Cantilever Support Patents (Class 108/108)
  • Patent number: 6196141
    Abstract: A vertically stabilized shelf bracket assembly having at least two support strips on which a plurality of shelf brackets are mounted. The shelving is stabilized in several ways. First, the brackets are provided with a shelf engaging recess. The recess is either designed to provide a tight fit for the shelf, or the recess is provided with a shim for tightening the fit. Second, the brackets are provided with a vertical member which engages the shelves. Preferably, the recess and the vertical member will engage the shelf at opposite ends of the shelf, securing the shelf to the bracket. When the shelf is attached to multiple brackets, the shelf will be prevented from pivoting on the bracket. The shelves can be further stabilized by securing the brackets against vertical displacement. This can be accomplished by securing the shelf brackets to the support strip with a locking pin. With the locking pin in place, the shelf bracket cannot be moved upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Warren L. Herron, III, Warren L. Herron, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6189707
    Abstract: A shelving unit with adjustable brackets for enhanced mounting flexibility in a wide variety of refrigerated display cases. Bracket supports are carried longitudinally by a shelf having opposing ends. The bracket supports have opposing channels positioned at least at the opposing ends of the shelf. A shelf support bracket is provided for slidably engaging the opposing channels of the bracket support and being positioned longitudinally along the shelf corresponding to the spacing of vertical standards affixed within a refrigeration case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Stein Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Meyers, Peter F. Sosso
  • Patent number: 6186456
    Abstract: A shelf support for locking a shelf edge portion in place when a shelf is positioned between opposing wall members in a cabinet or the like comprises a body member having a lower body portion, a middle body portion, and an upper body portion. The lower body portion has a front face and a back face. A shelf flange is connected to the lower body portion front face, and a stem is connected to the lower body portion back face. The middle body portion is connected to the lower body portion at a first resilient junction, with the middle body portion extending at an obtuse angle away from the lower body portion. The upper body portion is connected to the middle body portion at a second resilient junction, with the upper body portion having an inner opening formed therein, with the inner opening extending downward towards the middle body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas R. Marsh
  • Patent number: 6168032
    Abstract: A shelf construction for use in gondola systems having spaced vertical uprights comprises a shelf floor which is removably mounted to front and rear rails. The rails are in turn supported by shelf brackets projecting from the uprights. The front and rear rails are provided with horizontal slots to accept the shelf floor and vertical slots along their lengths to accommodate shelf dividers which can be used to segregate product placed on the shelf. The shelf brackets are preferably tilted forwardly downwardly, the shelf floor having a low-friction surface to allow arrayed and displayed products to migrate towards the front edge of the shelf, making them more accessible for observation and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Milton J. Merl
  • Patent number: 6138583
    Abstract: A modular shelving system that includes framework which provides structural integrity and distribution of electrical wiring, communication, data transmission and other services, and brackets and shelves which may be interlocked for stability purposes. The shelves exhibit increased strength to provide greater shelf spans between framework supports. The shelving system is suitable for universal application in laboratories, clean rooms and other rooms, and may also constitute a self-standing structure on which a room may be built.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Harold J. Herbs
    Inventors: Mark D Mahone, Harold J Erbs
  • Patent number: 6138584
    Abstract: A shelf support includes a support body having a mounting device for mounting the support on an upright component. A support surface supports a shelf. The support has a retaining element which is pivotably connected to the support body for movement into and out of an engagement position in which, in use, the retaining element engages an upper surface of a shelf supported by the support surface, thereby retaining the shelf on the support surface. The retaining element enables a shelf to be held firmly in place without the need for fixing screws, and without hindering the fitting and dismantling of the shelf support to the upright component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Elodie Ann Waite
  • Patent number: 6112913
    Abstract: A support assembly for a furniture system including a pair of standards which extend vertically in spaced relation, each standard having two rows of openings formed therein to extend vertically in spaced relation to one another, with the outermost rows on the pairs of standards having a first spacing therebetween and the innermost rows having a second spacing therebetween less than the first spacing. A first support member is mounted on the standards by a first arrangement for detachably mounting disposed in the outermost rows of openings, and the first support member has a first support surface which extends outwardly from the standards and braces which extend vertically along the standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Kewaunee Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt P. Rindoks, Alan W. Stephenson, Don F. Olson
  • Patent number: 6105794
    Abstract: An adjustable support bracket having a unitary or multi-member bracket assembly can be used with a vertical channel (2) and rail (6) construction. Each bracket assembly can be positioned and secured at any location along the rail (6) and can accommodate a varying shelf thickness. More specifically, the multi-member bracket assembly includes a stabilizer member (12) and a support member (20) having similar shaped channel plates which when joined have a similar shape to the channel (2). A spring (30) mounted between the stabilizer and support members (12, 20) is contained between the rails (6). The spring (30) in conjunction with a containing lip (14) and a supporting lip (22) of the stabilizer and support members (12, 20), respectively, adjusts to clamp a shelf (32) therebetween. A securing screw (33) locks the bracket (10) at any shelving location by creating a space between the stabilizer and support members (12, 20) within the vertical channel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: George E. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6098552
    Abstract: A support system for a temporary work surface is provided which is adapted for attachment to a plurality of wall studs at a construction site. A support assembly includes a plurality, usually two, elongated arms adapted for removable cantilevered attachment to exposed vertical wall studs. A generally C-shaped mounting bracket for each elongated arm is adapted for frictional engagement with a wall stud. If desired the bracket may be mounted at a selected vertical location on a stud using common mechanical fasteners. The free ends of the supporting arms have protrusions adapted to retain a work surface, such as a plywood sheet on the support arms. Preferably a notch on the lower surface of each arm engages the clamp in order to fix the position of the arm relative to the supporting wall stud. The notch also provides for an incline of the supporting arm downwardly away from the supporting stud, thus providing a corresponding incline to the supported work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas C. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 6065821
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf is able to be initially attached to support structure within a storage area of a cabinet at any one of a multitude of vertical heights and then can be readily, mechanically adjusted to reposition the shelf as desired. In one embodiment, the shelf includes a pair of sprockets which are interengaged with mating slots formed in a pair of similarly constructed and laterally spaced support rails positioned within the cabinet. The drive arrangement for the sprockets can be manually, electrically or otherwise driven to provide infinite adjustments for the vertical shelf. When an electrical power motor is utilized as the drive source, the motor is preferably mounted upon a frame of the shelf and electrical power is transmitted to the motor through, at least in part, the support rail structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald K. Anderson, David Brown, James E. deBeers, Sheldon W. Mandel, Mark P. Slaven
  • Patent number: 6029833
    Abstract: A clothes display rack which has simplified structure and can be practically used in different manners for holding or hanging clothes or other articles. The display rack mainly includes two side posts, a display frame, and two supporting bars. When the display rack is used together with supporting arms, display panels, hangers and hooks, it can provide multiple functions and presents different appearances to meet the user's actual need and the dimensions of display places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Kuo-Huei Yeh
  • Patent number: 6019331
    Abstract: A cantilever bracket assembly for attaching horizontal components to a side of a vertical wall. The bracket assembly comprising a bracket member and a support member having a rear portion adapted to releasably engage the wall and a substantially vertical web attached to the rear portion. The web has a first and second side and a top edge. A plurality of upwardly extending tab members are attached to one of the bracket member and the web, wherein the tab members are laterally offset from at least one of the first and second sides of the web when attached to the web. The bracket member is provided with a top portion adapted to engage the horizontal component. The bracket member has one of a plurality of hanger members and tab members adapted to receive the other of plurality of tab members and hanger members attached to the web. The bracket member is mounted on the support bracket by disposing the tab members in the hanger members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Hoogland, Eugene L. Karn, Thomas J. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 6012400
    Abstract: A removable support pin which provides enhanced mounting flexibility in the attachment of new and replacement shelving/rack display units within a wide variety of refrigerated display cases. The support pin has two ends: a first end designed to engage a shelving display unit to be placed within the refrigerated case and a second end designed to engage a U-shaped mounting rail positioned within the refrigerated case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Stein Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter F. Sosso
  • Patent number: 6004065
    Abstract: A system for interlocking together two panel members comprises a washer member having a first washer portion connected by a first necked down portion to a second intermediate washer portion and a third washer portion connected by a second necked down portion to the second intermediate washer portion. A bore runs through the washer member for receiving a screw for fastening the washer member to a side of a first panel member. A second panel member has a keyhole slot and an aperture spaced from the keyhole slot. A resilient clip member has one end formed with a right angle projecting portion and a second end formed with an aperture configured to securely receive the first necked down portion of the washer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Dale B. Higdon, Brad J. Addink
  • Patent number: 5970887
    Abstract: An extendable shelf assembly mounted on a first and a second slotted upright, comprising a first extender bar having slots and being affixed to the first slotted upright, a second extender bar having slots and being affixed to the second slotted upright, [the first extender bar including slots,] a front rail, a back rail, a first side rail and a second side rail cooperatively defining a shelf frame, and a first and a second rotatable sprocket affixed to the shelf frame. The shelf frame slides between a plurality of fixed positions along the extender bar as the first sprocket engages the slots of the first extender bar and the second sprocket engages the slots of the second extender bar. The first and second sprockets are affixed to an axle that runs parallel to the back rail. The first and second sprockets comprises a plurality of teeth that engage the slots of the extender bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 5954306
    Abstract: A support system for a shelf including a bracket for mounting to a stud wall wherein a first leg of the bracket engages against the inner face of the near wall panel and a second leg, rigid with the first leg, projects forwardly beyond the forward face of the wall panel. The projecting leg receives an elongate rigid lock rod therethrough with the rod extending across the thickness of the stud wall and engaging the far wall panel. The shelf includes a bore extending inward from the rear edge thereof which receives and conceals the projecting bracket leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Scott A. Hoover
  • Patent number: 5950846
    Abstract: A storage rack for metal structural elements provides a support frame having at least one vertical support column carrying a rack for hydraulically powered vertical motion. The rack provides plural groups of vertically spaced, horizontal supports which may be of a compound nature to allow an upper portion to move horizontally relatively to the rack. The horizontal supports may be subdivided for segregated storage of groups of different items on a single shelf and may extend in cantilevered or supported fashion on one or both sides of vertical support columns of the support frame. The vertical motion of the rack is powered by one or more hydraulic cylinders carried in the vertical support columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: James N. Duane
  • Patent number: 5950371
    Abstract: A furniture system for fitting-out a building room of the type having a generally open plan and having an associated floor surface includes an overhead framework including a plurality of horizontal beam segments interconnected to form a rigid structure configured to be spaced above the floor surface. A plurality of support columns, each has an upper portion connected with the overhead framework, and a lower portion shaped to abut the floor surface to support the overhead framework in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation above average user height. Each of the support columns further includes at least three vertical edges defining substantially planar faces therebetween. At least two of the vertical edges have a plurality of slots therein for supporting office furniture items and office accessories. A shelf is mounted to one of the support columns and is supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Rives, Joyce S. Bromberg
  • Patent number: 5947307
    Abstract: A self standing merchandiser adapted to straddle a pallet loaded with product or an end display of product. The merchandiser comprises a continuous frame made of multiple pieces having an inverted U-shaped front portion and an inverted U-shaped rear portion connected by two stabilizer portions adapted to engage the supporting surface of the continuous frame. A plurality of parallel shelves extend between the front and rear portions of the merchandiser on the exterior of the frame and provide additional shelving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Battaglia, Rafael T. Bustos
  • Patent number: 5931429
    Abstract: A support post and work surface support bracket attaches to a horizontal channel of office panels frame to provide a convenient variable height work suffice support at any point along the length of the panel frame. The post preferably has a tube as the main component thereof and slots are provided in the tube for receiving hooks on the work surface support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Teknion Furniture Systems Limited
    Inventors: John Hellwig, Steve Verbeek, Lorie Marangoni
  • Patent number: 5924367
    Abstract: A shelf sign system comprising a first shelf and a second shelf, a first mounting bracket attached to the first shelf and attached to the second shelf, the first mounting bracket spanning the first shelf and the second shelf, and a rotatable sign unit engaged with the mounting bracket. The sign unit is slidably engaged with the first mounting bracket permitting lateral movement of the sign unit. The mounting bracket may include a first flange with a first flange opening and a second flange with a second flange opening and a pin rotatably disposed in the first flange opening and the second flange opening, wherein the sign unit is engaged with the pin. The sign unit may include an L-shaped pivot bracket slidably engaging the pin. The sign unit may be rotatable from a first closed to a second open position. Also, a pivot bracket may be vertically slidable along the pin when the sign unit is in the open position so that the sign unit rests against the first and second flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Henke, Kent Bach, Max Edward Syvuk
  • Patent number: 5921044
    Abstract: A display wall assembly for displaying items, comprises a support; first and second profile units being adapted to enable displaying of the items, the profile units being attached to the support in a spaced relationship; a panel supported by and disposed between the profile units; and, a light-weight intermediate reinforcing structure interposed between the panel, the support and the profile units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: William J. Holztrager
  • Patent number: 5921190
    Abstract: A modular display system includes at least two spaced apart, parallel, vertically oriented upright supports, each having an upper end and a lower end, and at least two spaced apart, parallel, horizontally oriented spanning supports extending between and connecting the upright supports and forming a frame. The upright supports and the spanning supports defining a plane. At least one of the upright supports and the spanning supports defines a plurality of spaced apart, corresponding openings formed therein lying in the plane. A partition member is positioned in the frame, within the plane, between the upright supports and the spanning supports. The partition member can include an interchangeable panel element for changing the color and display media and the like. The partition member has a mounting portion including a plurality projecting elements extending therefrom for engaging the openings in one of the upright supports and the spanning supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Stamford Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham Robert Wood
  • Patent number: 5921411
    Abstract: A shelf assembly has a shelf unit and pair of shelf brackets adapted to be mounted on aperture-bearing uprights of a gondola shelving support system. The shelf unit has a product-supporting panel with integral, outwardly and downwardly-extending side flanges adapted to engage outside surfaces of the shelf brackets to limit the lateral movement of said shelf unit. A thin, corrugated support structure is connected to the underside of the panel and spans between the side flanges. The support structure is spaced from the side flanges forming gaps allowing the shelf brackets to contact the underside of the panel to reduce the vertical space occupied by said shelf assembly. Stops associated with the shelf brackets and the shelf unit limit the forward and rearward movement of the shelf with respect to the shelf brackets. Integral front and rear flanges extend upwardly from the panel and provide boundaries for products supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Milton J. Merl
  • Patent number: 5918750
    Abstract: A fixture for displaying merchandise comprises a base member, vertical posts, and, in one embodiment, horizontal beams extending between the posts. Depending upon the particular application for which the fixture is intended, the vertical supports are affixed to the base member to form a gondola unit, an H-frame unit or a combination gondola and H-frame unit, as desired. The base member is provided with rollers to permit movement of the fixture when either unloaded or loaded with merchandise, and the vertical supports are connectable to extensions to vary the overall height of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Sports Authority Michigan, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5913584
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable shelf for a refrigerator includes a mounting assembly which cooperates with a pair of vertically extending tracks to position the adjustable shelf at a plurality of predetermined positions, a support assembly is carried by the mounting assembly and movable relative to the mounting assembly so that the support assembly can be positioned at each position between the plurality of predetermined positions, and an encapsulated shelf carried by the support assembly. The mounting assembly has a pair of vertical rack gears and a pair of track mounting brackets which engage the tracks. The support assembly includes a knob centrally located at a forward end of the shelf and a gear box connecting the knob with the rack gears so that the support assembly moves relative to the mounting assembly when the knob is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Swindell, Curtis W. Sisson, Daniel James Ocharzak
  • Patent number: 5899147
    Abstract: A shelf assembly for attaching on a window and taking up very little wall space. A horizontal shelf has tenons on its lower side. A vertical support has a vertical edge and a horizontal edge at right angles. The horizontal edge has mortises for receiving the tenons. The shelf is placed on the top trim of a window and the vertical supports are slid along the trim until they contact the window vertical trim. The vertical supports are then screwed to the window trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Steven S. Clayton
  • Patent number: 5890607
    Abstract: A preferably particle board box forms a base with a rectangular recess therein. A panel of slats that is formed of molded thermoplastic material has opposite edges attached to mating posts. The posts are formed from a common extruded thermoplastic tube and each have a longitudinally extending channel for receiving a panel edge which may be bonded thereto. An uppermost section is formed of like panel and post material as all of the section modules and is secured to the next lower intermediate section by post connectors comprising molded plastic U-shaped members which are locked to and protruding depending from the core of the upper section posts. The connectors mate in closely received releasable engagement with the open cores of the posts of the next lower section. The intermediate section module has depending connectors protruding from its posts for mating in the cores of the upper ends of the bottommost section module which is closely received in the support box recess and optionally screwed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen Thomas Maglione
  • Patent number: 5871108
    Abstract: A merchandise display shelving arrangement incorporates a first, gondola-type shelving unit with shelves intended to be loaded from the rear. The shelves may be inclined to promote gravity feeding of merchandise toward the front of the shelves. A second shelving unit is readily movable between a position in which it backs up to the first shelving unit and obstructs access to the rear of the shelves and another position in which it is spaced from the first shelving unit to create an aisle affording access to the rear of the shelves to facilitate loading of merchandise onto the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Marco J. White
  • Patent number: 5868263
    Abstract: A wall mounted storage system includes at least one pair of spaced apart vertical hanger bars for attachment to a studded wall or comparable structure. At least one removable shelf support bracket is associated with each hanger bar, and the bracket is removably connected to the bar at any one of a plurality of vertical locations along the bar. A shelf is supported by the brackets and releasably attached thereto by rear hooks on the brackets that hook over the rear rail of the shelf. An upwardly extending retainer loop on each bracket extends through the shelf and engages the front rail thereof. The hooks and loops on the shelf brackets interact with the shelf to positively secure the shelf in place and prevent it from tipping or shifting forward or sideways. Horizontal spacing of the hanger bars is not critical and the shelf may be releasably secured to the brackets even when the horizontal distance between the bars varies from one location to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Metal Masters Foodservice & Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Larry N. McAllister, William L. Bartz, Jr., John D. Poore
  • Patent number: 5826941
    Abstract: An adjustable foot rest for use in the bracket mounting channels of an acoustical office partition panel. Two support arms are removably secured to the bracket mounting channels and the support arms are pivotally connected to and support a resting member. Each support arm comprises an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion including a sleeve and a telescoping member slidably insertable within the sleeve. The outer portion has a hinge for medially maneuvering the each support arm. The outer portion and inner portion join to form a toothed adjustment joint which allows for inclination adjustment of the resting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: David L. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5826851
    Abstract: A removable mounting unit for electrostatic mounting of a shelf or hook to a nonporous surface includes a sheet of electrostatic material having an opening to engage the shelf or hook and hold it to the non-porous surface. The removable mounting unit may also include only the electrostatic sheet used to mount a picture or flat object by sandwiching the object between the sheet and a non-porous surface, or by using slits cut into the sheet to hold the corners of the object. The shelf or hook may be directly fused or glued to the electrostatic sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Dominic S. Arbisi
  • Patent number: 5813741
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a shelf support assembly having a pair of lateral support brackets removably mounted in a refrigerator, a support member interconnecting the lateral support brackets, and a central support bracket attached to the support member. A cross brace interconnects the central support bracket with one of the lateral support brackets. The central support bracket, cross brace, and lateral support brackets cooperate to define a support frame which slidingly supports a slidable shelf and pivotally supports a pivotable shelf. The sliding shelf includes stops to limit movement thereof. The pivotable shelf can be pivotally moved between a horizontal deployed position and first and second angled storage positions. The pivotable shelf includes detents which engage the support frame and releasably retain the pivotable shelf in one of the angled storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edison Allen Fish, Thomas R. Swindell, Randall Sandlin, Russell George Patterson, III, Daniel James Ocharzak, Robert Henry Martin
  • Patent number: 5806689
    Abstract: A shelving system (10) includes an upper shelf (42) exclusively supported by and at differing vertical spacings from a lower shelf (16) which can be removably attached to an outside support in the preferred form of a refrigerator case (12). Each of the shelves (16, 42) include support panels (32, 56) for removable securement of trays (62) including upright walls (70) for retaining differing types of yogurt containers in a straight line. For containers where the bases include the largest horizontal dimension, the upright walls (70) are formed on the outside edges of the trays (62). For containers having the maximum horizontal dimension other than at the base, the trays (62) include first and second protrusions (71) extending beyond the upright walls (70) to an extent generally equal to the maximum horizontal dimension of the containers. The trays (62) each include flexible stops (72) for preventing product from sliding off their front edges and providing cushioning and stopping of sliding product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Mays, M. Scott Bryson, Allen E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5803274
    Abstract: An article display system includes an upright support panel having a series of vertical grooves in its front face that serve to mount a number of bracket support fixtures flush with the panel front face. Each fixture is adapted to support an article-support bracket located in front of the support panel. An ornamental covering is provided on the panel front face to conceal the bracket support fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Saul Scheveloff
  • Patent number: 5802987
    Abstract: A display unit is disclosed having at least one angled support member which is disposed at an angle of less than 90 degrees to the ground, at least one horizontally extending shelf bearing member operatively connected to the support member; and a shelf disposed on the shelf bearing member for supporting articles to be displayed. The display unit can have adjustable shelves and may also contain a central shaft member that is used to hold the shelf supports. The display unit can serve many varied functions separately or in various combinations. Such functions can include a display shelf for art or articles for sale or in exhibition, a bookshelf, a planter box or holder, a music entertainment rack, a timepiece, a lighting fixture, a water fountain and a wind chime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: David K. Bellak, Jonathon G. Bellak
  • Patent number: 5803277
    Abstract: System for the mounting of shelving for pieces of crockery and the like, consisting of a multiplicity of identical modules (1), stacked vertically and interconnectable through tongue and groove pressure coupling, each of which has lateral and internal protrusions each with blind orifices, to house the rods (6) belonging to the relevant shelves, so that the selves (3) remain separated by a distance equivalent to the length of the modules (1), a minimum distance which is however sufficient to allow the placements of plates, bowls or other prices of crockery on each self, with maximum use of available space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Ignacio Alvarez-Momoitio
  • Patent number: 5799588
    Abstract: A moveable shelf is provided for a shelf system containing shelves in a stack arrangement mounted to uprights or side walls. The uprights or side walls include one or more shelf support members which support the shelves. One or more of the shelves are movable out from the shelf stack, either by way of a telescoping support member, or otherwise, to permit movement of such shelf or shelves to or past a lower shelf. After an upper shelf or shelves are moved vertically past a lower shelf, the upper shelf or shelves can be moved back into alignment with the lower shelf. In this arrangement, the upper shelf or shelves thereby become positioned below the lower shelf to permits easy access to the upper shelf or shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Zecharya Engel
  • Patent number: 5799803
    Abstract: A cantilevered shelf system includes a shelf bracket having an upper jaw, a lower jaw extending beyond the upper jaw and a back plate adjoining the upper jaw and the lower jaw, and a shelf having a top face with an engaging surface which contacts the upper jaw as the shelf is mounted into the bracket. The shelf has a bottom face with a rear cam edge and a longitudinal groove forwardly of the cam edge for insertion of a projection on the lower jaw. The distance between the cam edge and the engaging surface is slightly greater than the distance between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, so that the cam edge splays the jaws apart as the shelf is being mounted and the shelf snaps into a mounted position in which the projection is seated in the groove. When the shelf is fully mounted the cam edge resists upward displacement of the shelf and the projection prevents forward displacement of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Nienkamper Furniture & Accessories Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Muller
  • Patent number: 5796585
    Abstract: To provide an electronic equipment mounting device having flexibility in the mounting direction, the device is provided with a mounting jig on which a plurality of tongues are formed and a housing whose flat faces having different areas have slits in them, the tongues being inserted into the slits in a detachable manner. The mounting jig is mounted on, for example, the surface of a wall, and then the housing is coupled to the mounting jig by selectively using one of its side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akira Sugiyama, Tsutomu Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5758585
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a power track having an electric circuit connected to a power source, and at least one shelf structure including a top panel and containing a light source beneath the top panel to radiate light to the shelf structure immediately below it, the shelf structure being removably fitted to the power track so that the light source is electrically connected to the electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Jim S. Latchinian
  • Patent number: 5738019
    Abstract: An extendable shelf assembly is removably mounted on the slotted uprights of a display stand and comprises a shelf mounted on a shelf support, a shelf extender attached to said shelf and the shelf support and operable so that the shelf can be extended or retracted. A manually operable locking device permits the shelf to be extended or retracted and moved from one position to another when the locking device is released, the locking device retaining the shelf in its selected position when engaged. An angularly adjustable shelf support assembly which comprises a first mounting member with structure thereon for releasably attaching the member to a slotted upright and a second mounting member for attachment to the shelf to take the load thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: PPE Limited
    Inventor: Nigel Ian Parker
  • Patent number: 5735589
    Abstract: A shelf assembly for a refrigerator compartment such as a refrigerator for food products includes a shelf member slidably supported for extension and retraction on a shelf support. The shelf member includes side members which are preferably molded as a rim on an article support surface from an ethylene-polypropylene copolymer and include slide surfaces engaging spaced, generally horizontal and parallel shelf support surfaces preferably formed by L-shaped brackets on the shelf support. A guide member depends from at least one, and preferably both, of the side members to guide the sliding movement. A stop on the guide member limits travel by engaging a limit surface on the shelf support. The guide member and stop may be molded integrally with the side members to define a molded slide channel or formed by a rigid insert embedded in the rim during molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Donnelly Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Herrmann, Edmund J. Kane
  • Patent number: 5725110
    Abstract: A system for organizing the interior space of a closet into desired compartments involving horizontal shelves, clothes hanger rods and sliding drawers supported on a cantilever brackets removeably secured to selectively positioned vertical wall standards which are suspended from a single wall mounted horizontal hanger rail; the vertical wall standards having parallel rows of vertically aligned slot openings receptive of single or multiple rows of connector ears formed at connective end of the support brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: John Sterling Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Kluge, John R. Sterling
  • Patent number: 5720230
    Abstract: A sliding pull-out shelf comprising a shelf board, a shelf bracket with at least one shelf bracket tang, a pair of vertical supports spaced a predetermined distance apart, a pair of telescopic slider mechanisms, a magnet, and a magnetic anchor. Each telescopic slider mechanism attaches each shelf board side to each shelf bracket. Each shelf bracket is secured to each vertical support with the shelf bracket tang which is inserted into the vertical support vertical slots. Each shelf bracket is secured to each vertical support such that the shelf brackets project horizontally and parallel to each other. The magnetic anchor lies in the same plane as the vertical supports and is located midway between the vertical supports. The magnet is attached to the shelf board and contacts the magnetic anchor when the shelf is fully against the vertical supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Shane Mansfield
  • Patent number: 5706740
    Abstract: A vertically supported shelf surface having adjustable lower braces which may be adjusted horizontally to engage upright supports having different diameters, such as trees. Each brace has several openings to engage rails which slide there through. Two spaced vertical supports with holes are fixed to the braces and have holes through which a belt extending through them may be fastened around the upright support (e.g., a tree). The shelf's planar surface may be downwardly inclined towards the upright support tree and have a peripheral edge rim. Two functionally similar but with different designs may be used for the vertical section's braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Peter J. Keller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5702158
    Abstract: An arrangement in a structural element, for example in connection with a piece of furniture, in particular seating furniture or occasional furniture, comprising at least one first and second supporting member, each comprising a section with a cut-out. The cut-outs are adapted to allow the supporting members to be inserted retrievably into each other for mutual interconnecting. The first supporting member comprises a centre stem having a substantially continuous open slit extending therethrough, the centre stem including substantially bevelled or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces. The second supporting member comprising continuously adjustable supporting members with bevelled or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces complementary to the bevelled or partially curved or wavy sliding/locking surfaces of the divided centre stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventors: Hans Chr. Mengshoel, Oddvin Rykken
  • Patent number: 5695078
    Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable standard system for a shelving or display unit having support means comprising supporting hardware attached to a sliding body engaged about a mounting rail. The rail comprises an enlarged front edge or bead which extends through a channel in the sliding body such that the sliding body can slide freely but cannot become detached from the rail. In a preferred embodiment the rail has a tongue provided with openings into which a latch projecting from the support means can be selectively engaged. The rail can be provided with hooks configured to mount on a conventional slotted standard, or with any other securing means which allows the rail to be mounted on a supporting surface. The standard system of the invention provides greater aesthetic appeal than a conventional standard system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Martin Otema
  • Patent number: 5692712
    Abstract: A support assembly for a computer input device includes a generally C-shaped slide member mountable to the underside of a desk surface for slidingly receiving a vertical column member. Notches formed in the column member are engaged by teeth of a collar portion of a support arm. The arm is thereby adjustable to various vertical positions on the column. A computer keyboard or mouse pad may thereby by supported on the arm with both height adjustability and the ability to be retractable beneath the desk surface. Where the assembly is used to support a keyboard, a slide arm supporting the keyboard may be provided with ribs engaging slots of the support arm. By configuring the support arm with an S-shaped side elevation, movement of the slide arm on the support will allow the keyboard to tilt through a negative angle permitting the keyboard operator to adjust the angle of tilt to a comfortable neutral tilt position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Ring King Visibles, Inc.
    Inventors: Lavern L. Weinschenk, Jr., Jay R. Machael
  • Patent number: 5694292
    Abstract: A docking station has a removable guide and support shelf along which a portable computer may be slid into operatively coupled engagement with the docking station. By using a vertical side portion of the shelf as a horizontal computer guide, and appropriately positioning the computer docking connector relative to the corresponding guided computer surface, the shelf enables the same docking station to be used with portable computers having different geometric configurations. Alternatively, a differently configured portable computer may be operatively coupled to the docking station by replacing the shelf with a differently configured guide and support shelf. The removable shelf is provided with a mounting latch structure for removably retaining it on the docking station, and a security latch structure that automatically engages the computer during its docking movement. When docked, the computer rests atop three mutually spaced vertical projections formed on the top side of the base wall portion of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Q. Paulsel, Kelly K. Smith, Mark H. Ruch