Knockdown Patents (Class 211/189)
  • Patent number: 8479459
    Abstract: A standalone or partially standalone solar photovoltaic structure and methods for assembling the structure are described. The solar photovoltaic structure can employ a hinged photovoltaic roof deck that can be folded for transportation. Described are hinges that can be removed after assembly and act as protective elements to facilitate transportation. Also described is an attachment arrangement for joining purlin or frame members to vertical support columns by locking the frame numbers into column capitals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Phat Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Brady Tucker
  • Patent number: 8479925
    Abstract: A display for a shelving unit of the type having a bay defined in part by lower and upper horizontal supports that comprises a first rail mounted on the lower horizontal support and a second rail mounted on the upper horizontal support. A body is disposed between the first and second rails. The body is in free moving contact with the first rail and the second rail such that the body is freely movable along the length of the rails. The body supports a user interface device. The display of the invention may be used where the user interface controls the functions of a co-located machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Christopher Brown, Thomas A. Caputo, Grant Rorie Phillips, Martin Richard Van Buren
  • Patent number: 8469208
    Abstract: A display unit for displaying materials, such as flooring materials, is provided. The display unit includes a frame having a plurality of spaced apart legs arranged in a common vertical plane, each of the legs having a plurality of vertically spaced slots. The frame also includes a plurality of walls, each having two opposite end portions attached to two adjacent legs and arranged parallel to the common vertical plane. A plurality of horizontal rails having knife brackets affixed to opposite ends thereof is included. The knife brackets each include a plurality of engagement tabs that engage with the slots, and a movable locking device. A plurality of display pages are mounted for pivoting movement between an upper rail and a lower rail of the plurality of horizontal rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Art Guild, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. O'Day, Joseph Roan, Ivan Letinic
  • Patent number: 8459476
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for video and audio components. According to one embodiment, the present invention generally comprises carbon fiber composite shelves separated by carbon fiber posts and supported by carbon fiber legs. The posts and legs are secured by studs. Adjacent to at least the bottom surface of each of the shelves at each opening where a stud passes through is a polyurethane ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Mohammad Ghassem Malekmadani
  • Patent number: 8434630
    Abstract: A method of assembling a merchandising system includes providing a retail display fixture including first and second ends each supporting the retail display fixture on a floor. The method further includes providing a display fixture accessory releasably secured to the retail display fixture and coupling an accessory sheath to the retail display fixture. The accessory sheath includes two substantially planar panels extending substantially parallel to one another and defining a cavity between the two substantially planar panels, a top panel extending between and coupled to each of the two substantially planar panels, and an open bottom providing access to the cavity. Coupling the accessory sheath to the retail display fixture includes sliding the accessory sheath over the display fixture accessory to substantially enclose the display fixture accessory within the cavity such that the accessory sheath substantially covers an entirety of two opposite sides of the display fixture accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David H. Cheney, James S. LaRue
  • Patent number: 8430254
    Abstract: A closet insert structured to fit in a closet enclosure in its entirety—includes at least one insert module including back, top and floor panels, and two end panels. Mounting structure is provided on at least one of the panels to which a coupling device is mountable for coupling another insert module to the at least one insert module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Steven C. Kunis
  • Publication number: 20130098858
    Abstract: A foldable, bi-directional, two-tier panel support system includes a wide variety of different configurations both for the lower support joists and the upper panel rails. The overall array is provided with additional strength through the use of various diagonal and lateral supports running between adjacent upper panel rails. Additional panel loads can be accommodated by extended longitudinal beams on tilt brackets, and additional bracing attached thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Northern States Metals Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Cusson, Michael G. Greenamyer, Bernard G. Petro, Thomas P. Killar, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130026122
    Abstract: A coupling member includes two members that are fitted to each other to hold a post from either side, each of the two members including a first tapered section that gradually increases in diameter in a downward direction, and a second tapered section that gradually slopes inward in the downward direction, and the first tapered section of one member among the two members and the second tapered section of another member among the two members being disposed within the half area of the coupling member in the diametrical direction when viewed from the front side when the coupling member is fitted to the post. An assembly shelf includes the coupling member. Since the assembly shelf is configured so that one shelf board member is supported within the half area of the coupling member in the diametrical direction when viewed from the front side, the assembly shelf can be easily assembled, and a middle shelf board member can be removed from the assembly shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: KAWAJUN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yukitomo Shimazaki, Takashi Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 8348071
    Abstract: A base assembly for air handlers having a filter. Four metallic legs each have a distal end. The metallic legs also have first through holes at first predetermined distances from their respective distal ends. The metallic legs have a rectangular or square cross section, and each distal end mounts to a floor. First and second metallic upper frames have vertical extensions to telescopically receive the four metallic legs respectively. The first and second metallic upper frames further have braces member and air filter C-shaped tracks. The first and second metallic upper frames each further have elongated male horizontal arms and elongated female horizontal arms that join whereby the air filter C-shaped tracks face each other to receive a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Perez Janlert
  • Patent number: 8342343
    Abstract: A free-standing, point-of-purchase display includes a base portion and a display portion. The display portion upwardly extends from the base portion and includes a frame having a plurality of upright members and at least one display element for supporting product for retail display. The display further includes first and second advertising panels carried by first and second upright members of the plurality of uprights, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: T. M. Shea Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Shea
  • Patent number: 8342544
    Abstract: An adjustable cart, comprising in combination a base supported by wheels at least one of which is swiveled to allow cart steering travel, two frames carried by the base to pivot from active upright positions to stored down positions, one above the other, there being upright supports carried by the cart at or proximate cart corners, there being mechanism associated with the frame and certain of the supports to releasably lock the frames in upright extended positions relative to the supports in response to frame pivoting to upright positions, and there being lengthwise adjustable means, associated with each frame, whereby said mechanism is un-blocked to allow frame folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Blewett, Brent Foes
  • Patent number: 8336719
    Abstract: A rack frame includes a bottom frame defining a first opening on an outer side, a strengthening board fixed on the bottom frame, and a strengthening leg fixed on the strengthening board. The strengthening board includes a baseboard and an upright board extending from a edge of the baseboard. The upright board defines a third opening. The upright board is fixed on the outer side of the bottom frame. The strengthening leg includes a diagonal supporting portion fixed on the baseboard, and a received portion horizontally extending from a top edge of the diagonal supporting portion. The received portion is received in the third and first openings. The diagonal supporting portion defines a fourth opening for fixing the strengthening leg on the strengthening board manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Fan
  • Patent number: 8302788
    Abstract: A demountable shelving unit with welded crossbar supports, open-channel upright supports, and channel support features. The welded crossbar supports and diagonal supports are slidably received within open-channel upright supports. Upper and lower crossbar supports include upright insertion blocks that are captured within the upright supports and horizontal connectors that extend through slots in the upright supports to connect two upright supports together to form an end unit. Shelf units are connected between two end units to create an assembled shelf. For a typical shelving unit, only eight bolts are needed to assemble each end unit and the shelf units attach to the end units with rivet-type quick disconnect fasteners that fit within teardrop shaped sockets in the upright supports. This results in a demountable shelf that can be assembled quickly and easily with only sixteen bolts per shelving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: William R. Vargo, Leroy Cameron Tuck, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8297452
    Abstract: A parts container having adjustable racks that are adjustable in both a vertical and horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: George A. Anscomb, Jason V. Hultberg
  • Publication number: 20120241401
    Abstract: A wall fixture system has a center panel and a pair of supports for supporting the center panel in an upright configuration. The center panel includes a pegboard for receiving hooks, shelves, baskets, or other accessories, and a frame at least partially surrounding the pegboard. The frame has a plurality of hooks along one of its outer edges. The supports are positioned on opposite sides of the center panel, and each has a plurality of slots along one of its inner edges for receiving the hooks on the frame and thereby supporting the center panel between the supports without the use of screws, nails, or other semi-permanent fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: KC STORE FIXTURES
    Inventor: Leo M. Galey
  • Patent number: 8261921
    Abstract: A parts container having adjustable racks that are adjustable in both a vertical and horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: George A. Anscomb, Jason V. Hultberg
  • Patent number: 8225945
    Abstract: A rack frame includes a first frame pole, a second frame pole, a support pole and a bar fixed on the support pole. The support pole includes a first portion, a second portion intersecting with the first portion at a corner, and a plurality of securing holes defined on the first and second portions. Each of the securing holes includes an insert slot adjacent to the corner and a protrusion hole communicating with the insert slot. The bar includes a first side plate corresponding to the first portion, a second side plate corresponding to the second portion, and a plurality of hooks fixed on the first and second side walls corresponding to the plurality of securing holes. The plurality of hooks pass through the corresponding protrusion holes to insert in the insert slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lu Fan
  • Patent number: 8191720
    Abstract: Assembling a merchandising system includes placing a display fixture on a floor in a retail environment, where the display fixture includes a first end assembly supported on the floor, a second end assembly supported on the floor, a first cross-piece, and a second cross-piece, each of the first and second cross-pieces extending between the first and second end assemblies and substantially parallel to one another. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture and an accessory sheath is slid over the display fixture accessory by sliding an open bottom of the accessory sheath over the display fixture accessory until a top of the accessory sheath abuts a top of the display fixture accessory and the accessory sheath covers a substantial portion of the display fixture accessory. The accessory sheath includes a plurality of substantially horizontal bracket slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David H. Cheney, James S. LaRue
  • Patent number: 8172098
    Abstract: An end support unit for supporting the ends of at least one front and one rear cross beam including: a front support post having a column of slots along its length for receiving at least one slot engaging member of the front cross beam; a rear support post having a column of slots along its length for receiving at least one slot engaging member of the rear cross beam; an upper brace fixedly extending from the upper end of the front support post to the upper end of the rear support post; a lower brace fixedly extending from the lower end of the front support post to the lower end of the rear support post; and a diagonal brace extending diagonally between the front support post and the rear support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Rapid Rack Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Eustace, Dan David
  • Patent number: 8172097
    Abstract: An LED display module having features for improvement over prior art devices by providing novel features for improved LED visibility, improved weather and climatological sealing, improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression, improved heat dissipation, and improved airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Lane Nearman, Shannon Lee Mutschelknaus, Matt Ray Mueller, Brett David Wendler, Eric Steven Bravek, Robert James Lutz, Ryan Mark Hansen, Nick Joeseph Fanning
  • Patent number: 8167146
    Abstract: A cable management apparatus includes a cable support, and a connecting member. The cable support includes a first support and a second support. A rail assembly includes an outer rail and an inner rail slidably attached to the outer rail. The first support is rotationally attached to the inner rail and the second support is rotationally attached to the outer rail. The connecting member connects the first and second supports and extends a blocking portion. The first support is capable of changing position relative to the second support while the inner rail and the outer rail stay relatively static. The blocking portion is supported by the supporting member and is capable of disengaging from the supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mo-Ming Yu, Hai-Chen Zhou
  • Patent number: 8152403
    Abstract: A three-way connector for a cabinet frame, including a body 1, multiple positioning columns 4, 8, a pair of M6 tapping holes 7, a pair of M6 tapping holes 11, a M12 tapping hole 3, a ten-folded section 6, and a fifteen-folded section 10. A pair of triangular corners 2 is disposed on both sides of the body 1. The M12 tapping hole 3 is disposed at the top of the body 1. The positioning columns 4 are fit with a cavity of the ten-folded section 6. The M6 tapping holes 7 are disposed on the positioning columns 4, and fit with an installation hole of the ten-folded section 6. The positioning columns 8 are fit with a cavity of the fifteen-folded section 10, and are parallel to each other. The M6 tapping holes 11 are disposed on the positioning columns 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Suizhang Shen
  • Patent number: 8136682
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base and a dampener assembly mounted to the spring-urged pusher configured to control the rate of speed at which the spring-urged pusher is urged forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Hardy
  • Patent number: 8127696
    Abstract: A pedestal comprising (i) a pedestal base whose upper surface defines at least two pairs of open channels, (ii) horizontal lower support members placed in the channels, and (iii) at least one block component which is fitted slidably over one or more of the lower support members. Two or more block components can be used together, and upper support members can be placed in channels in the upper surfaces of the block components so that they are at right angles to the lower support members. The pedestals are particularly useful in the catering and hospitality industry for supporting food and beverage containers, tableware, flower vases and sculptures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Pedestal Designs Inc.
    Inventors: Petra Reed, James P. Reed
  • Patent number: 8123052
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a product display apparatus may include a plurality of product shelves and a product display sign coupled to a support arm in an elevated position above the product shelves so as to define a viewing gap at a selected height. The viewing gap can provide consumers with see-through visibility toward an adjacent aisle. The product display sign may be releasably secured in an elevated support arm that also receives one or more display containers in a position forward of the display sign and above the product shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David Cheney, Justin Werth, Kevin Pittelkow
  • Patent number: 8087190
    Abstract: A clothing coordination system comprising first placards labeled with a color and number; second placards labeled with a color; third placards labeled with a number; label apparatuses for attaching to a closet rod to group together pants, shirts, or sweaters of a color, the apparatuses each comprises an elongated base with a rail adapted to display a first placard or a second placard and at least one third placard, wherein the placards corresponds to the color of the pants, shirts or sweaters; and a plurality of clothing boxes for grouping shirts or sweaters of a certain color, the clothing boxes each have at least one rail for displaying a second placard and at least one third placard; wherein a coordinated outfit can be chosen by selecting a pair of pants and then selecting a shirt that has a third placard that matches the assigned number of the pants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: J. Rebecca Rivera-Andrianakos
  • Patent number: 8020714
    Abstract: A product merchandising unit having a plurality of shelf members adjustably positionable within a framework structure, each shelf member including a plurality of retractable pin members selectively movable for engagement with openings associated with the framework structure, and a plurality of removably attachable divider members engageable with the underneath portion of each shelf member anywhere along substantially their entire width, the divider members extending downwardly from the shelf member located thereabove into the product display space of the shelf member located therebelow forming product channels for guiding products therebetween, each divider member being selectively adjustable relative to another divider member to control and adjust the width of each product channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Presence From Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Miller, Jr., Robert E. Kreutzer, Jr., Andrew J. Boron, Sean W. Luaders
  • Patent number: 8016141
    Abstract: A cross bar forming a support surface between parallel deck beams of rack-type storage systems to create storage shelves, the cross bars being lockable and readily removable and reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 7997430
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a product display apparatus may include a plurality of product shelves and a product display sign coupled to a support arm in an elevated position above the product shelves so as to define a viewing gap at a selected height. The viewing gap can provide consumers with see-through visibility toward an adjacent aisle. The product display sign may be releasably secured in an elevated support arm that also receives one or more display containers in a position forward of the display sign and above the product shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David Cheney, Justin Werth, Kevin Pittelkow
  • Patent number: 7988000
    Abstract: A merchandising system includes a display fixture placed on a floor in a retail environment. The display fixture includes a first end piece resting supported on the floor, a second end piece supported on the floor, a first member, and a second member, each of the first member and the second member being substantially horizontal with the second member extending substantially parallel to, and vertically offset from the first member. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture by receiving the first member in a first bracket of the display fixture accessory and receiving the second member in a second bracket of the display fixture accessory. A display piece is inserted into the display fixture accessory. Additionally, the display piece is maintained with the display fixture accessory in a substantially vertical position with the display fixture accessory extending above the display fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, John Thomas
  • Patent number: 7963492
    Abstract: A vertical support structure includes a mounting plate and a support member. The support member has a vertically-elongated central panel and a pair of vertically-elongated side panels connected to and extending perpendicularly from the central panel to form a U-shaped-channel as viewed in cross-section. The support member has a top edge and a bottom edge disposed vertically apart from and extending horizontally parallel to one another. The support member has a slot formed at least through the central panel. The slot is disposed between and extends parallel to the top and bottom edges. The mounting plate is slidably inserted into the slot in a close-fitting manner and is connected to the support member such that the mounting plate at least partially projects perpendicularly from the central panel away from the U-shaped channel. A guide element is connected to the top edge and extends upwardly and inwardly toward the U-shaped channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: EVAPCO, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Nevins
  • Patent number: 7954656
    Abstract: A display fixture anchor system including a first panel having integral connectors and threaded and unthreaded apertures. The first panel is adapted to abut and fasten to at least one type of display fixture and to also connect via the integral connectors to a connection element, such as a slotted standard, to a particular type of store gondola. The system includes a first panel used as the head of a bolt for engaging vertical webs such as wire grids on display fixtures, in conjunction with a second panel used as an adaptable washer having multiple apertures. The system also includes a first panel used as a channel for receiving a tubular perimeter frame of a display fixture. Custom hybrid use of a first panel is also included. Methods of use and manufacture are provided within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Cuzzocrea
  • Patent number: 7946435
    Abstract: Assembling a merchandising system includes placing a display fixture on a floor in a retail environment, where the display fixture includes a first end assembly supported on the floor, a second end assembly supported on the floor, a first cross-piece, and a second cross-piece, each of the first and second cross-pieces extending between the first and second end assemblies and being substantially parallel to one another. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture and an accessory sheath is slid over the display fixture accessory by sliding an open bottom of the accessory sheath over the display fixture accessory until a top of the accessory sheath abuts a top of the display fixture accessory and the accessory sheath covers a substantial portion of the display fixture accessory. The accessory sheath includes a plurality of substantially horizontal bracket slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David H. Cheney, James S. LaRue
  • Patent number: 7938373
    Abstract: A vertical support structure includes a mounting plate and a support member. The support member extends vertically along a vertical axis and has a pair of vertically-elongated panel integrally connected together in a form of an angle iron to define a vertically-extending L-shaped channel between outside edges of the pair of panels. A top edge of the support member and a bottom edge of the support member are disposed vertically apart from and extend horizontally parallel to one another. The support member has a slot formed therethrough. The slot is disposed between the top and bottom edges and extends horizontally between the outside edges. The slot is sized to slidably receive the mounting plate and the mounting plate occupying the slot is connected to the support member such that the mounting plate projects perpendicularly from the support member and away from the L-shaped channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Evapco, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Nevins
  • Patent number: 7934611
    Abstract: A retail system includes a rack assembly and a cover. The rack assembly has a stand that is adapted to rest on a substantially horizontal surface, where the stand is formed of a plurality of tubular members. The rack assembly also has a mounting frame that is substantially rectangular in shape and supported in a substantially vertical position by the stand. The cover includes a base portion that is formed by a combination of a first shell and a second shell that is complementary to the first shell, the base portion defining a hollow, substantially box-like structure that is supported in a substantially vertically position by the rack assembly and covers at least a portion of the mounting frame. The cover also includes a stack portion defining a hollow, substantially box-like structure that is adapted to slide over the mounting frame and mount atop the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, David H. Cheney, James S. LaRue
  • Publication number: 20110084042
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shelf element 1 being provided for releasable connection to at least one further shelf element 1, comprising at least two parallel plates that are spaced from each other and at least one plate that connects said parallel plates, wherein at least one of the plates is a mounting plate which is provided with and/or at least partly provides at least one device for connection to the further shelf element 1. With the shelf element 1 according to the invention, the device for connection to the further shelf element 1 has the form of a slot. Furthermore, the device is provided for receiving a connecting element 21 which allows for connecting two shelf elements 1. Moreover, the invention relates to a shelf 20 comprising at least two of said shelf elements 1, wherein said self elements 1 are releasably mounted to each other via at least one connecting element 21.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Malte Ahlert, Thomas Reichel
  • Patent number: 7913863
    Abstract: A shelving unit includes a support frame and at least one support board detachably mounted on the support frame. The support frame includes a back board which has at least one support rail which is provided with at least one locking slot. The shelving unit further comprises at least one locking knob mounted on the support board and detachably locked in the locking slot of the back board. The support board can be mounted on and detached from the support frame. Thus, the user only needs to rotate the locking knob to lock the support board onto the back board or to unlock the support board from the back board, so that the support board is mounted on and detached from the back board easily and quickly without using tools and saving a considerable amount of time for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Shih-Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 7909184
    Abstract: A merchandising system for displaying products in a retail environment includes a panel structure extending upwardly from a floor, the panel structure forming a plurality of regularly, or uniformly, spaced insertion areas. The system also includes an annular cage supported over the floor by the panel structure such that it projects outwardly from the front of the panel structure. The annular cage optionally includes a first loop defining a front and a back with the back facing toward the panel structure and the front facing away from the panel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier
  • Patent number: 7900881
    Abstract: A stand for a musical instrument is sturdy, durable and easy to construct. The stand supports a musical instrument, such as a guitar, in a substantially upright, readily accessible manner, yet the stand is easy to disassemble for ready transport or store in a low volume configuration. One embodiment of a stand includes a base for supporting a lower section of a musical instrument and a detachable neck that engages an upper section of the musical instrument. The base includes a front support rod, a back support rod spaced apart and extending parallel to the front support rod and a pair of side support rods extending between and connecting the front support rod and the back support rod. A plurality of legs extend from the base to provide stability. The neck support can be magnetically secured to the base in a substantially upright position when the stand is in an assembled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony J. Campagna
  • Patent number: 7886919
    Abstract: A improved product display adaptable to standard gondola systems. The display increases the retail sales space available by providing for the recovery of unused space traditionally existing below the original base deck of the display. This display comprises a new free-standing base deck to replace the original base deck. The free-standing base deck positionally registers in the space where the original base deck was located. The free-standing base deck rests directly on the floor surface beneath the product display thus reclaiming the unused space beneath the original base deck. The display includes an additional member for maintaining the product display's base brackets parallel to assist in retaining and positionally registering the free-standing base deck, and an additional member for maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the product display's base brackets by covering the exposed portions that were once hidden by the original base deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Marcus Battaglia, Jr., Michael Robert Howley, Reggie Wayne Stubblefield
  • Patent number: 7886916
    Abstract: There is provided an expandable modular display that is generally comprised of display modules that may be wall mounted, utilized as a desktop or countertop display, or vertically stacked with a plurality of like display modules in a display stand. The display stand is disposed to be connected by hand utilizing connecting apertures and pins. The display stand may be expanded horizontally using the connecting apertures and pins to receive additional display modules. The display is disposed to mount display modules vertically in a back to back position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Hammer Alyn
  • Patent number: 7878340
    Abstract: A wine rack system for the easy assembly of a custom-fitted wine rack apparatus is described. The system comprises parts that enable the construction of the wine rack apparatus that is able to be easily assembled and custom-fitted into a variety of differently-sized home storage spaces and affixed to at least one storage space surface. The resulting wine rack apparatus is sturdy, flexible, modular and stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin Raymond Olsen
  • Patent number: 7874090
    Abstract: At least two upright subassemblies, each with a base, radial positioning members; an outer tubular member, an inner tubular member slidably received in the outer tubular member; a plunger for selective engagement with aperture(s) in the outer tubular member, upper and lower horizontal bars secured to the radial positioning members, and a flexible display secured to each set of upper and lower horizontal bars, the radial positioning members for selective positioning between selected convex, concave, in-line and right angle positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Rodger H. Flagg
  • Publication number: 20100293869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of modular building systems. Embodiments of the invention include, a modular building system comprising planar sheets of material and moment connections, which are combined with tool-less or limited tool assembly mechanisms and can be used, for example, as spatial partitions, platforms, structural supports, or supports for articles. Specific embodiments of the invention provide structures having a seemingly homogenous, flowing ribbon structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan KING, David B. Clark, Robert Dunay, Joseph Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7832573
    Abstract: A self-supporting suspension device may include vertically oriented columns. The columns may be releasably fastened to one or two feet by being inserted into slots of the respective feet and by surrounding a portion thereof. A stabilisation element may be fastened to two adjacent columns for lateral stability of the suspension device, and a locking beam or the stabilisation element may increase the torsional rigidity of the columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Elfa International AB
    Inventors: Reine Magnusson, Peter Nilsson, Jan Littorin, Joachim Wenström
  • Patent number: 7832572
    Abstract: A storage rack includes at least one first support beam at a first end of the storage rack and at least one second support beam at a second, opposite end of the storage rack wherein the support beams are spaced apart to define a storage area. A flue system for use with the storage rack includes first and second brackets. The first bracket is coupled to the first support beam and the second bracket is coupled to the second support beam. The first side panel extends between the first and second ends of the storage rack, and includes a first end removably coupled to the first bracket and a second end removably coupled to the second bracket. A second side panel extends between the first and second ends of the storage rack, and includes a first end removably coupled to the first bracket and a second end removably coupled to the second bracket. The first and second side panels are spaced apart to define a passageway extending through the storage rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Philip D. Wyatt, Rodney R. Garringer
  • Patent number: 7810658
    Abstract: A method of assembling a merchandising system includes placing a display fixture on a floor in a retail environment. The display fixture includes a first end piece resting supported on the floor, a second end piece supported on the floor, a first member, and a second member, each of the first member and the second member being substantially horizontal with the second member extending substantially parallel to, and vertically offset from the first member. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture by receiving the first member in a first bracket of the display fixture accessory and receiving the second member in a second bracket of the display fixture accessory. A display piece is inserted into the display fixture accessory. Additionally, the display piece is maintained with the display fixture accessory in a substantially vertical position with the display fixture accessory extending above the display fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Clark, Michael A. Whittier, John Thomas
  • Patent number: 7798740
    Abstract: Fixing element for fixing a first and second panel to one another, which fixing element is provided on both sides with first and second insertion ends facing away from one another for insertion in a complementary cut-out in each panel, comprising at least a first snap-fit member on the first insertion end and at least one associated first bearing surface facing said snap-fit member for clamping the first panel between them, as well as at least a second snap-fit member on the second insertion end and at least one associated second bearing surface facing said snap-fit member for clamping the second panel between them. The bearing surfaces lie in the same plane in different positions, so that panels that have been fixed to one another with the fixing element are directly in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Van Zandbergen Industrieel Plaatwerk B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Pieter Kaufman
  • Patent number: 7780371
    Abstract: A supporting framework with connection node and struts has at least two strut receiving elements, each strut receiving element being arranged centrally on an imaginary cube face of the connection node. Arms extend from the strut receiving elements and run parallel to the edges of the imaginary cube face and extend up to an edge of the imaginary cube face that is perpendicular to the arms. The arms of one strut receiving element meet arms of an adjacent strut receiving element arranged orthogonal thereto and form at least one loop. A connection element can be hooked into the loop for producing a diagonal connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Burkhardt Leitner Constructiv GbmH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Michael Daubner
  • Patent number: 7780018
    Abstract: A locker shelf assembly which has first and second side walls and a shelf. Each of the side walls includes substantially horizontally extending grooves. The shelf has a first end and a second end. The first end of the shelf is positioned in the groove of the first side wall and the second end of the shelf is positioned in the groove of the second side wall. When the assembly is positioned in a locker, the shelf acts to position the first and second side walls against the walls of the locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co.
    Inventors: Myrl D. Sauder, Ronald D. Roth