With Discrete Latch Means For Locking Beams To Uprights Patents (Class 211/192)
  • Patent number: 6241109
    Abstract: A load lock for a rack includes a mounting clip mounted in a recess of the mounting bracket, which makes the lock easy to install and impossible to remove without dismantling the rack. The load lock also includes a locking pin having an enlarged head, and the bracket includes a recess for receiving the enlarged head, so the locking pin can be retracted to install and remove the beam, but the recess provides a stop to prevent the lock from being retracted far enough to damage the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Interlake Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Kautz, Robert D. Gruber
  • Patent number: 6238028
    Abstract: A rack for a switching cabinet having vertical frame pieces. The vertical frame pieces have two protruding fastening elements, both of which contain a fastening section which is mounted parallel to the associated outer edges of the rack and a profiled side which is vertical to the associated outer edges of the rack. The fastening section and the profile edges have rows of fastening cavities spaced at equal distances from each other. This invention provides greater opportunity for mounting built-in fixtures on the rack frame when the distance between the profiled sides of one fastening attachment and the fastening sections of the other fastening attachment is the same as the distance between the fastening cavities or the space corresponds to a multiple of the dividing gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Benner, Martina Köhler, Wolfgang Reuter
  • Patent number: 6230910
    Abstract: A self-locking beam clip for attaching an end of a beam to a column can having a vertical array of apertures with wide upper regions and narrow lower regions. The beam clip can be angle shaped having a front flange with one or more fixed connecting pins mounted thereon. Each fixed pin can have a shank sized to pass through both the upper and lower regions and an inner head sized to pass only through the upper region. A latch is provided which can be a bent member, having a flat lower portion connected to the front flange and an upper portion extending at an angle to the lower portion and away from the front flange. The lower portion can be configured to pivot about the front flange where it is connected. The lower portion also has a locking portion which projects through a hole in the front flange. In a locked position, when the beam clip is connected to a column, the locking portion automatically projects through an aperture common with one of the fixed pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Auto-Lok, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Olsson, James B. McDermott
  • Patent number: 6203234
    Abstract: An automatic lock mechanism is provided for locking adjustable frame system components together. A locking mechanism includes a locking pin having a shaft, a head and a biasing spring cooperates with a stud and slot locking mechanism. A stud is inserted into a slot, for example, a teardrop shaped slot, and then moved to the direction of insertion. The locking pin then extends into slot, preventing inadvertent upward movement of the horizontal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: United Fixtures Company
    Inventor: David S. Olson
  • Patent number: 6155441
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a plurality of interconnected beam members and upright members used in a rack or shelf system. For rack assembly, headed lugs on beam ends are slid into selected key-hole slots on the uprights. The locking mechanism uses a spring-loaded, captive pin translatable from a locked position to an unlocked position, and rotatable from an enabled position to a disabled position. When enabled and urged into a locked position, the pin enters an upper portion of the key-hole, vacated by the lug head when the beam and uprights are interconnected. The pin thereby prevents the lug head from being removed from the key-hole. Both automatic and manual operation of the locking mechanism is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventors: Bob R. Andersen, Raymond Dean Bender, Dennis A. Schimke, Raymond D. Blumer
  • Patent number: 6129224
    Abstract: A cantilever-bracket shelf unit for elongate products has T-section uprights extending in an upright direction and horizontal spacers connecting the T-section uprights to one another. The T-section uprights have an upright beam and an upright flange connected perpendicularly to the upright beam so as to define the T-section. Cantilever brackets are connected to the T-section uprights and extend perpendicularly to the T-section uprights and the horizontal spacers. The flanges have cutout pairs and each cutout pairs is arranged in a plane parallel to the cantilever brackets. The cutout pairs of each flange are positioned equally spaced in the upright direction. Each cantilever bracket has an end with two hooks each having an insertable region extending through a respective cutout pair to a side of the flange opposite the cantilever bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Ohra Regalanlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Christain Mingers
  • Patent number: 6079173
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a rigid panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the rigid panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The rigid panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof, and interconnecting the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock members positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael Robert Shields, Brian Joseph Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 5938367
    Abstract: An automatic lock mechanism is provided for locking adjustable frame system components together. A locking mechanism includes a locking pin having a shaft, a head and a biasing spring cooperates with a stud and slot locking mechanism. A stud is inserted into a slot, for example, a teardrop shaped slot, and then moved to the direction of insertion. The locking pin then extends into slot, preventing inadvertent upward movement of the horizontal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: United Fixtures Company
    Inventor: David S. Olson
  • Patent number: 5899035
    Abstract: A knock-down portable partition includes a panel frame having a central portion. The partition includes at least one cover panel covering at least a portion of the central portion of the panel frame. Connectors detachably mount the cover panel on the panel frame to facilitate assembly and removal of the cover panel on the panel frame. The panel frame includes at least two vertical posts having an upper end, a lower end, and opposite side faces. The opposite faces have at least two beam connection ports thereon positioned adjacent the upper and lower ends of the associated one of the posts. The panel frame also includes upper and lower beams extending generally horizontally between the vertical posts adjacent the upper and lower ends thereof. The upper and lower beams interconnect the vertical posts adjacent the connection ports. The panel frame includes quick-disconnect connectors such as movable lock wedges positioned on one of the posts and the beams adjacent the connection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Mark T. Slager, Brian Joseph Kane, Marcus K. Pressnell, Michael Robert Shields, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Charles A. Seiber, Peter N. Skillman, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 5845795
    Abstract: A storage rack includes an upright frame structure having a plurality of upright axial load carrying members at its corners. A plurality of pairs of laterally spaced, generally parallel support beams extend across pairs of the upright axial members at different elevations to support pallets and the like. Brackets interconnect the support beams and the upright axial members. Each bracket includes at least one axially adjustable lug which is accommodated by a primary hole in one of the upright axial members. The primary holes are shaped so that the lugs self-plumb when accommodated by the holes. The lugs are axially adjustable to allow for a flush connection between the brackets and the upright axial members. The lugs can also be removed from the brackets allowing the brackets to be used in structural storage racks and roll-form storage racks. The lugs can also be positioned on the bracket to allow the bracket to be attached either to a structural storage rack or a roll-form storage rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Econo-Rack Storage Equipment Limited
    Inventor: Anthony G. Mulholland
  • Patent number: 5806820
    Abstract: A device for securing brackets on an upright member wherein the upright member includes two spaced flanges having ends bent inwardly to form curved end portions defining an opening therebetween. Each curved end portion includes a series of notches forming a rack over the length of the upright member. At least one bracket is provided which includes opposite end spaced retaining members which cooperate with the curved end portions, the notches and the continuous opening of the upright to retain the at least one bracket to the upright member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Mavil
    Inventor: Bernard Simon
  • Patent number: 5791502
    Abstract: A terminal section for a crossbeam attachable to a vertical column having a plurality of keyhole apertures, by such terminal section, as employed in rack storage systems, which terminal section features a pair of vertically spaced studs with a safety lock disposed through the terminal section therebetween. The safety lock includes a handle portion connected by a stud segment to a latch which is oppositely directed from the handle, such that when the studs and such latch are disposed in a trio of keyhole apertures of the vertical column, and when the handle is disposed downward the latch is upward whereby disengagement can not transpire until the handle is pointed up, and the latch down to permit separation of the terminal section from the vertical column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Lodi Metal Tech., Inc.
    Inventors: Dalton Bietz, Bobbi MacNider
  • Patent number: 5788192
    Abstract: A cable splicing rack has a base 1, arms 13a and 13b having slots 16, removable brackets 20 and caps 48. Four side frame members 6 pivotally connected together at their extremities with a through bolt 11 and nut 12 assembly compose the base 1. The base 1 is adaptable to the contour of the terrain. The arms 13a and 13b are pivotally connected to the base 1 so that they may be folded toward each other and become parallel to each other within a perimeter 19 of the base 1. The caps 48 are removably placeable on the arms 13a and 13b for the safety of a lineman and to prevent damage to a cable 49 undergoing splicing operations. The brackets 20 are provided with a latch 28 to secure the brackets 20 to the arms 13a and 13b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Roy L. Poole, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5758988
    Abstract: A locking device for releasable connection of frame members and knock-down structures. The device includes a first rail having a front wall provided with a slot. A second rail has a front wall provided with a slot. The front walls of the first and second rails are positionable in confronting relationship with one another. An elongated member has at least one hook extending therefrom. The elongated member is disposed on a back side of the front wall of the first rail with the hook extending through the slots of the first and second rails. The elongated member is movable along a longitudinal axis of the first rail from an unlocked position to a locked position with the hook engageable with the second rail. A pin structure engages transversely between the first and second rail for holding the first and second rail in fixed alignment with one another to prevent relative movement between the first and second rails in a plane generally coplanar with the front walls of the first and second rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Antonis Theodorou
  • Patent number: 5735411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constructional system for frames, racks and casings and in particular for sub-racks and equipment cabinets for accommodation of electrical and electronic assemblies, units and printed circuit boards.At least one joint system having engagements is provided for thread-forming screws as fastening elements for particularly cost-effective manufacture of such type of constructional systems, and for simple assembly as well as for ensuring effective EMC screening in accordance with the invention between horizontally and vertically arranged components, in particular between side parts and a top part and a base part having multi-folded horizontal struts and/or vertical struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Knurr-Mechanik fur die Elektronik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Flamme, Peter Simon, Gerd Rheindt
  • Patent number: 5725110
    Abstract: A system for organizing the interior space of a closet into desired compartments involving horizontal shelves, clothes hanger rods and sliding drawers supported on a cantilever brackets removeably secured to selectively positioned vertical wall standards which are suspended from a single wall mounted horizontal hanger rail; the vertical wall standards having parallel rows of vertically aligned slot openings receptive of single or multiple rows of connector ears formed at connective end of the support brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: John Sterling Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Kluge, John R. Sterling
  • Patent number: 5713476
    Abstract: In a storage rack, a beam is connected at one end to the column having a front wall with a vertical array of similar apertures and a side wall. Each aperture is wider at an upper region and narrower at a lower region. A flanged member has a side flange integral with the end of the beam and a front flange. A connecting pin mounted rigidly to the front flange and projecting through a selected aperture has an inner head narrower than the upper region of the selected aperture but wider than the lower region thereof and a shank narrower than the lower region thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Highsmith, Joseph F. Benton
  • Patent number: 5653349
    Abstract: An article or an assembly comprising first and second structural members, and a plurality of offset stud fasteners securing the first and second structural members together. The first structural member preferably comprises a pair of spaced, channel-shaped uprights, each having a plurality of like-oriented, elongated openings therein, wherein each opening has a circular first or upper portion, a circular second or lower portion of smaller diameter than that of the first portion, and a keyway of restricted width connecting the first and second portions. The second structural member has therein a plurality of longitudinally extending openings, each having an upper portion and a lower portion which is larger than the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Akro-Mils
    Inventors: William D. Dana, Steve Subichin
  • Patent number: 5624045
    Abstract: In a storage rack, a beam is connected at one end to the column having a front wall with a vertical array of similar apertures and a side wall. Each aperture is wider at an upper region and narrower at a lower region. A flanged member has a side flange integral with the end of the beam and a front flange. A connecting pin mounted rigidly to the front flange and projecting through a selected aperture has an inner head narrower than the upper region of the selected aperture but wider than the lower region thereof and a shank narrower than the lower region thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Highsmith, Joseph F. Benton
  • Patent number: 5494246
    Abstract: A one-piece non-load bearing passive locking member for releasably securing an end panel assembly to a slotted upright. The locking member includes a base part having an aperture extending therethrough. A spring part is formed in a first end edge of the base part for urging the locking member into locking engagement with a slot of the upright, and a locking tab is formed in a second end edge of the base part opposite the first end edge for lockingly engaging with the slot. A hollow guide part extends transversely from the base part and has a cantilevered arm extending transversely within the hollow guide part from a wall of the guide part, and a planar spring compression limiting part extends at least partially over the spring part from the wall of the guide part. A retaining pin extends longitudinally through the hollow guide part and from a free end of the arm in a direction transverse to the base part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. McCarthy, Wayne Miedema, Paul A. Glashouwer, Mark A. Brunsink
  • Patent number: 5377851
    Abstract: A rack assembly having a plurality of support posts, brackets extending from individual support posts, and a bracket rail extending between two or more brackets and capable of supporting goods. An outer plate portion of each support post is formed with a plurality of vertically spaced apart engagement holes. Each bracket has engaging projections adapted to be received into the engagement holes, engaging pawls extending from the respective engaging projections and engageable with respective edges of the engagement holes, and a plate portion abuttable to the outer surface of the support post. The bracket can be mounted to the support post by inserting the engaging projections into corresponding engagement holes at the erection site to allow the engaging pawls to engage the edge of the engagement holes. Simultaneously, the slip-off preventive projection of the bracket is inserted into the slip-off preventing hole in the side plate portion of the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Asano, Shunji Nobukawa, Etsuo Taniguchi, Tetsuro Yokota
  • Patent number: 5350074
    Abstract: A pallet rack lock for use in a pallet rack system releasably locking one end of a shelf beam to an upright column is the subject matter of this invention. The column has a plurality of vertically spaced locking apertures. The rack lock includes a rock lock plate fixed to the shelf beam and positioned substantially parallel to the upright column. A load bearing stud is fixed to the lock plate. The stud is positioned in a lower portion of a locking aperture. A resilient carrier has one end fixed to the locking plate and the opposed end being free. A lock stud is mounted on the resilient carrier for movement therewith. The lock stud is positioned in an upper portion of a locking aperture to prevent upward movement of the load bearing stud. A dog limits the movement of the resilient carrier away from the lock plate. The lock stud may be selectively moved out of its locking aperture by bending a portion of the resilient carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Morgan Marshall Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip A. Rosenband
  • Patent number: 5308031
    Abstract: A locking accessory bracket for use with an accessory standard. A locking accessory bracket that may be used with an accessory standard that essentially comprises a flat, straight elongated body portion having a multiplicity of identical, spatially positioned, upwardly projecting, L-shaped hook members located on either side thereof. The locking accessory bracket comprises a flat mounting plate and a hook plate made integral therewith. The hook plate has a plurality of identical, spatially positioned, downwardly projecting, L-shaped hook members, for detachable engagement with desired ones of the multiplicity of upwardly projecting hook members of the accessory standard. The improvement comprises a locking member that is rotatably mounted at a topmost portion of the hook plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Eldon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mel Evenson
  • Patent number: 5237791
    Abstract: A connector for attaching a beam of a modular structure to either a post or another beam whereby the number of different types of parts in inventory may be reduced. Tabs on an edge of the connecter engage longitudinal grooves formed in a beam surface and are laterally located. The tabs alternatively engage slots sized to a tab width in a wall of a post for precise attachment thereto. A pin is spring biased to protrude from the edge outwardly to engage an aperture in the beam or post to prevent upward movement of and thereby lock the connector thereto whereby the connector may be attached quickly and easily and without inadvertently causing already attached connectors to be disengaged from other walls of a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: James E. Scanlan
  • Patent number: 5190172
    Abstract: For use in adjustable storage racks, a connection assembly is provided for connecting a support member and a stringer. The connection means is engageable with at least one slot on the support member and comprises at least one tab comprising a hook member and a locking and abutment member, with the latter member designed to prevent the connection means from becoming disengaged from the upright member. Specifically, the locking and abutment member is off set from the hook member so that the hook member is engageable with a lower edge of a slot on the support member and the locking and abutment member is lockable within the boundaries of the slot and is in suitable proximity to a top edge of the slot to abut the top edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Artco Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Tyson
  • Patent number: 5180068
    Abstract: An improved connection for a rack system joining together first and second elongated structural members in transverse relationship. The first member has a plurality of longitudinally spaced aligning holes, each of which include an inside bearing surface, while the second member consists of at least one fastening hole and one load bearing wedge action seating lug. The seating lug is spaced from the fastening hole a distance equal to the longitudinal spacing between aligning holes in the first member. The seating lug is adapted to extend within one of the aligning holes in the first member to position another aligning hole in registry with the fastening hole in the second member. A bolt or other fastener means is then protruded through the fastening hole and the other aligning hole. A cam means on the seating lug engages the inside bearing surface of one of the aligning holes moving the first and second members into side-by-side contact when the fastener is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Hardy Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Vargo
  • Patent number: 5161701
    Abstract: An installation shelf arrangement or like storage arrangement comprising cantilever arms projecting substantially horizontally from substantially vertical uprights, in particular for the storage of long material, wherein the cantilever arms are each connected to the respective upright by a bolt-like member which passes through openings in the cantilever arm and apertures in the upright is to be simplified and made suitable for use for higher loads. For that purpose the upright (14) which carries the cantilever arms (16) has two channel-like profiles (24) which face towards each other with their open sides, and at least one transverse member (26, 27) which connects the profiles at a spacing (a) and which is fixed at both ends to a pair of substantially aligned profile limbs (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Sipag Storage Systems and Industrial Products AG
    Inventor: Roger Berny
  • Patent number: 5131781
    Abstract: A novel connector for connecting a beam to a column in a storage rack is disclosed. A flanged member is fitted against the column, with a side flange disposed against a side wall of the column and with a front flange disposed against a front wall of the column. Hooks on the front flange are hooked into apertures of the front wall. An elongate, strip-like spring clip is clipped onto the side flange, which has a recess receiving a bent portion of the spring clip. Another portion is accommodated by a trough extending from the recess. A dimple formed on the spring clip extends into a slot of the side flange. A locking pin affixed to the spring clip extends through an aperture of the side flange and through one of an array of apertures of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Unarco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert H. Klein
  • Patent number: 5063715
    Abstract: A wall system having a rigid frame with vertically spaced slots, tiles removably mounted to the frame and an equipment tile having a hollow protruded portion for storing equipment therein. The equipment tile is mounted to the frames through a retention clip and a hanger clip which mount to the vertical hanging intelligence on the wall frame. The retention clip is mounted to the tile through a slotted connection for limited vertical movement of the retention clip with respect to the tile so that the retention clip can be pulled downwardly with respect to the frame without movement of the tile with respect to the frame to seat the retention clip in the frame slots and to secure the tile on the frame. A locking flange on the retention clip is pivotably mounted to a hanger portion thereof for locking the retention clip onto the frame. The equipment tile is adapted to be mounted beneath a transaction surface which precludes upward movement of the tile with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven F. Goodman
  • Patent number: 5052565
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fastening the end of a C-shaped mounting rail to a wall with holes of a control cabinet or of a frame piece of a control cabinet frame, having a fastening block which can be inserted into the end of the rail and which is adapted to the inside cross section of the mounting rail and fastened to the wall by means of a fastening screw. Fastening of the mounting rail only from the fastening side of the wall is achieved by the wall having a row of rectangular or square cutouts and, placed between them and offset by one-half spacing, a row of screw holes. The fastening block is closed off with a fastening plate on the side facing the wall. The fastening plate has an L-shaped hanger on the side facing the wall, which is adapted to the cutouts and the thickness of the wall and can be hung in a cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jurgen Zachrei
  • Patent number: 5025937
    Abstract: A pallet rack system has a safety lock on end connectors of horizontal beam members to prevent accidental removal of the horizontal beams from the vertical frame supports. The safety lock includes a cross-shaped member rigidly secured to the beam connectors and a U-shaped member associated with the cross-shaped member to operatively couple the U-shaped member with the end connector. The U-shaped member includes a hook which cooperates with an aperture in the frame supports to lock the safety lock device to the frame support which, in turn, locks the horizontal beams with the vertical frame supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: S&k Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. King
  • Patent number: 5011031
    Abstract: A rack which comprises a pair of parallel side beams in which each defines a groove facing the other side beam. The rack may be made by inserting between the beams at least one crossbar with the opposed ends of the crossbar each occupying a facing groove of the side beams, and with the crossbar extending between the beams. One may flex the beams outwardly as necessary to insert the crossbars. One then inserts between the beams a spacer bar, positioning the spacer bar centrally along the beam, with the opposed ends of the spacer bar each occupying a facing groove of the beam, and with the bar extending between the beams. The spacer bar is shorter than the crossbar. Thus, upon tightly securing each side beam to an end of the spacer bar, one draws a central portion of each beam inwardly relative to the crossbar or crossbars, to provide high constricting pressure securance between the ends of the crossbar and the side beams, while the spacer bar is under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Patent number: 4972783
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf assembly, especially for storing food containers, includes at least two vertical stanchions having apertures in each U-shaped side thereof to receive at least two horizontal bars with at least one spring loaded shot pin in each end thereof to fit into an aperture in the stanchions and lock thereon with a J-shaped lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Crissman Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Stanley R. Crissman, David Kazimier
  • Patent number: 4971281
    Abstract: A bracket assembly such as is used for hanging office furnishing components on vertical supports, e.g., slotted posts of office partition systems, includes a mounting bracket with a plurality of aligned, coplanar hooks for engagement with aligned slots of such supports and an interlock member pivotally mounted on the bracket, with a cam section at one end and a locking projection at the other. The cam section is positioned to enter a slot as the bracket is engaged on the support and thereafter engages the lower edge of the slot as the bracket is seated to rotate the interlock member and extend the locking projection into another of the slots. The locking projection is positioned to enter the slot as the interlock is rotated by the cam and thereafter is held in the slot by the interlock to preclude raising of the bracket for disengagement of the hooks except upon counterrotation of the interlock member by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Hon Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Linn A. Steinbeck
  • Patent number: 4955743
    Abstract: In a frame type rack having horizontal beams whose ends are adjustably fastened to vertical posts by headed pins that extend into holes formed in the posts, a latch is provided that prevents inadvertent release of the beam pins from the holes in the post. The post holes are widened at their tops for insertion of the pins and narrowed at their bottoms to engage and prevent removal of the pins therefrom. The latch includes a plate, which is fastened to the end of the beam, and upon which three vertically aligned pins are secured for extending into corresponding holes in the post. A cover strip overlaps the plate and the upper pin which, also, rigidly secures the cover strip to the plate. A slidable spring member is held between the inner portion of the cover strip and the plate and extends beneath it. Vertical openings in the spring member receive outer end portions of the middle and lower pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: S&K Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. King
  • Patent number: 4936471
    Abstract: The carrying apparatus for merchandise display elements is made up of substantially free-standing columns (2) with supporting bars (4) detachably fixed between neighboring columns. The said supporting bars are suspended by means of coupling devices at both their ends in coupling rings (3) of the columns (2) and contain along their surface openings (5) for receiving carrying members (6), in the form of coat hanger carriers (7, 7,') or shelf carriers (8, 8') etc., supporting the merchandise display elements.The columns (2) and the supporting bars (4) can be used to set up on the modular principle carrying apparatuses made in linear form, interrupted in any way, or with supporting bars extending in stellar form from a central columns (sic) (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Protoned B.V.
    Inventor: Herbert Walter
  • Patent number: 4934858
    Abstract: A fastening device for use in support structures wherein the fastening of support members is accomplished by slidably inserting end connectors into slotted fastening devices to produce a final locking fit between the support members and the fastening device. A keyed screw which holds the fastening device and support member in an intermediate locking position to aid in the overall assembly of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan J. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 4904110
    Abstract: In a shelving system, a columnar post, an outer plate, and a fastening device for fastening the outer plate removably to the columnar post. The fastening device includes a bolt having a threaded shank and a transverse head, which is integral with the threaded shank, and which includes a longer portion and a shorter portion, and fastener, which is threadable onto the threaded shank. The bolt is adapted to be sucessively inserted through an aperture in the outer plate, inserted through an aperture in a front wall of the columnar post, rotated about the threaded shank in a clockwise sense, and drawn outwardly until the longer portion of the transverse head bears against a curved corner where the front wall merges with a lateral flange of the columnar post, so as to prevent further rotation of the bolt in a clockwise sense. The longer portion of the transverse head is conformed to the curved corner so as to bear in surface-to-surface contact against the curved corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Unarco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert H. Klein
  • Patent number: 4852839
    Abstract: A tubular support display system (10) is provided for displaying articles mounted thereon. The tubular support display system (10) includes at least one tubular post member (20) having at least one slotted through opening (22) formed therein. A display member (30) is releasably coupled to the tubular post member by an attachment system (40). The attachment system (40) includes a plate member (42), a fastening assembly (50), and at least one pin member (60). Display member (30) is fixedly coupled to a first surface (44) of plate member (42), while pin member (60) is fixedly coupled on a second surface (46) of plate member (42). The fastening assembly (50) includes a head member (52) coupled to a threaded member (54), having an opposing end (55) to which a clamp member (56) is threadedly coupled. Treaded member (54) passes through an opening (48) formed in plate member (42) and passing between first surface (44) and second surface (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Russell William, Ltd.
    Inventors: Russell K. Winter, Thomas D. Harvey, Richard S. Kain, Nedim Savas
  • Patent number: 4816205
    Abstract: U-shaped limiter tiles placed end-to-end over a pair of parallel runners secured to a wall have two rods which engage L-shaped slots in the runners. The short receiving legs of the L-shaped slots are perpendicular to the wall and open away from the wall, while long retaining legs are parallel to and adjacent the wall. A sliding bar between the runners has grooves with clips to retain the rods pressed into receiving legs of the L-shaped slots in the runners. Sliding the bar in the direction of retaining legs of the L-shaped slots latches the tiles in place over the runners. Resilient contact strips between the parallel arms of the U-shaped tiles and the wall assure thermal and electrical contact with the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: The United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Gallix, Remy
  • Patent number: 4789071
    Abstract: A device in a plane supported between columns by means of hooks cooperating with the columns in a locking position for adjusting and locking the plane in different positions along the columns. In known devices of this type shifting of the plane from one position to another is troublesome and time-consuming and, further, no change of the distance between the columns is permitted. In order to make this possible the hooks (2) are connected to the plane (5) by means of links (3) articulatedly connected with the plane and pivotally connected with each their link (3) in a hinge (8), said links being pivotable, one before the other, to withdraw the respective hook (2) from locking engagement with the column (1), by which displacement of the plane can take place in one direction as well as the other, a support means (8) being associated with each hook (2) and serving in locking position as a support for the hook against the respective column (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventor: Svante Larsson
  • Patent number: 4778067
    Abstract: A knock-down support structure for shelving units having upright hollow posts with internal perpendicular channels and connecting horizontal stringers with bent ends inserted in said channels. The bent ends have struck-out tabs that are held in keyhole slots in the posts. The structure has a locking means on the stringers for locking the respective stringer to the adjacent post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Bellerose
  • Patent number: 4775125
    Abstract: A retainer for securing a shelf support to a wall. The retainer comprises a base having a first side for facing a wall and an oppositely facing second side. First and second spaced, generally parallel projections, extend generally perpendicularly outwardly from the second side of the base. A recess-engaging section extends generally perpendicularly outwardly from the second side of the base, between and generally parallel to the projections, and is adapted to be received within a recess in an end of a shelf support when the end of the shelf support is received between the projections. Means are disposed on the base for variably spacing the retainer from a wall. When the shelf support is disposed between the projections of the retainer, and the wall engaging means of the shelf support is inserted within a groove in the planar surface of the wall and engages a vertical member disposed within the wall, the projections inhibit lateral movement of the shelf support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Armstrong Store Fixture Corporation
    Inventor: William Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 4741445
    Abstract: A wedge connector for securing the horizontal cross beam of a storage rack to the hollow upright posts of the system. Two ear-supporting members extend laterally from an elongated shank, each of which members carries an upwardly extending wedging ear. The wedge connector has a shape and carefully controlled dimensions that make it possible to insert the elongated shank and lower wedging ear into the upper slot of a pair of elongated slots in the upright post of the storage rack. The elongated shank is then swung down within the interior of the hollow post into a position where the lower wedging ear can be moved back out of the lower elongated slot of the pair of slots, so that the wedge connector can then drop directly down into its operative position. In this position portions of the wall of the upright post are embraced by a downwardly opening rectangular notch at the bottom edge of each laterally extending ear-supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Unarco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert H. Klein
  • Patent number: 4712696
    Abstract: A wedge connector for securing the horizontal cross beams of a storage rack to the hollow upright posts of the system. Two ear-supporting members extend laterally from an elongated shank, each of which members carries an upwardly extending welding ear. The wedge connector has a shape and carefully controlled dimensions that make it possible to insert the elongated shank and upper wedging ear into the lower slot of a pair of elongated slots in the upright post of the storage rack. The elongated shank is then pivoted up within the interior of the hollow post into a position where the upper wedging ear can be moved back out of the upper elongated slot of the pair of slots, to place the wedge connector in its operative position. The dimensions of the lower wedging ear of the wedge connector are controlled so that the lower ear can not be inserted in the lower elongated slot in the upright post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Unarco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert H. Klein
  • Patent number: 4712286
    Abstract: A merchandising display system and the method of making its posts and struts, using pre-decorated strip material having surfaces such as polished metal or wood-grained vinyl that are covered by removable protective strips. A plurality of elongated sections of the strip material are bent longitudinally to form side portions of the desired cross-sectional shape, including overlapping portions defining longitudinal grooves, and are secured together by rivets in the grooves. The overlapping portions are formed with aligned slots and aligned countersunk rivet holes which serve as aligning abutments in the assembly process. The protective strips are slit in the grooves for quick and neat removal. The grooves in the posts have slots for receiving tabs of tightening mechanisms in the ends of the struts, each including a base plate that is movable longitudinally of the strut by a screw mechanism. Different embodiments are shown for the base plates and the guiding of the base plates for sliding on the struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Morris A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 4708252
    Abstract: An especially sturdy storage rack system employs series of moment-resisting eccentric braced vertical frames maintained in spaced relation by horizontal frame members in the form of pallet bars or sway braces releasably coupled to the frames by special connector assemblies. Each connector assembly includes a connector and connector lock which clampingly engage about a specially configured vertical frame column and to each other to produce a connection or joint having a high degree of fixity without imparting excessive localized stresses to the column. An improved mode of adjustably suspending the rack shelving from the vertical frames is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: The Kingston-Warren Corporation
    Inventor: Victor D. Azzi
  • Patent number: 4700916
    Abstract: A cantilever arm assembly and its associated structure for modular furniture systems, such as laboratory and office furniture systems, in which such cantilever support arms may be connected to slotted standards at selected elevations to support worktops, cabinet units, shelving, and the like. Each arm is rigidly joined to a vertically-elongated mounting member equipped at its upper end with a series of hooks receivable in the slots of the standard. At its lower end, the mounting member is equipped with a locking element movable between extended and retracted positions and, when extended, projects into one of the slots of the standard to secure the mounting member against upward movement that might result in unintentional unlatching of the hooks. In addition, the locking element, when extended, causes slight pivotal movement of the mounting member to force hooks of the vertical series into tight wedging engagement with the slotted standard as well as to adjust the support arm into level condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Hamilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Bastian, David C. Pflieger, Marshall K. Beck
  • Patent number: 4693383
    Abstract: A cigarette carton merchandising rack assembly is disclosed. A plurality of uprights are connected by transverse tie braces and base plates to form a rack module. Each of the tie braces includes a cam lock assembly and each of the base plates has a locking key that facilitate positive securement of the uprights, tie braces and base plates to form each rack module. Shelves are removably carried by the uprights and include ticket support surfaces. Several of the individual rack modules can be joined to each other to form a rack assembly that provides maximum floor space usage. Various heights adjusting assemblies, leg levelers and caster wheel mounting devices which are usable with the merchandising rack module to increase the overall flexibility of the module are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Joyce International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay G. Fenwick
  • Patent number: 4679368
    Abstract: A latch (10) removably mounts a rail-containing panel (12) to a vertical slotted standard (14). The latch (10) is secured to the rear side (118) of the panel (12) and comprises a base plate (60), a bar lock (62), a plug lock (64) and a retainer (68). The base plate includes a bar lock guide (70), a plug lock guide (78) and an opening (76) extending through the back wall (72) of the base plate (60). The bar lock (62) is slidably mounted in the bar lock guide (70) and has a lateral notch and a rearwardly-projecting first hook (90) engaging the opening (76). The plug lock (64) is rotatably mounted in the plug lock guide (78) and includes a tab (106) engaging the lateral notch (88). The retainer (68) is rigidly secured to the back wall (72) of the base plate (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic R. Pettinga, Steve F. Goodman