Vertically Adjustable Patents (Class 211/187)
  • Patent number: 6920831
    Abstract: A shelf including upright columns and first and second horizontally-extending bars having ends connected to the columns. The column has side walls each defining at least one first hole and forming a first rib adjacent the first hole. The first bar is arranged in a first horizontal direction with the end connected to the column. The end of the first bar forms an end tab in which at least one first hook is formed and fit into the first hole of one of the side walls. The first hook has a surface forming a second rib. The second rib receivingly engages the first rib to strength the connection between the end of the first bar and the column. The second bar is arranged in a second horizontal direction with the end connected to the column. The end of the second bar forms an end tab in which at least one second hook if formed and fit into the first hole of another one of the side walls. The second hook has a surface in which a third rib is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Chi-I Lin
  • Patent number: 6918499
    Abstract: A shelving display system comprising a conventional gondola made up of a generally horizontal base and at least two upstanding posts to which generally horizontal top and bottom tracks are attached. Support/display members, such as decorative panels, standards for shelf brackets and shelves, and partitions may be attached to the top and bottom tracks to complete the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Martin L. De Land, D. Mark Pritchard, Steven C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6918498
    Abstract: A rack system including a support having multiple longitudinally spaced slots for connecting at least one generally Z-shaped shelf, or any suitable shape. The shelf has a front leg and a back leg interconnected by a support position. The front leg may, for example, provide an upstanding lip. The support portion may be referred to as a median support portion between the front leg and the back leg of the generally Z-shaped shelf. The back leg includes a first transverse element disposed adjacent to the support position, and a second transverse element disposed at a distal end of the back leg, such that the first and second transverse elements engaged adjacent slots in order to connect the shelves to the support. The shelf may be connected to the support having the plurality of longitudinally spaced slots by inserting the generally Z-shaped shelf in order to connect the shelf to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Chicago Display Marketing Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Sparkowski
  • Patent number: 6915916
    Abstract: First and second uprights for a display or organizing unit are disclosed. Each upright may have one or more keyholes. Each keyhole may be comprised of first and second openings having a larger and a smaller dimension or diameter, respectively. Each upright may include two vertical members. The first and second uprights may be connected together by a member or members. Each of the member or members may have one or more protrusions or studs for insertion into the keyholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Riccarr Displays Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Martins
  • Patent number: 6905037
    Abstract: A wire shelf includes at least four post supporting members each disposed at a respective corner of the wire shelf. A pair of end members is disposed at opposing ends of the wire shelf. Each of the end members is comprised of a truss having an upper wire and a lower wire. Each of the end members is joined at one end to one of the post receiving members and is joined at another end to another of the post receiving members. A pair of side members is disposed at opposite sides of the wire shelf. Each of the side members is joined at one end to one of the post receiving members that is joined to one of the end members and is joined at another end to another of the post receiving members that is joined to another of the end members. A plurality of wires is disposed atop and is joined to a top surface of the side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Systemax, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6902073
    Abstract: A wire shelf includes at least four post supporting members each disposed at a respective corner of the wire shelf. A pair of end members is disposed at opposing ends of the wire shelf. Each of the end members is comprised of a truss having an upper wire and a lower wire. Each of the end members is joined at one end to one of the post receiving members and is joined at another end to another of the post receiving members. A pair of side members is disposed at opposite sides of the wire shelf. Each of the side members is joined at one end to one of the post receiving members that is joined to one of the end members and is joined at another end to another of the post receiving members that is joined to another of the end members. A plurality of wires is disposed atop and is joined to a top surface of the side members. At least one center support member is disposed between the side members and in parallel therewith. The center support member is comprised of a truss having an upper wire and a lower wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Systemax, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 6877826
    Abstract: A shelf assembly has expandable shelves connected to upright legs that horizontally support the shelves in a locker. A drawer slidably mounted on one shelf for movement between open and closed positions engages a longitudinal rib to maintain the drawer generally horizontal when the drawer is moved to the out position. The drawer when in the closed position can be moved into a nested position in the shelf to facilitate packaging and display in a flat box. The legs having tight fit connections with the corners of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: George W. Wood, Robert A. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 6871747
    Abstract: A product display shelving assembly according to some embodiments of the invention includes a pair of shelves in which one of the shelves is suspended from the other by a plurality of suspension pieces. Because the suspended shelf does not require a dedicated horizontal support member, a higher proportion of the shelving assembly's frontal area can be used for displaying products as compared to many types of conventional display shelving. More products can be thus displayed in a given space, less inventory needs to be warehoused and customers can shop more conveniently. The product display may be embodied in new shelving assemblies or conventional display shelving assemblies can be adapted with assembly structure according to the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Rafael T. Bustos
  • Patent number: 6854605
    Abstract: A rack for an electronics assembly may have a supporting frame and a slider mechanism with a first part that is supported by the frame and a second part that supports the electronics assembly. The slider mechanism may be configured to allow the assembly to be moved out of the rack. The rack may further include a cable management system for supporting cables located at the rear of the assembly. The cable management system may have an articulated arm with a first end coupled to the assembly and a second end coupled to the first part of the slider mechanism so that bending of the arm accommodates movement of the electronics assembly. The cable management system may allow the assembly to be pulled out of the rack by the required distance irrespective of the depth of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Conor Wrycraft
  • Patent number: 6848659
    Abstract: A storage stand has multiple shelves, split tubular sleeves, brackets and vertical supports. Each shelf has multiple corners and each bracket is mounted at one of the corners under the shelves to hold a split tubular sleeve by welding. The vertical supports are mounted between adjacent shelves. Since the welds are hidden under each shelf, the storage stand has an aesthetic appearance and can be easily assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: George C. M. Liu
  • Publication number: 20040256341
    Abstract: A display fixture is described. The display fixture includes a pair of frame members, and a shelf disposed between the frame members, the shelf being able to receive a plurality of substantially linear, movable dividers, and to store the plurality of substantially linear, movable dividers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Universal Display & Fixtures Company
    Inventors: Stephen Donnell, Marcelino Flores
  • Publication number: 20040251226
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tubular frame structure that is assembled by an interlocking conjoinment and, furthermore, provides for height adjustment. A plurality of retaining holes are formed in the corner posts of the invention herein and each retaining hole is a semi-trapezoidal opening with the sides at the lower half gradually angled inward such that cleat blocks disposed on a horizontal tube can be positionally engaged therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Hsin-Chen Yang
  • Publication number: 20040226903
    Abstract: A display shelf device includes a support post, a shelf member, and a coupler having a ring member attached to the support post, a bracket attached to the shelf member, and a fastener adjustably securing the bracket and the ring member together at any selected or suitable angular positions. The bracket and the shelf member may thus be easily and quickly adjusted relative to the ring member and the support post at any selected angular position. The bracket includes one or more projections to selectively engage into a number of depressions of the ring member, and to adjustably retain the bracket to the ring member at selected angular position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Chou Wang
  • Publication number: 20040222178
    Abstract: A rack system including a support having multiple longitudinally spaced slots for connecting at least one generally Z-shaped shelf, or any suitable shape. The shelf has a front leg and a back leg interconnected by a support position. The front leg may, for example, provide an upstanding lip. The support portion may be referred to as a median support portion between the front leg and the back leg of the generally Z-shaped shelf. The back leg includes a first transverse element disposed adjacent to the support position, and a second transverse element disposed at a distal end of the back leg, such that the first and second transverse elements engaged adjacent slots in order to connect the shelves to the support. The shelf may be connected to the support having the plurality of longitudinally spaced slots by inserting the generally Z-shaped shelf in order to connect the shelf to the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Robert P. Sparkowski
  • Patent number: 6814245
    Abstract: The hybrid shelving unit comprises first and second spaced-apart end frame portions, an intermediate frame portion located spacedly between the first and second end frame portions, a first spacer element attached to the first end frame portion and linking the first end frame portion and the intermediate frame portion, a second spacer element different from the first spacer element, attached to the second end frame portion and linking the second end frame portion and the intermediate frame portion, first brackets attaching the first spacer element to the intermediate frame portion, second brackets different from the first brackets and attaching the second spacer element to the intermediate frame portion, first shelves located and supported between the first end frame portion and the intermediate frame portion, and second shelves located and supported between the second end frame portion and the intermediate frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Montel Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Leclerc, Serge Rainville
  • Publication number: 20040211741
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the shelving system according to the present invention include a row of shelving units rotatably attached to a support structure, and can include an oppositely facing row of rotatable or stationary shelving units also attached to the structure at a rear side of the rotatable shelving units. By rotating the rotatable shelving units, an operator can access the rear side of the rotatable shelving unit (as well as a shelving unit behind the rotatable shelving unit) for loading product. In some embodiments, a shelving unit can be moved clear from adjacent shelving units and can then be rotated to a loading position. Some embodiments of the shelving system include a row of rotatable shelving units arranged in a staggered manner providing clearance for the shelving units to rotate without interference with adjacent shelving units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Rafael T. Bustos, Steven C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6799689
    Abstract: A shelving rack includes a frame structure including two generally vertical rear legs and two generally vertical front legs and a plurality of shelves formed of welded wire mesh arranged one above the next with a width substantially equal to the width of the rack and a depth between a front edge and a rear edge substantially equal to but greater than the depth of the rack. Each shelf is supported at the front edge either on a wire of the shelf attached across between the front legs or on a transverse beam of the frame so the weight from the front edge is carried by the front legs. Each shelf is inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the front edge toward the rear edge which is elevated with each shelf having an element forming part of a rear stiffener thereof at the rear edge in engagement with a respective one of the rear legs or a transverse beam across the rear legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Applied Technology
    Inventor: David Langtry
  • Publication number: 20040173552
    Abstract: The present invention provides a furniture assembly that includes rods and connection members, and that can be fully assembled without using tools or additional hardware. In one embodiment, the rods include a threaded end and an unthreaded end, and the connection members include an interior member and an exterior member, where the interior member and exterior member may be separate or of unitary construction. The exterior member includes unthreaded apertures for receiving the rods and the interior member includes an unthreaded aperture and a threaded aperture, also for receiving the rods. The rods and connection members are interconnected and gradually tightened to provide a stable furniture frame. Multi-level framing and methods of assembly are also provided. In an alternate embodiment, a connector assembly is provided for securing a plurality of rods within a connector using a leg threaded into the connector obliquely to a plane occupied by the rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rowan
  • Publication number: 20040173551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supporting frame with adjustable connecting joint, which includes four spiral rods and several plates. The joint is taped and is provided with screwed inner surface for matching with the spiral rod. The taped joint is then adjustable to be rotated and moved upward or downward to change the position on the rod. While the plate is engaged with the joint, the space between the two nearby plates is also adjustable for receiving goods with different sizes that obtains utility and improvement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Wen Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6783012
    Abstract: A rack merchandising system comprising a movable pallet base having openings to receive lifting forks, and a central support structure, the central support structure perpendicularly attached to the moveable pallet base and having two vertically extending sides. The central support structure may also comprise at least one transverse support member extending between the two vertically extending sides. The system further has at least two vertical upright supports that are spaced apart from each other and are located at or near a peripheral edge of a top surface of the movable pallet base, each vertically extending side being aligned with one of the vertical upright supports. The system further has at least one inclined shelf having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, the first side and the fourth sides being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second and third sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Hyten Webb
  • Publication number: 20040159623
    Abstract: An adjustable shelving system is disclosed wherein each support post includes a plurality of slots based vertically along the support post. The shelving system also includes one or more collars slidably received over the support post. The collars include cleats which are received in the slots to secure the collar in a vertical position. To disengage the collar or cleat of the collar from a slot, the collar is slid upwards thereby releasing the cleat of the collar from the slot then, upon rotation of the collar, the collar can be slid axially along the support post to a new, desired location. Then, with the cleat of the collar disposed slightly vertically above a new desired slot, the collar is rotated back so that the cleat is in alignment with the slot and then slid downward to engage the cleat in the new slot at the new, desired location. The collar either directly or indirectly supports a shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Charles William Craft
  • Patent number: 6776297
    Abstract: A mobile shelving system having tracks and multiple shelf units for moving along the tracks. A shelf unit includes vertical posts that are attached to a carriage using fasteners that are part of the carriage. U-shaped clips connect to the posts and have slots that also accommodate flanges of shelves so that mounting shelves is facilitated. The shelves include a series of slits for receiving tabs that are part of barrier elements. The barrier elements act to limit movement of file folders stored on the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Eustace
  • Publication number: 20040144741
    Abstract: A shelf, attachable to upwardly oriented mounting members on upright members, is comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being generally rectangular and generally planar and having front, back, left and a right sides. The shelf is further comprised of a front lip and back lip, both extending downward from the front and back side of the top surface, respectively. A left and right lip extend downward from the left and right side of the top surface, respectively. The left and right lips each include two or more pairs of openings dimensioned to receive mounting members, and each opening in the pair is aligned vertically with the other opening. The front, back, left, and right lips are integrally connected to the top surface. The shelf is formed from a unitary sheet of metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Ernest Dean Spencer, John James Bambach, Phillip Edwin Stephens, Jeremy Michael Taylor
  • Patent number: 6763959
    Abstract: An adjustable, removable shelving system for separating items stored in a cooler from ice or water in the cooler, including: (a) at least one generally flat, rectangular-shaped, one-piece, stackable, generally horizontally oriented shelf; (b) a number of generally circular, spaced-apart apertures in the shelf; (c) a number of evenly spaced, same-sized stationary legs projecting down from the shelf; and (d) a plurality of same-sized, reversible leg extensions, each including a projection on one end of the leg extension, which extends in the same direction as the remainder of the leg extension, each of the leg extensions further comprising a bore in an opposite end; wherein the projection of the leg extension is closely insertable in one of the apertures of the shelf, and a portion of the stationary leg is closely insertable in the bore of a leg extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Kenneth Tedder
  • Patent number: 6758352
    Abstract: A collapsible display structure and a shelf module for insertion therein are provided. The display structure includes a back panel and a first and second wing panel that are connected to the back panel and are movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The interior surface of the wing panels includes guides for receiving a shelf module. The shelf modules include a frame and a merchandise-receiving portion for holding an item of merchandise to be displayed. The shelf modules further include guide-engaging elements for engaging the guides on the display structure. The shelf module includes a locking device that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position the locking device prevents the shelf module from being removed from the display structure. In the unlocked position the locking device allows the shelf module to be removed from the display structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: 90034174 Quebec Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Gervasi
  • Patent number: 6748878
    Abstract: A shelf positioning mechanism for sectional rack constructed particularly from vertical posts having spaced horizontal annular grooves and horizontal shelves mainly includes a positioning member fitted between a short sleeve provided at each corner of the shelf and a connecting member configured to attach to the vertical post at the annular groove. The positioning member has downward and outward inclined inner wall surface that applies a clamping force on a downward and outward inclined outer wall surface of the connecting member for the latter to securely attach to the vertical post, and has a straight outer wall surface to tightly bear against a straight inner wall surface of the short sleeve for the shelf to be selectively turned upside down when it is assembled to the vertical posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Protrend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 6748997
    Abstract: An upright connector or support post usable in a space-dividing wall panel system formed from serially connected panel assemblies. The post includes a plurality of openings disposed in vertically spaced relation with one another which receive load-bearing elements such as hangers or hooks typically associated with furniture components. Dimples or deformations extend transversely along the upper and lower edges of the openings and provide increased strength at the attachment points along the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: Haworth, Inc., Innotec Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Fricano, Richard Dixon, Mark R. Smith, Jonathan R. DeYoung, Scott J. Leenstra
  • Publication number: 20040108290
    Abstract: The structural system of the invention provides, e.g., column members and planar members made of sheet materials interlocked to form strong, light, attractive frames for buildings and furniture. The members can be cut from sheet stock material, or injection molded, then assembled into useful configurations by interlocking column members then inserting the interlocked columns into close fitting pierced regions of planar members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Glen Nicholas Davis
  • Patent number: 6745908
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a shelf module is adapted to store a plurality of substrate carriers. The shelf module includes (1) a plate; and (2) a plurality of shelves attached to the plate at respective elevations, each of the shelves being adapted to store a respective substrate carrier. Also provided are (1) an upper attachment mechanism adapted to attach an upper portion of the plate to a frame of a storage location; and (2) a lower attachment mechanism adapted to attach a lower portion of the plate to the frame of the storage location. At least one of the upper attachment mechanism and the lower attachment mechanism is adjustable so as to allow the plurality of shelves attached to the plate to be aligned to a reference as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin R. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20040099619
    Abstract: A product display shelving assembly is provided for displaying products to retail customers. The shelving assembly includes a pair of shelves in which one of the shelves is suspended from the other by a plurality of suspension pieces. Because the suspended shelf does not require a dedicated horizontal support member, a higher proportion of the shelving assembly's frontal area can be used for displaying products as compared to many types of conventional display shelving. More products can be thus displayed in a given space, less inventory needs to be warehoused and customers can shop more conveniently. The product display may be embodied in new shelving assemblies or conventional display shelving assemblies can be upgraded to accept the improved shelves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Rafael T. Bustos
  • Publication number: 20040094495
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage lift comprising two shelving columns that support storage goods carriers (5). A vertical conveyer is located between said columns and at least one of the latter has a loading and removal opening. A light grille (9,10) and faceplates (11) are used to determine or verify the position of the storage goods carriers (5) in thc vicinity of the loading and removal opening (8). At least one respective faceplate is allocated to a respective storage goods carrier (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Norbert Bouche
  • Patent number: 6733060
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo storage device for a vehicle having a passenger space and an end gate including a back end situated adjacent a rearward-most seat, at least one pair of sidewalls extending from the back end and having a plurality of storage units therein, a floor situated between the sidewalls and reconfigurable between a lowered position and a raised position, a door situated in the floor and pivotally operable between a closed position and an opened position, an organizational bin situated beneath the floor and having a plurality of dividers therein, and wherein at least two opposing storage units have identical tracks thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Aaron Pavkov, Charles Amoh, Charlene Chu, David Lung, Jonlin Pei, Josh Urso, Konn Lam
  • Patent number: 6732870
    Abstract: A storage system, having one or multiple shelves infinitely adjustable on an upright member. The upright member is a singular support structure with at least three parallel grooves running longitudinally below a front face of the vertical support, the grooves having a continuous sectional profile and each groove opening in the front face through a channel. The shelf or shelves are formed on a back side with at least three tongues integrally formed in the shelf and adjoining the back side through a neck portion. The tongues are insertable in the grooves while the neck portions occupy the channels. The neck portions are curved so that the tongues project upwards from the shelf upper surface at a slanting angle, such that the tongues are frictionally arrested in the grooves when the shelf is pivoted to bring the tongues to a tilted position in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: CLL Connectors & Cables AB
    Inventor: Christer Johansson
  • Patent number: 6729484
    Abstract: A multi-position display rack includes first and second sides having parallel mounting faces and front and rear columns of spaced apertures aligned in opposition to define front and rear sets of apertures. A removable shelf is adapted to be supported between the first and second sides and includes a frame having front and rear hooks. The front hooks are connected to the frame for rotative and sliding movement within an adjustment zone. Support elements extend through the adjustment zone and contact the front hooks to transfer loads from the shelf to the first and second sides. The rear hooks lock the shelf to a set of rear apertures and the front hooks may engage a plurality of selected sets of front apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Chicago Display Marketing Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Sparkowski
  • Patent number: 6726040
    Abstract: A sectional rack that can be assembled without using any tool and type of fastener includes oblong-sectioned vertical posts having horizontal slots symmetrically provided on two opposite sides, and externally, gradually, downwardly expanding connecting members adapted to firmly attach to the vertical posts through engagement of ribs provided on inner wall surfaces of the connecting members with the horizontal slots on the vertical posts, and horizontal shelves having an internally gradually downward expanded short sleeve provided at each corner and being adapted to connect to the vertical posts by seating the short sleeves over the connecting members attached to the vertical posts. Further, channels are optionally hung on the vertical posts to support drawer-type baskets thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Protrend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 6726039
    Abstract: A product inventory control system is provided that utilizes both fixed and movable racks. The present system may be utilized in a walk-in display cooler or other product storage application to help with inventory management and to provide easy access to stored product. The racks of the present system include shelf support members that are selectively positionable at a plurality of different orientations so as to achieve different product support surface orientations relative to a horizontal The shelf support members are adapted for storing a plurality of different types of products and product containers. Movable racks are positioned in front of fixed racks whereby movement of a movable rack provides access to a rack positioned therebehind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Boron
  • Publication number: 20040069733
    Abstract: The hybrid shelving unit comprises first and second spaced-apart end frame portions, an intermediate frame portion located spacedly between the first and second end frame portions, a first spacer element attached to the first end frame portion and linking the first end frame portion and the intermediate frame portion, a second spacer element different from the first spacer element, attached to the second end frame portion and linking the second end frame portion and the intermediate frame portion, first brackets attaching the first spacer element to the intermediate frame portion, second brackets different from the first brackets and attaching the second spacer element to the intermediate frame portion, first shelves located and supported between the first end frame portion and the intermediate frame portion, and second shelves located and supported between the second end frame portion and the intermediate frame portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Simon Leclerc, Serge Rainville
  • Publication number: 20040065633
    Abstract: A sectional rack that can be assembled without using any tool and fastening means includes oblong-sectioned vertical posts having horizontal slots symmetrically provided on two opposite sides, and externally gradually downward expanded connecting members adapted to firmly attach to the vertical posts through engagement of ribs provided on inner wall surfaces of the connecting members with the horizontal slots on the vertical posts, and horizontal shelves having an internally gradually downward expanded short sleeve provided at each corner and being adapted to connect to the vertical posts by seating the short sleeves over the connecting members attached to the vertical posts. And, channels are optionally hung on the vertical posts to support drawer-type baskets thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Publication number: 20040060884
    Abstract: A point of purchase display stand for displaying products includes shelving, lights, cabinets, signs, baskets, and other items that may be supported on a slot wall positioned in the back of the stand. The slot wall may be made up of horizontal slots that allow the aforementioned items to be positioned at a plurality of vertical locations and a virtually infinite number of horizontal locations. End panels and doors may also be added to the display stand for providing security to the contents of the display stand. The shelves may only require a small amount of rotation to be removed from the slot wall. The shelves may be oriented in a plurality of different angular orientations, and they may be optionally connected with adjacent shelves so that any sagging of a given shelf is transmitted to the adjacent shelves, thereby maintaining the shelves in horizontal alignment with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nook, Gregory D. Gavin, Robert J. Johnson, Dathan G. Zang
  • Publication number: 20040050814
    Abstract: A display rack comprises a pair of vertical supports, and a number of shelves which can be placed at various locations on the supports. To accommodate shelves of different widths, the vertical supports are interconnected by diagonal braces whose angle can be changed to alter the spacing between the supports, while maintaining them parallel and vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: SMP Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paul Roush, Billy Ray Lofty
  • Publication number: 20040045921
    Abstract: One section of a shelf storage system comprises a first unit having front and rear lower vertical members, each lower vertical member comprising a C-shaped, hollow channel having a base plate at one end, the vertical lower members being coupled together by braces. The vertical lower members have first and second adjacent row of notches formed on one surface thereof. A second unit, essentially identical to the first unit, is spaced from the first unit and joined thereto by cross members having locking lugs attached to each end. The locking lugs engage two adjacent notches formed in the first row on the surface of the front and rear vertical members of the first and second unit whereby the first and second units are secured together. The cross beams have a lip portion which is adapted to support a shelf or similar item positioned therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Leslie D. Muller
  • Publication number: 20040040922
    Abstract: A shelf for a rack is adapted to be secured between two vertical supports and is composed of a plate (22) having multiple securing holes (221) and various storage devices detachably mounted on the plate (22). The storage devices have multiple feet to mount in the securing holes (211) and fasten to the plate by attachment devices to use space between adjacent shelves efficiently, whereby the rack has excellent flexibility for holding objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Shan Ko
  • Publication number: 20040035814
    Abstract: First and second uprights for a display or organizing unit are disclosed. Each upright may have one or more keyholes. Each keyhole may be comprised of first and second openings having a larger and a smaller dimension or diameter, respectively. Each upright may include two vertical members. The first and second uprights may be connected together by a member or members. Each of the member or members may have one or more protrusions or studs for insertion into the keyholes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Rick Martins
  • Publication number: 20040035812
    Abstract: The shelving comprises a structural shelving member having a profile bar (11) made of sheet metal. The profile bar (11) is reinforced by y reinforcement strip (12) over part of the length of the structural shelving member. This part of the structural shelving member can be subjected to higher loads. Since the reinforcement strip (12) does not extend over the entire length of the structural member, the capability to carry higher loads is archieved at relatively low weight. The structural shelving member is e.g. a shelving column (1), wherein reinforcement strips (12) are provided in a lower portion (7) of the column. An upper portion (6) of the column does not comprise a reinforcement strip. Or the structural member can be a transverse shelving crossbar (2), wherein a reinforcement strip is then provided in the centre portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Ulrich Bohnacker
  • Publication number: 20040035813
    Abstract: A multi-position display rack includes first and second sides having parallel mounting faces and front and rear columns of spaced apertures aligned in opposition to define front and rear sets of apertures. A removable shelf is adapted to be supported between the first and second sides and includes a frame having front and rear hooks. The front hooks are connected to the frame for rotative and sliding movement within an adjustment zone. Support elements extend through the adjustment zone and contact the front hooks to transfer loads from the shelf to the first and second sides. The rear hooks lock the shelf to a set of rear apertures and the front hooks may engage a plurality of selected sets of front apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Robert P. Sparkowski
  • Publication number: 20040035810
    Abstract: A mobile shelving system having tracks and multiple shelf units for moving along the tracks is disclosed. A shelf unit includes vertical posts that are attached to a carriage using fasteners that are part of the carriage. Inexpensive clips connect to the posts and have slots that also easily accommodate flanges of shelves so that mounting shelves is quick and easy. The shelves include a series of slits for receiving tabs that are part of barrier elements. The barrier elements act to limit movement of file folders stored on the shelves. The system is easily and quickly assembled and is relatively inexpensive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Eustace
  • Patent number: 6695156
    Abstract: A rack device includes one or more shelves, each having one or more collars for being detachably secured onto one or more posts with one or more sleeves. The sleeve includes an enlarged lower portion. The collar includes a bore for receiving the sleeve, and having a narrower middle portion and two greater end portions, for allowing the collar to be invertibly secured onto the enlarged lower portion of the sleeve, and for allowing either of the upper and the lower sides of the shelf to be arranged on the upper portion for supporting various objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Chou Wang
  • Patent number: 6688478
    Abstract: A product storage and merchandising unit adaptable for attachment to the underside portion of existing product merchandising equipment, the present unit having a plurality of openings positioned adjacent at least a portion of either the top or bottom portion of each of the opposed side portions thereof, the openings being adaptable for receiving appropriate attachment members for attaching the unit to the underside portion of the product merchandising equipment located thereabove. The attachment members may take the form of hook members, tie-type fasteners or other appropriate members, each attachment member being engageable with both the existing product merchandising equipment and at least one of the openings associated with the opposed side portions of the unit. In one embodiment, at least two sets of openings positioned in spaced apart parallel and aligned relationship to each other are associated with each of the opposed side portions of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Miller, Jr., Maynard Johnson, Andrew Boron
  • Publication number: 20040011755
    Abstract: This system for holding items has at least a one upright with a series of first engagement devices. At least one panel assembly is provided and the at least one panel assembly has a panel with at least one receiving structure and has at least one reinforcing channel. The reinforcing channel is attached to the panel and has a series of second engagement devices for engaging the series of first engagement devices. At least one item holding device is provided for engaging at least one of the receiving structures of the panel assembly. The panel has a series of panel slots, which align with channel slots in the reinforcing channel to form further receiving structures for the item holding device. The panel is strong enough for heavy-duty use due to the use of the reinforcing channel, while allowing the panel to be economically manufactured in terms of the amount of material needed to form the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Graham R. Wood
  • 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