Including Corner Sleeve Patents (Class 108/147.13)
  • Patent number: 11388997
    Abstract: A device for securing accessories such as bins, hooks, shelves, mirrors, trays, and baskets to a vertical support pole without tools and without a separate wedge or collar, including two fully separable pieces that interlock to surround the support pole and a lever that tightens to the pole without the use of a separate sleeve or wedge and without using tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: InterDesign, Inc.
    Inventors: Radu Alexandru Ghiorghie, Sara Czukal McBride
  • Patent number: 11330902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening and closing type shelf fixing clamp which can easily install and release a shelf, and can be easily and stably coupled to a post. The opening and closing type shelf fixing clamp comprises: a main body (100) which is coupled to a wire (3) constituting two side edges of a shelf (1) and to which a post is coupled; a fixing cover (300) which is coupled to one side of the main body through a hinge and which fixes the post (5) by covering the front surface of the post (5); and a fixing lever (500) which is coupled to the other side of the main body by means of a hinge and which presses the fixing cover toward the main body so as to fix the shelf to the post more stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: MSINTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheol Seok Woo
  • Patent number: 11117598
    Abstract: An auto-rack railroad car including a frame, a plurality of upright posts supported by the frame, a deck, and a plurality of deck connector assemblies connecting the deck to the upright posts, each deck connector assembly including at least one wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Gunderson LLC
    Inventors: Peter L. Jones, Victor Mankarious
  • Patent number: 10800575
    Abstract: A recyclable cardboard pallet is described herein. The pallet includes a top platform and a bottom platform formed by at least one layer of laminar components, wherein at least one of the layers of laminar components of each platform has openings, fastening components, and a frustoconical shape for inserting separators. The separators include outer tubular bodies with an inner diameter that is greater than or equal to a largest diameter of the openings, such that ends of the outer tubular body rest completely on the laminar elements between which it is located. The separators further include an inner tubular body concentric with and longer than the outer tubular body, the inner tubular body having an outer diameter configured relative to a smallest diameter of the openings, such that the outer diameter of the inner tubular body fits flush with laminar elements between which it is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Mandriladora Alpesa, S.L.
    Inventors: Sergio Altur Sánchez, Antonio Javier Altur Sánchez
  • Patent number: 10786880
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a carrier frame, which includes at least two plug boards and a plurality of hollow insert parts. Each plug board includes a plurality of hollow insert parts, either end of the support rod is configured to be inserted into any one of the hollow insert parts; the carrier frame has a first state, in the first state, the at least two plug boards are arranged in parallel and the two adjacent plug boards are connected through the support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jianhai Lin, Jiabin Xie, Zailin Hong
  • Patent number: 10463200
    Abstract: A bath or shower storage system which offers customizable storage solutions for a bath or shower. The bath or shower storage system includes a bath or shower wall having one or more integrated rails formed on the bath or shower wall, and one or more locking storage accessories which can be attached to the integrated rails. The locking storage accessories include hinge clamp that clamps on the integrated rail when the locking storage accessories are placed in a locked position, and a storage portion to store bath products. The bath or shower storage system may include a variety of storage solutions such as shallow trays, shelves, washcloth holders, and hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: AS AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Charles A. Patterson, Alison J. Lyons, Christophe Bucher, Daigo Ishiyama, Jean-Jacques L'Henaff
  • Patent number: 10376048
    Abstract: A shelving system having a top, bottom and intermediate shelves mounted on vertical supports. The intermediate shelves are mounted on adjustable brackets that permit individual removal of the intermediate shelves without disturbing the top and bottom shelves. The adjustable brackets comprise at one end a pin that is adapted to be inserted into a series of apertures formed along the length of each support. Opposite the pin, a mounting member is sized and shaped to receive a corner of each shelf. A stop is formed on the bracket between the pins and mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SPG INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Kessell, Douglas R. Dean, Gene B. Kartchner
  • Patent number: 9937941
    Abstract: A takedown utility cart includes rectangular platforms each having four corners, each platform including a main panel having four beams; four sets of post sections, each set secured through one corners of the platforms; two side walls each threadedly fastened between sides of two adjacent platforms; a rear panel having two sides threadedly secured to rear ends of the side walls respectively so that an open space is defined by the platforms, the side walls, and the rear panel; at least one drawer retractably mounted in the space; and a lock assembly mounted on the rear panel for locking or unlocking the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: E-MAKE Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Kung-Cheng Chen, Lung-Chuan Huang
  • Patent number: 9930961
    Abstract: A shelving system having a top, bottom and intermediate shelves mounted on vertical supports. The intermediate shelves are mounted on adjustable brackets that permit individual removal of the intermediate shelves without disturbing the top and bottom shelves. The adjustable brackets comprise at one end a pin that is adapted to be inserted into a series of apertures formed along the length of each support. Opposite the pin, a mounting member is sized and shaped to receive a corner of each shelf. A stop is formed on the bracket between the pins and mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SPG INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Kessell, Douglas R. Dean, Gene B. Kartchner
  • Patent number: 9905905
    Abstract: An antenna enclosure for attachment to a handrail, comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being configured to mate together to form said enclosure; each of the first and second parts including a cavity portion having a base wall, a peripheral external side wall and an inner wall; the external side wall of the first part is configured to mate with the external side wall of the second part; a seal disposed between the external side wall of the first part and the external side wall of the second part; and the first and second parts including respective clamp portions configured to wrap around a post of the handrail when the first and second parts are mated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: TESSCO COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dennis Burrell, Timothy Ortel
  • Patent number: 9394679
    Abstract: In a beam-connection member 9, the bottom surface side is a column-connection surface 14 and one side surface is a beam-mounting surface 16. In other words, the column-connection surface 14 and the beam-mounting surface 16 are formed to be substantially perpendicular. The column-connection surface 14 is the site of connection with a surface of the column. A depression 15 is formed on the column-connection surface 14. The depth of the depression 15 is preferably at least half of the main body thickness of the beam-connection member 9. Further, a notch 11 is formed across the width direction on the column-connection surface 14. The notch 11 is to avoid interference with the diaphragm. Near the notch 11, a rib 17 is provided in the depression 15 as necessary in the width direction. The rib 17 is for preventing deformation of the beam-connection member and for reinforcing the beam-connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: SENQCIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidenori Tanaka, Michio Itoh, Hideaki Takahashi, Takumi Niida
  • Patent number: 9308006
    Abstract: An instrument assembly for resecting a distal femur for receipt of a knee implant, comprising an intramedullary rod and resection instruments. A valgus portion of the intramedullary rod has series of engagement members positioned to provide a plurality of engagement positions for use in fixing the resection instruments on the valgus portion. The resection instruments are configured to selectively engage and selectively lock on the valgus rod at the engagement positions via the engagement members. The engagement members preferably comprise pairs of substantially vertical indents arranged in parallel along opposing sides of said valgus portions. The resection instruments preferably engages and locks to said engagement members via a sliding rod engagement member. The resection instruments preferably include a distal cut guide having a distal resection slot and a femoral resection block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: MicroPort Orthopedics Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Martin, Kevin Wong, Brian R. Harris
  • Patent number: 9289060
    Abstract: A multiple-layer shelf assembly includes a plurality of shelves. At least one support member and multiple engaging members are connected to each other to support the shelves. The at least one support member has at least one ridge and notches are defined in the at least one ridge. Each of the engaging members is a bent tubular member. The at least one support member extends through the engaging members and the engaging members are engaged with the notches of the at least one support member. The shelves are supported on the engaging members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Ping-Hsien Wu
  • Patent number: 8887647
    Abstract: A compression lock on a connector for a shelving post has upper and lower, mating collar parts having distal ends encircling more than 180 degrees of the post but separated by a gap through which the post can pass. Each distal end has an axially extending projection with a rounded end and a recess adjoining the projection. The projections of one collar part mate with the recesses of the other collar part to interlock the collar parts around a compression sleeve and form a frusto-conical inner surface that wedges the a mating sleeve against the post to affix a shelf attached to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Pro-Mart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Azad Sabounjian
  • Patent number: 8881918
    Abstract: A horseshoe game caddy for removably retaining horseshoes and stakes for playing a horseshoe game. The caddy includes a plurality of horseshoe racks supported by posts in vertically spaced relation. Each of the horseshoe racks are adapted to removably support at least one of the plurality of horseshoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eastpoint Sports Ltd., LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Nally, Adam B. Abramson, James P. Burns
  • Publication number: 20140261107
    Abstract: A compression lock on a connector for a shelving post has upper and lower, mating collar parts having distal ends encircling more than 180 degrees of the post but separated by a gap through which the post can pass. Each distal end has an axially extending projection with a rounded end and a recess adjoining the projection. The projections of one collar part mate with the recesses of the other collar part to interlock the collar parts around a compression sleeve and form a frusto-conical inner surface that wedges the a mating sleeve against the post to affix a shelf attached to the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PRO-MART INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Azad Sabounjian
  • Patent number: 8678207
    Abstract: A coupling member includes two members that are fitted to each other to hold a post from either side, each of the two members including a first tapered section that gradually increases in diameter in a downward direction, and a second tapered section that gradually slopes inward in the downward direction, and the first tapered section of one member among the two members and the second tapered section of another member among the two members being disposed within the half area of the coupling member in the diametrical direction when viewed from the front side when the coupling member is fitted to the post. An assembly shelf includes the coupling member. Since the assembly shelf is configured so that one shelf board member is supported within the half area of the coupling member in the diametrical direction when viewed from the front side, the assembly shelf can be easily assembled, and a middle shelf board member can be removed from the assembly shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kawajun Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitomo Shimazaki, Takashi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 8622355
    Abstract: The present disclosure could generally provide a system for use with a furniture or desk assembly having an extendible leg assembly and retaining system. In one embodiment, the system could be easily and safely adjustable, while maintaining a particular height and overall structural integrity of a furniture or desk system to, for example, withstand considerable weight and pressure exerted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Paragon Furniture LP
    Inventors: Steven Pryor, Robert L. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8616138
    Abstract: A shelving system includes stand units, mounting connectors and supporting panels. The stand unit includes vertical portions and a horizontal portion. The vertical portion includes securement holes spaced apart from each other. Each mounting connector includes a main body having a through hole including an elastic securement hook, and the main body each includes a protruding block having parallel positioning holes. Two sides of each supporting panel include locking pins. Each mounting connector is mounted onto the vertical portions of the stand units by securing the securement hook into one of the securement holes of the vertical portions to allow the insertion of the locking pins of the supporting panels into the positioning holes to form directionally extended combinations of supporting panels such that the shelving system is configurable to be of different sizes and levels for storage and can be assembled and disassembled with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Kuang-Huan Fu
  • Patent number: 8505752
    Abstract: An assembly shelf includes a post that includes two main post sections and a connection section that connects the main post sections, a plurality of through-holes being formed in the connection section along a longitudinal direction, a pair of connection members, each of the pair of connection members including a first engagement section that engages the post, and a second engagement section that engages a shelf board member, and a shelf board member that includes a third engagement section that is formed approximately at each corner and engages the second engagement section, the pair of connection members and the shelf board member being positioned within the range that corresponds to half of the post in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kawajun Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 8505750
    Abstract: An assembly shelf includes a post that includes two main post sections and a connection section that connects the main post sections, a plurality of through-holes being formed in the connection section along a longitudinal direction, a pair of connection members, each of the pair of connection members including a first engagement section that engages the post, and a second engagement section that engages a shelf board member, and a shelf board member that includes a third engagement section that is formed approximately at each corner and engages the second engagement section, the pair of connection members and the shelf board member being positioned within the range that corresponds to half of the post in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kawajun Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 8505751
    Abstract: An assembly shelf includes a post that includes two main post sections and a connection section that connects the main post sections, a plurality of through-holes being formed in the connection section along a longitudinal direction, a pair of connection members, each of the pair of connection members including a first engagement section that engages the post, and a second engagement section that engages a shelf board member, and a shelf board member that includes a third engagement section that is formed approximately at each corner and engages the second engagement section, the pair of connection members and the shelf board member being positioned within the range that corresponds to half of the post in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kawajun Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 8333160
    Abstract: Disclosed is a detachable tool cart comprising a main frame, at least a toolbox and at least a handle. The main frame includes poles standing in parallel and wire plates. Each pole has a wheel, and each wire plate has rings designated around to be locked upon corresponding poles. A position assembly is applied to fix a ring on the pole and, therefore, the poles and the wire plates construct a layered main frame. The toolbox includes two polygonal box members which are able to be placed on the wire plate with trays for placing tools or parts. The handle has two sleeves to clasp onto corresponding poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Yun-Huei Lin
  • Patent number: 8286564
    Abstract: A shelf support system including a collet lock for engaging a hole in the shelf post for arresting downward movement of a shelf support collar on the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Cycle Corporation
    Inventors: Philip J. Karl, Errol Drew
  • Patent number: 8186282
    Abstract: A table includes a base and a plurality of legs supporting the base. The base is vertically adjustable relative to each of the legs and relative to a support surface, upon which the legs are configured to rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: The Step2 Company, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Sinchok, Thomas Joseph Manion, Daniel R. Simpson, Michael T. Carnahan
  • Patent number: 8118181
    Abstract: An assembly shelf includes a post that includes two main post sections and a connection section that connects the main post sections a plurality of through-holes being formed in the connection section along a longitudinal direction, a pair of connection members, each of the pair of connection members including a first engagement section that engages the post, and a second engagement section that engages a shelf board member, and a shelf board member that includes a third engagement section that is formed approximately at each corner and engages the second engagement section, the pair of connection members and the shelf board member being positioned within the range that corresponds to half of the post in the lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kawajun Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 8074583
    Abstract: A shelving system includes one or more shelving units. Each shelving unit has posts each post having one or more indents, connectors with slots for mounting the post and one or more shelves. Each shelf has protrusions on a periphery to insert into one of the connector slots. Each shelving unit and shelving system can be assembled, disassembled, and adjusted without the use of tools or other components. The shelving units can be assembled together to create a multiple shelving unit system without the use of tools or other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Organize-it-All Inc.
    Inventor: James Lee
  • Patent number: 8001911
    Abstract: A shelf is connected to risers that are interference fit together to achieve a clamping effect between the shelves and the risers. Each shelf may comprise a plastic shelf portion and at least one reinforcement portion secured to the plastic shelf portion to reinforce the plastic shelf portion along its length. In one embodiment a plurality of metal bars are used as the reinforcement portion having a tapered end. The reinforcement portions may be inserted into channels formed in the plastic shelve portions and secured to the shelf portions using an interference fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph J. Yankello, Robert John Warner, Jr., David M. Stitchick, Troy Andrew Richardson, Stephen Biel, Pete Werwick, Brett A. Hall, Michael S. Kerley
  • Patent number: 7992730
    Abstract: An improved construction pillar insertion combination rack made of metal wire material in a rectangular or polygonal form and in a single layer or multiple layers includes multiple side frames, multiple pillars, multiple clamping members, and a top; each limitation corner of the rack comprised of two rings concentrically arranged with the diameter of the upper ring smaller than that of the lower ring; each side frame including an upper and a lower support rods; a connection rod usually made in a waveform being disposed at where between and soldered to both of the upper and the lower support rods; each pillar containing multiple sections with a circumferential slot being defined by any two abutted sections; the pillar being secured with the clamping member at where it to be inserted into the limitation corner; and the top usually related to a mesh being placed on the frame of the rack; alternatively, an upper frame with multiple upper rings of the limitation corner and a lower frame with multiple lower rings o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Li-Hsu Huang
  • Patent number: 7992731
    Abstract: A shelving unit comprises a plurality of upright support posts and shelves having multiple corners with multi-component corner structure at each corner of the shelf for releasably connecting the shelf to the posts. Each corner structure comprises a two piece base segment and a substantially frictionless outside interlocking segment. The two piece base segment includes a housing fixedly connected to a shelf corner and a substantially frictionless inner liner within the housing. The outside interconnecting segment includes outwardly extending flanges that engage vertically oriented opposed undercut slots on the inner liner to facilitate interconnection of the base and interlocking segments. Both segments include partial frusto conical surface portions that engage a frusto conical clamping sleeve on the support posts to facilitate releasable connection of the shelf to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Larry N. Mcallister, Kenneth S. Christianson
  • Publication number: 20110036278
    Abstract: A shelf support system including a collet lock for engaging a hole in the shelf post for arresting downward movement of a shelf support collar on the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Philip J. Karl, Errol Drew
  • Publication number: 20100288716
    Abstract: A double sided bin holder assembly comprises four upstanding posts and at least one horizontal H-shaped frame including two spaced apart parallel side bars and at least one middle bar connected between the side bars. A collar is positioned at each end of the side bars for adjustable connection to the upstanding posts. At least one upwardly extending flange on the middle bar functions to receive and support a plurality of bins with undercut portions thereon that fit over the upwardly extending flange on the middle bar on the H-shaped frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: METAL MASTERS FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT CO., INC.
    Inventors: Paul E. Northam, Eric C. Yocum
  • Patent number: 7658154
    Abstract: A shelf is connected to risers that are screwthreaded together to achieve a clamping effect between the shelves and the risers. Each shelf may comprise a plastic shelf portion and at least one reinforcement portion secured to the plastic shelf portion to reinforce the plastic shelf portion along its length. In one embodiment a plurality of metal bars are used as the reinforcement portion. The reinforcement portions may be inserted into channels formed in the plastic shelve portions and may be attached to the shelve portions using a separate attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph J. Yankello, Robert John Warner, Jr., David M. Stitchick, Troy Andrew Richardson, Stephen Biel, Pete Werwick
  • Patent number: 7568436
    Abstract: A shelving system comprises a plurality of upright support posts, a shelf having multiple corners and adjustable multi-component corner structure at each corner of the shelf for connecting the shelf to the posts. Each corner structure includes a base segment movably and adjustably connected to the shelf and an outside segment releasably secured to the base segment. The base segment is adjustable with respect to the shelf for proper alignment and connection of the corner structures to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Metal Masters Foodservice Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Larry N. McAllister, William L. Bartz, Jr., Kenneth S. Christianson
  • Patent number: 7478971
    Abstract: A shelf connector includes a sliding sleeve and a locking sleeve. The sliding sleeve is formed with a locking body thereon. The locking body is provided with an open groove along the axial direction of the sliding sleeve. The locking body is provided on both sides of the open groove with clasping portions. The locking sleeve is provided with a locking groove thereon. After the clasping portion is inserted into the locking groove, the width of the open groove can be reduced. With the above arrangement, in assembling, the sliding sleeve can be conveniently positioned to any suitable position of the supporting rod and locked thereto with the insertion of the locking sleeve. Since the locking sleeve itself has mounting portions for mating with the frame body of the shelf, or the locking sleeve itself is the end portion of the frame body of the shelf, the connection of the whole shelf becomes very simple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Xiangming Li
  • Patent number: 7309051
    Abstract: The invention provides a height adjustable support or leg assembly for a table or similar object, said assembly having two components, an L-shaped inner leg and a square outer leg constructed to create a perfect fit between them using means for adjusting the height of the assembled unit. The height adjustment means consists of a plurality of holes bored in the outer component and T-nut studs to connect the legs together at specific height adjustment and to secure the components together firmly and safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Donald McNeill
  • Patent number: 7267310
    Abstract: A support system includes a support post and support means for adjustably supporting a member to the support post. The support means includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position for press-fitting the support means, directly or indirectly, against the support post and a second position for releasing the press-fitting. The locking mechanism has a surface that abuts the support post, or a wedge member associated with the support post, when in the first position thereby to effect the press-fitting and that is released from the support post when moved to the second position to release the press-fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Welch, James D. Hill, Jeffrey C. Olson, Robert R. Steele, Cheryl Kniffin, Katherine McGillivray
  • Patent number: 7100781
    Abstract: An adjustable shelving system is disclosed wherein each support post includes a plurality of slots based vertically along the support post. The shelving system also includes one or more collars slidably received over the support post. The collars include cleats which are received in the slots to secure the collar in a vertical position. To disengage the collar or cleat of the collar from a slot, the collar is slid upwards thereby releasing the cleat of the collar from the slot then, upon rotation of the collar, the collar can be slid axially along the support post to a new, desired location. Then, with the cleat of the collar disposed slightly vertically above a new desired slot, the collar is rotated back so that the cleat is in alignment with the slot and then slid downward to engage the cleat in the new slot at the new, desired location. The collar either directly or indirectly supports a shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles William Craft
  • Patent number: 7086633
    Abstract: A support system includes a support post and support means for adjustably supporting a member to the support post. The support means includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position for press-fitting the support means, directly or indirectly, against the support post and a second position for releasing the press-fitting. The locking mechanism has a surface that abuts the support post, or a wedge member associated with the support post, when in the first position thereby to effect the press-fitting and that is released from the support post when moved to the second position to release the press-fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Welch, James D. Hill, Jeffrey C. Olson, Robert R. Steele, Cheryl Kniffin, Katherine McGillivray
  • Patent number: 6848659
    Abstract: A storage stand has multiple shelves, split tubular sleeves, brackets and vertical supports. Each shelf has multiple corners and each bracket is mounted at one of the corners under the shelves to hold a split tubular sleeve by welding. The vertical supports are mounted between adjacent shelves. Since the welds are hidden under each shelf, the storage stand has an aesthetic appearance and can be easily assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: George C. M. Liu
  • Patent number: 6748878
    Abstract: A shelf positioning mechanism for sectional rack constructed particularly from vertical posts having spaced horizontal annular grooves and horizontal shelves mainly includes a positioning member fitted between a short sleeve provided at each corner of the shelf and a connecting member configured to attach to the vertical post at the annular groove. The positioning member has downward and outward inclined inner wall surface that applies a clamping force on a downward and outward inclined outer wall surface of the connecting member for the latter to securely attach to the vertical post, and has a straight outer wall surface to tightly bear against a straight inner wall surface of the short sleeve for the shelf to be selectively turned upside down when it is assembled to the vertical posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Protrend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 6726040
    Abstract: A sectional rack that can be assembled without using any tool and type of fastener includes oblong-sectioned vertical posts having horizontal slots symmetrically provided on two opposite sides, and externally, gradually, downwardly expanding connecting members adapted to firmly attach to the vertical posts through engagement of ribs provided on inner wall surfaces of the connecting members with the horizontal slots on the vertical posts, and horizontal shelves having an internally gradually downward expanded short sleeve provided at each corner and being adapted to connect to the vertical posts by seating the short sleeves over the connecting members attached to the vertical posts. Further, channels are optionally hung on the vertical posts to support drawer-type baskets thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Protrend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 6695156
    Abstract: A rack device includes one or more shelves, each having one or more collars for being detachably secured onto one or more posts with one or more sleeves. The sleeve includes an enlarged lower portion. The collar includes a bore for receiving the sleeve, and having a narrower middle portion and two greater end portions, for allowing the collar to be invertibly secured onto the enlarged lower portion of the sleeve, and for allowing either of the upper and the lower sides of the shelf to be arranged on the upper portion for supporting various objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Chou Wang
  • Patent number: 6695418
    Abstract: Modular shelving with at least one cabinet that includes a plurality of shelves and vertical risers which serve to space the shelves and support loads placed thereon. Cabinet side wall, back wall and door panels are installed about the risers, with each component having a pair of spaced apart holes adapted to slide over the risers. The holes preferably have a diameter just slightly less than the smallest diameter portion of the risers over which the panels will be placed, and are surrounded by one or more radial slots which allow the material around the hole to flex and accommodate larger diameter portions of the risers with an interference fit. The interference fit eliminates the need for precise hole size manufacturing and provides an additional advantage of holding the cabinet doors in a position selected by the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Inc.
    Inventors: Erik L. Skov, David A. Houk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6659410
    Abstract: A leg of a table includes a connecting portion, and an elongated supporting portion. The connecting portion includes two lateral plates secured to bottom of a table's top, and several horizontal portions formed between the lateral plates. The horizontal portions have through holes aligned with each other. Annular walls are formed around the through holes. The annular walls are shaped such that the inner sides thereof taper off towards an upper end of the inner side of the uppermost one. The elongated supporting portion has pads on an upper end, of which the outer sides taper off towards an upper end. The elongated supporting portion is joined to the connecting portion with the pads being inserted into the annular walls; thus, the pads will be forced further into the connecting portion when more weight is placed on the table, making the table more steady.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Jin-Chu Lu
  • Patent number: 6604473
    Abstract: A laundry center has a plurality of grooved vertical posts connecting together a top storage shelf and a middle snake wire frame. Plural sorting sacks are attached to the middle snake wire frame by ties. A height-adjustable, downwardly foldable ironing board is secured to two of the grooved vertical posts. Because the ironing board must be pulled up to be used, no one is injured when the ironing board is disengaged from its stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Sandy Alan Felsenthal
  • Publication number: 20030131767
    Abstract: A shelf positioning mechanism for sectional rack constructed particularly from vertical posts having spaced horizontal annular grooves and horizontal shelves mainly includes a positioning member fitted between a short sleeve provided at each corner of the shelf and a connecting member configured to attach to the vertical post at the annular groove. The positioning member has downward and outward inclined inner wall surface that applies a clamping force on a downward and outward inclined outer wall surface of the connecting member for the latter to securely attach to the vertical post, and has a straight outer wall surface to tightly bear against a straight inner wall surface of the short sleeve for the shelf to be selectively turned upside down when it is assembled to the vertical posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 6550730
    Abstract: A retaining device for a replaceable hanger frame comprises a main supporting post and a retainer. The retainer encloses the main supporting post, and a buckle sleeve in the enclosing sleeve. A lower end of an inner surface of the enclosing sleeve is installed with a cambered groove. The buckle sleeve is formed by two opposite wave-like cambered sheets which are assembled to the interior of the enclosing sleeve. The wave-like cambered sheet of the buckle sleeve is installed with a plurality of stop ribs. The wave-like cambered sheets have outer tips which resist against the enclosing sleeve. A concave space formed on the outer surface of the buckle sleeve and an inner surface of the enclosing sleeve provides a margin for compressing and deformation as the main supporting post is engaged. Thereby, the enclosing sleeve and buckle sleeve are positioned to a predetermined position of the main supporting post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Yi-Fa Hong
  • Publication number: 20020113180
    Abstract: A mounting system is provided for adjustably mounting supporting surfaces in the form of shelves and the like at various relative heights. A plurality of uprights, having indentations therein, are arranged to support respective expandable clamping assemblies thereon. The clamping assemblies include respective indentations along respective inner surfaces thereof for alignment with the indentations of the uprights such that a retainer member can be received between the respective indentations for supporting the clamping assemblies on their respective uprights. The retainer members are spring wires which are biased outwardly to expand the clamping assemblies and release the retainer members from the respective uprights. A plurality of clamping assembly housings are provided for securing the respective clamping assemblies on the uprights in an engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jacob R. Wiebe
  • Patent number: 6364138
    Abstract: A sectional rack includes a plurality of vertical posts, a plurality of horizontal shelves, and a plurality of connecting members. Each of the vertical posts is a hollow post and has a generally I-shaped cross section with two substantially rectangular and width-expanded side portions and a width-narrowed middle portion extending between the two side portions. The horizontal shelves are connected to the two side portions of the vertical posts so that two adjacent shelves located at two sides of the post are at the same height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Protrend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen