Having Trackway Patents (Class 211/94.01)
  • Patent number: 7565760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a board that can be used especially as a board for a door in offices or administrative buildings. A base body (1) of said board comprises guiding grooves (2, 3) for an information carrier (4), on two opposing edges thereof, and a cover (5). Clamping slides (15) that can be introduced into a central groove (6) of the base body (1) are used to secure the position of the information carrier (4) and the cover (5), at least one of said slides being provided preferably with at least one display panel (23) that can be pivoted back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: “Durable” Hunke & Jochheim GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Horst-Werner Maier-Hunke
  • Patent number: 7552901
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting assembly includes a channel plate and a bracket for securely receiving the signal testing unit. The channel plate is securely mounted adjacent to a surface of a vehicle and includes a plurality of channels that extend through the plate. The bracket includes a housing for receiving the testing unit and one or more clips. Each clip engages a channel in the channel plate to mount the bracket to the channel plate. In addition, each clip includes at least one finger that includes an engaging portion. The clip is removably engaged into one of the channels by positioning the engaging portion of each finger adjacent the back side of the channel plate such that the bracket is positioned adjacent the front side of the channel plate. In one embodiment, the finger is spring biased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Smith, Chris R. Radosta, Mark Horton, Daniel Silvernale, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Publication number: 20090145867
    Abstract: A storage and/or organization system may be used to store and/or organize various items. For example, the system may include one or more panels and one or more attachment members, which may be connected to the panels and may be used to hold and/or position various items in desired locations. The attachment members may be selectively connected to and/or removed from the panels to provide a variety of storage and organization solutions. The panels may include, for example, one or more receiving portions to which the attachment members may be connected to and/or disconnected from using a snap, friction and/or interference fit. One or more portions of the panels and/or the attachment members may deform and/or deflect to provide the snap, friction and/or interference. One or more portions of the panels and/or the attachment members may remain deformed and/or deflected to provide a tension fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: William G. Apgood, II, Lenny Vainberg, William G. Apgood, Robert Glenn
  • Publication number: 20090139943
    Abstract: A shelving system according to an exemplary embodiment generally includes at least one track and at least one standard. The standard may include an end portion slidably receivable within an opening of the track, such that the position of the standard relative to the track is slidably adjustable along the track. The shelving system may also include one or more of the following, such as a shelving bracket, a hang rod assembly for supporting a hang rod from the shelving bracket, at least one mounting screw, and/or at least one locking member. When in the locked position, the locking member may releasably lock in place a portion of a shelf at least partially supported by the shelving bracket. The mounting screw may have a slotted head with an axial groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: CLAIRSON, INC.
    Inventor: Julio A. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7533776
    Abstract: A plurality of containers (32) are pitiable into tubular shelves (22). The containers (32) are cylindrical in shape and are sized so that they can be pushed sideways into a slot-like opening (26) in the tubular shelf (22). The containers (32) cam open the slot opening (26) both when they are pushed into the tubular shelves (22) and pulled out from the tubular shelves (22). End portions of the tubular shelves (22) fit within sockets (24) formed in, or on axles formed on, the side walls (16, 18) of a storage rack (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Curtis M. Nickerson
  • Patent number: 7530329
    Abstract: An assembly includes a rectilinear rail that has a backside connected to a side wall of the pet house. The rail is registered along a horizontal plane and elevated from a ground surface and has a chamfered top wall provided with a linear groove extending along a length of the rail. The groove is laterally offset away from the back side and proximate to a near side of the rail. Coextensively shaped trays are slidably positional along the rail. The trays include monolithically formed fingers extending away from a center thereof that are intercalated within the groove. Each tray includes a spring-actuated mechanism for maintaining a predetermined tension between the fingers and an inner surface of the groove such that the trays are prohibited from displacing along the groove. The spring-actuated mechanism is permanently affixed to each of the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Paul J. Paris, Sr., Shari Paris
  • Patent number: 7527156
    Abstract: A tool caddy for use with a workroom storage system that can include slotwall panels, slot tracks, a modular workbench and a power strip. The tool caddy can be movably and removably mounted to the slotwall panels, slot tracks, or to horizontal or vertical surfaces of a workbench or other structure. The tool caddy can be removably attached to one or both ends of a power strip. A power strip with one or more tool caddies attached can be mounted to a modular workbench, slotwall panel or slot track. The tool caddy can include a hollow body having an elongated horizontal top surface with a plurality of tool receiving openings, a pair of end surfaces, a front surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface can have a plurality of tool receiving openings that can substantially correspond to the tool receiving openings in the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Wisnoski, Wyatt A. Cline
  • Publication number: 20090101608
    Abstract: A track system for slidably mounting a frame. The track system includes an upper track parallel to a lower track, and the tracks may be mounted to a wall. A left carriage upright and a right carriage upright are aligned orthogonally to the tracks, and the carriage uprights are slidably connected to the tracks on each end through a roller assembly, each roller assembly having a wheel that is slidably mounted to the corresponding track. The wheel is kept on the track by a stop at either end of the track. A stabilizing support structure fixes the left carriage upright parallel to the right carriage upright. Finally, the carriage uprights each have a bracket at each end, the brackets adapted to hold a frame and projector screen in front of the carriage uprights. The projector screen, frame, carriage uprights, and stabilizing support structure may then slide laterally as a whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Tony Sloat
  • Publication number: 20090084743
    Abstract: A storage rack having one or more clamps and one or more rails. Each clamp has two or more resilient arms attached at a first end to opposite ends of a rear section, such resilient arms having free ends which permit the introduction of an object between the resilient arms. In one embodiment, each resilient arm contains at least one aperture through which a rail proceeds. For at least one aperture, the portion of the resilient arm which forms the outer edge of the forward wall of the aperture touches a first side of the rail while the portion of the resilient arm which forms the inner edge of the rear wall of the aperture touches a second side of the rail. In another embodiment, a deformable extension proceeds to the rear from the rear section of the clamp and contains at least one channel through which a rail proceeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis D. Spiers, Larry D. Williams
  • Patent number: 7478967
    Abstract: A safety connection intended for suspending objects, for instance curtain rails, rods, towel racks and the like, the safety connection (2) comprising at least one first (3) and one second (4) retaining element, the one retaining element (3; 4), after mounting, being coupled to the object to be suspended, while the other retaining element (4; 3), after mounting, is connected to an environment, the first (3) and second (4) retaining element being detachably coupled to each other such that, under the influence of a particular tensile force (F) applied to those elements (3, 4), these retaining elements (3, 4) disconnect, characterized in that the second retaining element (4) is provided with at least one resilient lip (5), while the first and second retaining elements (3, 4) are arranged to cooperate via that at least one resilient lip (5) for effecting said detachable coupling of the retaining elements (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Bart ter Braak
  • Patent number: 7472881
    Abstract: An article hanging system capable of easily changing an exhibit position and an exhibit height of an article such as a goods exhibited in a shop, a hanger and a display shelf comprises a ceiling rail assembly, a wire holder slidably retained to the ceiling rail assembly, a wire hanging down from the wire holder, a gripper fixably attachable at a desired position along the wire, a wire holder attached to a lower end of the wire and a floor rail assembly to which the wire holder is slidably retained. Each of the rail assemblies comprises longitudinal rails extending in a longitudinal direction (the Y-direction) and lateral rails slidable with respect to the longitudinal rail as being spanned between the longitudinal rails. Each of the wire holders are slidable along the lateral rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: A.G.K. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20080302744
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for storage and display of articles, such as loose articles for use or sale, including a bin having a body, at least a portion of which is translucent or transparent, that allows for close-proximity arrangement, and easy rearrangement, of two or more bins while maintaining ease of retrieval of articles stored and displayed therein, and while allowing visual inspection of the contents of bins so arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: David Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7438270
    Abstract: A horizontal mounted hanger holder is provided. Said mounted hanger holder includes a protective cover, an elongated member and a means for attaching therein, to a surface. Said elongated member within said protective cover, said elongated member, including a first and a second lip, said second lip contacting a second panel of a first and said second panel of said protective cover, mounted by a means, to said surface. Said horizontal mounted hanger holder provides for articles, including hangers, to be hung. Said hangers contact a channel of said elongated member, over said first lip, said hanger and said article are angled as to lie flat against a surface. Said protective cover, including a zipper, protects said articles from the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Ronald Ligrano
  • Publication number: 20080245753
    Abstract: A storage system is presented, operable to provide horizontal and vertical adjustment of one or more attachment assemblies configured to hold an attachment assembly mounting device. In one embodiment, the storage system comprises a rail mounted substantially horizontally to a mounting surface such as a wall or ceiling, a vertical support suspended from the rail by an upper end of the vertical support, the vertical support configured to move, slide, or roll substantially horizontally along the rail, and an attachment assembly configured to be attached to the vertical support and to support a storage item from the attachment assembly mounting device. The attachment assemblies are further configured to slide vertically along and lock in position along one of the vertical supports. Thus, only the rail needs to be permanently attached to the mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew R. Spriegel, Jack L. Parker
  • Patent number: 7428972
    Abstract: A bin support bracket for mounting in holes in a peg board. A pair of support rods is provided wherein each support rod includes a top hole-engaging member and a bracket-supporting portion which extends downward from the top hole-engaging portion. A bin-support bracket is spanning the support rods. The bin-support bracket includes a forwardly and upwardly projecting bin-support flange portion. A storage bin includes a lip which engages the bin-support flange portion for supporting the storage bin on the bin-support bracket. The bin-support bracket further includes a forwardly and downwardly projecting bin-levelling flange portion to maintain a supported storage bin in a vertical orientation with respect to a peg board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: James E. Warner, Frank M. Kostelnik, Frank J. Thomson
  • Patent number: 7419061
    Abstract: An integrated rack for distributed signal and distributed energy components attachable to a facility includes a first end plate with a first front and first back side, a second end plate with a second front and second back side, a back wall for engaging the back sides of the end plates. The top of the back wall engages a facility ceiling and the bottom of the back wall engages a facility floor. At least one wireway can be disposed in the back wall. A opening can be formed between a first mounting angle connected to the first front side and a second mounting angle connected to the second front side and wherein the mounting angles comprises at least one perforation per inch. At least one distributed signal or distributed energy equipment can be removably mounted to the perforations on the mounting angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: James Dorsey
  • Patent number: 7407060
    Abstract: A wall-mounted shelving system includes a track and a bracket engagable with the track. The bracket has a collar for supporting a shelf-carrying pilaster and an engaging element protruding from the collar that includes a floor and an arm projecting upwardly from the floor to define an elbow. The track is adapted to be mounted horizontally on a wall and includes a downwardly open channel at its top and an outwardly projecting ledge at its bottom. The upper extreme of the engaging element arm is received in the channel of the track while the elbow can be supported to rest on the ledge. A pilaster is adapted to then be supported in the collar through an intermediate wedge member, and shelves and other objects can be supported on the pilaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Swartz, Kenton J. Droppers, Robert J. Welch, James J. Janick, Jeffrey C. Olson, Robert R. Steele
  • Patent number: 7401705
    Abstract: An adjustable organizer system has a horizontal top rail with an upward facing top side. At least one vertical upright support has one or more contact surfaces carried on an upper end of the upright support. Each of the contact surfaces has at least a downward facing portion engaged with the top side of the top rail. The upright support is suspended from the top rail such that the one or more contact surfaces can move along the top rail while remaining in contact with the top side to selectively position the at least one vertical upright support laterally along the top rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles W. Craft
  • Patent number: 7392912
    Abstract: A merchandising system which comprises a display panel dimensioned to cover at least a portion of a slot wall. The display panel includes a forward facing surface having coupled thereto a plurality of receptacles, each of the plurality of receptacles being adapted to receive a support arm of sufficient structural integrity to maintain at least one item of merchandise suspended therefrom; a top edge having coupled to at least a portion thereof, at least one bracket dimensioned to engage a slot provided in the slot wall and configured to maintain the display panel in a generally parallel orientation to the slot wall when the at least one item of merchandise is displayed thereon; and a plurality of support arms, each of the plurality of support arms being adapted to couple to at least one of the plurality of receptacles and descriptive signage affixed to the forward facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jim C. Zandt
  • Patent number: 7383670
    Abstract: A corner brace configured to support a tile-bearing panel includes a pair of transverse brackets, disposed at a transverse angle to one another and being configured to be disposed in a corner between the tile-bearing panel and another panel or a support surface. At least one of the brackets has at least two ribs, each of which extends from an inner base to an enlarged outer head. The at least two ribs form at least one mortar receiving channel therebetween which has an enlarged chamber and a narrower opening with respect to the enlarged chamber. The mortar receiving channel is configured to at least partially interlock with mortar applied between the panel and the bracket to aid in securing the panel to the corner brace and thus to the other panel or support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Ebbe America, LC
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Meyers
  • Patent number: 7360661
    Abstract: A plurality of containers (32) are pitiable into tubular shelves (22). The containers (32) are cylindrical in shape and are sized so that they can be pushed sideways into a slot-like opening (26) in the tubular shelf (22). The containers (32) cam open the slot opening (26) both when they are pushed into the tubular shelves (22) and pulled out from the tubular shelves (22). End portions of the tubular shelves (22) fit within sockets (24) formed in, or on axles formed on, the side walls (16, 18) of a storage rack (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis M. Nickerson
  • Patent number: 7341231
    Abstract: An accessory mounting device for securing an accessory to a track. The accessory mounting device includes a slide connector having a first portion that mounts within the track and a second portion that projects outwardly from the track. The accessory mounting device also includes an accessory mounting bracket that slides over the second portion of the slide connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Lund Boat Company
    Inventor: Paul David Zarn
  • Publication number: 20080053931
    Abstract: A horizontally mounted shelf assembly includes an elongated support rail, at least one accessory slidaby connected with the support rail, and at least one stretch releasing adhesive strip arranged between the support rail and the wall for securing the shelf assembly to the wall. Each accessory may also be separately mounted on the wall using stretch releasing adhesive strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Peter J. Newbould, Ivana Babic, Craig Thompson, James L. Bries, Russell G. Pihlstrom
  • Publication number: 20080000861
    Abstract: A display panel assembly comprises a display panel, a base for supporting the display panel, and a pair of spaced panel supports coupled with the base, each panel support having a slot. An adapter for the display panel assembly comprises a panel support portion comprising a channelway defined by a pair of spaced flanges and an interconnecting web, and an insert portion comprising an insert flange extending from the web and terminating in a spacer extending generally parallel to the web. The spacer is adapted for receipt in a panel support slot and the channelway is adapted for receipt of an edge of a panel therein, the channelway having a width different than the width of the slot. Panels having a first thickness can be supported by the panel support slots and panels having a second thickness can be supported by the adapter inserted into the panel support slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: MEGAWALL LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Muellerleile
  • Patent number: 7306107
    Abstract: A panel for use in a plurality for a slat wall comprises a panel body with inner and outer surfaces, and upper and lower edges. A vertical link at the rear of the upper edge has an inner surface coplanar with the body inner surface; a fastener receiving member connected across the vertical link has an upwardly extending tongue and downwardly extending leg, having vertically coplanar outer surfaces and defining a first groove to receive fasteners to secure the panels to the wall. A cover extending from the body outer surface has a free end with an inward projection, the cover and a rear protrusion of the body lower edge together defining a second groove. When installed, the second grooves receive tongues of adjacent panels; the covers extend over the first grooves of adjacent panels; and the inward projections engage with outer surfaces of legs of adjacent panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: James Secondino
  • Patent number: 7296695
    Abstract: A space-efficient workroom organization system comprising a slotwall panel and/or slot track storage system with at least one repositionable slotwall or slot track mounted storage cabinet, and a workbench system comprising a workbench having a work surface and defining a storage recess beneath the work surface, with at least one mobile storage cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Michael Perkins, Thomas Wesley Arent, Todd Christopher Starr, Tyree Edward Sampson, Kenneth J. Rasche, Steven Edward Tolliver, Brent A. Junge, Duane A. Schmidt, Brian J. Stewart, Mark Allen Stout, Wyatt A. Cline, James W. Kendall
  • Patent number: 7281634
    Abstract: A sliding closet organizer for mounting on an interior vertical surface of a closet wall includes a substantially two-dimensional vertical storage rack and a sliding means adapted for attachment to the interior vertical closet wall surface, wherein the sliding means guides the vertical storage rack into a first stored position and a second deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony Marchetta, Radu Ghiorghie, David M. Stitchick
  • Patent number: 7228977
    Abstract: A space-efficient workroom organization system comprising a slotwall panel and/or slot track storage system with at least one repositionable slotwall or slot track mounted storage cabinet, and a workbench system comprising a workbench having a work surface and defining a storage recess beneath the work surface, with at least one mobile storage cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Travis M. Perkins, Thomas Wesley Arent, Todd Christopher Starr, Tyree E. Sampson, Kenneth J. Rasche, Steven E. Tolliver, Brent A. Junge, Duane E. Schmidt, Brian J. Stewart, Mark A. Stout, Wyatt A. Cline, James W. Kendall
  • Patent number: 7225935
    Abstract: A support system for rack elements has a support element and a hanging element. The support element has an upwardly projecting suspension rail and the hanging element is provided with a slot, by which the hanging element can be plugged onto the suspension rail. The support system is distinguished in that the suspension rail is provided with a curvature, and the slot has a corresponding curvature, with the result that the hanging element can be plugged onto the suspension rail, and removed therefrom, by a rotary movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Element-System Rudolf-Bohnacker GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Breymaier, Johann Karcher, Josef Kloker
  • Patent number: 7210659
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a combination of a telescopically extendable frame with a laundry bag assembly, adaptable to be mounted in closet receptacles of various articles of furniture. The combination comprises a telescopically extendable frame incorporating front and back support bars and a laundry bag assembly including one or more laundry bags interengaged with the front and back support bars and hanging below them. The one or more laundry bags can be translatable with respect to the front and back support bars. The front and back support bars are so spaced apart as to permit the laundry bag assembly to be located between and suspended from them. The telescopically extendable frame comprises left and right slides of ball bearing drawer type slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen Lawson, Christopher Isfeld
  • Patent number: 7204375
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display arm for a musical cymbal. The arm allows cymbals to be presented in a retail environment without interfering with playability. This allows consumers to play the cymbal to determine whether or not it meets their musical needs. The display arm also precludes the theft or unauthorized removal of the cymbal. This is achieved by special screw assemblies which can only be uncoupled by store personnel. A display panel is also provided whereby relevant product literature can be presented to potential purchasers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Paiste America, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Paiste, Steve Ziolkowski
  • Patent number: 7198159
    Abstract: A slatwall extrusion and assembly for a wall of a building to support hangers and shelving and the items they carry. Each section of slatwall has a continuous linear rear wall that integrally joins number of spaced boards. Each board has front, rear, top and bottom walls that form a continuous loop around a hollow interior. Each board also has a downwardly extending double-walled lip. The lip is spaced from its adjacent lower board to form an L-shaped slot. The continuous rear wall is firmly secured to the studs or drywall of the wall by self tapping screws or an adhesive coating. The linear rear wall, hoop shaped boards, and double-walled lips combine to form a sturdy, lightweight and inexpensive slatwall extrusion. High impact polystyrene (HIPS) is used to achieve even further cost and weight reductions while maintaining the strength of the slatwall extrusion and assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: James R. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7147115
    Abstract: A space-efficient workroom organization system comprising a slotwall panel with at least one repositionable slotwall-mounted storage cabinet, and a workbench system comprising a workbench having a work surface and defining a storage recess beneath the work surface, with at least one mobile storage cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Travis M. Perkins, Thomas W. Arent, Todd C. Starr, Tyree E. Sampson, Kenneth J. Rasche, Steven E. Tolliver, Brent A. Junge, Duane A. Schmidt, Brian J. Stewart, Mark Allen Stout
  • Patent number: 7117998
    Abstract: A carrier for supporting graphic media materials includes a support member having a plurality of parallel transverse slots disposed on a facing surface thereof and a plurality of thin walled transverse strip members. Each of the transverse strip members are made from a flexible material and include an angled tab portion sized to be fitted into a corresponding slot of the support member and a cover portion that is defined by a width dimension that is larger than the spacing between adjacently spaced slots such that the cover portions are arranged on the support member in overlaying fashion and define transparent storage pockets therebetween for retaining graphic media materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Wallace A. Krapf
  • Patent number: 7108141
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a fragile item which includes a support frame and a support panel mounted within the support frame. The support frame includes at least one elongated, longitudinal channel on an exterior surface thereof to provide an area of attachment to the support frame. A fastener is provided to attach accessory components to the support frame. The fastener is preferably a spring nut and bolt arrangement, although any suitable fastener may be used. Such accessory components include substantially clear panels for displaying the items, shelf brackets, pipes and pipe fittings, covers, and elongated extensions to create a cavity box formed from at least two spaced apart support frames. The apparatus can be used to store, transport or display fragile items such as paintings, sculptures and tapestries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Ani Gonzalez-Rivera
  • Patent number: 7104023
    Abstract: A wall organizer comprises a first slatwall member secured to a wall, the first slatwall member having a plurality of first grooves having a first center-to-center groove spacing between said first grooves; a second slatwall member secured to the wall above or below the first slatwall member, the second slatwall member having a plurality of second grooves having a second center-to-center groove spacing between said second grooves; and at least another first or second slatwall member secured to the wall above or below one of the first and second slatwall members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Showall, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Holztrager
  • Patent number: 7100780
    Abstract: A display assembly including an upper channel, a lower channel and a plurality of display panels. The upper channel includes longitudinal first and second upper tracks oriented parallel and disposed immediately adjacent. The lower channel is disposed substantially vertically aligned with the upper channel and includes a longitudinal first lower track and a plurality of stall sets oriented substantially transverse to the first lower track such that each stall had an open end for communication with the first lower track. The display panels engage the upper and lower channels and include a frame and covering. The frame engages the upper and lower channels with a plurality of top and bottom guide elements. The covering is configured generally equivalent to a periphery of the frame and has an exterior surface for bearing at least a portion of a graphical representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: GFX International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kandice VanCalbergh, Jay Jones
  • Patent number: 7093726
    Abstract: A curved display shelf comprises an arcuate sidewall having an upper edge, the sidewall including at least one groove from which to hang merchandise; a top panel secured to the upper edge; and at least one hook operatively secured to the slatwall member for hanging to a display wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Showall, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Holztrager
  • Patent number: 7086543
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a shelving apparatus generally includes a track and a standard. The track includes a support portion having an upper support surface and an extension extending generally outwardly from the support portion. The standard includes a back surface having an opening. When the support portion is within the opening, an upper surface of the opening contacts the upper support surface of the support portion, and the extension is engagingly received within a portion of the opening. This engagement of the extension within the portion of the opening can inhibit disengagement of the standard from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Clairson, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee E. Remmers
  • Patent number: 7086542
    Abstract: Catching grooves 2d, 2e are formed in a turning space 2f of a catching protrusion bar 2b, engagement projections 3c, 3d are formed on a standing part 3b of a catching member 3a, and the standing part 3b is inserted into the turning space 2f, so that the engagement projections 3c, 3d are respectively engaged with the catching grooves 2d, 2e by the own weight of the catching member 3a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Tamatoshi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tomonari, Kenji Kosugi
  • Patent number: 7083056
    Abstract: A storage organizer system comprises a horizontal rail adapted to be securely mounted to a wall and a number of storage units adapted to be hung from the rail. Each unit includes at least one metal hook extending rearwardly from the unit for engaging the rail and a spacer for engaging the wall so as to support the wall in a vertical position at a distance from the wall. This arrangement provides ease of installation and a sturdy overall construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Les Gestions PARMH Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Routhier
  • Patent number: 7055703
    Abstract: A slotwall panel storage system has a slotwall panel with a plurality of generally “T” shaped slots forming a plurality of generally “T” shaped slats and a hanger bracket for removably mounting a device on the slotwall panel. The hanger bracket includes a support portion, a first generally “J” shaped hook on one edge of the support portion and a second generally “J” shaped hook on an opposite edge of the support portion. A hook or storage device is attached to the support portion of the hanger bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Michael Perkins, Thomas Wesley Arent, Todd Christopher Starr, Tyree Edward Sampson, Kenneth J. Rasche, Steven Edward Tolliver, Brent A. Junge, Duane A. Schmidt, Brian J. Stewart, Mark Allen Stout
  • Patent number: 7028854
    Abstract: An organizer (10) that includes a housing (12) having a first end (12a), a second end (12b), and a channel (14) extending along at least a portion of the housing (12) between the first end (12a) and the second end (12b). A plurality of retaining members (18) are coupled to the housing (12) using the channel (14). Each retaining member (18) exerts a retaining force upon one or more adjacent retaining members (18). The organizer (10) retains an item placed between adjacent retaining members (18) using the retaining force. The retaining members (18) include a hookless coupling segment (19) for coupling the retaining members (18) to the housing. The housing (12) includes at least one divider (27, 30) along at least a portion of the channel (14) to separate the channel (14) into at least two areas (14a, 14b and 14c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Master Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Londrico
  • Patent number: 7014052
    Abstract: A small flat wall mountable panel having a flat visual display surface has two spaced apart upwardly arched hooks mounted on backstop spacers and aligned horizontally to receive a skateboard wheel mount or a scooter handle bar therein. An outwardly arched spacer arm below the hooks contacts the board or scooter to maintain the skateboard or scooter away from the wall. A rail with a sliding track can receive and mount a number of the hanger/spacer devices horizontally aligned on a wall. End caps and interconnectors between rails have flat surfaces for visual displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Ross D. Dettorre, David K. Nygren, Richard D. Lutz
  • Patent number: 6976595
    Abstract: A storage system that is attached by (means of)a bracket (FIG. 3) to the underside of a horizontal surface. This bracket (FIG. 3) incorporates a track made by the bracket side wall (32) and the bracket lip (34), which holds a retractable slide arm (FIG. 4) that slides forward when in use and slides back when at rest. A bracket stop (36) at the front end of the bracket (FIG. 3) prevents the slide arm (FIG. 4) from separating from the bracket (FIG. 3). The front end of the slide arm (FIG. 4) incorporates a slide arm pull (29) for ease of use. Items to be stored are suspended from hooks (30) that are positioned on the underside of the extended center section of the slide arm (28). Hangers (FIG. 9) incorporate a hanger eye (38) that slips easily on or off the hook (30). Hanger adhesive (44), which lines the hanger base (42), provides a (means) technique for attaching the hanger (FIG. 9) to the top of the receptacle to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Marilyn Geller
  • Patent number: 6971614
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a removable clip that stabilizes a hanger mounted on a slatwall assembly formed by a number of horizontally aligned and uniformly spaced slats or boards. The upper and lower end of each slat has a lip with an inside surface, so that adjacent slats form a slot with a narrow outer portion and a wider inner portion. The hanger has an upper end that is inserted into an upper slot, and a lower end that hangs down near a lower adjacent slot. The stabilizing clip has a main body and an extending brace. The body is shaped to firmly snap fit into the lower slot. The brace extends upwardly along a middle slat to form a slot for receiving the lower end of the hanger and retaining it against the surface of the middle slat. In a second embodiment, the clip also includes a riser for supporting the lower end of the hanger and positioning the hanger so that its upper end more fully engages the inside surface of the lip of an upper slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Jifram Extrusions, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Fischer, Greg R. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6953176
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical support standard and track into which the standard can be mounted. The standard contains a plurality of slots in its front surface such that one or more ordinary shelving brackets can be mounted thereon, and contains an opening on its back surface such that it can be mounted to a track upon which the wall standard may be able to slide. The track contains a lip and support portion. The lip extends over the front of the standard to keep it mounted to the track, and the support portion can be inserted into the opening on the back of the standard to provide added support and to allow sliding of the standard if desired. This standard and track configuration thus not only allows greater flexibility for the consumer as to the placement of shelving brackets, but provides greater support and increased loading capacity such that more items can be placed on a shelf that is mounted to the disclosed shelving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Lee Remmers
  • Patent number: 6945414
    Abstract: A wall panel for holding an accessory, the wall panel having a recessed slot, at least a portion of which has an undercut and a shaped opening in communication with a portion of the recessed slot and the undercut. The shaped opening may be capable of receiving a shaped attachment member of an accessory, the shaped attachment member then being slidable within the undercut and the recessed slot beyond the limits of the shaped opening. A plurality of wall panels may be adapted to form a wall panel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Products of Tomorrow, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth V. Stevens, Constantine A. Valaoritis, Keith E. Gilman
  • Patent number: 6929131
    Abstract: An improved display system particularly adapted for the display of consumer products in a retail sales environment includes a backboard and fixtures mountable thereon. Individual backboard panels may be interconnected. The backboard panels are of a horizontally slotted construction. While the fixtures are provided with an interlock structure that allows them to be installed on the panels in a rigid manner. By use of an adapter, the backboards may be retrofitted upon a conventional pegboard or slotwall. A second adapter allows the fixtures to be used in connection with a pegboard or slotwall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Display Producers Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur E. Landi
  • Patent number: 6926160
    Abstract: A space-efficient workroom organization system comprising a slotwall panel with at least one repositionable slotwall-mounted storage cabinet, and a workbench system comprising a workbench having a work surface and defining a storage recess beneath the work surface, with at least one mobile storage cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Michael Perkins, Thomas Wesley Arent, Todd Christopher Starr, Tyree Edward Sampson, Kenneth J. Rasche, Steven Edward Tolliver, Brent A. Junge, Duane A. Schmidt, Brian J. Stewart, Mark Allen Stout