disk holder unit includes a holder base, a sliding compact disk carriage moved in and out of the holder base for holding a individual compact disk, and a linkage coupled between the holder base and the sliding compact disk carriage for enabling the sliding compact disk carriage to be moved in and out of the holder base.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventor: Winallin Chen
-
Patent number: 6061237Abstract: A computer, or electronic device, according to which two fans are mounted on a mounting member which, in turn, is mounted to a wall of the chassis of the computer or component so that the fans establish an air flow in the chassis in a predetermined direction. The fans are mounted to the mounting member, and the mounting member is mounted to the wall, in a manner so that the fans extend at an angle to the wall and so that the space occupied by the fans is less than the space that the fans would occupy when mounted in a side-by-side relation and parallel to the wall. The fans are also positioned so that, if one fails, the other will cool the components normally cooled by the failed fan.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.Inventors: Steve Sands, Andrew L. McAnally, R. Steven Mills
-
Patent number: 6050657Abstract: A modular shelf system having a plurality of shelf modules of various sizes for constructing a modular system for storing or displaying variously sized items. Each module includes opposed walls with an open front side. One wall presents a male attachment structure while the opposed wall defines a female receptacle configured to receive the male attachment structure. The system includes a pair of finish panels for attractively covering the attachment structures of the modules. One panel includes a first generally smooth side and a second side that defines a female receptacle such that the panel can be detachably coupled with a male attachment structure of a shelf module. The second panel presents a first smooth side and a second side having a male attachment structure suitable for detachably coupling with a female receptacle of a shelf module. The lower wall of each shelf module presents connectors which can be detachably coupled with apertures in each upper shelf module wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventor: Jerry R. Hiltzman
-
Patent number: 6027188Abstract: A case to counter conversion kit includes two case bodies which are positioned to form a storage space between them. Two shelves are attached between the case bodies to provide storage surfaces and to lock the bodies together, thereby forming a stable base for a counter. The shelves include tongues along opposite edges of the shelves. The tongues slide into tracks or moldings attached in channels which are located on opposing faces of the case bodies, thereby locking the shelves and bodies together. A multi-section counter top is attached to the tops of the case bodies and locked in place by pins located in channels on the tops of the case bodies which engage slots in mating faces of the counter top sections. A roll-up counter top cover fits into a recess in the top of the counter assembly. A flexible panel is wrapped around the case bodies and secured in place with hook and loop fasteners. A hinged door is attached to the flexible panel and provides access to the storage space between the case bodies.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Classic Exhibits, Inc.Inventor: Lowell W. Nickens
-
Patent number: 6003924Abstract: A modular drawer system is particularly adapted for installation on vehicular load-carrying surfaces such as the beds of pickup trucks and the cargo-supporting floors of utility vehicles to transport and store tools, machinery parts, building materials and the like in an orderly, easily-accessible manner. The system's modularity provides highly variable alternative stacked configurations and volumes to accommodate different vehicles. Although lightweight and easily installable, the system nevertheless is highly resistant to displacement under the dynamic forces typically experienced in vehicular applications, and is also highly resistant to vertical loading.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventors: Robert E. Nicol, Ernest W. Laitinen
-
Patent number: 5992953Abstract: First and second L-shaped brackets are secured to first and second computer peripheral units. The upright back portions of both of the brackets have holes or openings in them. With the first unit stacked on the second and their respective brackets aligned, a first male member of a connector device is snap fit in a hole in one of the brackets and a second male member of that device is snap fit in a hole in the other bracket. The two brackets and connector device form a connector assembly, which with (three) other similar assemblies, hold the stacked unit together. Bottom members, top cap members and/or center members can be snap fit onto the brackets to provide flexibility in use and to provide a smooth attractive outer appearance. According to one preferred embodiment, the assemblies can be disassembled without tools. The brackets, connector device, and the other members can be sold as a kit together with differently-sized brackets to accommodate different sizes (heights) of units.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Josef Rabinovitz
-
Patent number: 5947569Abstract: A telescopingly adjustable furniture article is provided for filling an office space where the footprint dimensions of the office space are not known ahead of time or are likely to be periodically changed to different sizes. The furniture article includes a desk having a work surface with ends, a support for supporting one of the ends, and a foot on the other end. A storage unit or cabinet having a top is provided. The foot adjustably rests on the top so that the top supports the other end of the work surface, but so that the furniture unit is horizontally adjustable to different locations partially under the work surface. A Z-bracket interconnects the work surface to the top of the cabinet to secure the relationship of the cabinet and the desk. The furniture article can advantageously be used by itself, in combination with a building wall or demountable architectural wall, or in combination with a partition system to define a plurality of non-uniformly dimensioned offices.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: Alan E. Rheault, Mark W. Chamberlin, Samuel J. Ellison, George J. Simons
-
Patent number: 5944439Abstract: A shelving connector has symmetrical arms for locking insertion into metal shelving. The shelving and the connector preferably include radiused surfaces for safety and attractive appearance. The radiused edges of the metal shelving serve a dual function of stiffening the shelving and providing a receiver for arms projecting from the connector. The connector preferably has resilient tabs which are captured in apertures in the receivers. The connector can be advantageously formed from injection molded ABS plastic.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1996Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Safco Products Co.Inventors: Thomas L. Ellsworth, Stanley R. Thorud
-
Patent number: 5941616Abstract: A system for constructing modular furniture from one or more file boxes. The system includes a rigid rectangular frame having top and bottom faces adapted to engage the file boxes. The top face has a rim extending up from the top face for surrounding a file box mounted on the top face. The bottom face has a rim extending down from the bottom face for surrounding a file box mounted on the bottom face.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Delta Design Development LimitedInventor: Paul R. Billingham
-
Patent number: 5921643Abstract: A zero clearance connecting system for use in locating and connecting together first and second housings, with each housing having a predefined interior envelope, is provided. The system comprises a locating and connecting pin having first and second ends attached to the first housing. A head is located at the first end of the pin and has a reduced diameter portion. A shank portion is located adjacent to the head and installed in an aperture defined in a surface of the first housing, with the head protruding from the surface by a predetermined distance. A slot having a large portion and a smaller portion is defined in a mating surface of the second housing. The smaller portion of the slot is in a complementary position to the head when the first and second housings are located and connected together. The large portion of the slot is sized for insertion of the head into the slot.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1996Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventor: Terry W. Louth
-
Patent number: 5893617Abstract: A connecting assembly for horizontal boards and wall boards of a cabinet. Each of the horizontal boards and wall boards is formed with clamping channels along lateral sides. The connecting assembly comprises upper T-blocks, lateral T-blocks, inner cross-blocks and L-shaped corner blocks each of which is formed by a vertical slat and at least one horizontal slat. One edge of the vertical slat is formed with shallow or deep dovetail notches at equal intervals. The dovetail notches have reversely inclined faces which are interlaced, or have inclined faces. The horizontal slat has corresponding dovetail tenons spaced from each other by a distance equal to or double that of the dovetail notches.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignee: M. F. Interior Design Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shang-Ming Lee
-
Patent number: 5826955Abstract: Modular cabinetry is provided comprising a plurality of interchangeably stackable cabinet units and at least one coupling member for restricting relative shifting of adjacent stacked units. Each cabinet unit includes at least one upwardly projecting top flange and at least one downwardly projecting bottom flange such that adjacent stacked units present a set of cooperating flanges comprising a bottom flange of the upper unit and a top flange of the lower unit. The coupling member includes a pair of oppositely facing grooves for receiving the set of flanges when the member is interposed between stacked units.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Karen L. SandersInventors: Karen L. Sanders, Denzel W. Gibbens, Thomas A. Thiel
-
Patent number: 5813791Abstract: In order to couple and fix a first chassis and a second chassis, the first chassis is positioned relative to the second chassis. Then, coupling members are inserted into pairs of first and second coupling grooves, respectively. The first chassis has the first coupling grooves provided in upper portions of the first chassis and extending from a front wall along side walls, respectively, and the second chassis having second coupling grooves provided in lower portions of the second chassis and extending from a front wall along side walls, respectively. Finally, the coupling members are fixed to both of the first chassis and the second chassis.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Yasuhiro Kubota