Independent Legs Support Surface Patents (Class 108/156)
  • Patent number: 5163373
    Abstract: A leg constuction (18) for supporting the weight of an upper member (12) in an article of furniture (10) comprises an elongated metal support member (20) adapted to be secured to the upper member and of sufficient length to support the upper member above the floor. The metal support member has at least one elongated retaining tongue (30, 32) extending along at least a portion of the length of the metal support member. An elongated wooden cover member (72) is mounted on the metal support member, the elongated cover member having a length substantially coextensive with the metal support member for covering the metal support member. In addition, the cover member has at least one elongated retaining groove (86, 88) for slidably receiving the elongated retaining tongue of the metal support member, thereby slidably retaining the cover member on the metal support member. The cover member substantially conceals the metal support member from view from at least one side of the furniture article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley T. Anderson, Larry L. Loser
  • Patent number: 5153052
    Abstract: A double-shot molded resin article comprises a primary molding part and a secondary molding part. The secondary molding part is molded from a thermoplastic resin having a melting point higher than the melting point of the primary molding thermoplastic resin. The primary molding part has a plurality of raised portions formed upon its surface so as to be fusion bonded to the secondary molding part. These raised portions are fused by means of the secondary molten resin at the time of the secondary molding process, whereby the primary and secondary molding parts are fusion-bonded to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshie Tanaka, Akiro Nakagawa, Haruhiko Watari, Yasuhiko Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5074224
    Abstract: A platform trestle or device for use in the construction of stages, tribunes and the like, including a rectangular frame supporting a platform, and operatively releasable support legs which can be inserted and clamped into place in mounting spaces within mounting elements which are fixedly arranged at the corners of the rectangular frame. In order to facilitate the attachment of the support legs to the mounting elements during assembly of the platform device, and to increase the seating stability of the support legs, each of the mounting spaces is fashioned as a wedge-shaped chamber which tapers toward the platform. Each wedge chamber is defined by a pair of adjoining vertical sides and pair of adjoining inclined sides, with each of the inclined sides being inclined with respect to its adjoining inclined side and at least one of the vertical sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Hans Jochen Eisenberg
    Inventor: Kurt Stascheit
  • Patent number: 4941413
    Abstract: The knock-down table is constructed of a base with interfitting leg frames. The frames have radially disposed horizontal supports on which the tabletop is suppported as well as brackets which receive the ends of the supports in a releasable locking manner. The brackets are disposed in opposed relation to prevent accidental rotation of the tabletop on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Telescope Casual Furniture Co.
    Inventor: Robert D. Vanderminden
  • Patent number: 4941412
    Abstract: A working table is described in which the rear support elements are formed as hollow sectional parts in order to achieve the highest possible degree of variability in the provision of working levels and storage levels. Coupling elements which are secured to the surfaces or to transverse support elements are connectable to the hollow sectional parts in shape-fitted and force-locked manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Ernst Fischer GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hartmut S. Engel
  • Patent number: 4922598
    Abstract: A three-dimensional frame structure for guiding and positioning elements used in the construction of a mat for construction roads. The structure holds the components of the mat in position to insure uniformity of assembled mats. The uniformity is assured by providing a template to hold the components of a mat into position during the fabrication of the mats.A method of a manufacture for mats for use in a artificial construction road which utilizes an assembly frame to position the components of a mat during the mat's manufacture into a predetermined arrangement to insure the uniformity of each mat assembled so that the mats may be interchangeably used in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph E. Pouyer
  • Patent number: 4915534
    Abstract: A shank portion (32) of a bolt (28) fits through an enlarged opening (22) in a base member (14). A barrier washer 36 is located between base member (14) and a support member (12). A weld bead (30) and a central part (37) of washer (36) fit within a shallow socket (24) in a first side of the base member (14). The washer (36) is placed against support member (12) and the first side (18) of the base member (14) is placed against washer (36). The tubular end (48) of a post member (10) is moved endwise into an trepan groove (26) and the post (10) is rotated to first make and then tighten a screw connection (34, 40) between an insert (38) in the post member (10) and a threaded portion (34) of the bolt (28). The support member (12), the bolt (b 28 ) and insert (38) are made from a hard metal. The base member (12) and the post member (10) are constructed from a soft metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Progressive Fastening, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter S. Richards
  • Patent number: 4903683
    Abstract: A system, including apparatus and methods, which facilitates the use of dutch ovens, usually combined with a charcoal heating source, in outdoor cooking. The first apparatus is a safe, independent, time-efficient device which quickly preheats charcoal briquettes contained in a portable hopper, accomplishing the same by means of a self-contained, transportable, propane-fueled burner. A second apparatus is a sturdy, portable cooking stand, which, in the "as used" position, provides a safe, elevated site whereupon the charcoal heating source and a plurality of dutch ovens can be conveniently placed for cooking purposes, and which, in the "as transported" position, is disassembled and may be carried facilely to more desired locations. The third apparatus is a T-handled dutch oven and dutch oven lid lifting device whereby said ovens and/or lids may be conveniently and safely removed from and replaced on the heating source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventors: Darwin W. Larsen, Jack C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4904022
    Abstract: A furniture item constructed from single elements, capable of being coupled to one another and to other elements by means of hinges, such as for example the legs of a chair, table or the like and the lateral members of the furniture item, the final stiffening of the assembled structure being provided by an internal spider or brace comprising opposed arches, the arches terminating in wedge-shaped ends and thrusting towards the hinges under the action of a central tension member, which tends to bring the opposed arches of each pair of the spider towards each other, it thereby being possible to construct the furniture item without the use of glue, adhesive or the like and the storage and transportation volume being reduced until assembly, which may be carried out even at the installation by the user himself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Giorgetti S.P.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Morozzi
  • Patent number: 4879800
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a support structure, or leg, for a piece of furniture such as a table or the like. A blank of planar sheet material is provided with a rectangular opening adjacent one end and bent about an axis extending through the opening to form the support structure of the invention. The opening is sized such that after bending an edge of a table top is inserted in the opening and supported thereby. A plurality of the support structures, or legs, are attached to the table top to provide necessary support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Sally H. Rumman
  • Patent number: 4852837
    Abstract: A detachable leg assembly for an object includes a substantially cylindrical leg having a recess adjacent a first end thereof and a tapered leg-receiving chamber, larger than the cross-sectional area of the leg, having a locking projection on one wall thereof adapted to engage the recess when the leg is positioned in the chamber; a wedge-shaped holding member adapted, when positioned within the chamber, to substantially fill the space between the leg and the wall of the chamber; and means for anchoring the holding member in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Barry Merten, Gordon W. Kamman
  • Patent number: 4848245
    Abstract: A table comprises a table-top and a plurality of legs fixed to the table-top by means of a plurality of joints which are also used for supporting and interconnecting a series of horizontal cross members extending beneath the table-top. Each joint comprises a base element fixed to the lower surface of the table-top and having a seat in which the upper end of the respective leg is received and clamped by means of a wedge, and a cover fixed to the base element. The facing surfaces of the base element and the cover have recesses which cooperate with each other to define one or more seats in which the corresponding parts of the horizontal cross members are received and clamped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: B&B Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Piretti
  • Patent number: 4846079
    Abstract: An apparatus for mating a structural element to a pair of frame members. The mating apparatus includes a stud carried by the element, a pin carried by each of the frame members, a brace positioned, during mating, so that inwardly turned portions formed at each lateral end of the brace engage a corresponding pin carried by the frame members. Structure is provided to urge the brace progressively closer to the structural element. As this urging occurs, the pins carried by the frame members are driven toward the structural element by the corresponding associated inwardly turned portions of the braces until the pins can be urged no farther. As this occurs, tightening of the frame members to the structural element occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: E. J. Ajax & Sons, Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Erick S. Ajax
  • Patent number: 4845915
    Abstract: A structural load-bearing portable panel for staging, choral risers and the like having a high impact corner construction to resist the shock and dragging forces to which the corners are subjected when being assembled, disassembled, transported and stored. A molded or extruded corner element interfits with and is retained mechanically by the side edge pieces which have a recess to receive wing extensions on the corner elements. The corner elements are backed by the core material in the panel which is a lamination of surface elements and coring reinforcement. Each corner element can have a recess normal to the plane of the panel to receive structural support legs or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Stageright Corporation
    Inventors: Orley D. Rogers, Kenneth E. Staten
  • Patent number: 4838181
    Abstract: A coupling assembly is provided to adjustably mount the table legs to a table top. The coupling assembly includes a pivotally mounted body having a pair of angularly offset recesses which are adapted to cooperate with a spring biased lever in order to securely lock the table leg in either its extended, supporting position or its collapsed storage position. Further, the body is provided with an elongate guideway along which the table leg may be laterally adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: L.H.L. Incorporated
    Inventor: Harley E. Luyk
  • Patent number: 4826343
    Abstract: Shank portions (32, 34) of a bolt (28) fit through an opening (22) in a base member (14). A bolt head (30) fits within a shallow socket (24) in a first side of the base member (14). The first side (18) of the base member (14) is placed against a support member (12) and is welded in place (16). The tubular end (48) of a post member (10) is moved endwise into an trepan groove (26) as the post (10) is rotated to first make and then tighten a screw connection (34, 40) between an insert (38) in the post member (10) and a threaded portion (34) of the bolt (28). The bolt (28) and insert (38) are made from a hard metal. The base member (14), the suppport member (12) and the post member (10) are constructed from a soft metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Peter S. Richards
  • Patent number: 4813201
    Abstract: A platform system, in particular for providing staging, which consists of a number of platform units each of which comprises a flat platform having on the underside thereof hollow posts of square cross-section for receiving tubular legs of circular cross-section for supporting the platform. The legs of the respective platform units may be different heights to give a variable height system. Also the legs may be suitably bent to provide a raked platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: P. L. Parsons & Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Philip L. Parsons, Ewart Richardson
  • Patent number: 4807748
    Abstract: An attachable riser used in material handling is held in place by spring clips. At least two such risers are attached to the underside of an object allowing clearance for the forks of a machine such as a forktruck to move under the object. When the object is picked up, moved, and set down the risers remain attached to the object thus eliminating the manual moving or placement of ordinary risers such as timbers. The risers are easily removed from the object when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Phelps Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas E. Manning
  • Patent number: 4799735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chair or armchair with legs, and a seat and a backrest made in one piece with the seat. So that a chair or armchair of this type can be made stable and rigid, while preserving the essential advantages of production from plastic, at the same time making it possible for the chair or armchair to have a pleasing appearance, the legs are designed as plastic hollow parts, in which metal tubes have been received as stiffening elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Kembo B.V.
    Inventor: Just B. Meyer
  • Patent number: 4793580
    Abstract: A wireway suspension system includes a support leg (16) attachable at an upper end to an overhead member (10) and having an elongated cross-beam member (48) perpendicularly attachable to the support leg (16). The support leg (16) has squared portions (50) at which the cross-beam (48) is mountable. The cross-beam (48) has a first portion (52) which is adjacent one side of the squared portion (50) of the support leg (16). Second and third portions (58, 59) extend outwardly and perpendicularly from the first portion (52) in directions opposite of each other. The third portion (59) which extends toward the support leg (16) is notched to receive and closely engage two opposed sides of the squared portion (50) of the support leg (16). A U-bolt (66) having two threaded end portions (68) and a substantially squared bight portion (70) closely engage three adjacent sides of the squared portion (50). The threaded end portions (68) extend through openings (72) in the first portion (52) of the cross-beam (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: Peter S. Richards
  • Patent number: 4766821
    Abstract: A table leg securement device is disclosed including the ends of adjacent apron sections sandwiched between a corner block and a table leg. In the most preferred forms, the apron sections may be placed in a flat, shipping position and in a perpendicular position to the table top by hinges or by a dovertail interconnection. To avoid interference, the apron section are hinged by offset and butt type hinges to pivot away and toward the center of the table top in its most preferred form. The corner block includes tabs sandwiched between the table top and the edges of the apron sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jericho P. Pauer, Harry T. Janke
  • Patent number: 4735390
    Abstract: A support leg (16) includes an insert (20) within a tubular upper portion (18). Threaded engagement is made between the threaded opening (22) in the insert (20) and a stud (14) which is welded at its upper end to an overhead structure (10). The tubular portion (18) extends through an opening in the small end (34) of a conical brace member (32). The small end (34) of member (32) is welded (38) to the member (16). A large diameter upper end (36) of brace member (32) extends axially outwardly beyond the end (42) of member (16). Rotation of member (16) relative to the stud (14) tightens the screw joint (14, 22) and forces the upper end (36) of brace member (32) into tight contact with the overhead member (10). The weld (44) is harder than the member (16), resulting in a galling of the upper end ( 42) of member (16), during the rotation. This galling makes a tight contact fit between end (42) and weld bead (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventor: Peter S. Richards
  • Patent number: 4731918
    Abstract: A corner protector for a tabletop or the like includes a rigid protective body having a platen portion adapted to be received by a recessed region of a tabletop corner and a flange portion which extends generally to one side of the platen portion so as to depend generally downwardly over the tabletop edges at the tabletop corner when the protective body is operatively positioned upon the tabletop. The platen portion defines a plurality of countersunk apertures for the purpose of fixedly securing the protective body to the table with headed fasteners. Each countersunk apertures are sized to accept the head of a flat-headed fastener so that when the protective body is operatively attached to the table corner with the fasteners, the heads of the fasteners do not protrude above the platen portion. The shape of the platen portion is such that the conforming of the shape of the tabletop corner to the shape of a corner of the protective body intended to overlie the table corner is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: Donald J. Burghardt
  • Patent number: 4691644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rigid frame structure especially for a cabinet or like piece of furniture, e.g. of the shelved type comprising normally vertical uprights maintained laterally spaced from one another by normally horizontal lateral yokes, and longitudinally spaced by normally horizontal longitudinal cross-members, and characterized in that the yokes are provided with externally protruding tenons arranged substantially in the longitudinal plane of the yoke and substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal edges of the yoke, which tenons are intended to be inserted or fitted, preferably with a tight fit, into corresponding sockets provided at the end of the vertical uprights.This structure offers great simplicity of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Inventor: Georges Frydman
  • Patent number: 4671188
    Abstract: A pallet having feet anchored to a platform by locking rings wherein each foot comprises a hollow tapered cup-like shape with a flange near the top of the foot, wherein the flange includes a plurality of slots, wherein each locking ring includes a flange of size and shape equal to the flanges of the feet, wherein each locking ring further includes a plurality of hooks which are insertable into the slots of the foot flange, and wherein the flange of each foot engages the underside of the platform while the flange of each locking ring engages the top side of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: J. C. Baxter Co.
    Inventors: Joseph N. Betro, George F. Smith, Vince M. Henry
  • Patent number: 4644876
    Abstract: A knockdown table or the like consisting of four legs of L-shaped cross section and top and bottom invertible pan assemblies which when in one position form a tray or in the other position form a shelf. Each of the pan assemblies is provided with outside corner straps which may snugly receive the legs. The legs are provided with lower abutment means which support the bottom pan assembly when assembled, the lower abutment means in turn receiving the shank of a caster wheel assembly. The top tray is provided with a flange like structure along the edges of its sidewalls which flange like structure extends from one corner at another of each sidewall and which may rest on top of the legs when the top pan assembly is in its tray position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Richard A. Noon
    Inventor: Clayton A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4638745
    Abstract: A display stand, made entirely of corrugated fiberboard as the preferred material, which may be shipped with all component parts in a flat or knock-down position.The legs of the display stand are pre-cut and pre-formed in a unique mechanical design so that they may be simply assembled using a roll-up method without the need for tools or fasteners.Once assembled, the legs form a telescoping design whereby they may be interfitted with each other and with cooperating shelves to provide a multi-shelf display stand which, although made of light-weight materials to reduce shipping costs, is extremely sturdy in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Merchandising Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Phil B. Sheffer
  • Patent number: 4574709
    Abstract: To provide support for a plurality of shelf elements disposed one above another, each shelf element is provided with one or more apertures for receiving tubular shelf supporting posts and each aperture is arranged to be closed by means including a support sleeve projecting from a lower surface of each shelf element together with support means mounted on the inner surface of said support sleeve for supporting and positioning suitable closure means disposed within each shelf aperture and mounted on said support means so as to provide a partial closure therefor but which is adapted to receive the lower end of a support post for another higher shelf. Each shelf element affords a multiplicity of arrangements for receiving mounting posts so that the unused shelf apertures are partially closed so as not to derrogate from the function of the shelf as a supporting device for various items to be supported or displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, James L. Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 4575275
    Abstract: A clamping device with an improved attachment of a component (3) inserted in a hole (2) has a casing (5) of a deformable material arranged in a recess (4) in the end of the component and a V-shaped notch open towards the end of the component, a wedge (10) inserted in the notch with its longitudinal direction parallel to the end surface of the component, a screw (12) engaging in a threaded hole (11) through the wedge and extending through a hole (13) through the casing, the wedge being pressed down into the notch of the casing by the screw thereby displacing parts of the casing located around the notch towards parts of the component located on both sides of the recess (4) so that the latter parts are pressed towards the wall of the hole at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: Ragnar Sterte
  • Patent number: 4563040
    Abstract: Articles of furniture are constructed of a unique rigid assembly of rods, rod caps, posts and rigid panels in an inter-locking relationship. A pair of rods nest in parallel coplanar grooves in top or top and bottom surfaces of the rigid panel, with the ends of the rods inserted into holes in supporting posts. Rod caps are threaded onto matching threaded ends of the rods to secure the rods to the posts. The rods are secured against disalignment from the matching grooves in the rigid panel and prevent rotation of the panel. The posts can be slotted to receive the panel to create the appearance of a smooth end. Various articles of furniture can be assembled from the component parts, including tables, chairs, chests, cabinets, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Inventor: Ralph Alster
  • Patent number: 4496125
    Abstract: An improved supporting leg assembly for laundry tubs, tables and the like. A leg coupler having a tapered, substantially cylindrical socket containing a key therein is placed at each corner on the underside of the tub. A V-shaped leg, bearing a cylindrical tube affixed thereto on the inside of the V-leg at the end which contacts the tub, is placed at each corner of the tub with the tube engaging the socket. Each tube has a slot formed therein at the end which fits into the tubular socket, and the slot and key mate with each other when the leg is set in place. When assembled together, the tub and coupler are in load bearing contact with the top of each section of the V-leg and the top of the cylindrical tube, respectively. The V-legs may be tapered if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Fiat Products Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas J. Walsh, Robert Bachman, Ronald Aderhold
  • Patent number: 4488698
    Abstract: A connection joint for use in constructing an article of furniture by the connection of a tubular member to a second member which is inserted in a cut out in the tubular member. An insert clamp within the tubular member surrounds the second member which is held to the tubular member by a fastener engaging the insert clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Inventor: Fredrick B. Delafield
  • Patent number: 4457239
    Abstract: A shelving system of the type consisting of loose shelves or drawers designed to be inserted into a frame having at least four vertical uprights, each upright having adjacent side walls defining a generally V-shaped vertical portion with a vertical vertex line and a series of vertically spaced hook-shaped cutouts therein for supporting the shelves or drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Inventor: Bjarne C. Heinze
  • Patent number: 4442778
    Abstract: In a multiple-story tower for the display of merchandise with a plurality of story decks and with between the story decks, spacing supports which can be stuck detachably with their ends into upper and lower receiving shafts at the story decks, it is suggested that with a substantially rectangular outline of the story decks, there be arranged at two opposite sides of the rectangle approximately in the middle thereof respectively one spacing support. It is preferred thereat that the spacing supports be constructed with a groove profile, whereat the concave groove side of spacing supports arranged at opposite rectangular sides of a story deck face one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Inventor: Franz J. Lang
  • Patent number: 4432590
    Abstract: A skeletal framework is provided for supporting furniture, shelf, wall and other types of structural panels. The framework comprises a plurality of elongate frame members, each having a generally rectangular cross section. At least one side of each of the frame members is provided with an axially extending slot. Each of the axially extending slots is provided with a generally dovetail-shaped cross section. A plurality of corner connectors are provided for interconnecting first, second and third frame members which usually extend in mutually orthogonal directions. The corner connectors are each provided with first, second and third extensions for extending into and engaging the axially extending slots disposed on the first, second and third frame members, respectively. A plurality of corner locks are provided, one corner lock being received in each corner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Jer Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip G. Lawrence, Robert L. Russell
  • Patent number: 4413570
    Abstract: Described is a table easily assembled from a number of uniform components including rail and leg members secured together at the corners of the table by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly can be used for this as well as other uses and includes an inner bracket having three mutually perpendicular arms underlying ends of respective rail and leg members, and an outer bracket fitting thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Knoll International, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Haigh
  • Patent number: 4394563
    Abstract: An electric space heater having a pair of feet which are initially detached from the heater body to permit shipping in a small carton. The heater body has downwardly projecting fingers which are resilient in order to snap into receptacles of the feet when the feet are applied to the heater body for permanent attachment thereto. Curved ribs project downwardly between the opposing sets of fingers and act to upset the heater if an attempt is made to operate it without the feet attached. A tilt switch deactivates the heater when it is upset. When the feet are attached to the heater body, the ribs fit in sockets of the feet to permit normal heater operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Toastmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Schnell
  • Patent number: 4392436
    Abstract: A knockdown metal table having legs and a flanged top and including auxiliary components such as a drop leaf and modesty panel having attaching means which in assembly are clamped between the legs and the table flanges. A lift assembly including casters is attached to the legs and is adapted to be selectively actuated to move first one pair of casters and then the other into or out of engagement with a floor surface to permit rolling of the table over said floor surface or to rest the table on the floor surface in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: BMC Products
    Inventor: Raywood C. Weiler
  • Patent number: 4383488
    Abstract: A folding stool including a top having a depending peripheral skirt and support leg members operatively mounted on the underside of the top, and inward of the peripheral skirt. Leg members are mounted at opposite ends of the stool. Each leg member includes two legs interconnected as a pair. The leg members are pivotally moveable to an extended stool support position, and to a retracted folded position within the confines of the skirt. Selectively engageable double leg locking means are provided, with portions thereof being on the stool top and portions thereof being on the legs of the leg members. The locking means are functionally operable for locking the leg members in the extended stool support position. Engagement and disengagement of the double locking means is manually effected by rectilinear movement of the leg members, toward the stool top when in the extended stool support position. Pivotal movement of the leg members is prevented with the locking means operatively engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Assignee: Dial Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan M. Macho, Richard O. Oxford
  • Patent number: 4364548
    Abstract: A portable workbench having a combination tabletop/dual-screw vise in which the ends of the vise screws are connected to a movable vise jaw and in which the ends of the vise screws are constrained against both lateral and vertical movement. The workbench includes pipe legs which are readily installed in or readily removed from "twist-lock" leg sockets carried by the workbench without the necessity of utilizing any fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws) or even simple hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Curtis J. Eccardt
  • Patent number: 4351246
    Abstract: A temporary display stand comprising the combination of corner post units and shelf units, all the units being formed from sheet material such as pressed laminated paperboard folded to provide a double ply thickness of material, in which corner portions of each shelf unit are united with respective corner post units by integral connector arms provided by one of the units and secured by retaining sleeves formed by overlapped portions of the other of said units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Ferris L. Hutchins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4343245
    Abstract: A shelving system including support units that are easily secured to the shelves without the need of special tools or forming unsightly holes in the shelving. Each support unit contains a U-shaped bracket that is connected to the bottom surface of one shelf by a hidden wood screw. A pair of end caps which are similarly connected to the top surface of an opposed shelf slidably receive the legs of the bracket therein to form a high strength unit capable of supporting the shelves in a spaced-apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Inventor: Alwilda N. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4308802
    Abstract: For the joining of two construction parts (1, 7) which are, for example, a cross piece consisting of a profiled tube and a chair leg consisting of wood, the profiled tube has at the joining ends a non-round cross section and is slotted lengthwise at the end. The end is thrust into a fitted opening (8) in the part (7). In the slotted end of the tubular part (1) are two clamping pieces (10), which are rounded at the outer side (11) according to the form of the tubular part and have on the inner sides (12) facing each other, a wedge surface. Between these wedge surfaces a tension wedge (14) is tightened by means of a screw (16) extending outward between the clamping pieces, so that by means of the clamping pieces pressed against the slotted end of the tubular part, the tubular part (1) is clamped fast into the opening (8) of the part (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: Team Form AG
    Inventor: Johann Munz
  • Patent number: 4300455
    Abstract: A detachable leg structure for an article of furniture such as a table, chair or the like that has cooperating structure on both the leg and the furniture so that the resultant structure is of high strength, aesthetically pleasing in appearance and easy to both assemble and disassemble. The high strength is a direct result of the large area of surface contact between the leg assembly and the remainder of the article of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Inventor: Ernesto Ornati
  • Patent number: 4283033
    Abstract: A securing device for releasably attaching the columns or legs of chairs, tables and the like. The securing device is fixedly mounted to the underside of the chair seat or table top and includes a receiver in which the column or leg is inserted. A gripper shoe can be advanced radially against the column to hold it in place. The radial displacement of the gripper shoe is caused by the force exerted by an eccentric stack of discs of different size which are assembled into an integral body that is rotated about an axis, thereby forcing the larger eccentric discs into camming engagement with mating extensions of the gripper shoe. Upon release of the eccentric, the column may be pushed out of its receiver by the upward motion of a handle which pivots about a ball joint resting on the eccentric body and exerts an axial downward force on the column to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: Suspa Federungstechnik, Fritz Bauer & Sohne oHG
    Inventor: Fritz Bauer
  • Patent number: 4249464
    Abstract: A meal rack is constructed in order to double the usable oven space in a microwave oven. The meal rack has a grid frame with open space allowing for the dissipation of moisture. The legs used to elevate the meal rack frame are easily engaged and disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventor: Larry J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4242969
    Abstract: A basically metal frame coffee table or stacked shelves or the like employing a plurality of tubes of circular, square or other regular shape joining at intersections by an improved corner member. The improved corner member is preferably die cast in a single piece including a pair of arms which define connectors for two adjoining tubes and an orthogonal opening to receive a leg. The corner member includes an integral support for holding a shelf. The integral support conceals a fastening member employed to hold the leg in place. Each of the arms define at least one recess at a predetermined distance outward from the corner and located in intimate contact relationship with the frame tubing whereby the tubes may be assembled to the corners merely by staking the underside of the frame to deform the tube locally into the recess of the corner member and thereby produce a fixed permanent frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignees: Andrew R. Checkwood, Andrew M. Checkwood, Larry Checkwood
    Inventors: Andrew R. Checkwood, Andrew M. Checkwood
  • Patent number: 4165698
    Abstract: A novel attachment device is provided which can be used to secure two members together, such as a shelf and a support column, with a screw and nut and which does not require the use of a wrench to keep the nut from rotating during tightening of the screw with a screwdriver. A sheet metal shelf has a depending flange with a hole in a deformable region of sheet metal between two parallel vertical slots near the corner of the shelf. A shelf support column has a vertical U-shaped channel with a hole therein. To connect a shelf to a support column, the deformable region of the shelf flange is placed across the opening of the U-shaped channel in the support column with the holes in the flange and support column in alignment and then a screw is inserted therethrough. A nut is threadingly engaged on the screw to bear against one side of the deformable region of the shelf flange and to deform the region into the U-shaped channel of the support column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1979
    Assignee: Hirsh Company
    Inventor: Irwin J. Ferdinand
  • Patent number: 4158336
    Abstract: The shelving system includes a plurality of shelves each having square shelf openings at each corner. A plurality of leg supports in turn have upper end portions receivable in the bottom of the shelf openings and lower end portions receivable in the top of the shelf openings and within the upper end portions of the leg supports positioned in the bottom of the shelf openings so that the upper end portions of legs are nested in the shelf openings and the lower end portions of legs extending into the top of the shelf openings are nested within the upper end portions of these legs. Any number of successive shelves can be assembled to the top end portions of the upper legs. The nested square shelf opening, upper end portion of a leg and lower end portion of another leg at each corner are secured or mechanically locked by manually passing a clip through the nesting side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Brescia, Edward G. Fecca, Stephen Wenczl, Theodore W. Schriever
  • Patent number: 4143915
    Abstract: A safety table for use by an infant or child sitting on a seat support comprises a panel-like top having upper and lower surfaces and made from a resilient material. A plurality of legs depend from the lower surface of the panel-like top and are also made from a resilient material. Fastening means are provided for each of the legs for removably securing the corresponding leg to the lower surface of the panel-like top. With such a construction the legs when assembled elevate the panel-like top above the seat support to permit the legs of the infant or child to extend under the panel-like top. The resilient material utilized to form the safety table is firm yet soft and provides a resilient cushion in the event the child should strike or hit the panel-like top or legs thereby preventing serious injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Inventor: Sara K. Kamlay