Stacked Similar Units Patents (Class 211/194)
  • Patent number: 5918750
    Abstract: A fixture for displaying merchandise comprises a base member, vertical posts, and, in one embodiment, horizontal beams extending between the posts. Depending upon the particular application for which the fixture is intended, the vertical supports are affixed to the base member to form a gondola unit, an H-frame unit or a combination gondola and H-frame unit, as desired. The base member is provided with rollers to permit movement of the fixture when either unloaded or loaded with merchandise, and the vertical supports are connectable to extensions to vary the overall height of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: The Sports Authority Michigan, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5906801
    Abstract: A decontamination device (10) including a chamber (14) for receiving articles (28 and 30) to be decontaminated by at least one of washing, disinfecting and sterilizing. The decontamination device also includes a shelving assembly (22) for suspending the articles (28 and 30) in the chamber. The shelving assembly (22) is constructed of a first body (26) suspended above the floor of the chamber (14) having a major surface (56) facing the top of the chamber (14). At least two side walls (58 and 60) extend generally upward from the major surface (56). A second body (24) having a major surface (46) facing the floor of the chamber (14) and at least two side walls (48 and 50) is stacked on the first body (26), wherein the two side walls (48 and 50) of the second body (24) mate with the two side walls (58 and 60) of the first body (26), supporting the second body (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Goughnour
  • Patent number: 5890607
    Abstract: A preferably particle board box forms a base with a rectangular recess therein. A panel of slats that is formed of molded thermoplastic material has opposite edges attached to mating posts. The posts are formed from a common extruded thermoplastic tube and each have a longitudinally extending channel for receiving a panel edge which may be bonded thereto. An uppermost section is formed of like panel and post material as all of the section modules and is secured to the next lower intermediate section by post connectors comprising molded plastic U-shaped members which are locked to and protruding depending from the core of the upper section posts. The connectors mate in closely received releasable engagement with the open cores of the posts of the next lower section. The intermediate section module has depending connectors protruding from its posts for mating in the cores of the upper ends of the bottommost section module which is closely received in the support box recess and optionally screwed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen Thomas Maglione
  • Patent number: 5887733
    Abstract: A modular tooling system having two or more base plates joined by elongated extender members and having a tubular member with opposite ends which are closed by cover members, each of which has an inner portion dimensioned to fit within the interior of the tubular member. The cover members are formed with through-holes with one of the cover members formed with threaded through-holes while the through-holes of the other cover member are non-threaded. An access opening, positioned in the side of the tubular member and proximate to the non-threaded through holes, permits the removal and insertion of fasteners into the non-threaded through holes for engagement with the threaded through-holes of the cover member attached to another tubular member or to threaded through-holes formed in one of the base plates. Alternatively, a double threaded, dowel fastener may be used to join the cover members each having threaded through-holes, of two tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: OMNI Structures International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Harvey, H. James Vander Wal, III
  • Patent number: 5889648
    Abstract: A seismic cabinet for containing electronic equipment. The cabinet includes a support bracket for attachment to the electronic equipment. Rails inside the cabinet allow attachment of the equipment and associated fanout panels to the cabinet. A removable screenlike top portion allows cable access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Alan Heavirland, Darrel W. Spiczka, Jerome F. Kemp
  • Patent number: 5882603
    Abstract: A support is provided that is useful with a pipette tip holder for pipette tips. The support has a bottom member and a pair of opposed side walls that extend from the bottom member at least a distance (d). The bottom member and side walls form a cavity. Each side wall defines a slot. The slots are in a facing relationship and extend along a support plane that is parallel to and spaced from the bottom member the distance (d). The slot ends are open on one side so as to receive the pipette tip holder when slidingly inserted into the slots. The side walls preferably include an aligning member adjacent to the open slot end so that the pipette tip holder is aligned in the slots when slid in. Thus, the support supports the pipette tips and pipette tip holder during the pipette tip removal process and resists inadvertent dislodging and lifting of the tips and holder as the tips are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Point Plastics Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas Taggart
  • Patent number: 5862922
    Abstract: A storage and display rack for two different sizes of video boxes, whereby the bigger of the two boxes will extend lengthwise in a horizontal orientation in the rack and two of the smaller boxes will extend horizontally widthwise in a side-by-side relationship in the rack, with the front ends of the two different size boxes lying in a common vertical plane. The larger boxes are supported lengthwise horizontally on a plurality of first ribs formed on spaced parallel side walls of the rack and extend only partially toward a back wall of the rack. The smaller boxes are supported horizontally widthwise between second ribs formed on both sides of a center partition and selected first ribs on an adjacent side wall, and extend completely to the back wall of the rack. The rack may be formed of two one-piece sections to provide compactness for shipping, and then snapped together in a vertical stacked relationship for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Fellows Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 5853091
    Abstract: A display frame/interlocking storage rack component adaptable to receive and display a box and being stackable. The component includes a top with a throughopening for viewing a decorative top of the box. A back wall extends downwardly from the top. A pair of side walls extend downwardly from the top and form with the top an open front for insertion and removal of the box and for viewing a decorative front of the box. A back guide rail extends downwardly from the throughopening in the top and terminates below the back wall in a back guide rail supporting platform that supports the box. The top further includes a back notch for receiving the back guide rail supporting platform of a next stacked display frame/interlocking storage rack component. A pair of side guide rails extend downwardly from the throughopening in the top and terminate below the pair of side walls in a pair of side guide rail supporting platforms that further support the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Carl D. Luenser
  • Patent number: 5848709
    Abstract: A storage container (10) for storing, transporting and displaying various information and entertainment storage media, the container (10) including a floor panel (12) having a front edge (16) and a rear edge (17), and right and left edges (18, 19), a back wall (13) which attaches to the rear edge of the floor panel (17), left and right side panels (14, 15), which are attached to the left and right edges (18, 19) respectively of the floor panel (12), each side panel (14, 15) having a lower portion which terminates in a front foot (32) and the back wall (13) including a vertebra (50) which has a lower portion which terminates in a rear foot (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Point, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Gelphman, Christopher G. Palmer, Peter J. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5823359
    Abstract: A modular desktop vertical file assembly is disclosed including a base, a plurality of vertical files releasably attached to and supported by the base and a cap releasably attached to the last to be stacked vertical file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Sterling Plastics Co.
    Inventors: David C. Harris, Aimee J. Markelz, Charles E. Bain
  • Patent number: 5806690
    Abstract: The display apparatus herein includes a length adjustable track upon which a spring biased movable plate travels. A friction lock is provided to secure the track at selected lengths and is incorporated into stacking supports for interconnecting an array of display units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Gamon International, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Johnson, Randy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5791265
    Abstract: A modular space system is shown and described. The system includes open-sided modular frames stacked together to form open-sided columns, the upper frames having the same width but smaller depth than that of the frames on which they rest, thereby enhancing stability. Shelving elements of varying, selected dimensions extend through guide openings in the frames to lock the columns together and provide horizontal work and storage surfaces. Snap-on frames are selectively attached to the modular frames to provide support for a variety of accessories, including file folders and drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventors: Arthur W. Ellsworth, John C. Moore
  • Patent number: 5788088
    Abstract: A stackable CD rack including a base body, a cylindrical back column, two cylindrical front columns and multiple support plates. The base body is a substantially equiangular triangle body. Each corner of the base body is formed with a downward dented column hole for the cylindrical columns to insert therein. Each supporting plate has three arch notches with each notch having a T-shaped projection. The T-shaped projections of multiple supporting plates are sequentially stacked in the column holes of the base body and then the cylindrical columns are inserted into the column holes of the base body with the vertical channels facing inward. The T-shaped projections of the supporting plates are engaged in the vertical channels of the cylindrical column bodies to form the CD rack with multiple layers of inclined spaces for containing the CD boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Kuo-Ming Kao
  • Patent number: 5788086
    Abstract: This invention deals in one aspect with a novel cartridge for storing and dispensing mirror mount buttons, and in another aspect with a novel cartridge that can be capped for shipping and transferring cartridges that are full of ready-to-use mirror buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Vladamir Azaroff, Joseph P. Hoppe, Brian D. Kruse, Gary L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5782368
    Abstract: A rack for receiving objects delivering liquids and dirts, comprising at least one stackable module having a T-shaped cross-section. The module has walls defining a vertical passage, a tray outwardly projected from these walls making the vertical passage. The tray is horizontal, has an inclined bottom, and a perforated plate for receiving objects delivering liquids and dirts, supported by the tray, over the inclined bottom of that tray. A way to exit liquids and dirts is provided from the inclined bottom of the tray, towards and within the walls defining the vertical passage. The walls defining the vertical passage terminate at opposite ends into coupling for coupling with another similar module: for instance a male-female coupling. Thereby the modules are stackable for making a rack and are held by the walls defining the vertical passage. Preferably the rack has a support module having also walls defining a vertical passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Gaetan Roberge
  • Patent number: 5765697
    Abstract: A desktop organizer, particularly for CD's and computer discs, comprises an elongated base having a track with a slot extending axially therealong, end walls supporting the base and a rear wall extending perpendicularly between the end walls and parallel to the base. A support member includes a coiled spring mounted within an upper recess and affixed at its lower end within the base slot for spring urged movement of the support member to and fro along the base. The coiled spring provides a resilient force to the upwardly extending support member to maintain objects on the base between the support member and one of the end walls. The support member and associated track are detachable and may be reassembled along the rear wall or in the opposite direction along the base. The organizer may be mounted on a turntable and includes a plurality of legs mounted to the end members which permit stacking of several organizers or positioning of the organizer at a particular height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: David Soong
  • Patent number: 5752608
    Abstract: A spacer rack for stacking wheel rims includes a plurality of plastic rim holders interconnected with one another in coplanar relationship. Each rim holder includes a vertical, circular positioning edge arid a spacer ring projecting inwardly from the positioning edge. The positioning edge projects upwardly and downwardly beyond the spacer ring to define the outer peripheries of wheel rim-receiving areas. Each rim holder includes outer flanges that are connected to the outer flanges of other rim holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Koenig Investment Group International Inc.
    Inventor: Gero Dingeldein
  • Patent number: 5746325
    Abstract: Disclosed is a knockdown CD/audio tape storage rack mainly including at least two supporting plates and a plurality of connecting blocks. Each of the supporting plate has a push means provided thereon near a rear end thereof and two side rails of which each is formed with cuts for the connecting blocks to slidably mount on the rails. The connecting block has two side receiving channels to engage with the side rails of the supporting plates and a top engaging piece and a bottom receiving channel having complementary profiles to allow two superposed connecting blocks to engage with each other. Thereby, unlimited number of supporting plates can be connected by the connecting blocks to define multiple layers and/or multiple lines of continuous compartments forming the knockdown CD/audio tape storage rack. The number of lines and layers of the compartments can be freely increased or decreased as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Yu-jong Lee
  • Patent number: 5740924
    Abstract: The organizer rack component includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart elongated rails for engaging an item of furniture, and a series of parallel, spaced apart cross members or ribs connected integrally at their opposite ends to the rails for defining a series of elongated access openings or apertures to receive boxlike articles therein. The ribs are spaced apart by a given distance sufficiently larger than the corresponding dimension of the article to enable the ribs to receive and retain the article therebetween. Pegs or ears extending outwardly from the rails are received in spaced apart openings in the furniture item to enable the organizer rack component to be held securely thereto in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Spectrum Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 5730300
    Abstract: A compact disk shelf assembly comprises a first and second top plates, a first and second transverse middle plates, a first and second bottom plates, a first and second left lateral plates, a first and second right lateral plates, and a first and second longitudinal middle plates. The first transverse middle plate is disposed between the first and second left lateral plates and the first and second longitudinal middle plates. The second transverse middle plate is disposed between the first and second right lateral plates and the first and second longitudinal middle plates. The first top plate is disposed between the first longitudinal middle plate and the first left lateral plate. The second top plate is disposed between the first longitudinal middle plate and the first right lateral plate. The first bottom plate is disposed between the second longitudinal middle plate and the second left lateral plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Shern Diau Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Teng Chen
  • Patent number: 5715948
    Abstract: A CD rack includes at least two parts and each of the two parts has four connections, a first connection, a second connection, a third connection and a fourth connection. Each of the connections has a first tube extending upwardly therefrom and each of the first tubes has an inserting portion extending downwardly therefrom so that the inserting portions of one part are sized to be received in the first tubes of another part. The first connection and the second connection are located on one of two sides of the respective part and the third connection and the fourth connection are located on the other side of the respective part. Each of the first connection and the second connection has a second tube extending laterally from the respective first tube thereof and each of the third connection and the fourth connection has a third tube extending laterally from the respective first tube thereof so that the third tubes in one part are sized to be received in the second tubes of another part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Chun-jen Hung
  • Patent number: 5697304
    Abstract: A cabinet or display in the form generally resembling that of a Latin cross. The display is assembled from a number of separable, shelving units each having a box-like configuration. A first shelving unit, having a pair of shelves, forms the upright of the cross. A second shelving unit is horizontally positioned atop the first shelving unit so as to form the arms of the cross. A third shelving unit is centrally positioned atop the second shelving unit to form the head of the cross. The bottom of the first shelving unit is preferably located on a pedestal having upwardly extending gussets for supporting the sides of the first shelving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Buford A. Noris
  • Patent number: 5692625
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rack for transporting, storing and dispensing bales of manufactured rolled goods. The folding transportation rack and product delivery system prevents damage to the bales during transportation and permits removal of the product from the bale directly from the rack. The rack is collapsible and includes a base with end frames pivotally attached to the base. Side support members are attached to the end frames when the end frames are in an extended position. Cam fixtures are aligned on either of the opposing frames or an opposing side support members to vertically secure both long core and short core bales of rolled goods. The racks are interchangeable and allow the stacking of several racks while holding bales of material. The present invention also permits the dispensing of the material directly from the storage rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Sandusky Limited
    Inventors: Florin Filipescu, Ronald C. Abbott, Eugene A. Brockhaus
  • Patent number: 5685439
    Abstract: An interlocking storage component with viewing capabilities that includes a top portion, a pair of side portions, a back portion, and a pair of tracks. The top portion contains a top portion opening and has a top portion back and a pair of top portion sides. Each of the pair of side portions are disposed at a side of the pair of top portion sides and extend downwardly therefrom. The back portion is disposed at the top portion back and extends downwardly therefrom. The back portion connects the pair of side portions. The top portion and the pair of side portions and the back portion define a housing that has a housing open front, a housing open bottom and contains a housing chamber. The pair of tracks are attached to the top portion and are contained within the housing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventor: Carl D. Luenser
  • Patent number: 5685441
    Abstract: A video display unit such as a computer monitor or similar device is supported at a selected ergonomically correct height by a pedestal unit having one or more vertically stacked pedestal members, each defined by a generally horizontal plate portion and a depending wall. A peripheral ledge is interposed between the plate portion and the depending wall and the lower distal edge of the depending wall is spaced from an internal set of support gussets for supporting the pedestal members vertically stacked in nested relationship one on the other. Selected ones of the pedestal members have an opening in the side or depending wall portion providing a pocket for storing files, computer disks and other materials at the video display unit site. Opposed parallel inner walls extend from the opening to an opposite side wall to provide a smooth walled pocket for receiving the articles stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Vu Ryte, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford T. Calfee
  • Patent number: 5683004
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable support has a plurality of vertically stackable and unstackable platforms, adjacent ones of the platform being joined by a coupling each of which extends downwardly from a socket in an upper platform in which the coupling is accommodated and has projections for gripping a portion of the next adjacent lower platform so as to join the upper and lower platforms in such manner as to minimize the inadvertent separation or slipping of adjacent platforms relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Structural Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: A. Stephen Aho
  • Patent number: 5647493
    Abstract: A material handling and storage rack. The rack, in a preferred form, includes a base member and at least two upstanding side members attached to the base member. The side members are configured to be selectively nestingly received in corresponding side members of a second like-constructed rack, when the racks are unloaded. Each of the side members are also equipped with a support member that can be selectively arranged to support the base member of the second rack in a spaced-apart relationship to enable the racks to be stacked on top of each other when loaded. At least one of the side members of the rack may be selectively detached from the base to permit unobstructed access from at least one side of the rack for loading and unloading purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: David J. Sippel
  • Patent number: 5647487
    Abstract: A device for the storage of cassettes, specifically CD-cassettes, formed of a wall assembly of a plurality of identical bar elements (1) with plug and bores at their planar end areas (5) and pin for connecting the bar elements in a staggered manner having gaps. The bar elements (1) form in a preferred kind at a rack-like arrangement of respective two pairs of bar elements (1) transversely over two bar elements (1) located below and at a stacking above each other in several layers a tower-like rack (10) with slide-in compartments (11) formed by the gaps for one respective cassette (9) between two respective bar elements (1) located above each other. Each bar element includes at the steplike stepped inner longitudinal side (6) at the center an abutment (7) formed by the step for limiting the slide-in path of the cassettes to be slid in from the opposite side. By way of the bar elements any arbitrary frame height for an optimal utilization of given space condition can be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Alfred Reinhard
  • Patent number: 5641074
    Abstract: A multi-tray storage unit that allows for individual trays to be combined in a number of configurations is disclosed. The storage unit may be stood upright or hung from a wall, using various components, many of which are interchangeable, to make maximum use of available space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Ole F. Smed
  • Patent number: 5636752
    Abstract: A storage and display rack for two different sizes of video boxes, whereby the bigger of the two boxes will extend lengthwise in a horizontal orientation in the rack and two of the smaller boxes will extend horizontally widthwise in a side-by-side relationship in the rack, with the front ends of the two different size boxes lying in a common vertical plane. The larger boxes are supported lengthwise horizontally on a plurality of first ribs formed on spaced parallel side walls of the rack and extend only partially toward a back wall of the rack. The smaller boxes are supported horizontally widthwise between second ribs formed on both sides of a center partition and selected first ribs on an adjacent side wall, and extend completely to the back wall of the rack. The rack may be formed of two one-piece sections to provide compactness for shipping, and then snapped together in a vertical stacked relationship for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher G. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 5636751
    Abstract: A shelf rack such as for storing both men's and womn's shoes including a stack of shelf angles, a shelf angle being a pair of rectangular panels joined along a common edge and each shelf angle having a pair of bar members adapted for hanging shoes with high heels on side edges of the shelf angle. In one embodiment, the rack is structure of wooden panels and rods. The panels are hinged to fold together against a central panel for storage. In another embodiment, the rack is heat formed from a blank plastic panel. The heat formed panels may be stacked for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Monty R. Frank
  • Patent number: 5622676
    Abstract: A pipette tip rack loader is disclosed that will load a flat of pipette tips into a rack for use on a laboratory bench. The flat for the pipette tips is substantially the same dimensions as the top surface of the tip rack to be loaded, and has an identical hole pattern so that the ends of the tips loaded in the flat can be positioned one-to-one in the holes of the tip rack. The loader consists of an upper platform that holds the flat and a lower platform or base that holds the unloaded tip rack. The upper platform is biased in a first position sufficiently high enough above the tip rack that the tips do not hit the rack. The upper platform can be depressed so that the tips in the flat thread into the tip rack holes. As the upper platform nears the tip rack, the flat is released from the upper platform to rest on the tip rack with the tips registered in the rack. Several flats with tips may be positioned in the loader with tips in the upper flats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: LABCON, North America
    Inventor: Peter M. Lind
  • Patent number: 5613029
    Abstract: A hinge adapter mounts to a fiber optic splice tray, such as the Keptel LL-2400.RTM. splice tray, and provides a hinging capability to these splice trays. The hinge adapters have a U-shaped member mounted at each corner of the splice tray. The U-shaped member has a central portion having a pair of arms depending therefrom, with the distal ends of the arms having an aperture and the ends of the central portion having a protrusion. When stacking the splice trays, the apertures formed in the arms of one hinge adapter receive protrusions in the central portion of another hinge adapter. When the hinge adapters on one side of a desired splice tray are separated from the hinge adapters above that splice tray, an installer or lineman can pivot the upper splice trays away from the desired tray and readily gain access to the desired splice tray. The U-shaped members are mounted to a side of the splice tray by brackets which are inserted into an area of the splice trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Denis E. Burek, George E. Mock
  • Patent number: 5609451
    Abstract: An improved shelving assembly for transporting and displaying goods on a carrier incorporates a cylindrical shoe with a rounded top and a lower flange that compliments the shape of a series of posts set into the bed of the carrier. The posts set into the bed of the carrier are preferably arranged so that the shelving units tilt inward toward the center of the truck bed, thereby reducing the shifting and spillage of items placed on the units while at the same time shifting the weight of the load toward the center of the carrier bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: McStack USA
    Inventor: Donald E. McCorkle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5588541
    Abstract: The modular shelf system disclosed allows for shelf construction of varying heights and/or configurations. The modular shelf system includes a first set of shelf members spaced vertically from each other and a second set of shelf members spaced vertically from each other. A plurality of interlocking leg members is coupled to the shelf members for supporting and spacing the shelf members vertically from each other. A shelf connecting clip is provided for connecting at least one shelf member of the first set to a horizontally adjacent shelf member of the second set. A slidable drawer may be supported by one of the shelf members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Alco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Goetz
  • Patent number: 5577620
    Abstract: A storage rack for storing compact disc, cassette and videotape cases in a vertical stack. The storage rack consists of a base having a tower support with a top surface set at a predetermined oblique angle. Modular components are stacked on top of the base to form a storage tower. The modular components and the corresponding storage slots are also oriented at the predetermined oblique angle. The stored cases disposed in the slots display their title at an upwardly turned angle which makes them easy to view. The base may be equipped with several tower supports to support several storage towers facing in similar or different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Arista Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Jacob
  • Patent number: 5575396
    Abstract: A multi-tray storage unit that allows for individual trays to be combined in a number of configurations is disclosed. The storage unit may be stood upright or hung from a wall, using various components, many of which are interchangeable, to make maximum use of available space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: R & D Group
    Inventor: Ole F. Smed
  • Patent number: 5568873
    Abstract: A height expandable rack for compact discs comprising a plurality of plates. A structure is for storing a plurality of the compact discs in a horizontal plane on each plate. A facility is for stacking the plates together in an interconnected manner in a limited area space on a flat horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: H. Thomas Gioscia
  • Patent number: 5566839
    Abstract: A stand for holding compact discs and/or tape cassettes preferably has a rotatably mounted part (1) made up of a multiplicity of bar-shaped elements (7, 8) of two different types. These elements have transverse grooves enabling them to be fitted one on the other in parallel pairs, with alternate pairs at right angles to each other, thus giving two pairs of parallel walls. The elements (7, 8) also have longitudinal ribs (9) located opposite each other in pairs, thus providing lateral supports for the objects. The individual components can be provided as a kit which enables the stand to be transported and distributed in unassembled form. A second, smaller, part (2), can be mounted on the first (1) and connected to it. This second part is designed to hold differently shaped objects, such as audio cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Muller
  • Patent number: 5555986
    Abstract: An accommodation cartridge for a CD rack includes a base having a U-shaped wall defining an entrance, a plurality of guides extending from a central portion of the base to the wall opposite to the entrance and formed on a bottom of the base, a pin protruding from the bottom of the base near the wall opposite to the entrance, a pliable piece formed near the entrance of the base with a tab protruding from the bottom of the base, a spring mounted onto the pin within the base, and a CD tray having a plate, a wall provided at an end facing the entrance for defining a space for receiving a CD case and an actuating plate for the spring, a corresponding number of teeth extending from an end opposite to the entrance each having a foot protruding from a bottom of the plate for slidably engaging with the guides, an aperture defined in the plate facing the tab for the tab to extend through when the tray is received with the base, and a slot defined in the plate for the tab to extend through and slide within the slot when
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Ming Lee
  • Patent number: 5553723
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rack structure for displaying and dispensing candy which comprises a plurality of enclosed containers arranged in first second and third rows, each container being totally enclosed on all sides and having a base, a supply of candy and a downwardly extending outlet for dispensing candy from the supply; and a support structure for retaining the containers in spaced relation in the rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Six Corners Development Company
    Inventor: Andrew M. Stein
  • Patent number: 5524963
    Abstract: A stacking interface device (10) for altering the stacked disposition of a chair (12) to facilitate the stable stacking of such chair on other chairs. The stacking interface device (10) includes an interface body (14) for being secured beneath the seat bottom (16) of a chair (12), the interface body (14) having a forward portion (18) and a rearward portion (20). The interface body (14) also defines a lower surface (22) for supporting the chair upon the seat cushion (24) of a second chair (12). The lower surface (22) of the interface body (14) is disposed at an angle relative to the lower surface (26) of the seat bottom (16) of the chair to which the device (10) is attached such that the distance between the lower surface (22) of the interface body (14) and the lower surface (26) of the seat bottom of the chair decreases from the forward portion (18) of the interface body to the rearward portion (20) of the interface body (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Shelby Williams Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Barile
  • Patent number: 5499726
    Abstract: An adjustable height pedestal is formed of one, two, or more identical or variant height pleated upright members. The pleated upright members are interconnected by two or more connector rings at either end of each pleated upright member. When two or more pleated upright members are used to form one display pedestal, one connector ring interconnects the area between two of said pleated upright members. A disc rests upon four lid/base supports inside the topmost connector ring, and is covered by a lid which interconnects with said connector ring. A second identical disc rests on the four lid/base supports inside the bottom-most connector ring. Display pedestals over 12" in height are generally stabilized with a heavy block which is readily accessible and which sits on top of the disc in the bottom of the display. In one embodiment the lid and disc are not used leaving an open display pedestal for cylindrical merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Patrick J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5494253
    Abstract: A cookie sheet device formed of multiple, closely stacked, heat-conductive, substantially rigid, flat sheets is disclosed, each sheet having a plurality of openings therein adapted to receive removable cookie molds. The sheets are stacked in superposed fashion utilizing a short distance above the next lower sheet sufficient to allow cookies in the lower sheet to rise in normal fashion yet to leave very little excess distance between the top of each cookie and the bottom of the molds inset into the upper sheet. When inserted into a baking oven, the temperature of each set of molds is thus kept substantially the same, allowing for even baking of cookies in each sheet. While more than two sheets may be used, (generally in commercial size batches) the preferred device utilizes two sheets only. The openings in the sheets may be circular or square or otherwise shaped dependent upon the shape of the outside portion of the molds being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Bruce A. Snow
  • Patent number: 5492399
    Abstract: A shelf, shelf system or partition is to be configured so that a rigid connection of the individual module units is guaranteed when they are stacked atop one another and when assembled next to one another. This is achieved in that U-shaped module units (1) have blind holes (7) that are placed at least approximately centrally to narrow sides (6) of carrying uprights (5). Module units (1) placed atop one another can be connected to one another by connecting elements (12) that can be inserted in blind holes (7) (FIG. 1 ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Joachim Tillack
  • Patent number: 5487599
    Abstract: A storage cabinet for recorded media such as audio cassettes, compact discs, video tapes, etc. is formed by a plurality of identical modules. Each module includes top and bottom attachment devices for releasably joining together adjacent modules into a vertical stacked relationship by snap fitting said modules together. A bearing member is removably attached to the bottom surface of the lowermost module for rotatably mounting the stacked joined modules on a support surface. Each of the storage compartments is formed with a plurality of separate storage spaces for receiving individual recorded media. A top cover includes an attachment device for snap fitting it on the top portion of the uppermost module by engagement with the attachment device of said uppermost module. The storage spaces may vary in size for receiving the same or different recorded media within the same module or storage compartment thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Alpha Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Weisburn, Christopher G. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 5485934
    Abstract: A merchandise display assembly comprising a plurality of modular sections adapted to be assembled stacked relationship. The assembly is of tubular design and each section has a plurality of elongated side members, the lateral ends of which are secured together. The upper and lower edges of the side members are provided with portions for interfitting the modular section with subjacent and superjacent modular sections when the sections are stacked. Ribs extend outwardly from the outer surfaces of the side members to which merchandise display cards or holders may be attached for displaying the merchandise. The ribs may differ in number, size and spacing to accommodate different types of merchandise display cards and holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Display Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Holztrager
  • Patent number: 5477594
    Abstract: A modular urn holder comprising a niche panel made of polymer material whereby each niche panel is convertible to be used as a top wall, a bottom wall, and a side wall of the urn holder. Niche panels are connected together by corner connectors that slidably connect to the ends of the panels. The niche panel comprises two panel members that are snap-fit together to provide for the hollow panel. Each panel is molded to contain recesses to allow shelves to slidably engage within the recesses to subdivide the niche into smaller compartments. The niche is adaptable to accept varying types of front shutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Christian Memorial Cultural Center
    Inventor: Bernard E. LePage
  • Patent number: 5473845
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and process for joining an add-on module to a base module to form a modular material storage building by selective positioning of the add-on module with respect to the base module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Livingston, Garry J. McGovern
  • Patent number: RE36134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rack structure for displaying and dispensing candy which comprises a plurality of enclosed containers arranged in first second and third rows, each container being totally enclosed on all sides and having a base, a supply of candy and a downwardly extending outlet for dispensing candy from the supply; and a support structure for retaining the containers in spaced relation in the rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Six Corners Development Company
    Inventor: Andrew M. Stein