Portable Patents (Class 160/135)
  • Publication number: 20030056907
    Abstract: Portable walls, in particular, walls for use in playing or practising ball games, for example Association Football (soccer) comprise:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Stafford Rubber Company Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Matthew Caveney, Allan Challinor, Neil Gregory Evans, John Cartwright, Andrew John Bates
  • Publication number: 20030051826
    Abstract: A rectangular movable cover for a window that affords a house or building privacy along with a view of the outside area without covering the window with a shade or blind. The cover consists of 3 or 2 sections that sits on a window sill, made up of dowel sticks and fabric. The sections are hinged together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Erika Scheben
  • Publication number: 20030051825
    Abstract: A collapsible, self-standing, rigid laser containment barrier, which includes at least two adjacent, substantially rigid laser beam absorption panels hingably attached to each other using first and second pairs of aligned hinge pins proximal top and bottom edges and near first and second sides of each laser beam absorption panel and a rigid light strip having a front face including first and second pairs of laterally extending hinge brackets. Each of the hinge bracket pairs corresponds to and is aligned with one of the first and second hinge pin pairs, and includes a hinge pin hole passing therethrough. Each of the hinge pins passes through one of the hinge pin holes to hingably attach the two adjacent laser beam absorption panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Michael P. Toepel
  • Publication number: 20030047292
    Abstract: The modular multi-configurable display has a series of frames of graphical screens and provides variable positioning for appurtenances. In a preferred embodiment, the screen frames are sequentially positioned in a serpentine arrangement. The display includes a plurality of vertical columns, and horizontal members, including at least one arcuate member, and at least one linear member. The columns are capable of fixedly removably receiving the horizontal arcuate and linear members at each end of the columns. Each frame assembly is removably stackable with another frame assembly such that the vertical span of the display is adjustable. Each member component can be attached at various positioning locations to a frame assembly such that a myriad of modular configuration combinations are available to an exhibitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fritsche, Dan Berg, Jason Johnson, Gordon Savoie
  • Patent number: 6502596
    Abstract: An elongated portable structure for use as a tent or the like, having at least one end panel. The end panel has a sheet of substantially non-stretchable flexible fabric material disposed in a generally upright orientation. Two hoops of flexible, resilient, strip material are attached to the sheet. The sheet has portions in the spaces within the hoops to maintain the hoops taut and to resist collapse or distortion of the hoops. A flexible fabric cover extends from the end panel to provide shelter for a person occupying the structure. The hoops are capable of being twisted into a flat coil of reduced diameter for storage. The structure may have a second end panel with hoops, similar to the first end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas C. Danaher
  • Patent number: 6494247
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular exhibit assembly adapted for rapid set up and breakdown, having interlocking rectangular framing sections each with independently attached and replaceable overlay skins. The rectangular framing sections are connected by abutting hollow peripheral members, placing one insert filler within each peripheral member, fastening the insert filler to the member by a socket set screw assembly, and engaging a rotatable latching member of one insert filler to a latching receptacle member of a second insert filler, thereby interlocking the two peripheral members. Overlay holders are attached to a framing member, or placed and secured between the interlocking peripheral members, and overlay skins are attached to the framing members by inserting the overlay skins into the overlay holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Leonard Pedone
  • Patent number: 6481451
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least one lower panel, each panel having a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material substantially covering the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of its frame member, and each panel further includes a first side, a second side, a bottom side and a top side. The first side of one panel is coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel. The collapsible structure according to the present invention further includes an upper panel having a bottom side coupled to the top side of one of the lower panels. In other embodiments, at least two upper panels are provided, with the upper panels provided above the lower panels. The respective panels can be coupled to each other using stitching and/or detachable connectors, or by crossing the frame members of the panels at adjacent left, right, top or bottom sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6453973
    Abstract: A modular panel having integral connection means for use in display board assemblies for trade shows and the like. The panels are fabricated from multiple sheets of corrugated board laminated together. A plurality of spaced-apart fingers are provided on a panel for matingly interfitting the panel to an adjacent panel having similar fingers. Several panels of identical or varied configurations may be interconnected to form a suitable display board assembly. A beam element is also provided for use in such assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Ralph Russo
  • Patent number: 6446398
    Abstract: A hinge type post adapter, as part of a panel and post wall system, with circular loops or nuckles in horizontally extended sections, which fit snugly around the post, with a “U” shaped slot extending outwardly from the opposite side from top to bottom, with slots slightly wider than the loops or nuckles in the loop section, to allow an identical part to be inserted around the post upside down. It should be noted that the post adapters, when installed on the post will allow an extension of the wall in any desired direction around the post from 90 to 180 degrees from the proceeding wall section and will prohibit the transmittal of water or air thru the wall assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Richard L. Weir
  • Publication number: 20020117270
    Abstract: An arrangement employing first and second upright partitions positioned in laterally overlapping relationship and connected along upper and lower edges by a slide arrangement permitting one partition to be manually moved lengthwise thereof. The slide arrangement includes slide rails fixed to each partition adjacent upper and lower edges thereof. Slide brackets are fixed adjacent upper and lower edges of each partition and have sidewardly cantilevered portions which slidably engage within channels of the slide rail on the laterally adjacent partition. Removable top caps mount over the upper slide rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Robert E. Steeves, Dale R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6435253
    Abstract: An arrangement employing first and second upright partitions positioned in laterally overlapping relationship and connected along upper and lower edges by a slide arrangement permitting one partition to be manually moved lengthwise thereof. The slide arrangement includes slide rails fixed to each partition adjacent upper and lower edges thereof. Slide brackets are fixed adjacent upper and lower edges of each partition and have sidewardly cantilevered portions which slidably engage within channels of the slide rail on the laterally adjacent partition. Removable top caps mount over the upper slide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Smed International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Steeves, Dale R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6430880
    Abstract: A modular display panel and edge latching system therefor which employs concealed movable latching mechanism that can be actuated between adjacent panels set up, for example, on a floor to lock the panels into vertical alignment and against any tendency of floor unevenness to cause adjacent panels to become misaligned vertically. The components in the latching mechanism which create vertical position locking are actuated by the insertion of actuators typically carried as downward projections on other panels which rest on top of directly floor supported, underlying panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Idea Development Company
    Inventor: Matthias D. Kemeny
  • Publication number: 20020092626
    Abstract: A modular panel fastening system which has a reduced number of parts, is light weight and requires no specialized training to assemble and disassemble. The system includes a fastening module attached to an end of a first modular panel and a fastener receiving module attached to an end of a second modular panel. Within the fastening module the fastener is attached to a post. The fastener includes a hook which extends out from the edge of the first modular panel. The fastener receiving module has a post and an opening facing away from the second modular panel. The opening is sized to receive the fastener. The post of the fastener receiving module is sized to accept the hook of the fastener. The two panels are brought together with the fastener of the first panel facing the opening of the second panel. Then, the hook is placed inside the opening at a point above the post inside the fastener receiving module. Next, the first panel is moved downward so the hook engages the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph T. Beall
  • Patent number: 6418681
    Abstract: A modular temporary barrier system includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another, such that connected panel members together form a wall. In preferred embodiments of the invention, each panel member and two one-piece corner members each comprise a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Each corner member can be removably connected to a respective end of the wall. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the modular barrier system can further include two side panel members, each side panel member being able to connect to a respective end of the wall such that the wall is self-supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: James E. Dunks
  • Publication number: 20020088560
    Abstract: Extruded plastic doors having two side stiles and a top and bottom rail forming a generally rectangular configuration and having horizontal vanes covering the interior of the door. The stiles have mating indentations along their interior edge for receiving the vanes and holding the vanes in a permanently fixed position relative to the stiles and rails when the stiles and rails are assembled into a rectangular configuration. The stiles, rails and vanes are formed by an extrusion process so as to have a substantially hollow interior with reinforcing cross-members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Hossein Amin-Javaheri
  • Patent number: 6415567
    Abstract: A partition for spatially dividing open building space and the like including a plurality of frames having adjacent frame ends interconnected by vertically spaced connector brackets to define a post-simulating joint and a trim system for the plurality of frames. The trim system includes a locator bracket and at least one side trim strip. The locator bracket is shaped to be attached to one of the connector brackets and includes upstanding side walls with outward extending upper tabs. The at least one side trim strip is shaped to enclose an associated open side of the post-simulating joint and includes at least one inwardly protruding top tab, each top tab mating and abutting at least one of the upper tabs of the locator bracket to positively locate the at least one side trim strip with respect to the adjacent frame ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Karl J. Mead, Marvin C. Knauf, Thomas R. Maas
  • Patent number: 6398659
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a light weight maze game that can be used indoors or outdoors and which has light weight vertical poles and horizontal poles that interconnect together to make up the frame of the maze apparatus. The panels are made of a light weight fabric and are readily attached and detached from the horizontal poles such the panels hang downwardly from the horizontal poles to establish the various isolated pathways through the maze. By the construction, the maze apparatus can be set up easily and quickly by a user and the vertical height of the panels can be selected by the user for differing heights of the children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ellen Chapman Karg
  • Patent number: 6389773
    Abstract: A stackable panel system having a versatile corner supporting arrangement for addition onto existing wall systems for a modular office system. The corners of the stackable panel include a sliding engagement scheme, wherein a mast assembly is secured to a top portion of the wall system by a mast base and slidably engages a central open area of a corner support on the stackable panel by means of a vertically oriented mast upright. Additional panels can be added to the stackable panels by means of intermediate connectors. On the upper portion of the top panel, a corner trim piece covers over the central open area of the top corners. A top connector helps to rigidly secure adjacent stackable panels, either with a T-shaped, L-shaped or X-shaped connection. A perimeter framing system utilizing the corner support arrangement for the stackable panels is also provided. Each of the frame members includes a semi-circular section and a flat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Reuter, Wallace C. Bullwinkle, Ronald A. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20020043349
    Abstract: A decorative panel is comprised of a frame having a removable or hinged frame member; at least one decorative panel insert removably placed within the frame; and retaining means for removably retaining at least one panel insert within the frame. Alternatively, the frame may be provided with a recess on the interior thereof in which the panel insert is positioned, and a sub-frame is provided to retain the panel insert in the recess in the frame. The sub-frame may be held in place with magnets or other fastening means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Yolande Rigby, Alan Rigby
  • Patent number: 6371190
    Abstract: A kit for assembly into a wall-mounted decor unit. The kit includes a laminate board, a fabric cover, and fasteners for attaching the laminate board to a wall. The laminate board includes sections folded in zig-zag fashion along lines of weakening. The sections of the laminate board can only be folded away from the lines of weakening. The fabric cover is slidably, removably mounted on the laminate board after the laminate board is unfolded and mounted on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Rene D. Owens
  • Patent number: 6351917
    Abstract: A partition frame assembly includes a lower partition frame having at least two elongated lower structural uprights. The lower partition frame defines an upper edge, and includes an upwardly-opening utilities channel extending adjacent the upper edge to permit lay-in of utility lines along the upper edge of the lower partition frame. An upper extension frame is positioned above the lower partition frame, and includes at least two elongated upper structural uprights, each of which is in vertical registry with the lower structural uprights. The partition frame includes first and second brackets, each of which rigidly interconnect a selected upper structural upright to a selected lower structural upright. Each bracket has a lower end rigidly interconnected with the selected lower structural upright, and an upper end rigidly interconnected with the selected upper structural upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, Steven E. Sanders, James R. Dykstra
  • Patent number: 6349517
    Abstract: A fixed barrier module includes a support post for supporting two adjacent panels each of which are hingeable. A cut-away portion in a base portion of the support post accepts two cable-carrying swivel joints that are utilized as cable conduits through the support post. The swivel joints rotate with the panels, and allow cables to follow the fixed barrier contour. Cable carrier extrusions attach to the swivel joints to extend the cable conduit below a panel section and to an adjacent support post. The swivel joints and hingeable panels allow the fixed barrier to change direction to follow any desired contour using a single-type of a support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Manley, Mike Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6345475
    Abstract: Pivotably mounted barriers extending across a portion of and staggered in an alternating manner from opposite sides and spaced apart as to permit directed travel up or down stairs or staircase. Barriers extend across staircase to the extent that in addition to acting as an aid in ascending or descending, should a person stumble or lose their footing, their fall would be interupted within a few feet instead of tumbling all the way to the bottom suffering certain injury and possible death.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Darnell Flory
  • Patent number: 6340046
    Abstract: A compact folding screen assembly is comprised of a series of three or more hingedly interconnected panels. The panels are formed of a vertical array of beams which are generally H-shaped in vertical section, and include a central horizontal web, the ends of the web having vertical flanges. The flanges at one side of the beams of a first panel are coupled in spaced relation. The web of beams of a second adjacent panel extend through the space between the unconnected flanges of the first panel. Pivots extend between flanges of the second panel and webs of the first panel. The flanges of the beams of the second panel may pass through the webs of the beams of a third panel. When the panels are fully folded, the second panel is nested within the first and third panels providing a compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Stuart Basseches
  • Patent number: 6332284
    Abstract: A panel display having a stretchable structure made of articulated, tubular elements collapsible together with an internal elastic cord. The elements are articulated on a central assembling support for mounting. Some relatively rigid elements are fixed on the support while obliquely diverging away from it so as to form feet with a ground footprint shaped as a regular polygon. Other elements form relatively flexible bows each of which will respectively support at its free end a suspendible panel in its middle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Tafforeau
  • Patent number: 6308763
    Abstract: A mobile dividing wall comprises at least two wall members which, for the purposes of mutually joining their border sides in a variable-angle manner, have at least partly complementary convex border profiles coated with burred material. The wall members also have complementary positioning members which mutually engage, at least when the wall members are at a specific angle to one another, in that a projection of the one positioning member enters an indentation of the other positioning member. Alternatively, the wall members have complementary positioning members which mutually exert a magnetic force of attraction, at least when the wall members are at a specific angle to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Preform Raumgliederungssysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Moeckl
  • Patent number: 6305455
    Abstract: A multiple panel display system wherein horizontally adjacent panels are hingedly attached by the adhesive mounting of elongated flexible interlocks. The interlocks can be uncoupled to disassemble the display system. In addition, the panels contain receiving sockets in the ends to permit the use of pins for vertical stacking of panels. The flexible interlocks mounted on the surface of the panels permits the display to assume a variety of shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher M. Wendel
  • Publication number: 20010025460
    Abstract: Partition wall comprising at least one wall element (5) connected to a column (6) by a connecting element (1). The column (6) has a plurality of grooves distributed along its periphery and suitable for interacting with the connecting element (1). The wall element (5) has a connection profile (9) with at least one groove (11) on the edge side bordering on the column. The connecting element (1) has two clamping flanges (2,3) parallel to each other and interconnected by a connecting rod (4), wherein one flange is received in a groove (15) of the column (6) and the other flange is received in a groove (11) of the wall element (5). One (2) of the clamping flanges (2,3) of the connecting element (1) is received in the corresponding groove (11;15) in a rotationally fixed manner while the other clamping flange (13) is received in the corresponding groove (15;11) in such a way that it can rotate around its longitudinal axis (12) within a predetermined angular area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Harl-Heinz Auer, Nicole Liebrich
  • Patent number: 6295764
    Abstract: A stackable wall panel system including at least one upper and lower wall panel, a first and second corner post and an insert. The insert threadably engages an upper portion of the first corner post, and the second corner post is disposed on the first corner post over the insert. A connector connects the second corner post and the insert. One or more upper wall panels are connected to a pair of lower wall panels with an alignment clip, a pair of draw blocks and a draw rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Longstreet Berridge, Scott Walter Compton, Bruce Robert Gezon, Anthony David Lufkin, Shane Michael Ramsdell
  • Patent number: 6293328
    Abstract: A portable privacy screen is provided, which enables a user to quickly and easily create a zone of personal space where cosmetics may be applied, clothes put on and adjusted, and changes and improvements in appearance made. The screen is constructed from a plurality of individual, smaller panels and is foldable into a compact and easily carried configuration. The screen may also have a mirror and can carry advertising messages or other printing. The portable screen is arranged in the general form of a triptych, preferably including an upper and a lower array of panels. Each individual array is also in the general form of a triptych. A carrying bag, which is dimensioned to snugly contain the portable screen in disassembled form and itself is sufficiently configured to be carried over the shoulder of a user like a duffle bag, is also provided. The lower array, is reversibly interconnected to the upper array and is held in spaced-apart relation therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Donna A. Fremont
  • Patent number: 6267525
    Abstract: A board to board coupling structure coupled between at least two panel assemblies, the board to board coupling structure including a tubular shaft, two locating plates respectively mounted in a longitudinal groove at the tubular shaft, two inner socket assemblies respectively mounted on the tubular shaft, two end caps respectively mounted on the tubular shaft, two outer sockets, a plurality of hook plates, and a plurality of plug plates. The hook plates are fixed to the at least two panel assemblies, each having a hooked portion respectively hooked on a top notch at an outer race at one inner socket and a notch at an upright flange at one outer socket. The plug plates are fixed to the at least two panel assemblies, each having a plug portion inserted in between the socket body and outer race at one inner socket and engaged into the notch at the upright flange at one outer socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Su-Lan Wu
  • Patent number: 6257559
    Abstract: A portable fence is practically easy and fast to be installed along the boundary of a keep-off area to restrict and entry of the unconcerned at construction or events-holding sites and is conveniently compact to carry and store due to its foldability. This fence comprises a conjunction screen formed by connecting a plurality of fence components, preferably formed of synthetic resin by blow molding, side by side through a hinge mechanism such that they are foldable to each other and a support means or stay pivotably mounted onto a lower fringe portion of said conjunction screen, and stably provides a restricted area at a site where an access of the unconcerned is restricted in an easy and fast manner and is convenient to carry and store due to its foldability. The addition of a weight container thereto further enhances the standing stability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Yagikuma & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Mouri
  • Patent number: 6250700
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for partitioning a vehicle, particularly for use with public safety vehicles, in transporting prisoners, a prisoner and canine, or a prisoner and equipment. The invention comprises a partition mounted adjustably on a mounting bracket. The partition slides along the mounting rails for side to side adjustment. The partition is hinged at the mounting bracket to allow opening of the partition flat against the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Michael A. Traxler
  • Patent number: 6237668
    Abstract: A folding convertible screen/display made from rigid, structural material, comprising a floor and three walls, positionable and free-standing on a support surface without formal assembly at the point of usage, is disclosed. An optional continuous top provides additional structural integrity and definition to the space delineated by the screen/display, without adding complexity. Being of unit construction, the screen/display is simple to manufacture, decorate, set up, use and fold for compact transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Hitchings
  • Patent number: 6226931
    Abstract: A modular display system includes base units angularly positionable relative to one another on a floor area to define a lower edge of a display space. Base units include an elongated body and a pair of detachable end members connectable to the opposed ends of the elongated body at upper or lower positions. An end member connected at a lower position at one end of the body is connectable at a plurality of angles to an end member on an adjacent base unit connected at the upper position. The angular connection allows the display area to be defined and adjusted prior to installation of vertical elements forming walls. Vertical supports, preferably including columns positioned over the end members between the base units and uprights supported in sleeves in the base units are removably connectable to the base units. Crossbars are removably connectable to the upper ends of the vertical supports for defining an upper edge of the display space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Canfield Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Haversat
  • Patent number: 6212810
    Abstract: A pole system for displaying picture frames includes a pole, mounting devices for holding the pole in a vertical position, and a plurality of sliding elements movable along the length of the pole to positions selected by the user. Each sliding element includes a connector adapted to engage a sawtooth bracket, wire, hole or other structure on the back of a picture frame. A plurality of frames can be displayed from the pole, the spacing between each of them and their relative rotational position about the pole being easily and quickly changed by the user. In the most preferred embodiment, the mounting devices include brackets for suspending the pole in a spaced apart relationship from an office furniture panel, and the sliding elements are spring steel plates with a pair of openings adapted to fit over the pole when the plate is bent into a curved position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Intercraft Company
    Inventor: Joseph W. Jones
  • Patent number: 6206079
    Abstract: A frame having a top frame piece, a bottom frame piece with a receptor, a first side frame piece attached to the top frame piece and to the bottom frame piece and a second side frame piece attached to the top frame piece and to the bottom frame piece. A foot is attached to the receptor, wherein the receptor has a structure such that the foot can be attached to the receptor only at n predetermined positions, where n is ≧2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Industrial Noise Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Wayne Selgrad
  • Patent number: 6189594
    Abstract: A portable display case includes two centermost and two outermost panel members mounted for pivotal movement relative to each other between panel face-to-panel face opposing relationship in substantially parallel planes in a closed position and in substantially side-by-side relationship in an open position. A carrying handle is mounted for reciprocal sliding movement relative to one of the panel members to permit the portable display case to be carried much in the manner in a briefcase or an attaché case. The outermost panels are each of an identical construction and the innermost or centermost panels are each of an identical construction providing interchangeability thereof. To the latter end, latches associated with side edges of the outermost panels are in asymmetrical relationship to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Wallace T. Carter
  • Patent number: 6182740
    Abstract: A portable room divider apparatus for providing privacy in any room, in particular, in any hotel and motel room. The portable room divider apparatus includes a base having a pair of elongate members and a cross member removably interconnecting the elongate members; and also includes a plurality of tubular support members interconnected to the base with T-shaped tubular couplers and interconnected end-to-end with one another with sleeve-like tubular couplers; and further includes a plurality of barrier support members being interconnected end-to-end and being horizontally mounted upon the tubular support members with T-shaped tubular couplers; and also includes a barrier member such as a curtain which is removably mounted to the barrier support members and which has a height of approximately 6 feet and a width of approximately 6 feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond J. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 6173536
    Abstract: A workstation including at least two walls, each of the walls having opposed ends, an upper panel, and a lower panel beneath the upper panel, the lower panel including a center plate with horizontal, parallel upper and lower side opening raceways on opposite sides of the plate; and a support post having opposed connection faces, one of the faces being connected to an end of one of the walls and the other face being connected to an end of the other of the walls, the post including conduits extending between the connecting faces, whereby utilities can be connected from raceways on one of the walls to raceways on the other of the walls through the post. Releasable edge and end caps are frictionally attached to the exposed wall edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Boyce Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: David L. Boyce
  • Patent number: 6170211
    Abstract: A demountable wall system mountable between, but not attached to, the floor and ceiling of a building constructed of a plurality of wall sections, each wall section including at least one upper horizontal framing member having opposed upper and lower slots; a plurality of spaced, parallel vertical framing members having opposed side slots facing side slots of adjacent vertical framing members; at least one horizontal lower member having opposed upper and lower slots; at least one vertical rectangular panel with upper, lower and opposed side edges inserted into facing slots of adjacent framing members; a floor mounting member inserted into the lower slot of the lower horizontal framing member; a vertically adjustable closure member inserted into the upper slot of the upper member to close the space between the ceiling and the upper horizontal framing member; and first and second door jamb attachment plates fitted into facing slots of adjacent vertical framing members for mounting of a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Boyce Products Ltd.
    Inventor: David L. Boyce
  • Patent number: 6167664
    Abstract: A wall spine assembly for a modular office system comprises a plurality of individual panel assemblies. Each of the panel assemblies includes a vertical support structure and mechanically affixed lower panels in a rigid box-beam structure. Facing panels are removably attached to support brackets mounted on the vertical supports. A cavity exists between the facing panels and vertical supports to permit the lay-in of cabling through the office system. A crown member is provided on the top of the vertical support and is adapted to receive brackets for the mounting of accessories above a desk or other work surface attached to the panel. The panels, and especially the crown, permit the mounting of office components such as shelves, storage cabinets, lighting fixtures and the like anywhere along the horizontal length of the wall. A horizontally telescoping vertical end post is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Reuter, Charles P. Rozier, Jr., Wallace C. Bullwinkle
  • Patent number: 6161320
    Abstract: A portable display system is provided for use by exhibitors at tradeshow and other events that is comprised of a plurality of display stands and display-stand connectors. The individual display stands are comprised of a free-standing frame and a rollable panel that is attached to the frame for viewing. Multiple display stands may be easily connected and arranged relative to each other to create larger displays, for example, a substantially-curved wall or a triangular tower. The exhibitor has the flexibility of using the display stands individually or connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Steven Charles Peterson
  • Patent number: 6155325
    Abstract: A portable display board (10) is disclosed. The portable display board (10) comprises a center portion (12), a left portion (14) hingedly attached to the center portion (12) and a right portion (16) hingedly attached to the center portion (12). Also included is a header (20), hingedly attached to the center portion (12). The header (20) comprises a center header portion (24), a left header portion (22) hingedly attached to the center header portion (24) and a right header portion (26) hingedly attached to the center header portion (24). To assemble, the left portion (14) and the right portion (16) move inwards towards the center portion (12). The header portion (20) folds over and secures onto the left portion (14), the right portion (16) and the center portion (12) in such a way as to hold the left portion (14) and the right portion (16) at a correct angle relative to the center portion (12) for maximum stability. The portable display board (10) is also operable to fold up into a transportable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Excel Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack L. Schirer
  • Patent number: 6145528
    Abstract: A blind having a support system and a sheet material secured to at least a portion of the support system. The support system includes a number (n) of horizontal support members and a number (n+1) of vertical support members, wherein n corresponds to an integer of 2 or greater, and a plurality of flexible joints connecting each vertical support member to at least one of the horizontal support members, with at least one of the vertical support members connected by one of the joints to at least two of the horizontal support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Shelter-Pro, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Egnew, Elvin Byrd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6141926
    Abstract: A light weight panel for use in modular and free standing office landscaping systems. The panels form free standing partitions which can be rearranged and assembled into space divider or partition systems. Panels can be interconnected and positioned in a variety of ways relative to adjacent panels via posts and/or special connectors. The panels are constructed with perimeter frame members along each edge, the perimeter frame members being inter-connected with the vertical frame members by corner connectors. The corner connectors have protrusions which engage hollow cavities in the ends of the frame members. The perimeter frame members incorporate formations to secure panel fabric and trim as desired. An inter-panel connection system cooperates with the corner connectors to provide an easy to assemble but rigid partition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Tetrad Marketing/Sales Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Rossiter, Scott Gammon, Steven Jones, Andrew Schoenherr
  • Patent number: 6128877
    Abstract: A variable width panel includes a frame having a knock-down construction adapted for on-site assembly. The frame includes a first rigid stile adapted to be disposed in a generally vertical assembled orientation along a first side of the frame. At least two rigid cross-members having first ends thereof rigidly attached to the stile are disposed in a vertically spaced-apart relationship, and extend in a generally horizontal assembled orientation. The cross-members having predetermined full width with a construction which permits the cross-members to be cut to a custom width at a second end thereof during the on-site assembly for use in a special width panel that is adapted for connection with the standard width panels. The frame also includes fasteners for detachably connecting the second ends of the cross-members with the second stile to define a pocket therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Goodman, Roy W. Fink, Allen C. Hager, James D. Houda, Michael H. Abson
  • Patent number: 6123321
    Abstract: A modular fence unit provides a rigid frame supporting flexible and resilient sheet plastic that is stretched over and secured to the frame to create a visually open, yet resilient barrier. Each modular unit is provided with a connector for joining together one or more juxtaposed modular units or for attachment to an available stationary fixture such as a wall. The connectors may permit junctions between units in freely selectable angled relationships. Connections may be hinged, while others may provide a releasable latch, allowing a modular unit to serve as an access gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: David Miller
  • Patent number: 6112445
    Abstract: A multi-panel folding display screen includes a plurality of hingedly connected panels with each panel of the screen including a number of display openings there through with the openings being spaced longitudinally along the panel. Within each opening one or more picture frames are mounted so that a collection of photographs can be displayed in the screen. Each picture frame is pivotally mounted relative to the respective panel such that it is rotatable relative to the panel and each frame has a side loading slot so that a pair of photographs can be loaded therein with the photographs being arrayed back to back to face in opposite directions. Each frame can thus be selectively rotated to alternatively exhibit one or the other of the opposing photographs so that the photographic collection can be easily changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: J.P. Products, LC
    Inventor: Paul W. Feeney
  • Patent number: 6109329
    Abstract: A modular panel having integral connection member for use in display board assemblies. The panels are fabricated from multiple sheets of corrugated board laminated together. A plurality of spaced-apart fingers are provided on a panel for matingly interfitting the panel to an adjacent panel having similar fingers. Several panels of identical or varied configurations may be interconnected to form a suitable display board assembly. A beam element is also provided for use in such assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Ralph Russo