Joints And Connectors Patents (Class 312/140)
  • Patent number: 6883879
    Abstract: A display case assembly system includes several closed frame tubes, each closed frame tube including two closed frame tube longitudinal ends, at least one closed frame tube longitudinal end including a fastener receiving structure; several laterally breakable frame tubes, each breakable frame tube including a breakable frame tube mounting section having a fastener port; at least one fastener fitted through the fastener port in one of the mounting section and into one of the fastener receiving structures in one of the closed frame tube longitudinal ends, so that at least one breakable frame tube is fastened to one closed frame tube longitudinal end; a breakable frame tube cover section with snap engagement structures for snap engagement with the mounting section to form a composite tube concealing the at least one fastener; and a panel mounted and extending between the closed frame tube and the breakable frame tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Jim S. Latchinian
  • Publication number: 20040075371
    Abstract: A display case assembly system includes several closed frame tubes, each closed frame tube including two closed frame tube longitudinal ends, at least one closed frame tube longitudinal end including a fastener receiving structure; several laterally breakable frame tubes, each breakable frame tube including a breakable frame tube mounting section having a fastener port; at least one fastener fitted through the fastener port in one of the mounting section and into one of the fastener receiving structures in one of the closed frame tube longitudinal ends, so that at least one breakable frame tube is fastened to one closed frame tube longitudinal end; a breakable frame tube cover section with snap engagement structures for snap engagement with the mounting section to form a composite tube concealing the at least one fastener; and a panel mounted and extending between the closed frame tube and the breakable frame tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jim S. Latchinian
  • Patent number: 6560842
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of constructing a food display case. The construction techniques make use of a crimping tool which stitches together overlapping metal flange portions of the component display panel. The resulting stitched seams permit the rapid assembly of the non-glass structural components. In situ foaming of the spaces between the interior and exterior display walls, floor panels, and top panels, provides a rigid spaced connection between the adjacent panels and provides for the overall rigidity and increased strength of the resulting display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Kusel, Harry A. Brancheau
  • Patent number: 6543865
    Abstract: A display case includes at least two adjacent modules. Each of the modules includes an upper frame support and lower frame support. Each of the frame supports include carrying frame sections and corner connecting members. The carrying frame members are adapted to be rigidly connected to the corner connecting members. At least one intermodule connecting member interconnects adjacent modules. The at least one intermodule connecting member is adapted to be rigidly connected to the corner connecting members of the adjacent modules. The corner connecting members are formed as prisms and have grooves on vertical surfaces for engagement with protrusions contained on the carrying frame sections or the at least one intermodule connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Louda
  • Publication number: 20030057810
    Abstract: A sneeze guard includes at least one post having an extension section and a shelf section. A mount is coupled to the shelf section, and a panel is coupled to the mount so as to define a shelf. A heat and light unit is coupled to the post beneath the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Brass Smith Inc.
    Inventor: Chuck DeWitt
  • Patent number: 6530627
    Abstract: A glass display case being held together by clamping fittings and a clamping fitting for the corner connection of three adjoining wall structures, especially glass panes or the like. The clamping fitting presents a central coupling member, to which are associated three rotatable and lockable connecting axles, the center longitudinal axes of which respectively stretch out or extend radially with regard to the coupling member at an angle of approximately 120 degrees from one another. At their free end opposite to the coupling member, the connecting axles present a stiffening connector articulation for the connection to an adapter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: DORMA GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Patent number: 6471434
    Abstract: A joint structure, which allows a user to individually assemble and strengthens the stability of steel pipes. The joint structure mainly comprises of a fixture element, which can be slipped into a vertical steel pipe, a joint block, which connects two transversal steel pipes on the inner sides, and a fixture screw, which fastens a joint block and the vertical steel pipe to unite both of the transversal steel pipes and the vertical steel pipe. On the bottom of the vertical steel pipe and the fixture element, there are overlapped fixture screw holes. Both of the inner ends of the transversal steel pipes having clip holes. On the bottom of the extension panels located on the lateral sides of the joint block, there are inert blocks, which fit exactly with the clip holes. In the middle of the joint block, there is a piercing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventors: Hsueh-Hung Chin, Philip Lo
  • Patent number: 6467857
    Abstract: A sales counter has at least one merchandise compartment for keeping merchandise ready to be sold. The opening of the merchandise compartment is equipped on the service side with a board-like closing element which can be actuated, and which is engaged via at least one component located along one of its longitudinal edges. There is at least one associated, stationary component holder along an edge of the service-side opening. Each closing element comprises a flap element, whereby a component of the flap element is offset by a predetermined measure toward the service side versus the plane of the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Fritz Hakemann
  • Patent number: 6447079
    Abstract: Shadowboxes traditionally have been used to show, and at the same time protect, hobbyist's items on display. The arrival of limited edition collectibles has led to a revival of the crafts of fabricating, not only shadowboxes, but other multiple compartment storage cases for use by hobbyists. Unfortunately the compartments in such cases cannot meet all of the size and shape requirements needed for various items now being collected. Such shadowboxes and stowage cases are not quite practical because they must be made to order. They also are not useable by artists and others desiring storage compartments that are not visible. Provided herein are multiple compartment storage cases that meet the stowage requirements for a wide variety of articles because they can be assembled by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Russell S. Irwin
  • Patent number: 6419331
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Paokai Electronic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming Shan Wei
  • Publication number: 20020074907
    Abstract: A glass display case being held together by clamping fittings and a clamping fitting for the corner connection of three adjoining wall structures, especially glass panes or the like. The invention focuses on the fact that the clamping fitting presents a central coupling member, to which are associated three rotatable and lockable connecting axles, the center longitudinal axes of which respectively stretch out or extend radially with regard to the coupling member at an angle of approximately 120 degrees from one another, whereby, at their free end opposite to the coupling member, the connecting axles present a stiffening connector articulation for the connection to an adapter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Patent number: 6398322
    Abstract: A showcase comprises a base, a plurality of side walls and a roof. Elongate connecting members, for connecting the side walls to the base, each have a channel defined therein for receiving a lower edge of a respective one of the side walls. Releasable fastenings, preferably in the form of screws, are provided for fastening the connecting members to the base. Further such connecting members may also be provided for connecting the side walls to the roof. The edges of the side walls may be fixed in the respective channels of the connecting members using adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Netherfield Visual Limited
    Inventor: Michael Peter Brian Chaplin
  • Patent number: 6375284
    Abstract: A cabinet which is demountable. Walls (11) of the cabinet (10) are joined edge to edge by join elements (12). At the apex (15) of each intersection of the walls there is a retainer (14). The retainers (14) prevent the joiner elements from being removed. One of the retainers which is the last to be installed when the cabinet is assembled is lockable. The retainer (16) needs to be unlocked and removed before any of the joiner elements (12) and retainer elements (14) can be removed to disassemble the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Manfred Frank Patent Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Manfred Johannes Frank
  • Patent number: 6322174
    Abstract: An arrangement for exhibiting an object, for example a flower arrangement. It includes a bottom panel (2) and a panel made of a transparent material (3) between which the object is adapted to be placed and members are adapted to secure the bottom panel relative to the transparent panel. The arrangements has a frame molding (1) which is adapted to surround the bottom panel (2) and the transparent panel (3). The frame molding has a first cavity (5) extending around and inside the frame molding (1) in which the bottom panel (2) is adapted to be secured. On an inside thereof the frame molding has a second cavity (6) that is disposed a distance from the first cavity (5) in which the transparent panel (3) is disposed after being inserted and rested therein. The arrangement has further a member adapted to permit pushing in and pulling out of the transparent panel into and out from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Åsa Palmqvist
  • Patent number: 6318672
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Cessna Aircraft Company
    Inventor: David L. Traylor
  • Publication number: 20010037988
    Abstract: In a basic rack, particularly for equipment cabinets, which has transverse profiles, depth profiles and vertical profiles connected by means of corner connectors, the profiles engageable on the fixing extensions of the corner connectors are fixed from the inside of the basic rack with the aid of one clamping means and one connecting element in a clamping fastening. In an advantageous development the transverse, depth and vertical profiles, as well as the associated fixing extensions of the corner connectors have a triangular construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Josef Knab, Alexander Prinz, Siegfried Schneiderbauer, Klaus Neuwardt
  • Patent number: 6223917
    Abstract: A profile arrangement for building exhibition or shop systems is described which has the purpose of expanding the multiple usage possibilities of such profiles and improving the aesthetic effects particularly by additional different colorations. For this purpose, it is provided that, in the case of a polygonal profile, which by way of corner pieces with projecting pins can be assembled with others, on at least two lateral surfaces abutting to form an edge, one recess respectively is provided which continues along the profile length and which is used for sliding in a strip consisting of a material other than that of the profile. This strip may have a colored design and thus, while one and the same profile is used, permits the achieving of different aesthetic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Octanorm-Vertriebs-GmbH fuer Bauelemente
    Inventor: Hans Bruder
  • Patent number: 6082837
    Abstract: A modular display system of interlocking components, and more particularly, a modular cubic display frame, comprising two sets of four mitered frame members, the two sets defining opposing rectangular end planes, and a set of longitudinal frame members extending perpendicularly between the corners of the two end planes. The end and the longitudinal frame members are interconnected at each corner utilizing a threaded bolt or screw having a lipped head. The lip projecting from the head engages a corresponding groove formed in the outer surfaces of the mitered corners of the end frame members, while the externally-threaded shaft of the screw engages an internally-threaded bore in the end of the longitudinal frame member. All of the frame members have longitudinal channels formed along each side and one corner, for attaching two modular display frames to each other, or for attaching a variety of auxiliary devices to a display frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Alu, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilberto Battochio, James C. Maharg
  • Patent number: 6074027
    Abstract: A combination type antique display shelf, with a first plate body, a first frame body, a middle placement plate body, a second frame body and a second plate body. The first plate body is fixed by screws to the bottom of the first plate body to form a base. The top of the first frame body is fixed by screws to the bottom of the second frame body, and the middle separating plate body is fixed by screws to the inside of the joint of the first frame body and the second frame body, to serve as a middle separating plate. Finally, the second plate body is fixed by screws to the top of the second frame body, to serve as a top plate. Conventional window glass are fitted to the frames and the display shelf is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Collins Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Chang
  • Patent number: 6065724
    Abstract: A cabinet having brackets disposed to support shelves behind glass panes of the front wall of the cabinet in a location concealed behind one horizontal mullion. The cabinet has at least two other vertical walls having a plurality of pre-drilled screw holes for attaching brackets, and at least one shelf which fits behind the front wall and between the vertical walls. Each bracket is generally L-shaped, having a flat vertical leg bearing a plurality of holes for passing a fastener and a flat horizontal leg for supporting a shelf. The vertical leg has two short extensions projecting beyond the horizontal leg, thereby stabilizing the bracket against tilting responsive to weight being imposed thereon. The horizontal leg has a neck adjoining the vertical leg which enlarges to form a broad head. The head is rounded and is of width no greater than that of the vertical leg. Distal ends of the short extensions and of the main section of the vertical leg are also rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventors: Robert Arslan, Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 6062664
    Abstract: A rack for a switch cabinet includes rack members and corner members with connecting projections thereon insertable into connecting receptacles on the rack members. Each rack member, symmetrical about a diagonal plane therealong, is in the form of multiply-curved, open hollow profile sections which form a pair of the connecting receptacles to receive the connecting projections extending from the corner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Rolf Benner
  • Patent number: 6042202
    Abstract: The showcase includes a closure mechanism which compresses a seal by pulling the door panels against the main frame from inside. To this aim, a closure rod is mounted to the main frame which has alternating segments with expanded and contracted cross-sections, and a plurality of binding elements are mounted to the door panel for engagement by the rod. Each binding element has a rod-receiving socket of sufficient width to accommodate the expanded cross-section segments of the rod; the socket is formed with a side gap for admitting the rod whose width allows the contracted cross-section segments of the rod therethrough but not the its expanded cross-section segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Goppion S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Goppion
  • Patent number: 5951126
    Abstract: A locker door retrofit assembly is disclosed which is adapted for replacing door assemblies on metallic or other lockers with a plastic door assembly. The locker door retrofit assembly may include a plastic jamb hinge that covers the existing hinge and a door assembly. The retrofit locker assembly may be assembled off-site and attached to the existing locker assembly as one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Compression Polymers Group
    Inventors: John C. Wolff, Scott R. Gardner, Delbert P. Keisling, Jr., Kevin T. Burt
  • Patent number: 5870868
    Abstract: An outer frame (71) is formed by orderly connecting four connecting blocks (74) arranged at predetermined intervals with four beam members (75). The connecting block (74) is made of heat insulating synthetic resin as well as the beam member (75). A lower cover (73) is fitted in a lower surface of the outer frame (71) and an upper cover (72) is fitted in an upper surface of the outer frame (71). Foamable synthetic resin is charged into a panel space (P) enclosed by the outer frame (71) and both the covers (72), (73) from a filling port (84).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Sinko Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kita, Hideyuki Sato
  • Patent number: 5839248
    Abstract: A frame assembly which can be converted to various shapes to hold different articles. Inner and outer frame members are utilized with the inner frame member serving to hold a panel or flat plate thus forming an enclosure. The frame members are connected to joints to form the frame assembly. With each joint having a U-shaped plate housing a fastening element which attaches to each outer frame member in a snap fit relationship. A screw rod and adjusting bolt enable a detachable connection between the U-shaped plate and the fastening element. Dual fins of the fastening element behind corresponding protruded blocks lying within the outer frame to allow for connection between frame the fastening element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Rui-Wen Liang
  • Patent number: 5810458
    Abstract: A locker door retrofit assembly is disclosed which is adapted for replacing door assemblies on metallic or other lockers with a plastic door assembly. The locker door retrofit assembly may include a plastic jamb hinge that covers the existing hinge and a door assembly. The retrofit locker assembly may be assembled off-site and attached to the existing locker assembly as one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Compression Polymers Group
    Inventors: John C. Wolff, Scott R. Gardner, Delbert P. Keisling, Jr., Kevin T. Burt
  • Patent number: 5810505
    Abstract: A fastener assembly adapted for use with furniture components. The fastener assembly includes a generally tubular insert having two ends and threads on both its exterior and interior surfaces. The exterior threads of the insert engage a body, such as a planar panel, through which the insert extends. The insert is installed in the body whereby the interior threads of the insert are accessible from both ends of the insert. Threaded fasteners may then be attached to both ends of the insert to thereby secure objects to the body in which the insert has been installed. The threaded fasteners which may be used with the inserts include common bolts as well as grooved dowels which are enageable with a camming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay M. Henriott, Grover L. Miller
  • Patent number: 5791498
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rack mount mechanism that includes first and second recessed slides fixed in a stationary position and first and second mounting brackets slideably mounted on the first and second recessed slides, respectively. The first and second mounting brackets each have front and back ends extending, for example, perpendicularly inward from the base of the mounting brackets. A frame is included which is attachable to the computer enclosure and has front and back rails. Each rail has an edge extending, for example, perpendicularly outward from the base of the rail and each edge has a plurality of apertures. An angled bar-nut is coupled to each of the rails by threading the angled portion of each angled bar-nut through an aperture in the edge of the rail and including a screw and a cage nut to secure the angled portion of each angled bar-nut to the edge of each rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Dell U.S.A., L.P.
    Inventor: Richard S. Mills
  • Patent number: 5746508
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes one or more corner structures for connecting adjacent panels at their adjacent corners or edges at predetermined angles to each other. The corner structures include sockets of which at least one includes a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels with the other sockets each including at least a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels. Adjacent ones of the sockets are attached to each other at cantilevered ends or at the bases of the flange limbs, or at combinations thereof. The corner structure can be fabricated from sheet metal by cutting and stamping the corner structure according to a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Lite Corporation
    Inventor: Paul W. Chin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5715956
    Abstract: A joint for modular shelves which allows assembly or disassembly of shelves more simply in a short period of time, and a modular shelf system using the same. The joint includes a flattered columnar body, one end surface of which forms a front surface and the other end surface of which forms a rear surface. A circumferential side surface of the flattened columnar body is provided with left and right rear frame-fitting slits extending in parallel with the front surface, side frame-fitting slits extending in right angles to the rear frame-fitting slits, and L-shaped shelf-fitting slits which have first side parts extending along the rear frame-fitting slits and second side parts extending along the side frame-fitting slits and which are provided on the left and right sides of the side frame-fitting slits. These slits include both upwardly opened slits and downwardly opened slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: NS Planning Inc.
    Inventor: Tsukasa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5647181
    Abstract: The invention provides the peripheral edge portions of rigid sheet-like panels with locking edges arranged for mating, snap-fit locking engagement by panel connector members, whereby a plurality of panels may be connected together to form building structures such as doll houses, children's play houses, utility sheds and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Larry David Hunts
  • Patent number: 5613770
    Abstract: A lighting fixture includes one or more corner structures for connecting adjacent panels at their adjacent real or virtual corners or edges at predetermined angles to each other. The corner structures include sockets of which at least one includes a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels with the other sockets each including at least a single flange member for adhering support on one side of lighting fixture panels. Adjacent ones of the sockets are attached to each other at cantilevered ends or at the bases of the flange limbs, or at combinations thereof. The corner structure can be fabricated from sheet metal by cutting and stamping the corner structure according to a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Lite Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Chin, Jr., Hsing M. Keng
  • Patent number: 5611637
    Abstract: A furniture fitting for connecting parts of an article of furniture includes a dowel to be inserted into a hole in one furniture part and an expansion member movable relative to the dowel between a relaxed position, enabling the dowel to be inserted into the hole, and an expanded position, enabling the dowel to be locked in the hole. A holding member is mounted with respect to the expansion member for rotatable movement relative to the dowel to actuate the expansion member to move to or from the expanded position thereof upon such rotatable movement relative to the dowel. The holding member is to be connected to another furniture part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Julius Blum Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Klaus Brustle, Emanuel Netzer, Edgar Huber
  • Patent number: 5605396
    Abstract: A single or multi-tier lighting fixture includes intra-tier and inter-tier corner structures for connecting adjacent panels at their adjacent corners at predetermined angles to each other, within and across one or more horizontal tiers. The corner structures include sockets including flange members for straddling connection to opposite sides of the panels being connected. The adjacent ones of the sockets are attached to each other for connecting the adjacent panels in a single or multi-tier lighting fixture, and tiered structures include the corner structures which are adhesively connected to the panels in the lighting structure. The tiers of panels may be structurally supportable by rods and struts connecting tier support plates, or rings, and selected corner structures of the lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Lite Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Chin, Jr., Hsing M. Keng
  • Patent number: 5605344
    Abstract: A cart for transporting materials along a floor having a base positioned parallel to the floor. Positioned above the base is a rectangular cover having a first side edge, a second side edge and a back edge defining three sides of a rectangle. A first side support, a second side support and a back support each extend from the base to the cover. Four vertical supports extend from the base to contact the cover at four points substantially aligned with a first diagonal of the rectangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Insalaco, Edgar B. Montague
  • Patent number: 5599082
    Abstract: A hardened load carrying device includes a unitarily constructed container for holding the load. The container has an opening which is partially bordered by a slot that includes opposed crooked thumbs which project into the channel of the slot. A door for covering the opening of the container has a pair of opposed crooked fingers which are attached along part of the edge of the door to establish a bite. To enclose the load in the container the bite of the door is slidingly received into the slot bordering the opening to cover the opening and engage the crooked fingers of the door with the crooked thumbs of the slot. In an alternate embodiment the crooked thumbs of the slot are replaced by opposed lips which extend inwardly to establish a T-shaped or rounded slot, and the crooked fingers and the door are replaced by a flange which is slidingly received into the T-shaped or rounded slot. Any joints which are established between panels of the container are reinforced using a double thickness of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Jaycor
    Inventors: Paul F. Mlakar, Joseph L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5595431
    Abstract: A strengthened hardened telescoping load carrying device includes a container and a door, with the door being attached to the container by means of an interlocking rail and cradle, or by means of an interlocking set of J-channels. Pins are inserted through holes in the interlocking elements to maintain the interlocking elements in alignment. The interlocking elements on the container and on the door engage with increasing force in the event of an explosion within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Jaycor
    Inventor: Paul F. Mlakar
  • Patent number: 5584406
    Abstract: A rack frame with vertical supports, which can be partially closed by wall elements, wherein the wall elements are embodied as panel elements with beveled edges and are fastened or can be fastened by fasteners to respectively two adjoining supports. The wall elements can be fastened on the supports of the rack frame in a simple manner at an arbitrary height. The two supports each have a fastening bar extending parallel to the wall element, on which U-shaped fastening elements can be adjusted and fixed in place. The wall elements can be bolted together with the fastening elements, and the edges of the wall elements can be inserted into elongated slots of the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Besserer, Klaus-Dieter Bovermann, Marc Hartel
  • Patent number: 5564806
    Abstract: A locker is disclosed which comprises plastic panels and connectors on the edges of the panels for a snap together assembly that can be knocked down for shipment. A swing open front door plastic panel is also provided which preferably has a plastic hinge and plastic latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Compression Polymers Group
    Inventors: Alan P. Keisling, Scott R. Gardner, Jeffrey J. Palfrey, Jay T. Wood
  • Patent number: 5549372
    Abstract: A skill crane cabinet having an extruded aluminum frame assembly formed with channels selectively receiving panels forming the side, back and front walls of the cabinet. The panels have various decorative appearances to blend in and compliment the decor of the particular business establishment in which the cabinet is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Michael W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5524977
    Abstract: A security display case provides top and bottom frames, each comprising an inner frame nested within an outer frame. The inner frames are assembled around top and bottom panels, and side panels are provided along their top and bottom edges with components for the outer frame which are inserted laterally into channels formed in the inner frame. Once the door is mounted the ends of the inner frame channels are closed off, and the side panels cannot be removed. The resulting display case is secure yet has no vertical frame components, leaving an unobstructed view of the display compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Walter Orawski
  • Patent number: 5503471
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf support system for display cases and showcases for containing articles for display. The system includes a plurality of individual pins that are each for adjustable mounting onto a showcase vertical support whereto showcase walls are maintained, each pin to extend into the showcase, at a right angle to the vertical support. Each vertical support includes a longitudinal slot formed therein that has a keyhole cross section the longitudinal slot to receive a head end of the pin fitted to travel therein, which pin head end is an end of a threaded shaft to extend through a narrow section of the slot, at a right angle, into the showcase. A sleeve, that has a smooth wall center longitudinal passage formed therethrough, is disposed over the threaded shaft, and a cylinder, that includes a threaded center longitudinal passage formed therethrough, is arranged for turning onto the threaded shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Jahabow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Aspenwall
  • Patent number: 5483905
    Abstract: A security cabinet comprises a body of a high-strength material and at least one burglary resistant lockable door. To make the inventive cabinet sufficiently burglary resistant for storing e.g. firearms, it is designed with one main element and at least one end element attached to one end of the main element, at least one display window with a glass panel of shock-proof, burglary resistant glass sheet material being stationarily mounted in the body of the main element, whereas the burglary resistant, lockable door of the cabinet is attached to the body of the end element and forms at least part of the corresponding end wall of the cabinet. The display window is mounted by being clamped between a circumferential frame made of a high-strength material and arranged on the outside of the body, and a circumferential, torsionally rigid frame section on the inside of the body. The frame engages the body outside, and the frame section is attached to the body inside to form a mounting groove for the glass panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Visual Security Visec Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Jerzy K. Johansson
  • Patent number: 5470139
    Abstract: A combined display case is composed of a plurality of joints, frames and glass. Each joint has connecting posts or elliptic posts which can be inserted into through holes or elliptic holes of the frames so as to connect with each other. The joints and frames have receiving grooves in which glass can be installed firmly. In addition, the display case can be opened by installing hinges on the glass, and on the bottom of the glass, a door holder can be loosened to slide down into the receiving groove of a frame to latch the glass door. When the door holder is slid out of the receiving groove, the glass door can be opened freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: Szu-Chang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 5466057
    Abstract: A plurality of panel members are interconnected into a peripherally closed structure by elongated edge connectors to form at least one storage compartment. The panel members are of different proportional widths so as to be interconnected in various arrangements to form different sized and shaped storage compartments. Each edge connector includes a plurality of radially extending arms which are circumferentially spaced from each other to form channels to receive a side edge of a panel member therein. An end cap releasably engages an end of an edge connector to retain the panel members in each edge connector. A wall cap extends through apertures in a planar wall member into one end of an edge connector to attach the wall member to the edge connector and to close off one open end of the structure. An adapter connects two co-linear arranged edge connectors to extend the length of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Karl Blankenburg
  • Patent number: 5413410
    Abstract: A hardened telescoping load carrying device includes a plurality of telescoping container sections with interlocking edges and a door with interlocking edges. The telescoping sections are loaded with baggage one at a time and then extended outwardly. The interlocking edges on the telescoping sections interlock when the device is in the fully extended configuration. The interlocking edges on the telescoping sections and on the door engage with increasing force in the event of an explosion within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Jaycor
    Inventor: Paul F. Mlakar
  • Patent number: 5377907
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for housing multiple waste receptacles. The assembly includes a generally hollow enclosure that has a floor portion, a pair of spaced apart side portions attached to and extending upwardly from the floor portion, a rearward portion interconnecting the side portions and an opening into the interior of the enclosure, which opening extends between the floor portion and an upper edge region of the rearward portion and further extends between the side portions. A door is hingedly connected to at least one of the upper edge region of the rearward portion and side portions. The door is selectively raised to expose the opening, whereby waste receptacles may be introduced into and removed from the enclosure, and lowered to generally close the opening. The door has a plurality of drop holes in communication with corresponding waste receptacles in the enclosure for receiving waste therethrough and directing the waste to the corresponding waste receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Paul P. Guard
  • Patent number: 5312182
    Abstract: A hardened load carrying device includes a unitarily constructed container for holding the load. The container has an opening which is partially bordered by a slot that includes opposed crooked thumbs which project into the channel of the slot. A door for covering the opening of the container has a pair of opposed crooked fingers which are attached along part of the edge of the door to establish a bite. To enclose the load in the container the bite of the door is slidingly received into the slot bordering the opening to cover the opening and engage the crooked fingers of the door with the crooked thumbs of the slot. In an alternate embodiment the crooked thumbs of the slot are replaced by opposed lips which extend inwardly to establish a T-shaped slot, and the crooked fingers and the door are replaced by a flange which is slidingly received into the T-shaped slot. Any joints which are established between panels of the container are reinforced using a double thickness of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Jaycor
    Inventors: Paul F. Mlakar, Joseph L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5301482
    Abstract: A truss assembly for supporting showcases and the like includes a straight open box tube with end caps arranged for fitting over to close the box tube ends. A tension rod is fitted through the box tube and passes beneath a fulcrum arranged across the middle of the box tube, proximate to the inner surface of the box tube bottom, with the tension rod ends threaded and passed through holes that are formed through the end caps to receive a nut turned thereover. The nuts are turned against the end cap outer surfaces so as to create a tensile stress in the tension rod that is exerted through the fulcrum, tending to lift the fulcrum and box tube middle section, bowing the box tube upwardly counter a weight of a showcase containing items supported thereon, whereby the box tube is bent back to essentially a horizontal attitude. The truss assembly of the invention further provides for mounting the box tube ends to vertical support members so as to extend therebetween, maintaining a showcase thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Jahabow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Aspenwall
  • Patent number: 5240317
    Abstract: A knock-down skeletal cabinet comprising: a bottom wall element, a first end wall element, a second end wall element and a top wall element, each having integral front and rear molding rail elements extending along the entire length thereof; said front molding rail elements being hollow and including locking slot means proximate to the ends thereof; said rear molding rail elements being hollow and having locking slot means formed proximate to the ends thereof and further including projecting flange means extending perpendicularly to the plane of said wall elements; rigid corner connectors having legs disposed at right angles to one another and including locking tab means on each of said legs; said connectors being disposed within the ends of the molding rails on each of said wall elements and interconnecting said wall elements to form a skeletal parallelpiped cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Michael C. Presnick