Laterally Connected Individual Units Patents (Class 108/64)
  • Patent number: 6032590
    Abstract: A knockdown table/chair assembly including a table face and multiple telescopic table legs. The table face is composed of multiple table board members each having coupling sections on lateral edges for coupling with each other to assemble the table board members into the table face. A bottom side of the table face is disposed with multiple connecting sockets for inserting the table legs therein so as to support the table face. The length of the table legs can be respectively adjusted to adjust the height of the table face and keep the table face horizontal. The knockdown table/chair assembly further includes several folding chairs received in bottom side of the table board members and a suitcase for containing the above components for easy carriage. The suitcase can be stretched open and supported on several table legs to form another table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Yue-Sheu Chen
  • Patent number: 6024024
    Abstract: An enlarged table top is secured to a supporting structure disposed under the top for supportive engagement with a floor. The supporting structure includes a beam which extends longitudinally of the top directly adjacent the underside for fixed securement thereto. The beam is defined by a pair of elongate but sidewardly spaced tubular beam members which are rigidly joined together. An upright leg structure is provided adjacent at least one end of the table and includes a pair of upright but sidewardly spaced leg members having upper ends which are disposed adjacent the ends of the beam elements. A removable bracket includes opposed bracket parts which clamp the leg members therebetween, and one of the bracket parts has cantilevered support rods which telescope into the adjacent ends of the beam members for fixed securement thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Paolo Favaretto
  • Patent number: 6012398
    Abstract: A modular table, such as a conference table is constructed of a plurality of detachable, connected modules. Each module has a top in the shape of an equilateral triangle that is formed by connecting three identical triangular sections, each triangular section has a base side forming an outer edge of the module top, a second side and a third side. The second and third sides are joined at an angle of 120.degree.. Preferably, the second and third said of each triangular section are of different lengths, so that a central opening is formed in the top of each module. A base supporting each module preferably has an opening so that utilities can be connected from a floor beneath the table to the table top through openings in the modules and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Boyce Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: David L. Boyce
  • Patent number: 5992332
    Abstract: A system of worksurfaces for workstations and the like comprise at least first and second individual worksurfaces adapted to be supported in a generally horizontal orientation at a substantially common height. Each worksurface has a top surface, with an inner edge configured to accommodate a user thereby, and also has lateral edges shaped to abut one another when the first and second worksurfaces are positioned adjacent each other. The inner edges are elliptically contoured wherein the ellipse defined by the inner edges is substantially coplanar with the worksurfaces and is aligned with a horizontal diagonal of the workstation thereby adapting the worksurfaces to particular uses. The inner edges are variably tapered in elevation to be deeply tapered in areas of frequent user interaction and shallowly tapered in areas used primarily for storage and minimal user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Grabowski
  • Patent number: 5988077
    Abstract: A convertible leg apparatus is provided for use with articles of furniture, such as for supporting two tables in abutting relation. The apparatus preferably includes a double-post leg assembly mounted to a plate. The plate defines a pair of parallel slots, each elongated along parallel axes, and a pair of apertures spaced apart from an end of each slot and aligned along the corresponding axis of the slot. The slots and apertures are sized to receive an elongated fastener therethrough. The underside of each tabletop includes a plurality of fastener bores, each of the bores being aligned with one of the pair of slots or pair of apertures. Elongated fasteners, such as thumbscrews, extend through the slots and apertures for engagement within threaded bores aligned therewith. The convertible leg apparatus can be engaged at each end of a tabletop, and optimally at the joint between the abutting tabletops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Jofco Incorporated
    Inventor: Nicola Balderi
  • Patent number: 5967054
    Abstract: A removable cargo shelf assembly for a vehicle includes a platform assembly, a removable frame assembly and an elongated member. The platform assembly includes at least one panel. The removable frame assembly includes support means for maintaining that at least one panel in a first substantially horizontal position at a desired elevation relative to the floor of the vehicle. The elongated member is operably engageable with the panel for maintaining the panel in a second stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: R & G Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy D. Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 5967058
    Abstract: A structure system includes a plurality of elements which mate along respective cooperating concave and convex ends. Each end has a constant common radius of curvature value and spans a predetermined included angle to provide infinitely variable articulation of mating elements within respective angular ranges. The system elements may be combined to form linear combinations as well as open and closed curves. The system is suitable for use as a work surface in classroom or office environments where the arrangement of elements may be varied readily to accommodate any number of users and floor plans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Flex-Rest, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic C. Ambrose, David Hawley
  • Patent number: 5947569
    Abstract: A telescopingly adjustable furniture article is provided for filling an office space where the footprint dimensions of the office space are not known ahead of time or are likely to be periodically changed to different sizes. The furniture article includes a desk having a work surface with ends, a support for supporting one of the ends, and a foot on the other end. A storage unit or cabinet having a top is provided. The foot adjustably rests on the top so that the top supports the other end of the work surface, but so that the furniture unit is horizontally adjustable to different locations partially under the work surface. A Z-bracket interconnects the work surface to the top of the cabinet to secure the relationship of the cabinet and the desk. The furniture article can advantageously be used by itself, in combination with a building wall or demountable architectural wall, or in combination with a partition system to define a plurality of non-uniformly dimensioned offices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Rheault, Mark W. Chamberlin, Samuel J. Ellison, George J. Simons
  • Patent number: 5947628
    Abstract: Two table tops or table-top parts (2,3) are releasably interconnected by a female part (6), with the associated table-top part (3) forming a channel at right angles to the edge (5), and a male part (11) with a bifurcated, elastically resilient coupling member adapted to be in engagement with the channel, the male part being releasably held in the connecting position by protruding ears (17) cooperating with the rear (right-side) side of the female part (6), the male part (11) being rotatably (at 12) secured to an anchor member (10) rigidly secured by screws (8) to the other table top or table-top part (2), so that in an inactive, disengaged position (not shown), the male part (11) can be rotated about a pivot (12) out of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Siso A/S
    Inventor: Jesper Moller Hansen
  • Patent number: 5943966
    Abstract: A furniture system having a countertop midsection, two tower units with gliding base, a rigid screen, and flexible partitions. Using the tower unit shaft's neck, a pivoting connection is used to provide the flexibility of arrangement. The arrangement allows for any angle to be formed between each and every component part of the furniture system without disassembling furniture. A layering design of the tower units allows for multiple configurations. It also allows each component to operate independently of each other. Flexible partitions close the openings between rigid screens and change the configuration along with the system. Furthermore, any component can be upgraded to provide different functions or assume different shapes or forms. An example is the replacement of the shaft by a cage. This allows for a file cabinet inserts or another bulky item to be inserted without eliminating the function of the shaft's neck required to provide the pivoting point for all components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventors: Jaime U. Machado, Mikhail L. Marsky
  • Patent number: 5927214
    Abstract: A table foldable between an open and a flat position is disclosed. The table includes a table top, a modesty panel, and legs. The legs are hinged to the modesty panel so as to fold flat relative thereto. The tabletop is connected to the modesty panel by a top hinge having a pivot point offset from the modesty panel so that the tabletop can fold into a flat position over the legs when the legs are in their flat position. A lock is provided to lock the tabletop in its flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: AHC Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Schwartz, Johnny D. Ray, Jeffrey L. Brannon
  • Patent number: 5913340
    Abstract: An elevated walkway platform comprising at least one elongated platform module positioned in a generally horizontal attitude and being supported above a work area. The platform module comprises a substantially flat deck having side walls or toe boards extending upwardly from the opposite sides thereof. A flange extends horizontally outwardly from the upper end of each of the toe boards. A plurality of transversely extending strengthening ribs are molded integrally with the module and are positioned beneath the deck for strengthening purposes. A pair of longitudinally extending strengthening ribs may also be provided at the underside of the deck at the opposite sides thereof. The strengthening ribs are filled with a rigid foam material. The module is also provided with handrail post supports positioned at the exterior surface of the toe boards and which are adapted to receive a handrail post therein. The entire module is constructed of a one-piece, molded plastic material reinforced with fiberglass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Composite Structures, Inc.
    Inventor: Harley C. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5887529
    Abstract: An interlocking modular pallet apparatus and method of construction and de-construction which includes plastic modular components aligned in a two-by-two arrangement with interlocking male and female tabs which connect in a vertically sliding manner to form an upper support structure with a series of upper apertures through the platform surface. A set of rail components are interconnected in a perpendicular manner to form an evenly spaced grid with corresponding lower apertures. Hollow formed spacing members are placed between each aligned aperture pair. A first interlocking insert is placed through each upper aperture and a second interlocking insert is placed through each lower aperture. The first and second inserts interlock to join the upper support structure with the lower rail assembly, with the spacing members forming cavities for insertion of lifting device appendages. The completed pallet device also includes frictional pads attached across its surface to prevent loads from sliding off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Plastic Pallet Production Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John, Robert V. Daigle
  • Patent number: 5878673
    Abstract: The system of computer furniture includes a plurality of conference units which have a work surface with a straight portion and a 90.degree. curved portion at one end of the straight portion, a plurality of units having a straight work surface, a plurality of units having a quarter-round (90.degree.) work surface, a plurality of units having a half-round (180.degree.) work surface, and a plurality of units having one inside corner configuration. The units each include a first latch member on one end thereof and a second latch member on the other end thereof so that the units can be conveniently mated with and released from each other to provide flexibility in making various system arrangements. The latch member itself comprises two mating portions, one portion having a body and two truncated triangular elements extending from a surface of the body, with a space therebetween, the other portion having a body with two triangular slots therein to receive the triangular elements of one portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Edward J. Kramer, John Horning, Gregory R. Furnish, Paul Allen
  • Patent number: 5860713
    Abstract: A wire management arrangement is provided in a work surface arrangement to route cabling through the work surfaces. The wire management system includes two end grommet assemblies at the opposite ends of each work surface which permit the horizontal and vertical passage of cabling therethrough, and secondary grommets which permit the passage of cabling vertically therethrough. Each of the end grommet assemblies includes a housing that defines a vertical passage which extends through the work surface and a horizontal passage which is in communication with the vertical passage and extends through an end edge of the work surface so as to open into an adjacent work surface. A top cover and end cover are pivotally connected to the housing to respectively cover the vertical and horizontal passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Anderson Hickey Company
    Inventor: Earl Richardson
  • Patent number: 5848497
    Abstract: A cluster desk assembly is provided in which a desk top which is symmetrical about a center point is provided with a plurality of extension tops radiating outwardly to provide a plurality of work stations. The work stations are separated from each other by screen panels which also radiate outwardly from the center point to provide work stations, each of which includes a part of the desk top itself and at least part of one or more extension tops. The desk top may be either circular in peripheral shape or polygonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Pieter M. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5842425
    Abstract: There are provided a plurality of main tables associated with at least one side table which is pivotably connected to two main tables. In storage position the side table is at least partly stored underneath one main table, while in use it is pivotably extended and connected to two main tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: John van der Aa
  • Patent number: 5819671
    Abstract: A portable collapsible wheeled modular telescoping power system and/or work table arrangements is provided with multi-oriented tool placement and fences, for safety purposes.Each power system is provided with means for coupling to an adjacent power system so to obtain a modular power system. A system of wheels is attached to the modular telescoping power system for movement thereof. Each work table is provided with an extension surface optional table for extension thereof by a track arrangement coupled to its respective table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Honesto C. Ocampo
  • Patent number: 5809905
    Abstract: An interlocking modular pallet apparatus and method of construction which includes plastic modular platform sections aligned in a two-by-two arrangement with interlocking flanges between the adjoining surfaces of the platform sections, the flanges interlocking in a downward sliding manner. A plurality of leg structures extend down from the lower surface of the platform sections. A center conical support structure with a locking lip or tab is formed by the adjoinment of the platform sections. A band or ring of durable material, e.g. metal, is placed onto the conical structure to draw and lock together, via the locking tab and ring, the adjoining platform sections. A series of upper and lower frictional, rubberized pads are aligned and interlocked through the lattice holes along the perimeter of the pallet lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Plastic Pallet Production, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John, Robert V. Daigle
  • Patent number: 5802801
    Abstract: A locker door and frame assembly including a one-piece locker door having integral box beam supports at the extreme side edges of a central rectangular panel of the door and including hinge means directly connected to one marginal area of one of the integral box beam supports and to an adjacent side frame member of the frame for pivotally connecting the locker door to the frame through one of the integral box beam supports. A single-point latch system is located adjacent the side edge of the door remote from the hinge side for use in locking the door to the frame at only a single point spaced intermediate the opposed end edges of the door. The box beam supports can be of a number of different cross-sections, and most preferably the box beam support adjacent the hinge side of the door is wider than the box beam support adjacent the latch side of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventors: Charles D. Hohns, James Benenson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5794545
    Abstract: A modular table top system includes a variety of differently shaped modular table tops, including rectangular, triangular, curved, semi-circular, etc., which can be selectively linked to form customized table or desk shapes. Each modular table top accommodates leg brackets along linkable edges thereof in alternative positions. In a first position, each leg bracket is positioned completely under the table top proximate the linkable edges thereof, and, in a second position, each leg bracket is rotated 180 degrees to a position straddling two adjacent linked table tops. With leg brackets straddling adjacent table tops, the number of legs required to support a linked structure is reduced, allowing greater freedom of chair placement, and reducing overall cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: JAMI, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall D. McDaniel, Gergory J. White
  • Patent number: 5785294
    Abstract: Modular supports for supporting a plurality of necking-in stations and a plurality of transfer stations wherein each of the modular supports has a base that is releasably secured to an adjacent base, at least two spaced apart support columns; a first support plate supported on and secured to the at least two spaced apart columns for supporting a necking-in station and a second support plate secured to first support plate for supporting a transfer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5775046
    Abstract: Construction member panels have an array of engaging elements and cooperating receiving spaces, such as dovetails and dovetail shaped keyways. The engaging elements are relatively closely spaced such that a pair of such panels can be meshed together, and will be locked against motion in two directions. The construction member panels can be used alone, with one planar member being fixed to a support and the other to an item to be supported, or they can be connected to each other to form units, such as L-shaped units, U-shaped units, or rectangular parallelepiped boxes. Shapes other than dovetails can also be used.Specially located engaging elements along the length of construction members, or the sides of the units made therefrom allow mated construction members to be translated relative to each other as desired, even if one construction member is mated with and bridges across two facing construction members, thus exhibiting translational symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David J. Fanger, Richard E. Seubert, Byungho Han, Darcy M. Ytterdahl, O. John Bourg, III
  • Patent number: 5769560
    Abstract: A clamp assembly for detachably joining two adjacent portable stage modules. The clamp assembly is attached to the underside of one of the modules. When not in use, a spring biases the clamp away from the attachment bracket. The clamp includes two resilient, outwardly curving wing elements. Each wing element has a pair of opposing locking slots or engaging surfaces. A variable distance from a midpoint of a line segment between the two forward locking slots to the rear locking slots is the operational criterion for detachably joining two stage modules. When the wing elements are inwardly biased toward each other, thereby assuming a tension position, the distance between the midpoint and the rear locking slots is greater than when the wing elements are in a relaxed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Wenger Corporation
    Inventor: Grant S. Quam
  • Patent number: 5765315
    Abstract: To save space in an office when a personal computer is operated or when a conference is held with a number of persons, a working table which has a concave portion at the front edge and a auxiliary table are used. A plurality of the working tables and auxiliary tables are arranged side by side and surrounded by a partition to form a working room. The auxiliary table is placed by the working table and is movable with casters at the ends of feet of the auxiliary table. The height of the auxiliary table is variable, so that it is disposed with the working table at the same height for conference in the office, or is stored under the working table when the auxiliary table is not used. On a board which is slidably mounted on a panel at the rear end of the table, information or schedule may be written. The working room surrounded by the partition has a roll screen, and the workers can discuss various matters, watching an image on the roll screen projected by a projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Okamura Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Nagamitsu, Hidemi Yaguchi, Yuji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5752449
    Abstract: A working furniture item or table has a modular construction and is usable as an office and conference table and as a work place for electronics engineers, computers, laboratories and technicians. In order to create a working table which functions correctly and which is subsequently reequippable to comply with individual ergonomic requirements, vertical sections associated with a table top have, in their cavities, a vertical adjustment device for a table top arranged as a first working plane. A horizontal cable duct transverse beam is provided as a reinforcing connection between the vertical sections on either side of the table top. The beam permits an integrated cabling or wiring with further working planes arranged in accordance with an ergonomic space concept.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Knurr-Mechanik fur die Elektronik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Simon, Ralf Linck
  • Patent number: 5704298
    Abstract: A computer workstation comprising a keyboard support stand and a monitor support stand mounted to a support leg of said keyboard support stand so as to be swingable about a vertical axis of the support leg. The monitor support stand includes a base, a cross member extending between the support leg and the base, and a support column which extends upwardly from the base and vertically supports a monitor support tray. The monitor support tray is both rotatable and height-adjustable relative to the base, and the base is swingable about the support leg to permit ready repositioning of the monitor relative to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Roque Matias Corpuz, Jr., Brian D. T. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5704299
    Abstract: A keyboard support stand having a height-adjustable support frame and a keyboard support tray and arm rest which are carried by the support frame and are independently adjustable. The keyboard tray is pivotally mounted so as to be adjustable through a significant angular range between a raised position above a horizontal plane and a lowered position angling downwardly. The arm rest which supports the forearms of a user is similarly angularly adjustable through a similar angular range between raised and lowered positions. Any combination of angular positions of the arm rest and keyboard tray, as well as the height thereof, can be provided so as to optimize the comfort of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Roque Matias Corpuz, Jr., Brian D. T. Alexander
  • Patent number: 5678948
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for furniture parts such as extension tables and leaves. The mechanism aligns the furniture parts horizontally and vertically and is selectively lockable for preventing disengagement. A strike member including a pair of fingers is attachable to one of the furniture parts. A lock member is attachable to the other furniture part and forms a pair of apertures between the lock member and furniture part. The strike member fingers are received within the respective lock member apertures and a lock mechanism selectively detachably attaches the strike member and lock member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: B. Walter and Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy P.G. White
  • Patent number: 5676068
    Abstract: Tables having tops (20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38) with two or more edge portions designed to be adjoining edges. One adjoining edge is concave with a radius r. A second adjoining edge is convex with a radius r, less enough clearance to prevent binding as adjacent tables nest and rotate, one in the other, to form variable-angle assemblies. Any additional non-adjoining edge, or edges, give the designer great latitude in choosing practical and aesthetic shapes. Multiple identical tables can form curved or straight, open or closed, loop assemblies. Tables in assembly can be fastened to prevent horizontal separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Charles A. Kallander
  • Patent number: 5673631
    Abstract: A table joining leaf for joining a pair of round tables as well as for joining a round table to a table having straight edges. The table joining leaf includes a pair of a first panel of a thin material. The first panel includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted for attaching the first panel to an edge of a table. The second end of the panel is adapted for attachment to a splice panel. The splice panel includes an upper surface, and a lower surface. The lower surface of the splice panel is adapted for attachment to the second end of the first panel, so that a pair of the first panels may be placed over a the joint area between a pair of tables to be joined. The pair of first panels may be laid over the joint area of tables to be joined, and the splice panel allows the pair of first panel to be adjusted in order to provide a smooth transition when the joining of a pair of round tables or a round table and a table having straight edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventors: Louis L. Guns, Margaret Guns
  • Patent number: 5655822
    Abstract: A computer desk module has a trapezoidal desk top with an opening. A transparent window plate is supported in the desk top so as to cover the opening. A pull-out keyboard shelf is supported under a front edge portion of the desk top. A computer monitor is suspended under the desk top so its screen is inclined upward to allow viewing of the screen through the window plate. A plurality of the computer desk modules are assembled end-to-end into various semi-trapezoidal clusters, S-shaped clusters, and straight line clusters. Overhead power and data bus cables are routed from a classroom ceiling into tubular legs supporting a decorative cover against the ceiling. The legs extend upward from a cabinet having a semi-octagonal shape that mates with a semi-octagonal cluster of the computer desk modules. The cables pass through the legs, through the cabinet, into the various computer desk modules forming the cluster, and to the monitor and a computer in each of the computer desk modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Fay D. Roberts, Debra D. Williamson
  • Patent number: 5638758
    Abstract: A pedestal supply unit for use with furniture, includes a vertically extendable pedestal support, an upper housing carried by the pedestal support and including supply outlets, an encircling shield round the supply outlets and a cover above the shield and so located as to define an opening between the shield and the cover to enable cabling to pass from the unit to adjacent equipment. The cover may be a top which matches the work tops of associated furniture units, and a flexible cable carrier with ball end connectors may be used for transferring cabling between units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: President Office Furniture Limited
    Inventor: Roger John Carr
  • Patent number: 5634409
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a corner desk for a computer aided design system, including: a horizontal, upper working surface having a lower surface and a substantially flush upper surface; and a supporting structure attached to and disposed beneath the upper working surface, the supporting structure having no members thereof which extend into a space defined by the lower surface of the upper working surface and distal corners of the supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Michael G. Pagett
  • Patent number: 5626246
    Abstract: A modular display rack is formed by interconnected modular display units. Each such unit consists of a base member, a back member connected to and rising above the base member at the rear thereof, and a front member connected to and depending beneath the base member at the front thereof. The front member has flanges forming a transverse channel therein and the back member has projections thereon which slidably fit within the transverse channel to interconnect two units together, with the back member of one unit releasably coupled to the front member of another unit. Projections on the undersides of the base members can receive leg members to support the units and brackets to assemble multi-tier displays. Openings along the sides of the units receive side rails which prevent products displayed on the base members from being laterally dislodged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: McKee Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Kim D. Roddy, Kenneth Glasener
  • Patent number: 5606920
    Abstract: A table having a horizontally enlarged worksurface, and a pair of leg assemblies fixed to the worksurface directly at the opposite end edges thereof and projecting downwardly for engagement with a floor. Each leg assembly includes an upright leg member disposed directly at the rear corner of the worksurface, and at its lower end this leg is fixed to a horizontally elongate foot which projects forwardly for engagement with the floor. The leg adjacent its upper end has a support bracket which projects forwardly directly under and fixedly secured to the worksurface in close proximity to the end edge thereof. The outer side surfaces of the leg and base are preferably vertically flat and substantially vertically coplanar, and are also substantially vertically coplanar with the end edge of the table. A cable-accommodating trough is fixed to and extends horizontally between the legs in downwardly spaced relation from the rear edge of the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Meyer, David F. Lyons, Jorge Q. Davies, Stephen Heron, Roberto G. Fraquelli
  • Patent number: 5595427
    Abstract: A modularly constructed countertop generally of plastic solid surfacing material and including connectable modular countertop panel sections including various lengths of straight sections, and corner sections having thickened finished front edges. Included is an error resistant arrangement of adhesively seaming one countertop panel section to another utilizing easily aligned edges having registration grooves for aligning the top surfaces of adjacent sections flush with each other during adhesive seaming. Included for clamping purposes during the adhesive seaming are rigid elongated strips each having transverse grooves located across a bottom surface. Top surfaces of the strips are glued to the bottom surface of the countertop panel sections adjacent and parallel the edges to be abutted and adhesively seamed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Transfer Flow International, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris R. Peters, James W. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5595126
    Abstract: A table consists of a plurality of individually formed units. Each of the units has a table top of different geometric shape such that a user may disassemble the table to individual units and freely fit the units together again in any desired manner, so as to form one or more new tables having differently shaped tops depending on the space requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Hsin-Ho Yeh
  • Patent number: 5568775
    Abstract: An articulating table connection or arrangement includes an in-fill piece occupying a gap between spaced tables and remaining in abutment with the tables as the tables are relatively aligned at any angle around a center defined by a curved arc segment at an edge of at least one of the table tops. At least one of the tables when viewed as a whole in plan is non-circular and preferably C-shaped or kidney shaped, but has a portion of an edge that defines a circularly curved arc segment along a limited distance. The in-fill piece has a complementary shaped edge abutting the arc segment. The in-fill piece carries brackets which stabilize the in-fill piece and tables in such relative positions that the upper surfaces of the tables and in-fill piece occupy a common plane. The brackets further couple the tables and in-fill piece together for relative movement at least so that the complementary edge of the in-fill piece is pivotable relative to the arc segment of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Rizzi, Walter C. Mrotz, III
  • Patent number: 5560302
    Abstract: A bridge interconnects two table tops and is supported solely by the table tops themselves, employing connector bars which normally serve to gang tables together. Alignment pins on the bottom surface of the bridge engage openings in the connector bars. A separate slidable locking bar on the bridge engages each pair of connector bars to attach the bridge to the two table tops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Howe Furniture Corporation
    Inventors: Niels Diffrient, Julia Wilkins
  • Patent number: 5553826
    Abstract: Modular supports for supporting a plurality of necking-in stations and a plurality of transfer stations wherein each of the modular supports has a base that is releasably secured to an adjacent base, at least two spaced apart support columns; a first support plate supported on and secured to the at least two spaced apart columns for supporting a necking-in station and a second support plate secured to first support plate for supporting a transfer station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5522324
    Abstract: A sectional table for special use as a work table in clean rooms has for each table section two identical vertical stands and each stand has two vertical legs interconnected at their tops to define an inverted U, each of the legs has several horizontal threaded bushes running lengthwise and in an airtight manner therein for detachably fixing leaf supports between them, for supporting one or more table leaves and for detachably fixing a partition between corresponding legs of each stand. Each stand is shut off in an airtight manner at the bottoms of the legs to form an air buffer. Each of the legs has two connection points for connecting to a supply system for purified compressed air and connecting to a through air line on the partition. Each partition also has a power supply strip for the electrical main supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Van Gelder-Pennings Metaal B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus C. van Gelder, Petrus J. M. Pennings
  • Patent number: 5513908
    Abstract: A modular system for assembling food service fixtures employs a plurality of leg assemblies each having a front leg, a rear member that can be selectively suspended at desired locations from a horizontal rail, and a substantially horizontal member extending between the rear member and front leg. Clips are used to removably secure shelves between the horizontal members of adjacent leg assemblies. A counter top extends from the back plane and is supported by the upper ends of the front legs. Each front leg includes a standardized set of fastening means for interchangeably fastening any of a plurality of alternative front members (doors, aprons, plate shelves, panels, etc.) between adjacent leg assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the shelves are made of a plurality of wire rods. Upper and lower wire rods extend along the lateral edges of each shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Kloppenberg & Company
    Inventor: Ralph E. Williams
  • Patent number: 5485795
    Abstract: A self-supporting extension table is defined by a main table portion having a recess at one end, an edge opposite thereto, and a drop leaf adjacent the latter edge with the drop leaf corresponding in shape and configuration to the recess. The drop leaf is formed from the material removed from the recess which provides ease of manufacture at a low cost generally absent waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Jeanne L. Williams
  • Patent number: 5483900
    Abstract: In order to be able to combine different types and sizes of tables with the help of as few as possible individual elements, it is proposed in connection with a table with a table top inserted into a frame that the frame consists of corner pieces each forming a corner frame, and of frame rails connecting two corner pieces each, where a removable table leg is associated with each corner piece, the table top is supported at least on one frame rail and the upper surface of the table top extends approximately flush with the top of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Froscher Aspect GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Elzenbeck
  • Patent number: 5467703
    Abstract: A modular counterline system disclosed which uses separate sections which can be offset, one from the other, to provide flexibility for initial design requirements as well as for changing the layout as the user's needs change. The system also accommodates the convenient capability to allow wires and the like to be added into a raceway or passageway without threading through ports. The system also uses opposed side frames between sections for partially defining the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Teknion Furniture Systems
    Inventor: Jonathan Crinion
  • Patent number: 5451028
    Abstract: A supporting frame (1) for textile machine operating devices comprising upright members (5) and horizontal members integral with such uprights, characterized in that such horizontal members are comprised of at least one pair of "C" shaped tubular components (2; 102) and at least one pair of rectilinear tubular components (7) to be connected lengthwise to the "C" components, there being provided means of assembly (3; 103) capable of being joined together by means of bolts (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Lietti S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alessandro Lietti
  • Patent number: 5438937
    Abstract: A mobile table system is provided in which multiple tables can be juxtaposed in many different configurations to facilitate a wide variety of both group and individual activities. Each table has a top with oppositely oriented side edges shaped to abut flush with the side edges of like tables, an outer marginal edge configured to accommodate a user thereby, and an inner marginal edge with a generally concave shape which defines a central space when aligned with the inner marginal edges of like tables. Each table includes legs to support the same freestanding on a floor surface. A first one of the legs depends from the top adjacent the outer marginal edge thereof and has a foot at the lower end thereof, and a second one of the leg depends from the top adjacent the inner marginal edge thereof and has a roller at the lower end thereof, so as to permit manual translation of the tables across the floor surface in a wheelbarrow fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Ball, Lon D. Scheerhorn
  • Patent number: 5435254
    Abstract: A kit for producing a higher versatile table, preferably an office desk in which the table is assembled from platform segments which are joined together and to the fastening plate of a leg by perforated plates having a hole pattern matching the hole pattern formed by threaded bores in the undersides of the platform segments, at least one leg being joined to the perforated plate via its fastening plate and the screws of the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Fleischer Buro- und EDV-MobelSysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Graham Amey, Fred Ruf
  • Patent number: 5400719
    Abstract: A modular assembly comprised of a plurality of shelf members, each having a plurality of equally spaced sockets for selectively receiving a plurality of legs insertable therein to facilitate a variety of arrangements of interconnected shelf members. Cap members can be inserted into said sockets to provide a smooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Selfix, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Santapa, Raul Munoz