Independent Legs Support Surface Patents (Class 108/156)
  • Patent number: 7574966
    Abstract: A portable voting booth for a user to erect at a voting place when needed and disassemble thereafter for transportation and storage includes a base portion and a plurality of legs for assemble onto the base portion. The base portion defines a plurality of leg-receiving bores for receiving hollow tubular end portions of the plurality of legs. The base portion also includes leg-gripping components within the bores for gripping the tubular end portions in order to restrain the legs from falling out of the leg-receiving bores under influence of gravity. The leg-gripping components of one embodiment include four resiliently deformable, axially extending fingers within each of four leg-receiving bores, the fingers resiliently deforming so that they fit axially into the tubular end portions to bear radially outward against the inwardly facing inner walls of the tubular end portions for leg-restraining purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventors: Richard J. Stephens, Horst B. Krippner
  • Patent number: 7571888
    Abstract: A slab formwork comprising vertical props, fixed bolsters mounted on the upper end of the props and shuttering panels supported on the bolsters. In correspondence with the four corners of a planar, horizontal and upper surface of the bolsters, some diagonal protuberances project outward with their upper surface inclined downward toward the interior and with two slopes defining individual inclined planes convergent in a common and longitudinal edge, the upper surface defining the support for the corresponding shuttering panels, the latter having on their corners some reinforcements. There are also defined complementary inclined surfaces to the two slopes of the upper surfaces of the protuberances, those reinforcements being supplemented with lateral flanges by means of which it is possible to hang the shuttering panels, both for carrying out their erection and for their dismantling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Ulma Cye., S. Coop.
    Inventor: Alberto Arozena Bergaretxe
  • Publication number: 20090183657
    Abstract: The invention presents a table system which has an axially oriented plug fastening means (3, 4) between table leg (2) and tabletop (1) and an automatic retaining device (5, 6, 7) which retains the table leg (2) after it is inserted into the tabletop (1). According to the invention, advantages such as a high degree of variability and particular convenience in terns of assembly are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: VEL VEGA LDA.
    Inventor: Matthias Fischer
  • Publication number: 20090114132
    Abstract: A workbench includes two opposite sides each having a connection member mounted thereon. Four stationary members respectively mounted to two opposite ends of each of the two connection members. Four sleeves respectively mounted to two opposite ends of each of the two connection member and extending through the connection member and the stationary member. Four legs respectively inserted into a corresponding one of the four sleeves for supporting the top of the workbench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Tsai HSIEH
  • Patent number: 7506593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment for supporting microfabrication tools, and in particular, to microfabrication tool pedestals including adjustable supports. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pedestal for a microfabrication tool is provided. The pedestal includes a frame constructed and arranged to support the microfabrication tool and a plurality of supports movable along and connected to the frame. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of providing a supporting for a microfabrication tool is provided. The method includes providing a pedestal comprising a frame constructed and arranged to support the microfabrication tool and a plurality of supports connected to the frame, and laterally repositioning the supports relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Kinetics Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Strabel, III
  • Publication number: 20090056598
    Abstract: A support assembly for a work surface is disclosed. The support assembly may be secured to at least one gable. The support assembly includes an elongate horizontal support having a predetermined cross-sectional shape a saddle support which supports the work surface. The saddle support has a recess with a shape which corresponds to the predetermined cross sectional shape of the horizontal support. The recess receives the horizontal support therein to securely rest the saddle support on a top portion of the horizontal support. A U-shaped fastener secures an upper member of the horizontal support to an upper portion of the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: TK Canada Limited
    Inventor: Carl Gustav MAGNUSSON
  • Publication number: 20090000528
    Abstract: A table with combined and upstanding legs includes a tabletop and numbers of legs. Numbers of connecting positions for connecting with the feet are arranged in the underside of the tabletop. The legs are connected with the connecting positions of the tabletop vertically. The connecting positions and the upper ends of the legs are connected together by means of screw threads. On the legs are inserted parts in which a tool is inserted in order to rotate the legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 7437859
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing objects, volumes, furniture modules and furniture as well as articles produced by said method that are composed of individual elements such as walls, panels, beams, legs, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Penio Stolarov
  • Patent number: 7422187
    Abstract: Interlocking parts that can be assembled to form a stand are shown. Each part includes at least one leg, and when the stand is assembled, it includes a total of at least three legs, which support the stand. Each part also includes an interlocking buckle member coupled to the legs. The parts are then assembled so that the interlocking buckle members cooperate with each other to form a platform that is supported by the legs. The stand comprises of the legs and the platform. After the stand is no longer needed, the parts can be disassembled and stored; and, when needed again, the interlocking parts may be retrieved from storage and reassembled to form the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jennifer M. Traut
  • 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: 7040835
    Abstract: A support system that can be assembled and disassembled quickly and easily to allow easy mobility and compact storage. The support system comprises of a supported member and a supporting member. The supported member defines two holes that will engage the engagement portion of the supporting member to securely retain the supporting member in desired position and support the supported member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Sun
  • Patent number: 6967336
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling accurate retaining of a precise position, such as for reacquisition of a microscopic spot or feature having a size of 0.1 mm or less, on broad-area surfaces after non-in situ processing. The apparatus includes a sample and sample holder. The sample holder includes a base and three support posts. Two of the support posts interact with a cylindrical hole and a U-groove in the sample to establish location of one point on the sample and a line through the sample. Simultaneous contact of the third support post with the surface of the sample defines a plane through the sample. All points of the sample are therefore uniquely defined by the sample and sample holder. The position registration system of the current invention provides accuracy, as measured in x, y repeatability, of at least 140 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Southeastern Universities Research Assn.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Sundelin, Tong Wang
  • Patent number: 6929096
    Abstract: A workbench frame having spanning element with a stringer portion and a shelf portion with a bend extending along an entire length between the stringer and shelf portions. The stringer and shelf portions each accommodate fastening elements that secure to opposite leg assemblies to provide stability, support and storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Systemax, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6925945
    Abstract: A leg attachment mechanism and a method of manufacture for an article of furniture including a bracket attached to the article of furniture and an expandable post attached to the bracket. The leg includes a receptacle of sufficient dimension to receive the post. The leg is attached to the post by fitting the receptacle over the post and then expanding the post to forcefully engage the walls of the leg defining the receptacle. The post preferably includes a flexible wall that is movable outwardly by rotation of a threaded element, such as a set screw. A foam overmold is preferably formed over the edge of the article of furniture and the bracket. The overmold preferably includes an undercut boot that closely receives upper end of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: JSJ Furniture Corporation
    Inventors: Tod G. Babick, Denis H. Hoffman, Robert A. Benefiel
  • Patent number: 6820379
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for positioning and fixing beams, in particular made from wood, in particular for the construction of ground foundations, by means of at least one ground dowel. The ground dowel receives, in a retaining part, a ground dowel insert part which can be fixed therein and which possesses a retaining means, attached to a baseplate, for determining the position of the beam relative to the ground dowel insert part, the ground dowel insert part being fixed at least adhesively on the pressed-on beam. After the ground dowel, placed at the desired position and provided with the ground dowel insert part, has been adjusted to the desired height, the beam is pressed on to the retaining means in the desired position. The ground dowel insert part is fixed on the removed beam in accordance with the position determined by the retaining means, and the beam thus positioned, with the ground dowel insert part fixed thereon, is inserted into the retaining section of the ground dowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Krinner, Guenther Thurner, Martin Thurner
  • Patent number: 6776106
    Abstract: A worktable includes a housing secured to bottom of a table top and having a chamber formed by two side walls and a bottom panel and having one or more orifices formed in the bottom panel by peripheral fences. One or more plates are secured between the side walls of the housing, and each has an aperture formed by a peripheral fence and aligned with the orifice of the housing for receiving a leg. A sleeve is engaged between the leg and the housing and the plate with a wedge action, for stably securing the leg to the table top with the housing without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Ming Mo Lin
  • Patent number: 6763825
    Abstract: A stove cover is provided having a plurality of resilient feet. The resilient feet each contain a channel for engaging the grate atop the stove to hold it firmly in place and to prevent rattling. The cover includes a series of apertures for selective attaching the the feet at different locations thereon, depending on the particular stove and grate used with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman P. Geible
  • Patent number: 6752142
    Abstract: A cooking area cover panel to be applied separately for a cooking area is made of a hard material and comprises a plurality of individual partial covering panels having an underside and a top side and spacer feet provided with connecting means for selectively mounting on the cooking area cover panel. The spacer feet are mountable to the underside of the cooking area cover panel in a ready-to-use condition, wherein the spacer feet are separate from the cooking area cover panel in a disassembled condition of the cooking area cover panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Wenko-Wenselaar GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hanns-Joachim Köllner
  • Patent number: 6739153
    Abstract: An optical workstation comprising an optical breadboard supported by a frame, the frame comprising a plurality of upstanding legs interconnected by laterally extending cross-beams, the cross-beams defining a space into which the optical breadboard is received and laterally enclosed. By laterally enclosing the optical breadboard with the cross-beam frame elements, side protection for the optical breadboard is provided, thus protecting it from lateral impacts against which conventional damping mounts are not effective. In addition, since the cross-beams are part of the frame structure, they provide a stable and rigid platform for mounting optical and other components at the very edge of the workstation outside the optical breadboard area. Anchor points in the cross-beams are provided for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Melles Griot Limited
    Inventors: Philip Andrew Davies, Anil M Patel, Malcolm Sargeant, Brian Watson, Tony Wills
  • Patent number: 6672011
    Abstract: A modular command post system comprised of removable interconnecting truss elements is provided. The modular command post system is configured to provide shelter and infrastructure to support various electronic equipment used by occupants of the command post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Solipsys Corporation
    Inventors: Paul N. Garner, Lynn J. Adams, Charles P. Richards
  • Publication number: 20030226481
    Abstract: A leg attachment mechanism for an article of furniture including a bracket attached to the article of furniture and an expandable post attached to the bracket. The leg includes a receptacle of sufficient dimension to receive the post. The leg is attached to the post by fitting the receptacle over the post and then expanding the post to forcefully engage the walls of the leg defining the receptacle. The post preferably includes a flexible wall that is movable outwardly by rotation of a threaded element, such as a set screw. A foam overmold is preferably formed over the edge of the article of furniture and the bracket. The overmold prferably includes an undercut boot that closely receives upper end of the leg. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an article of furniture incorporating the leg attachment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Tod G. Babick, Denis H. Hoffman, Robert A. Benefiel
  • Patent number: 6629506
    Abstract: A leg structure of a desk constructed to provide a stronger durability at places such as kindergarten, children's house and the like and to conform to body shape of a user such as child, thereby facilitating to easily adjust height of an upper plate, which comprises a plurality of leg members; a male screw part screwed to one end of the leg members with a bolt part externally protruded at the center thereof; a female screw part screwed to the other end of the leg members with a nut part at the center thereof to be coupled with the bolt part of the male screw part, so that a plurality of leg members with the male and female screw parts coupled at both sides thereof are sequentially connected to form a leg of a desk; a coupling unit having a bottom side coupled with an upper end of the leg, a flange part formed at an upper side to be coupled to an upper plate with a plurality of screws and a fitting protruder formed at the top center of the flange part; and a fitting groove formed at the bottom surface of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Hyuk Koo Park
  • Patent number: 6508184
    Abstract: A lightweight folding table with legs that may be attached without a separate fixturing step is disclosed. Preferably, the table includes a table top having a working surface and a mounting surface, upon which the legs are attached. Fixturing mounts may be integrally formed with the table top by a process such as blow molding. The fixturing mounts may be configured to receive and hold independent mounting assemblies, each of which is pivotally attached to a leg. The fixturing mounts may have fixturing protrusions arranged so as to frictionally engage the mounting assemblies in such a manner that the mounting assemblies are held in place. An adhesive may then be applied to the mounting assemblies to provide a more permanent attachment, if desired. The adhesive may be allowed to set without using any external fixturing implements to hold the mounting assemblies in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Preston Winter, Curtis L. Strong
  • Patent number: 6460471
    Abstract: A modular base for a machine includes a tabletop, and four leg posts. The tabletop has a top side, a bottom side, and four post bores formed in the bottom side and arranged to form four corners of a rectangle. Each of the leg posts has an upper end portion inserted removably into a respective one of the post bores, and is provided with a pair of upper board engaging members and a pair of lower board engaging members, which are disposed at right angles and are adjacent to upper and lower end portions of the respective leg post. Each of the upper board engaging members forms a downwardly opening notch. Each of the lower board engaging members forms an upwardly opening notch. Four screw fasteners are disposed to fasten removably the upper end portions of the leg posts to the tabletop. Four rectangular board members are respectively disposed to extend across an adjacent pair of the leg posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Sheng-Hui Yang
  • Publication number: 20020096093
    Abstract: A modular base for a machine includes a tabletop, and four leg posts. The tabletop has a top side, a bottom side, and four post bores formed in the bottom side and arranged to form four corners of a rectangle. Each of the leg posts has an upper end portion inserted removably into a respective one of the post bores, and is provided with a pair of upper board engaging members and a pair of lower board engaging members, which are disposed at right angles and are adjacent to upper and lower end portions of the respective leg post. Each of the upper board engaging members forms a downwardly opening notch. Each of the lower board engaging members forms an upwardly opening notch. Four screw fasteners are disposed to fasten removably the upper end portions of the leg posts to the tabletop. Four rectangular board members are respectively disposed to extend across an adjacent pair of the leg posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Sheng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 6355918
    Abstract: A food support for boosting the food-cooking capacity of a microwave oven. The support includes a plate having a number of legs extending downwardly therefrom. Each of the legs has a base adapted for selective insertion into a cup integrally fastened to the bottom of the plate. An arcuate stem projects downwardly from each base and bows outwardly for easy access to food items positioned beneath the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Carl E. Eckmyre
  • Publication number: 20010029873
    Abstract: A handicapped accessible work table having a horizontal transparent table top, with removable plant trays, cushioned arm rest edges, and vertical legs with caster wheels. The tabletop is supported by parallel identical one piece aluminum frames. Each frame is formed from bending an aluminum bar at several points. Each side frame has vertical legs that have upper portions that bend to form supports for the table top and an upwardly bent mid-section that passes through a slot in the table top. A cross-brace bar connects the top of the opposite upwardly bent mid-sections of each frame to give the table structural support above the tabletop. Thus, wheelchairs have no obstacles when positioned about and under the edges of the table. An ultraviolet light source can be connected to the cross-brace bar so that plantings in the trays can have an adequate light source for growth when the table is used for gardening. The tabletop can include a solid working surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Robert L. Hoekstra, Michael Mullens, Steven F. Truntich, Jonas R. Hedman, Reinaldo Moraga, Sangram Vasant Shelke
  • Patent number: 6267111
    Abstract: My invention, the “Portable Self-Contained Mobile Vending Unit,” revolutionizes the single chafing dish equipment used by caterers as well as the small steam table used by food vendors in a mobile vending “hot cart.” Caterers as well as mobile food vendors can offer their customers a complete professional looking buffet style set-up of foods, indoor or outdoor, with a minimal amount of set-up. Another benefit is that the equipment is lightweight as well as durable, and requires no maintenance. The expansion of the standard style mobile vending “hot cart” from one or two full chafing dish compartments to as many as seven additional full size portable steam pans, offers a food operator endless potential. Additionally, the self-contained style saves the food caterer from setting up a separate table to accommodate his separate chafing dishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: William Hendricks Burton
  • Patent number: 6101954
    Abstract: A worktop and frame construction which utilizes a frame body that forms a generally flat, relatively thick panel that has an hour-glass shape in plan view so that in the center of the frame body clearance is provided for knees of a user of the worktop. The frame body is supported on legs that are assembled without using tools by having tapered sockets and mating tapers at the ends of the legs that tightly and securely fit into the tapered sockets. The workstation parts can be easily assembled on site. The frame body is a sandwich construction which has peripheral frame members that form outwardly opening raceways for wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Rosemount Office Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell J. Rein, Barry R. Mumm, Lloyd C. Mollenkopf
  • Patent number: 6032589
    Abstract: A shelf for the top of a monitor has a base with groups of seriate polygonal sockets formed on the bottom and two support feet each including an upper foot and a lower foot. The upper foot has a top polygonal plug correspondingly fitted into the socket of the base, a series of slots and a channel in communication with each one of the slots. The upper portion of the lower foot is formed to be detachably inserted into the upper foot and has a plurality of axially defined grooves and two T-shaped bosses formed on the opposite sides of the upper end thereof. The bosses are pressed toward each other when the lower foot is inserted into the upper foot. Afterwards, due to the provision of the grooves, the elasticity of the surface of the lower foot enables the bosses to project out from the channel and one of the slots, by which the engagement between the lower foot and the upper foot is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Chien-Chao Wang
  • Patent number: 6016756
    Abstract: A decorator table kit includes a table top and a plurality of table legs, each attached by a molded bracket that is bonded to the underside of the table top. The bracket includes an angled socket for reception of a threaded end segment of a table leg and is secured through a baseplate to the table underside; a support shoulder or one or more ribs extend from the outer circumference of the socket to the baseplate. Kits with three or four legs are preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: BMC Group II, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. McMahon, Steven B. McMahon
  • Patent number: 5934203
    Abstract: A table construction which can be quickly and easily dissembled for highly compact storage and one which is extremely versatile in use and highly attractive in appearance. A key aspect of the table construction is a novel, attractively sculptured leg assembly that can be used to support one or more table tops of varying configuration. The leg assembly is specially designed and configured so that it can be quickly attached to and removed from the table tops for easy storage and transport of both the legs and the tabletops. Because of the novel design of the leg assemblies, which include a broad, generally fan-shaped upper surface, a single leg assembly can be used to effectively support two adjacent table tops of either a conventional rectangular configuration or of non-rectangular design as, for example, tabletops having angularly extending sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Virco Mfg. Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Glass
  • Patent number: 5918553
    Abstract: A height adjustable work table comprises a work surface and at least three adjustable leg arrangements supporting said work surface. Each leg arrangement comprises a curved leg supported in a leg bracket attached beneath the work surface. Each leg bracket is an open channel having predetermined support positions for engaging the curved leg with fasteners for releasably securing the leg in any of the support positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Teknion Furniture Systems
    Inventors: John Hellwig, Steve Verbeek, Lorie Marangoni, Genadij Makarewicz
  • Patent number: 5784972
    Abstract: A stand for supporting articles in an elevated position on a subjacent surface, which stand has a shelf with a support surface for an article, a base, and first structure cooperating between the base and shelf for allowing selective placement of the base and shelf in a) an operative state wherein the shelf is stably supported on the base so that the support surface is in an elevated position relative to a subjacent surface on which the base is placed, and b) a disassembled state wherein at least a part of the shelf is separated from the base. The first structure allows the shelf and base to be releasably maintained in a predetermined relative position in the operative state without the need for separate fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Bradley Emalfarb, Seymour Emalfarb
  • Patent number: 5730081
    Abstract: An animal feeder assembly provides food and water at an elevated position from a support surface and is therefore particularly suited for feeding large dogs in a manner which avoids digestive and posture problems associated with feeding such animals from containers positioned at the level of the support surface. The feeder assembly comprises a feeder tray and a plurality of hollow legs releasably attached to the feeder tray. Each of the hollow legs are capable of holding ballast material such as sand or water for lowering the center of gravity of the assembly relative to the support surface, thereby enhancing the stability of the assembly and inhibiting the animal form transporting the feeder assembly from the preferred feeding location. The tray and legs are preferably made of blow molded plastic and the tray is formed to include a closed interior cavity, each of which facilitates cleaning the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 5713175
    Abstract: A protective flooring which includes a plurality of floor segments wherein each one of the floor segments has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an interior peripheral edge. At least one anchor connected to and depending from the bottom surface of selected ones of the segments, each one of the anchors comprises an elongate cylindrical tube with a central bore, and apertures that provide communication with the bore. Each floor segment includes at least one notch in the peripheral edge thereof, a base connector affixed to the bottom surface of the floor segment defined by the notch. When the floor segments are assembled, the notches in the peripheral edges of the adjacent floor segments correspond so that the respective base connectors are proximate to each other. A U-shaped connector engages each proximate pair of corresponding base connectors so as to join together the adjacent floor segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Glenn Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5669312
    Abstract: A bar rail comfort tray that includes a flat rectangular-shaped tray portion, a pair of short front legs, and a pair of long rear legs. The flat rectangular-shaped tray portion has a pair of skewed front corners and a pair of skewed rear corners. Each of the pair of short front legs extend downwardly from each of the pair of skewed front corners of the flat rectangular-shaped tray portion and have a shaped free end. Each of the pair of long rear legs extend downwardly from each of the pair of skewed rear corners of the flat rectangular-shaped tray portion and have a flat free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Donald J. Norton
  • Patent number: 5622120
    Abstract: A composite apron for a table can be fixed to a bottom surface of the table top between adjacent two of the legs. The apron includes a generally U-shaped wooden shell and a molded core embedded in the shell. The shell and the molded core are hot pressed together. The shell has an elongated vertical main plate section with a vertical inward surface and a vertical outward surface, two vertical end plate sections respectively and perpendicularly projecting from two ends of the inward surface of the main plate section so that the main plate section and the end plate sections cooperatively form a U shape, and a horizontal plate section projecting perpendicularly from a middle portion of the inward surface of the main plate section. When fixed on the bottom surface of the table top, the end plate sections of the shell respectively abut against and are secured to the adjacent two of the legs, while the horizontal plate section abuts against and is secured to the bottom surface of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Don-Fong Yeh
  • Patent number: 5577451
    Abstract: A desk comprises a desk top, four aprons and four legs. The aprons and the legs are fastened with the underside of the desk top. Two adjoining aprons of the desk are fastened by a fastening member having one end that is made integrally with one of the two adjoining aprons. Another one of the two adjoining aprons is provided with a locating portion for locating a free end of the fastening member. Each of four legs is fastened at the top thereof with two adjoining aprons and the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas Yeh
  • Patent number: 5577344
    Abstract: A portable party riser, or pedestal-type stand, is provided, consisting of several container-bases and a thin cylindrical rigid stem for support. The container-bases are manually connected to this stem by fitting either of the two ends of the support tightly into the appropriate socket or hub on either surface of the flange of each container-base. The structure is generally supported by a bottom container acting as the base, and resting upon a horizontal surface such as a floor or table top. As such, it is an excellent device for placing decorative arrangements, because it is leakproof without a gluing or other adhesive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: George J. Zaremba, James M. Blankfield
  • Patent number: 5555615
    Abstract: A wire frame table for use in fabrication clean rooms is made of corrosion resistant material, minimizes particulate generation, and is modular in design. The wire frame table includes a frame which has an open top portion, a plurality of holes formed on two opposing support bars fastened to the open top portion and a plurality of projections formed underneath said frame. A wire frame which has a plurality of wire elements spaced substantially parallel to one another is inserted into the holes of the support bar to provide a wire frame surface. The wire frame table further includes a plurality of legs which are inserted onto the projections of the frame. A leveler for each of the legs provides a work surface of any desired angle. The modular nature of the design enables several wire frame tables to be aligned next to each other to give one continuous wire frame surface, or a multi-level surface by modifying the wire frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Salli
  • Patent number: 5533788
    Abstract: A multi-part article of furniture, such as a chair or table, capable of being assembled without tools or glue is disclosed. The legs of the table or chair can be rigidly, but removably, attached to the table top or chair seat by slideably engaging an elongated dowel protruding from an upper side surface of the leg into a mating slot formed in the end wall of an apron attached to the underside of the table top or chair seat. Alternatively, the elongated dowel may protrude from the apron and the upper side surface of the leg may contain a mating slot. Fastening clips may provide additional attachment between the legs and aprons and a separate dowel protruding from the upper end surface of the leg may mate with a bore in the underside of the seat or table top. In one embodiment, the length of the legs is varied either by replacement with longer-length legs or by the addition of leg-extension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Galsten Trading, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk, Jeffery M. Kalman, Robert G. Taylor, Roland A. Stenta, Emily P. Stenta
  • Patent number: 5509376
    Abstract: An animal feeder assembly provides food and water at an elevated position from a support surface and is therefore particularly suited for feeding large dogs in a manner which avoids digestive and posture problems associated with feeding such animals from containers positioned at the level of the support surface. The feeder assembly comprises a feeder tray and a plurality of hollow legs releasably attached to the feeder tray. Each of the hollow legs are capable of holding ballast material such as sand or water for lowering the center of gravity of the assembly relative to the support surface, thereby enhancing the stability of the assembly and inhibiting the animal form transporting the feeder assembly from the preferred feeding location. The tray and legs are preferably made of blow molded plastic and the tray is formed to include a closed interior cavity, each of which facilitates cleaning the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 5483904
    Abstract: A table includes a table top made of a light weight core covered with a washable coating or liner. The liner extends beyond the edges of the core to define a channel which receives finishing pieces which provide the table edge with a curved surface. A metal framework is received in channels in the bottom of the table surface. Leg receiving bosses are fixed to the framework. The table's legs are threadably secured to the table top via the bosses. This provides a table which is light weight and which may be shipped flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Angeles Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray G. Kelly, Sharon A. Turnbough, Diane Taraskavage, Douglas L. Blocker
  • Patent number: 5381758
    Abstract: A parrot tower having a plurality of removable orthopedic perches attached to a center column, the column being mounted atop a sterilizable tray. The entire unit is formed of plastic, such that it may be easily transported and assembled/disassembled. The perches are formed such that no perch extends beyond the edge of the tray thereof, thus preventing the spilling of seeds or droppings. A plurality of reinforcing ribs allows a center column to achieve a height of three feet without more than a few inches of the center column being deployed therewith in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: David F. Simon
  • Patent number: 5354025
    Abstract: The present invention includes a furniture shelf support bracket for supporting a furniture shelf and connecting it to a vertical furniture member such as, for example, a cylindrical vertical tube. In a preferred embodiment, the support bracket includes a semicylindrical cuff with an inner surface for engaging the vertical tube and an outer surface from which a platform projects for engaging a bottom surface of the shelf. A pair of alignment ridges are positioned on an upper surface of and extends along the platform, and a lip extending from a marginal edge of the outer surface of the cuff for engaging a top surface and side edge of the shelf. The alignment ridges fit within an alignment slot in the bottom surface of the shelf and engage a clamping plate set into a clamping slot that intersects and is transverse to the alignment slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Anthro Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 5341749
    Abstract: A table is provided with a gangable leg construction which permits the table to be used either as a stand alone unit, or ganged side-by-side with like tables for conferencing, dining and the like. The gangable leg construction includes a rigid mounting plate fastened to the bottom surface of a top portion of the table, and a swing plate fixedly mounted on the upper end of an associated leg. Fasteners detachably interconnect the mounting and swing plates in a manner which permits the leg to be shifted between a fully inboard position, underneath the top, for supporting the top in a stand alone fashion, and an outboard position, protruding outwardly from the top, for supporting the top, and an adjacent top of a like gangable table in a ganged fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: Laura A. Noakes
  • Patent number: 5244271
    Abstract: A self-assembly furniture system including a self-assembly table comprising a generally planar table element defining a plurality of first mating portions; and a plurality of legs arranged to support the table element, each of the legs defining a second mating portion configured to lockably engage a selected one of the plurality of first mating portions so as to define therewith a self-locking joint arranged to prevent substantial relative movement between the first and second mating portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Plasgad Plastic Products
    Inventors: Mark Hackwood, Gideon Karmon, Jakob Adorian, Yavetz Tal, Moshe Leczycki
  • Patent number: 5207163
    Abstract: A leg attaching tool comprising a top plate attaching member and a leg attaching member, wherein a top plate engaging hole of a predetermined shape is formed in the main body of the top plate attaching member which is attached to a top plate of a table, a top plate contact surface which is inclined at a predetermined angle from the lower inner central side to an upper outer edge side is formed on the top plate engaging hole, and a top plate fixing hole into which a fixing device is threadably inserted is formed in the top plate main body, and that the leg attaching member comprises, a main body and an attaching body which are attached to a leg of the table, an engaging body of a predetermined shape which is inserted into the top plate engaging hole is provided on the main body of the leg attaching member, said engaging body having a contact surface which is inclined at a predetermined angle from a lower inner central side to an upper outer edge side and is brought into contact with the top plate contact surfa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Toshio Kojima
  • Patent number: 5203528
    Abstract: The furniture support assembly is generally a furniture leg having a fastening portion at the top thereof for connecting the leg to an article of furniture such as a table or a chair. The fastening structure is a horizontally extending plate having a plurality of holes therein for receiving fasteners. At the foot of the leg is a glide receiving opening in the bottom thereof which is normally hidden from view due to the recess in the foot as well as the angled sides of the foot portion. The location of the glide and the design of the foot portion prevents the glide from detracting from the aesthetic design of the furniture leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: George V. Oke