Patents Examined by Sarah L. Purol
  • Patent number: 6234331
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base assembly, a work surface, a vertical support pole extending upward from the work surface, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Carl Brock Brandenberg
  • Patent number: 5899343
    Abstract: A stand-up, book-like jewelry display device has a rectangular frame mounted upright on a horizontal bracket. Product panels that hold jewelry and graphics panels that depict the jewelry in use are rotatably mounted within the frame so that each panel swings about one of its edges, thereby giving the display the appearance of a book with pages to turn. Preferably, the product panels are alternated within the frame. In addition, the graphics panels are preferably narrower than the product panels such that, other than the graphics panel within the "leaf" being viewed, each graphics panel is obscured by the product panel above it so that it does not block from view any jewelry displayed on the product panel below it. In addition, the upright frame may be rotatably mounted to the horizontal bracket such that the frame can be rotated to allow the salesperson to change the displays without having to turn the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Monet Sales Corp.
    Inventors: Robert P. Franklin, Eric Henry, Laura Handler, Francesco Gianisini, Amanda Honig Magalhaes
  • Patent number: 5897005
    Abstract: A merchandising display rack is provided for displaying products in which the display rack is constructed of a freestanding framework. One or more of its sides includes a several of adjacently disposed partitioned bays or product display modules. Additionally, each of the product display modules includes one or more substantially horizontal product engaging rods disposed across its width. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each module and each rod are at a different elevation from the elevations of each adjacent module and its corresponding rod. Alternatively, each module and each rod are positioned at substantially equivalent elevations. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a merchandising display fixture is provided comprising a framework that includes several adjacently disposed bays or product display modules having corresponding product engaging rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Futuro, Inc.
    Inventors: David Charles Bernens, William Birmingham
  • Patent number: 5871105
    Abstract: A storage apparatus for holding a large variety of sports paraphernalia has rod members between opposing frame members. Upper and middle shelves are formed by upper and middle rod members with some of the rod members adjustable in a horizontal plane to hold and keep various sized balls or other sporting goods away from the wall of which the frame members are secured. A lower shelf is formed from a tray having a front support rod with hooks to hold roller skates, baseball bats, etc. between the frame members. Each frame member can include an L-shaped notch and hook that can hold hockey sticks, baseball gloves, baseball hats, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen P. Whitehead, Torrence Anderson
  • Patent number: 5857578
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular display system and method. The modular display system and apparatus is preferably comprised of one or more interlocking panels, and complimentary interlocking side and corner trim members so that modular displays of different shapes and sizes can be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Eli Fishman
  • Patent number: 5855280
    Abstract: An apparatus for the convenient viewing of scribed numbers upon selected wafers is disclosed. The apparatus supports a wafer cassette and raises predetermined wafers and illuminates the identification numbers scribed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Brian E. Huseman
  • Patent number: 5823361
    Abstract: A substrate support apparatus for supporting one or more substrates in a substrate carrier for achieving a minimum amount of sagging of the substrates. A first support rod is positioned to support one side of each substrate along a first support contact line and a second support rod is positioned to support the other side of the substrate along a second support contact line. The first and second support contact lines are referenced to a centerline of the substrate. In particular, both contact lines are offset by a certain distance on either side of the centerline, where the particular offset of the support lines is determined by finite element analysis of the substrate to achieve as little sag as possible. The rod support member preferably includes two cantilevered beams mounted on either side of each of the support rods. Also, a plurality of support rods and corresponding rod support members are provided for supporting as many substrates as necessary in the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Progressive System Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel A. Babbs
  • Patent number: 5788090
    Abstract: A commodity display unit has a commodity advancing device which is disposed aslant frontward along a bottom of a commodity container so as to move a column of the frontward commodities forward in the container. When the forwardmost commodity is removed from a commodity takeout position, defined at a front portion of the commodity container, the remaining commodities spontaneously move forward. The commodity advancing device is formed of a procession of rollers arranged in parallel along the display lane and inclined downwardly so as to effect forward movement of the commodities, thus permitting the commodities of be easily removed one at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Amix Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoharu Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 5788087
    Abstract: A hinged wire management panel assembly with two panels hingedly connected by a plurality of hooks integrally-formed in one panel (a wire management panel) which engage slots formed in a second panel (a patch panel.) The hooks have free ends with straight portions which engage the slots when the two panels are mounted to a common rack thereby forming the hinge connection. The hooks also have curved portions which allow the patch panel to slide along the hooks and simultaneously rotate outward when the patch panel is disconnected from the rack. The wire management panel includes wire management brackets which limit the rotation of the patch panel when the patch panel is horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Orlando
  • Patent number: 5788094
    Abstract: A shelf construction in a refrigerator includes a pair of guide rails provided on opposite side walls of a refrigerator compartment. A shelf slides forwardly and rearwardly along the guide rails. Two front stop beads are provided at respective front portions of the guide rails, and two rear stop beads are provided at respective rear portions of the guide rails. Stoppers project from the shelf in an area bordered by the front and rear stop beads. The stoppers come into contact with the front beads as the shelf slides forwardly, thereby limiting the forward movement of the shelf. The stoppers also come into contact with the rear beads as the shelf slides rearwardly, thereby limiting the rearward movement of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ik Geun Kim, Sang Chul Ryu
  • Patent number: 5765695
    Abstract: A wall mounted compact disc case holder assembly for use in association with a wall and compact disc cases, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of case holders each having a front surface and a rear surface, an upper edge, a lower edge, an open side wall, a closed side wall and a hollow interior, in an operative orientation a user positioning a compact disc within the hollow interior of each case holder; the upper and lower edges of each case holder including a plurality of hinge members, each hinge member including a canal extending therethrough; a plurality of pins each being positioned within the canal of the hinge members thereby pivotally coupling the hinge members together; and a mounting clip being affixed to a case holder, an in operative orientation the mounting clip being coupled to a wall thereby suspending the apparatus in a vertical position, in a stored orientation the apparatus being folded whereby the case holders being positioned in a stacked orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: David J. Picciallo
  • Patent number: 5762207
    Abstract: A corrugated paperboard header display panel comprising a single folded over sheet has discrete peg receiving apertures in a front sheet and slots in a rear sheet aligned with the apertures. The panel is supported by a pair of triangular supports of a folded over paper board sheet formed as a one piece corrugated support and brace structure. The supports are interlocked to the display panel with aligned slots. The supports have an inclined upper edge that terminates at the support edge in the front region and at an upper point of a vertical rear edge. A brace is hinged to and between the supports at a fold line at the support vertical rear edge. A flap is hinged to the brace at a fold line and has a pair of tabs extending therefrom hinged at a further fold line. The display panel rear sheet has a member hinged thereto which forms a tab receiving slot for securing the flap to the header panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen Thomas Maglione
  • Patent number: 5755339
    Abstract: A system for supporting a plurality of stacked glass sheets on edge includes a plurality of pressure-applying devices each including an elongated member to which is pivotally secured a pressure-applying member. The pressure-applying member can be moved along the elongated member to assure that tensioning forces are applied only to a central portion of a stack of glass sheets. In cases involving relatively high stacks of glass sheets the elongated member is preferably constructed as a pair of telescopically adjustable elongated members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Rosaire Belanger, Gaston Germain, Claude Roussin, Albert Bergeron, Benoit Lepage
  • Patent number: 5749479
    Abstract: A display assembly is designed to display goods in the unused air space above counters, for example, by attaching the assembly to the supports of a drop-style ceiling. The display assembly includes a bracket which attaches between two supports as well as a display for folding sellable merchandise. The display can be attached to the bracket by any suitable means including monofilament or chains. The displays can include space for signage. By suspending the display assembly from the ceiling, the user can utilize air space previously wasted. Further, the displays are free to sway gently in response to any breeze, thereby attracting attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Paul Belokin, Martin P. Belokin, Norman P. Belokin
  • Patent number: 5746334
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting modular and cooperating components which includes a base member, a vertical support pole extending upward from the base member, at least one bushing concentrically engaging the vertical support pole at a particular axial location, at least one support arm extending radially outward from the bushing, and at least one support surface secured to the support arms in a position substantially orthogonal to the support pole, which minimizes the space requirements for supporting modular and cooperating components, particularly in an office environment. The support apparatus according to the present invention increases the functionality of the modular and cooperating components without exposing the modular and cooperating components to unnecessary risk of harm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Carl Brock Brandenberg
  • Patent number: 5746333
    Abstract: A storage device having a plurality of parallel sizable compartments. The preferred embodiment includes a plurality of horizontally extending and vertically extending sheet members having edge portions extending into flanges of cross-shaped holders. T-shaped holders removably receive and hold the opposing edge portions of sheet members located around the periphery of the storage device and further include inwardly projecting flanges to receive the internally located horizontally extending and vertically extending sheet members. L-shaped corner holders have opposing flanges receiving the adjacent edge portions of vertically extending and horizontally extending external sheet members. Caps removably mount to the ends of the holders. In an alternate embodiment, the horizontal sheet members and vertical sheet members are connected together by mating slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Contract Industrial Tooling, Inc.
    Inventor: Kim Wuertemberger
  • Patent number: 5730301
    Abstract: A wheel mounting method and apparatus for dishwasher racks includes a plurality of cross members in the dishwasher rack, each of which terminate at its opposite ends in a wheel shaft. An elongated groove extends along the length of each cross frame member and into the wheel shafts. A reinforcing member is inserted within the groove and is held in place by bushings which are mounted on the opposite ends of the wheel shaft. The wheels are mounted on the bushings and are held in place on the ends of the shafts. The bushings may be snapped onto the outer ends of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney M. Welch, Thomas M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5725106
    Abstract: Rack apparatus for holding and supporting compound bows includes a generally horizontal holding element generally rectangular in configuration and secured to a base element which is of the same general configuration. The rack apparatus is padded for protecting the compound bows stored therein. The rack apparatus may be used in the field as well as in a vehicle and in a storage environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: William J. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5720396
    Abstract: This is a display rack assembly particularly designed for displaying greeting cards for inspection by prospective customers and which is constructed of a plurality of elongated sections each of which includes a front retaining flange at the forward edge portion of a supporting shelf and which has an upwardly extending back panel with a connecting hook at the top thereof for receiving the front upstanding retaining flange 13 to provide a connection between two adjacent sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventors: Ervin J. Wegscheid, Stephen A. Wegscheid
  • Patent number: RE36827
    Abstract: A display rack is mounted to an internal surface of .Iadd.a .Iaddend.transparent panel in .Iadd.a .Iaddend.refrigerated vault to support and display bottles through the transparent panel. The display rack has a back wall for mounting the rack and a ledge extending from the back wall which has a generally horizontal portion adjacent the back wall and .[.a.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.upwardly deflected portion distal from the back wall. A plurality of slots are formed in the ledge for receiving the neck portions of the bottles. Each slot is of a size adapted to receive the neck portion of a bottle but smaller than the top portion used .Iadd.for .Iaddend.sealing the bottle, whereby the edges of the slots in the ledge can support the bottle at its neck and the body portion of the body of the bottle can be easily grasped for selection and removal from the display rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Paul Belokin, Martin P. Belokin, Norman P. Belokin