Abstract: A modular furniture system having at least one rail that has a grooved surface, at least one clip adapted to cooperatively engage the grooved surface of the rail(s), a fastener for securing the clip(s) to the rail(s), and at least one fixture mounted over the clip(s) and onto the rail(s). The clip(s) have a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end having two arms facing each other separated by a channel. The arms are capable of being biased toward each other as the clip is inserted into the grooved surface and maintains the clip in the grooved surface after the clip is inserted. The fastener is dimensioned to pass into the channel to secure the clip(s) to the rail(s). Several fixtures can be used with the furniture system to provide a number of different configurations, including surface mounted furniture systems, mobile furniture systems, and furniture systems that are either integral parts of other pieces of furniture or stand alone systems.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a web-based computer software tool for designing and configuring furniture such as, desks, shelves, work stations from a unified system of modular furniture components. The tool includes a database of three dimensional (3-D) modular furniture components graphically selectable by a user. The modular components are selected and “dragged-and-dropped” in a 3-D grid display to enable the user to design a finished configurable furniture product from the selected components. The database includes item information such as description, price, technical spec., etc., for each component.

Abstract: A modular furniture system having at least one rail that has a grooved surface, at least one clip adapted to cooperatively engage the grooved surface of the rail(s), a fastener for securing the clip(s) to the rail(s), and at least one fixture mounted over the clip(s) and onto the rail(s). The clip(s) have a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end having two arms facing each other separated by a channel. The arms are capable of being biased toward each other as the clip is inserted into the grooved surface and maintains the clip in the grooved surface after the clip is inserted. The fastener is dimensioned to pass into the channel to secure the clip(s) to the rail(s). Several fixtures can be used with the furniture system to provide a number of different configurations, including surface mounted furniture systems, mobile furniture systems, and furniture systems that are either integral parts of other pieces of furniture or stand alone systems.

Abstract: A clip having a first fixation device capable of attaching to a rail, a second fixation device attached to the first fixation device, for releasably engaging a slot in a compact disc case and a loop attached to the first fixation device such that one or more documents may be secured between the loop and the second fixation device.

Abstract: An improved tilt rate control mechanism for a tilt back chair has an adjustable torsion spring, a tilt rate adjustment actuator and an actuator movement mechanism. The torsion spring has an adjustment lever for adjusting the tension on the torsion spring. The tilt rate adjustment actuator is disposed in contact with the adjustment lever such that the movement of the adjustment actuator causes movement of the adjustment lever. The adjustment actuator is moveable between (i) a first actuator position wherein the actuator is proximal to the torsion spring and the adjustment lever is in a minimum tension position, and (ii) a second actuator position wherein the actuator is distal from the torsion spring and the adjustment lever is in a maximum tension position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a caster assembly having at least one caster wheel attached to a wheel axis that is, in turn, attached to a caster body having an attachment assembly. A cogwheel is attached to each of the at least one caster wheels, wherein each cogwheel has a plurality of radially outwardly extending cogs and a plurality of cog recesses, wherein each pair of adjacent cogs defines a cog recess therebetween.

Abstract: An improved tilt rate control mechanism for a tilt back chair has an adjustable torsion spring, a tilt rate adjustment actuator and an actuator movement mechanism. The torsion spring has an adjustment lever for adjusting the tension on the torsion spring. The tilt rate adjustment actuator is disposed in contact with the adjustment lever such that the movement of the adjustment actuator causes movement of the adjustment lever. The adjustment actuator is moveable between (i) a first actuator position wherein the actuator is proximal to the torsion spring and the adjustment lever is in a minimum tension position, and (ii) a second actuator position wherein the actuator is distal from the torsion spring and the adjustment lever is in a maximum tension position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a caster assembly having at least one caster wheel attached to a wheel axle that is, in turn, attached to a caster body, wherein the caster body has at least one cap-orientation indexing rib and at least one indention. A connector assembly having at least one indexing slot for receiving the at least one indexing rib of the caster body and at least one detent element for forming an interlocking connection with the at least one indention of the caster body is also to the caster body. The connector assembly is also attached to a caster cap, such that the caster cap is attached to the caster body.

Abstract: Cooking appliances, cooking assemblies, and cooking assembly components that improve heat distribution are provided. In one embodiment, a cooking assembly has a sear grid including a radiant panel having an undulating shape. The panel defines at least one generally parabolic dome with a radiused peak to allow liquids at the peak to be rapidly heated by the burner. The dome has sides extending away from the peak with a generally increasing slope to cause liquids flowing down the sides of the dome to accelerate. In another embodiment, a double U-shaped burner is provided. A U-shaped burner has a base for positioning at the front of the cooking assembly and a pair of legs that extend toward the rear of the cooking assembly. A second U-shaped connecting tube is positioned to connect the U-shaped burner base to the front of the cooking assembly housing.

Abstract: Cooking appliances, cooking assemblies, and cooking assembly components that improve heat distribution are provided. In one embodiment, a cooking assembly has a sear grid including a radiant panel having an undulating shape. The panel defines at least one generally parabolic dome with a radiused peak to allow liquids at the peak to be rapidly heated by the burner. The dome has sides extending away from the peak with a generally increasing slope to cause liquids flowing down the sides of the dome to accelerate. In another embodiment, a double U-shaped burner is provided. A U-shaped burner has a base for positioning at the front of the cooking assembly and a pair of legs that extend toward the rear of the cooking assembly. A second U-shaped connecting tube is positioned to connect the U-shaped burner base to the front of the cooking assembly housing.