Patents by Inventor Willard J. Sickles

Willard J. Sickles has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10743663
    Abstract: A mount may include a base having a socket. A leveler may be positioned within the socket and may be configured to be adjustably engaged to one of a plurality of posts of a shelving system. A fastener may secure the leveler to the socket. The leveler may be adjusted to change the height of the post in relation to other of the plurality of posts in the shelving system, and thereby level the shelving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: INTERMETRO INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Willard J. Sickles
  • Publication number: 20170273458
    Abstract: A mount may include a base having a socket. A leveler may be positioned within the socket and may be configured to be adjustably engaged to one of a plurality of posts of a shelving system. A fastener may secure the leveler to the socket. The leveler may be adjusted to change the height of the post in relation to other of the plurality of posts in the shelving system, and thereby level the shelving system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: INTERMETRO INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Willard J. SICKLES
  • Patent number: 8113604
    Abstract: A modular insulation panel provides insulation to a cabinet having lateral side walls, a back wall and a top wall. A main panel assembly insulates a lateral side wall, wherein the main panel assembly includes a framed double wall structure with a space therebetween for providing insulation to the lateral side wall. An auxiliary panel assembly insulates the back wall, wherein the auxiliary panel assembly includes a framed double wall structure with a space therebetween for providing insulation to the back wall. A hinge hingedly attaches the frame of the main panel assembly to the frame of the auxiliary panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Olson, James L. Kilgallon, Willard J. Sickles, David A. Reppert
  • Patent number: 8002292
    Abstract: A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Olson, James Leo Kilgallon, Wayne B. Killian, Willard J. Sickles
  • Patent number: 7866678
    Abstract: A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Olson, James Leo Kilgallon, Wayne B. Killian, Willard J. Sickles
  • Publication number: 20080284297
    Abstract: A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Olson, James Leo Kilgallon, Wayne B. Killian, Willard J. Sickles
  • Publication number: 20080284302
    Abstract: A modular insulation panel provides insulation to a cabinet having lateral side walls, a back wall and a top wall. A main panel assembly insulates a lateral side wall, wherein the main panel assembly includes a framed double wall structure with a space therebetween for providing insulation to the lateral side wall. An auxiliary panel assembly insulates the back wall, wherein the auxiliary panel assembly includes a framed double wall structure with a space therebetween for providing insulation to the back wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: METRO INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Olson, James L. Kilgallon, Willard J. Sickles, David A. Reppert
  • Publication number: 20080185944
    Abstract: A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Olson, James Leo Kilgallon, Wayne B. Killian, Willard J. Sickles
  • Patent number: 7370867
    Abstract: A banquet cart including a cabinet, a plurality of chimneys, an information center, and releasably lockable swivel casters. The plurality of chimneys are positioned inside the cabinet at different corners of the cabinet. The information center includes at least two of (a) a thermometer display indicating the temperature inside of the cabinet; (b) a display indicating time information from a programmable timer; and (c) an information board for displaying text. The releasably locking swivel casters are unlocked to allow swivel action of the casters when a user actuates a foot-operable lever at the front of the cabinet, and are locked when the user releases the lever and the casters are rotated to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Olson, James Leo Kilgallon, Wayne B. Killian, Willard J. Sickles
  • Patent number: 6918341
    Abstract: A support adapted for use between first and second panels at a joint includes a distal end including a flange, an anchoring end including a flange and an anchor, and an intermediate section connecting the distal end and the anchoring end. The intermediate section is shaped to mate with adjoining edges of the first and second panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Welsch, Robert Welch, Willard J. Sickles, James D. Hill
  • Patent number: 6157006
    Abstract: A module adapted to generate a stream of hot, humid air includes a housing, a chamber disposed within the housing and having an air intake and an exhaust vent, and a reservoir adapted to hold a volume of water. A blower is disposed adjacent the air intake and is adapted to propel a stream of air through an interior of the chamber toward the exhaust vent. A steam generator is disposed substantially within the interior of the chamber and has a water inlet in flow communication with the reservoir and a steam outlet in flow communication with the interior of the chamber. A first heater is disposed on an external surface of the steam generator and a second heater is disposed within the interior of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard J. Sickles, Bradley J. Carlson, Brett S. Drozic, Joseph P. Jones, David A. Reppert, John H. Welsch
  • Patent number: 6113042
    Abstract: A system for supporting a member on a support post includes a wedge assembly, having a tapered face and mountable on the support post, and a collar secured to the member to be supported. The wedge assembly has a camming surface, and the collar has a camming portion for abutting the camming surface. In addition, a locking mechanism is mounted to the collar and press-fits against the wedge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Welsch, Bradley J. Carlson, David A. Reppert, Robert W. Altonji, Robert J. Welch, Robert K. Swartz, Willard J. Sickles, Paul J. Fallon
  • Patent number: 6017009
    Abstract: A shelf support system includes at least one support post (12), a tapered wedge member (20) located on the support post (12) and a supporting assembly (14). The supporting assembly (14) is structurally secured to a shelf frame (10) and includes a locking mechanism (18) rotatably supported by a collar (16). The locking mechanism (18) has a first position for press-fitting the wedge member (20) against the support posts (12) and a second position for allowing the shelf frame (10) to slide over the support post (12) and wedge member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Swartz, Willard J. Sickles, Robert J. Welch, Paul J. Fallon
  • Patent number: 5660122
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting system includes a tab having a plurality of holes formed thereon at first regular intervals horizontally across the tab, a member having a plurality of openings formed thereon at second regular intervals different from the first regular intervals. A fastener detachably connects the member and the tab by passing through one of the plurality of holes and one of the plurality of openings aligned with one of the plurality of holes. Panels have recessed portions formed on their surfaces between raised portions having a bisected-diamond shape. Planar articles, such as printed circuit boards and the like can be inserted in the recessed portions and held either horizontally or at an angle. The panels are removably mounted to a frame using the adjustable mounting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard J. Sickles, Jeffrey C. Olson, Andre F. Kabacinski
  • Patent number: 5423251
    Abstract: A modular "knock-down" type shelving system having adjustable height shelves includes a plastic support post having a generally right equilateral triangular cross-section. The support post is composed of pultruded thermosetting plastic having unidirectional E Glass fibers extending therethrough and a thermoplastic coating bonded to the outer surface thereof. The inner surface of the interior side of the support post is bowed outwardly. As a result, when a wedge member is disposed on the interior side of the post and the support post and wedge member combination supports by wedge action a sleeve comprising an end beam and a collar, the interior side of the support post is urged outwardly and is supported by the wedge member. The collar is locked to the end beam when a tongue of the collar passes through a slot in the end beam into a rotatable lock in a blind hole in the bottom of the end beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Kolvites, Robert J. Cohn, John H. Welsch, Willard J. Sickles, David T. Balazek, Rodney E. Brancher
  • Patent number: 5279231
    Abstract: A modular "knock-down" type shelving system having adjustable height shelves includes a plastic support post having a generally right equilateral triangular cross-section. The support post is composed of pultruded thermosetting plastic having unidirectional E Glass fibers extending therethrough and a thermoplastic coating bonded to the outer surface thereof. The inner surface of the interior side of the support post is bowed outwardly. As a result, when a wedge member is disposed on the interior side of the post and the support post and wedge member combination supports by wedge action a sleeve comprising an end beam and a collar, the interior side of the support post is urged outwardly and is supported by the wedge member. The collar is locked to the end beam when a tongue of the collar passes through a slot in the end beam into a rotatable lock in a blind hole in the bottom of the end beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Kolvites, Robert J. Cohn, John H. Welsch, Willard J. Sickles, David T. Balazek, Rodney E. Brancher
  • Patent number: 5271337
    Abstract: A modular "knock-down" type shelving system having adjustable height shelves includes a plastic support post having a generally right equilateral triangular cross-section. The support post is composed of pultruded thermosetting plastic having unidirectional E Glass fibers extending therethrough and a thermoplastic coating bonded to the outer surface thereof. The inner surface of the interior side of the support post is bowed outwardly. As a result, when a wedge member is disposed on the interior side of the post and the support post and wedge member combination supports by wedge action a sleeve comprising an end beam and a collar, the interior side of the support post is urged outwardly and is supported by the wedge member. The collar is locked to the end beam when a tongue of the collar passes through a slot in the end beam into a rotatable lock in a blind hole in the bottom of the end beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Albert Kolvites, Robert J. Cohn, John H. Welsch, Willard J. Sickles, David T. Balazek, Rodney E. Brancher
  • Patent number: 5205630
    Abstract: A multiple use, modular, knock-down storage system has adjustable shelving and drawers, and removably attachable side panelling. The panelling is easily attached to a corner post by first attaching an inner corner member to the post, placing the panelling over that inner corner member and then laying an outer corner member over the panelling and the inner corner member. A fastener secures the entire assembly together. An adjustable and easily removable drawer support frame is also provided. The frame can be inserted into or removed from the entire storage system and can be configured with the appropriate size frames for the particular end use desired. In this manner, the storage system can easily be assembled and modified by the ultimate end user to meet whatever specific needs that user may have.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: InterMetro Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Welch, Willard J. Sickles, Douglas J. Kaminski
  • Patent number: D380455
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Willard J. Sickles, Jeffrey C. Olson, Andre F. Kabacinski
  • Patent number: D385444
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Welch, Willard J. Sickles, John G. Nackley