With Roller Mounts Patents (Class 211/151)
  • Patent number: 7810656
    Abstract: A modular flow through or push back storage rack system has a transfer assembly with a plurality of modular carriage units located in a warehouse storage bay. The carriage units are arranged in side-by-side pairs. Each side-by-side pair of carriages defines a space between the carriages. Further, the side-by-side pairs of carriages are arranged in end-to-end alignment. Each carriage is preferably provided as an endless loop link track. An inter-carriage transport unit extends between a space between one side-by-side pair of carriage units and another space between an adjacent pair of side-by-side carriage units. Each of the carriage units and the transport unit may be supported by a cross beam. The transport unit preferably extends between adjacent cross beams of adjacent pairs of carriages. The transfer assembly maintains the storage units at a substantially level plane and may modulate a transfer speed of the storage units between adjacent carriages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Lyman F. Lewis, Ronald L. Ducharme
  • Publication number: 20100224582
    Abstract: A shelving assembly has an integral product display and provides an adjustable track for the product display to roll along. The track may be adjusted both horizontally and vertically to allow the user to tailor the track to fit different shelving sizes and configurations. A carriage within the track rolls on wheels which are oriented in both the vertical and horizontal plane. A slider framework extends downwardly from the carriage and provides a display box for the customer to view an unboxed and preferably assembled sample of a product for sale. The slider framework is removably secured to the carriage, or in the alternative, the display box is removably secured to the slider framework, so the user may easily remove and replace display samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: E-B DISPLAY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Loy, II, Brian McFadden, Jason C. Staten
  • Publication number: 20100213151
    Abstract: Accessory holders useful for facilitating the support and positional adjustment of secured accessories. More particularly, a positionally adjustable accessory holder for use with one or more accessories, preferably input or output devices, such as video displays, monitors, keyboards, keypads, laptops and the like. The accessory holder further allows for easy three-dimensional adjustment of two such devices to place the devices in relative positions more ergonomically desirable for a variety of users and workspaces, and features a counter-balance mechanism for balancing the weight of the secured accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: HUMANSCALE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffery Todd Theesfeld, Matthew A. Sommerfield, Jarrett Seng
  • Patent number: 7780019
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pallet storage system including a cart that rides on rails between an open or access position and a closed or storage position. More particularly, the present invention relates to a storage device that facilitates the picking of individual cases or items from pallets that are stored on the floor under a rack type storage structure. The device of the present invention enables two-deep storage of pallets on the floor and the automatic presentation of a rear pallet to the access aisle for easy picking of items stored on the pallet using a cart that cantilevers from the end of the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7770903
    Abstract: The present inventions provide self-supporting drawer type storage carts for the storage of pallets or other loads, including heavy and relatively fragile loads, that may be smoothly moved between an open or forward position and a closed or rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7752789
    Abstract: An exemplary display device includes a support member, a pair of displays slidably attached to the support member, and positioning members disposed between the displays and the support member. The support member includes a straight slideway, and a curved slideway defined therein. The curved slideway includes a slanting portion, and a first straight portion and a second straight portion extending out from opposite ends of the slanting portion. The straight slideway is parallel to the first straight portion of the curved slideway and in line with the second straight portion of the curved slideway. The displays are slidably received in the straight slideway and the curved slideway respectively. The displays may be positioned to form a large screen, or slid to overlap leaving a single display visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ke Sun, Zhen-Xing Ye
  • Publication number: 20100133219
    Abstract: A shelving assembly comprises a unit that comprises a base plate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The base plate has an integral one-piece configuration including a plurality of strengthening or reinforcing vertical and/or horizontal ribs disposed on the second side. A plurality of securing members are disposed in a parallel relationship on the first side. Each of the plurality of securing members has a plurality of snap fit openings. A plurality of rollers that each comprises a centrally disposed cylindrical portion and a pair of connection rods extending from opposite ends of the cylindrical portion. The connection rods are removably and fixedly insertable into a pair of oppositely disposed snap fit openings of adjacent securing members, thereby forming a row of rollers disposed on the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Yeyang Sun
  • Publication number: 20100108629
    Abstract: A shelf system is shown and described. In one embodiment, the system is for use with a post having at least one aperture. The system comprises a first head and a second head configured to mount to the post. The system also includes a collar configured to encircle the post and rest on the first and second heads. The collar may engage a shelf or may be integral with a shelf. The collar has an inner track configured to contact the first head and an outer track configured to contact the second head. The collar is configured to allow the shelf to rotate around the post from a first rest-position and return to the first-rest position without encountering a second rest-position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Georg Domenig, Bret Schaller
  • Publication number: 20100072152
    Abstract: A shelf for a showcase in which a roller unit is formed with holding grooves on both sides of a bottom surface of a U-shaped roller plate. Fixing frames coupled with the roller plate include a bottom part, formed with a vertical rib to be fitted into the holding groove of the roller plate, and a vertical wall surrounding an outside of the roller plate and formed with a horizontal rib closing opened parts of fitting grooves of the roller plate, so that the fixing frames are mounted on both sides of the roller plate of the roller unit in pair correspondingly to each other. The vertical walls are formed with screw-coupling holes at front and rear ends in accordance with screw holes punched at both side walls of the end caps so as to be integrally coupled together by coupling screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: SEIDAE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Deok Rae Kim
  • Publication number: 20100057245
    Abstract: A picking cart and a picking system capable of improving sorting precision and operating efficiency. The picking cart comprises a plurality of storage shelves at least one of which has a container placed thereon in a drawable manner, a display unit for displaying at least an article to be picked and one of the storage shelves to which the article is to be delivered, a sensor unit for detecting whether or not the container placed thereon has been drawn from each of the storage shelves, and a determination unit for determining whether or not one of the storage shelves from which the container placed thereon has been drawn is identical to the storage shelf displayed on the display unit, based on the detection result of the sensor unit. Before an article is placed in a container, that is, when a container is drawn, it is possible to know whether or not sorting has been carried out just as displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Kimura Unity Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi HIRONAKA, Tomonori SUMI
  • Publication number: 20100012608
    Abstract: A storage rack having at least one shelf (1) with a number of storage spaces (4), arranged over top of each other, for pallets (5) held in the storage spaces (4) on vertical rack supports (2) and which can be horizontally removed sideways from the storage spaces (4). A rack operating device (7) removes and inserts pallets (5) into and out of the storage spaces (4), and a station cart (8) forms a lowermost storage space (4) to receive a pallet (5), and can be horizontally moved out of the rack (1) on a first pair of rails (12) located at a side of the rack (1) facing away from the rack operating device (7). An upper cart (9) is located above the station cart (8) and forms another one of the storage spaces (4) to receive a pallet (5) and is horizontally movable on a second pair of rails (13), which generally extend at a same height as the first pair of rails (12), and have a wider track and also lead out of the rack (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: KEURO Besitz GmbH & Co. EDV-Dienstleistungs KG
    Inventors: Armin Stolzer, Bernhard Huber
  • Patent number: 7640868
    Abstract: A stand for a stereo speaker. The stand comprises a support and a plurality of isolating and polarizing assemblies that engage the support and allow movement of the speaker relative to the support in one direction more than in another direction and to isolate that movement relative to the floor surface upon which the support rests. Preferably, the stand also includes a shelf and a plurality of rods that engage the assemblies and connect the shelf to the support. A first assembly engages a first end of each rod with the shelf and a second assembly engages the second end of each rod with the support. The assemblies are configured to permit more movement of the rods in a first horizontal direction than in a second horizontal direction. Thus, the assemblies allow the shelf to move back and forth in the first horizontal direction in response to vibrations in the speaker and air movement adjacent the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: D Morrison Consulting Inc.
    Inventors: David Morrison, Robert G. Dickie
  • Patent number: 7628282
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20090057252
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multifunctional lazy susan comprising a multifunctional lazy susan that includes a pedestal, a tray rotatably and detachably fastened to the pedestal, and an arrangement of assembled plates positioned about an axis of rotation that extends through the tray and the pedestal. Each plate includes an aperture radially spaced about and proximate the axis of rotation, and a food or condiment dish is releasably coupled to each assembled plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Hip Chix Accessories, LLC
    Inventors: Kristine A. Eckenrode, Lisa J. Guth
  • Patent number: 7497342
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Publication number: 20080237165
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a shelving system configured to be coupled to a wall and supported on a support surface is provided. The shelving system can include a fixed shelving unit extending laterally from the wall, and a movable shelving unit. The fixed shelving unit can include a vertical support coupled to a base. The movable shelving unit can also extend laterally from the wall, and can be movable through a shelving path. In some embodiments, the shelving system can be provided with a floor leveling system enabling a user to easily and quickly level the shelving system. Also, in some embodiments, the movable shelving unit includes a damper that slows the movable shelving unit prior to being stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Arthur H. Bobis, Winston Scott Fowler, Phillip Allan Rosenband
  • Patent number: 7419061
    Abstract: An integrated rack for distributed signal and distributed energy components attachable to a facility includes a first end plate with a first front and first back side, a second end plate with a second front and second back side, a back wall for engaging the back sides of the end plates. The top of the back wall engages a facility ceiling and the bottom of the back wall engages a facility floor. At least one wireway can be disposed in the back wall. A opening can be formed between a first mounting angle connected to the first front side and a second mounting angle connected to the second front side and wherein the mounting angles comprises at least one perforation per inch. At least one distributed signal or distributed energy equipment can be removably mounted to the perforations on the mounting angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: James Dorsey
  • Publication number: 20080156758
    Abstract: A layout for packaging a computer rack comprises a transport pallet (2) and a computer rack; the computer rack being associable with casters extending vertically by a first distance relatively to a lower face of the rack. The computer rack is made integral with the pallet by two anchoring means distributed on the underside of the rack on either side of a vertical median plane (P1); the pallet includes two side modules and an intermediate supporting means separable from the remainder of the pallet and allowing the side modules to be connected. The side modules are removably attached to the anchoring means, so as to ensure that the computer rack is maintained in a horizontal position, and that the pallet is spaced away from the underside of the rack by a second distance (H2) smaller than said first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Emmanuel Mollard, Lionel Coutancier
  • Publication number: 20070295682
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pallet storage system including a cart that rides on rails between an open or access position and a closed or storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7214024
    Abstract: A push back pallet storage system has a plurality of side members and cross members arranged in several levels, a plurality of carriages for feeding pallets in depth and movable lengthways relative to longitudinal beams fixed to the members, the movable carriages being formed as a substantially reversed U-shaped section member provided with wings with inwardly located rotatable bearings, the section member being configured to surround the longitudinal beams outwardly so that the bearings run inwardly along a lower portion of a web of the beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Mecalux, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Luis Carrillo Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7201243
    Abstract: Storage carts for the storage of pallets and other loads that may be moved between an open position into an aisle for access to the load and a closed position out of the aisle when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7200903
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that effects selectable width of a roller track conveyance system having multiple roller tracks with asymmetric wall heights. The system includes a clip that connects lower or mating walls of two single roller tracks together. The connected roller tracks each have their own set of rollers, which form respective dispensing surfaces. A removable divider bar, which is capable of being selectively placed into the clips between the connected roller tracks, may be placed to divide the dispensing surfaces into separate surfaces or may be selectively removed to form a larger, single dispensing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: B-O-F Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Shaw, Edward I. Knorring, Jr., Henry Massett, Joseph Coretti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7140502
    Abstract: A support system including opposed flanged rollers (6) for guiding a moving shelf. Coupling members (23) co-operate with the flanged rollers to present co-axial inwardly projecting stub shafts (22). A support (27) is provided for each coupling member. The ends of a layshaft (21) are telescopically engageable with the free ends of the stub shafts, and relative rotation between the stub shafts and the layshaft and between the coupling members and the rollers is prevented. The assembly of coupling members, supports and layshaft is reduced axially, by the telescopic engagement, to locate between the opposed rollers. The assembly is expanded axially for the coupling members to co-operate with the rollers in a manner to ensure co-rotation. The supports are mounted on an underlying base (1), rotationally to carry the coupling members so that load on the rollers is transferred to the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Allan Grainger
  • Patent number: 7140503
    Abstract: A pushback cart storage system includes a cart having a first pair of wheels located at a front end of the cart, and a second pair of wheels located between a rear end of the cart and a midpoint of the cart. The wheels roll along rails on a storage rack or frame. The second pair of wheels is located closer to the midpoint than to the rear end of the cart, such that the rear end of the cart extends beyond the end of the rails when the second pair of wheels are rolled to the end of the rails. Accordingly, less steel, or other material, is required to construct the rails of the storage rack, which reduces the overall cost and weight of the system, while allowing the system to support the same number of pallets as a conventional system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventors: John V. R. Krummell, Jr., Ken Davison, Thomas John Imholte
  • Patent number: 7124902
    Abstract: A sliding rack apparatus having a rack body having supported on a slide rest and movable along a pair of slide tracks. The slide rest has a pair of rollers with a rut therebetween. The slide tracks have a convex edge in a center thereof so as to extend in the rut between the rollers. A braking device has a T-shaped plate with a rim that is pivotable between a first portion engaging the convex edge and a second position free of the convex edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: I Jang Industrial Co.,Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Yueh Chen
  • Patent number: 7114606
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that effects selectable width of a roller track conveyance system having multiple roller tracks with asymmetric wall heights. The system includes a clip that connects lower or mating walls of two single roller tracks together. The connected roller tracks each have their own set of rollers, which form respective dispensing surfaces. A removable divider bar, which is capable of being selectively placed into the clips between the connected roller tracks, may be placed to divide the dispensing surfaces into separate surfaces or may be selectively removed to form a larger, single dispensing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: B-O-F Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Shaw, Edward I. Knorring, Jr., Henry Massett, Joseph Coretti, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7044311
    Abstract: A cask support allows housing two casks (9) therein (1), such that the casks (9) will be arranged in a staggered manner when multiple supports are stacked together. Each support (1) includes two bedplates (2) with a seating for housing a cask (9). A carriage (10) formed by a rectangular platform is mounted to the framework of the support (1) with two brackets (15) with wheels (17) fixed to the carriage (10) which can move along each bedplate (2), and two other brackets (16) with wheels (19) fixed to the support and on which the platform of the carriage (10) slides. The carriage (10) has freedom of movement parallel to the bedplate (2). Each cask (9) rests on four rotating wheels (14) which are disposed on the vertices of the framework of the carriage (10). The cask support is especially applicable in large wine aging cellars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Sagarte, S.A.
    Inventor: Sebastian Flores Flores
  • Patent number: 6951441
    Abstract: A storage rack comprises horizontally extending front and back beams having upper surfaces, on which is supported a roller track comprising two side rails, a series of rollers journalled between and projecting above the side rails, and a series of tie rods extending between and bracing the side rails. The roller track is secured to the front and back beams by a front clip embracing an underside of the front beam, a J-bolt connected to the front clip and hooked over a front one of the tie rods, a back clip embracing an underside of the back beam, and a J-bolt connected to the back clip and hooked over a back one of the tie rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventor: Carlton David Weaver
  • Patent number: 6945504
    Abstract: An adjustable cable management arm devise. The device includes a pair of cable arms, pivotal pins, an adjustable arm, and an adjusting member. A first end of a first cable arm is connected to an end of a second cable arm, which is capable of folding each other, so as to form a combination of cable arms. The adjustable arm is inserted into an end of the combination of the cable arms and adapted to receive the pivotal pin. The adjustable arm is adapted to adjust a horizontal angle of a cable arm with respect to a wall bracket, so as to allowing the pivotal pin being smoothly rotated between the adjustable arm and the wall bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-Ching Chen, Shih-Long Hwang, Chun-Chiang Wang, Jung-Pin Chen
  • Patent number: 6895870
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for stacking plural electronic or electro-acoustic components in a vertical stacked arrangement on a horizontal support surface such that vibratory energy generated within each component is transmitted and dissipated while each of the plural components is isolated from vibratory energy emanating from others of the plural components and from vibratory energy emanating from the horizontal support surface. The components are supported on vertically spaced apart horizontal support members coupled to corresponding vertical support members for enabling relative horizontal movements between each horizontal support member and the corresponding vertical support members while effecting relative vertical movements in response to the relative horizontal movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: F. Peter Bizlewicz
  • Patent number: 6851562
    Abstract: A push back storage rack system for storing multiple loads in a single inclined cart lane. Each lane contains at least two wheeled carts, each cart being capable of receiving and storing multiple pallet loads. The carts are vertically spaced so that they can freely slide underneath each other when unloaded. Beginning with the first or lowest level cart in the system, each successively higher cart is also wider and longer than the cart immediately beneath it. The carts are positioned on at least one but potentially two pairs of rectangular tracks or tubes, each tube being capable of supporting two or four individual carts, depending on how the carts are constructed and installed on the tubes. The tubes are mounted on an incline away from a loading end of each lane so that when loads are placed on or are removed from a lane, the carts are biased toward the loading end of the lane by the force of gravity. Each tube has a single, planar upper support surface which has inside and outside edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore S. Gorniak, John B. Pellegrino, James A. Courtwright
  • Publication number: 20040232097
    Abstract: A support system including opposed flanged rollers (6) for guiding a moving shelf. Coupling members (23) co-operate with the flanged rollers to present co-axial inwardly projecting stub shafts (22). A support (27) is provided for each coupling member. The ends of a layshaft (21) are telescopically engageable with the free ends of the stub shafts, and relative rotation between the stub shafts and the layshaft and between the coupling members and the rollers is prevented. The assembly of coupling members, supports and layshaft is reduced axially, by the telescopic engagement, to locate between the opposed rollers. The assembly is expanded axially for the coupling members to co-operate with the rollers in a manner to ensure co-rotation. The supports are mounted on an underlying base (1), rotationally to carry the coupling members so that load on the rollers is transferred to the supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Allan Grainger
  • Publication number: 20040178156
    Abstract: Flat, horizontal gondola shelving is converted to inclined gravity-feed shelving using an adapter with an inclined sheet supporting a bearing surface, a leg extending downwardly from a rear of the inclined sheet, which is received in a gap between a flat gondola shelf and a rear wall of the shelving unit supporting the shelf, a ledge extending forwardly of the leg, spaced from the rear of the inclined sheet, to lift the rear of the inclined sheet off the rear of the flat shelf, and a stop member along the front of the inclined sheet. Front end stop extensions may be provided to keep product from falling over the stop member along the front.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Edward I. Knorring, Paul C. Ziegelbauer, Joseph Coretti
  • Publication number: 20040112851
    Abstract: A push back storage rack system for storing multiple loads in a single inclined cart lane. Each lane contains at least two wheeled carts, each cart being capable of receiving and storing multiple pallet loads. The carts are vertically spaced so that they can freely slide underneath each other when unloaded. Beginning with the first or lowest level cart in the system, each successively higher cart is also wider and longer than the cart immediately beneath it. The carts are positioned on at least one but potentially two pairs of rectangular tracks or tubes, each tube being capable of supporting two or four individual carts, depending on how the carts are constructed and installed on the tubes. The tubes are mounted on an incline away from a loading end of each lane so that when loads are placed on or are removed from a lane, the carts are biased toward the loading end of the lane by the force of gravity. Each tube has a single, planar upper support surface which has inside and outside edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Ridg-U-Rak, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore S. Gorniak, John B. Pellegrino, James A. Courtwright
  • Patent number: 6648573
    Abstract: A latching spring for a push-back cart storage system includes a pair of spaced apart support rails, at least two cross members and a cart frame having a wheel assembly supported on the support rails and at least one latching spring. The latching spring is mounted on the cross members and engages with the cart frame. The spring latch prevents premature rearward rolling of unloaded carts in multiple cart push-back systems wherein the wheels of rearward rolling loaded carts roll on the unloaded carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Ken Davison
  • Patent number: 6588608
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an elevator for multi-level rack storage systems that can automatically and continuously transfer loads from an upper level to a lower level without the use of an external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Pater
  • Patent number: 6520357
    Abstract: A rack includes vertical columns and horizontal beams and connecting clips that connect accessories, such as roller tracks, to the horizontal beams. The connecting clips are connected to the beams by inserting arms of the clips into slots of the beams and pivoting the clips into position. Then attachments are mounted to the clips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Interlake Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Kautz, Steven T. Capito
  • Publication number: 20020190018
    Abstract: A push-back storage rack comprises a frame defining at least one storage bay having a depth sufficient to accommodate a plurality of separate storage units; and a track-mounted carriage assembly mounted in the bay. The carriage assembly comprises at least two articulated carts connected together end-to-end for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The carts ride on a track that has an upper track section, a lower track section, and an arcuate front section that joins the upper and lower track sections. The track guides the carts for movement between the front and the rear of the bay on the upper track section and directs the carts downwardly and then rearwardly on the lower track section in an inverted position as the carts move forwardly at the front end of the upper track section. The carts are thus stored underneath the upper track section and are brought upwardly to the upper track section as the carts are filled and moved rearwardly in the upper track section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Lyman F. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20020179555
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an elevator for multi-level rack storage systems that can automatically and continuously transfer loads from an upper level to a lower level without the use of an external power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Pater
  • Publication number: 20020179549
    Abstract: A rack mount computing system having a keyboard and display assembly mountable in a 1U rack space. The keyboard and display assembly are provided in a clamshell configuration to reduce space consumption of the keyboard and display assembly to facilitate mounting in the 1U rack space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Chris Felcman, Kristine Little, David Eichberger, Gary Landrum
  • Publication number: 20020139766
    Abstract: A beam and tension rod arrangement is for use with a push back storage rack system. A front beam extends between two front vertical uprights across the loading position of one or more cart lanes. An interior structural cross support extends between two interior vertical uprights that are located at points along the length of each cart lane. Diagonal tension rods extend from each end of the interior structural cross support to points on the front beam's structural angles that are adjacent the middle portion of the front beam. When a loaded cart collides with the front beam, the majority of the collision forces are directed toward the middle portion of the front beam, which exerts diagonal tension forces on the tension rods between the front beam and the interior structural cross support. The diagonal tension rods serve to brace the front beam against flexing, transferring much of the impact strain to the interior structural cross support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Courtwright
  • Patent number: 6431808
    Abstract: In a storage rack comprising a front beam and a back beam, a roller track comprises two side rails and a series of rollers defining a tangent plane. A front hook, which is hooked over the front beam, defines a ledge projecting backwardly. A back hook, which is hooked over the back beam, defines a ledge projecting frontwardly. At each end, each side rail is supported on the ledge of the hook at that end. Each hook has a flange projecting upwardly from its ledge, between the side rails, so as to limit lateral movement of the roller track. Comparatively, the front hook is taller and the back hook is shorter, whereby the roller track can be easily inclined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Lowrey, Linda P. Lascara
  • Patent number: 6431378
    Abstract: A push-back storage rack comprises a frame defining at least one storage bay having a depth sufficient to accommodate a plurality of separate storage units; and a track-mounted carriage assembly mounted in the bay. The carriage assembly comprises at least two articulated carts connected together end-to-end for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. The carts ride on a track that has an upper track section, a lower track section, and an arcuate front section that joins the upper and lower track sections. The track guides the carts for movement between the front and the rear of the bay on the upper track section and directs the carts downwardly and then rearwardly on the lower track section in an inverted position as the carts move forwardly at the front end of the upper track section. The carts are thus stored underneath the upper track section and are brought upwardly to the upper track section as the carts are filled and moved rearwardly in the upper track section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Lyman F. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20010047969
    Abstract: A dishwasher rack including a grille having longitudinal rods; and a number of wheels connected to the grille by respective supporting rods, each having a fastening portion and a bent end bent substantially at a right-angle so as to be located a minimum distance from a respective longitudinal rod. Each wheel includes a hub fitted to a respective bent end; and a spacing member projecting axially from and connected integrally to the respective hub to form a single component, and which is arrested against a respective longitudinal rod. Each spacing member extends to such an extent that an axial dimension of each wheel is greater than the aforementioned minimum distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Alberto Bassi
  • Publication number: 20010037985
    Abstract: A rail mounting arrangement for supporting a computer component, such as a server, in a rack includes a pair of support rails and slide rail assemblies supported by the support rail. The support rails are identical and include a pair of mounting regions on either side of a longitudinal axis. The slide rail assemblies have a lower profile than the support rails and may be mounted on either of the mounting regions. The slide rail assemblies are secured to the server and present a low profile, permitting greater access to internal components within the server housing for servicing. The support rails are recessed in the rack to reduce the space occupied by the rail system in the region of the rack in which the server is supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: PAILY VARGHESE, ROBERT J. HASTINGS, PAUL E. WESTPHALL
  • Publication number: 20010017284
    Abstract: A showcase assembly unit for the showcase structure is disclosed, which includes a roller support frame and a plurality of parallel sets of rollers mounted on the roller support frame, wherein the rollers in each set of rollers are mounted rotatably and arranged one after another from the rear end toward the front end of the roller support frame, and a plurality of individual articles, such as canned foods or drinks, may be placed across two or more parallel sets of rollers and are capable of moving one by one from the rear end toward the front end of the roller support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Mikio Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6267258
    Abstract: A retail apparatus for storing and displaying a product includes a base member having a roller surface associated therewith and a rack assembly having a number of rollers rotatably secured thereto. The rack assembly has a product bin and a storage rack. The storage rack is substantially horizontally disposed. The product bin is positioned at an inclined orientation relative to the storage rack. The rollers are positioned in contact with the roller surface so as to allow the rack assembly to roll relative to the base member. A method of storing and displaying a number of products is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Gilmour, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Wilkerson, Phil O. McKinney
  • Patent number: 6230908
    Abstract: A flow rack including a frame with a plurality of elongated channels attached to the frame. Each channel includes two spaced apart sides and a base wall extending between the sides. A plurality of rollers is movably mounted in each one of the channels. A portion of each roller extends above the respective channel at a first height. A reverse flow stop is pivotally mounted within each channel for movement between a stop position and a flow position. Each stop includes a stop arm. A weighted portion is attached to each stop for automatically biasing each stop to the stop position whereby the respective stop arm extends above the respective channel at a second height, greater than the first height. When the stop is in the flow position, the stop arm extends above the channel at a height equal to or less than the first height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert C. Sloan, Mark Manley, Stephen Gill, Roy Rachui
  • Patent number: 6186725
    Abstract: A container pick and return system is provided having a two-tiered flow rail conveyor system that includes an inclined upper set of feed flow rails forming an input conveyor assembly and a lower set of inclined return flow rails forming an exit conveyor upon which a unit load may roll. At the front end of the system is a transfer conveyor assembly that, upon receipt of a loaded container, automatically and smoothly positions the container at an angle increased from the input conveyor assembly to enhance the accessibility of the contents of the container. When the container is emptied by the line worker, the transfer conveyor assembly is triggered and the empty container is automatically lowered and transferred to the exit conveyor where it rolls down the exit conveyor to the rear of the system for reloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: RE38517
    Abstract: The present invention features a universal, low profile, expandable flow track system that can be drop-load mounted to almost any supporting frame or pallet rack. The flow track system of the invention features a flow track that mounts flush with its end supports, and is infinitely adjustable along both the horizontal axis and depth axis of the storage frame. The flow track is quickly assembled to, adjusted upon, and removed from, the storage frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Unex Conveying Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Pfeiffer, Frank J. Neuwirth