Clamping Patents (Class 248/245)
  • Patent number: 11851808
    Abstract: The invention refers to a device for tensioning a drawcord extending along a hem of a cover for an ironing board underneath the ironing board, comprising a drum pivoted around an axis of rotation, which is surrounded by a lateral surface for winding up the drawcord, wherein a through-hole passes through the drum perpendicular to the axis of rotation for threading in at least one end of the drawcord in order to anchor it to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Karl Pollmann
  • Patent number: 11774143
    Abstract: A rail assembly (530) includes a rail (540) and an adapter (640). The adapter (640) may be slidably interconnected with the rail (540) via a first rail channel (604a) on a first rail side (600a) of the rail (540), and may also be slidably interconnected with the rail (540) via a second rail channel (604b) on a second rail side (600b) of the rail (540). The adapter (640) may be inverted (whether installed via the first rail channel (604a) or the second rail channel (604b)) between two different orientations that dispose a mounting flange (670) at different elevations to accommodate two different mounting configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: RMH TECH LLC
    Inventors: Paul Benjamin Leitch, Dustin M. M. Haddock, Nikolaus Jo Holley
  • Patent number: 11596230
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides various examples of a universal mounting bracket for mounting a floating shelf to a flat vertical surface such as a wall. The bracket assembly allows for installing the bracket with a single selected fastener. This is more efficient and allows for the bracket to be installed in the widest variety of vertical assemblies with the most strength possible. The bracket can be installed into a stud wall, hollow drywall space, solid masonry wall, a hollow masonry wall unit, a brick wall, a cinderblock wall, a reinforced masonry wall, a plaster wall, a steel wall assembly or support structure, and any other vertical assembly so long as there is a satisfactory fastener for that assembly. Alternatively, the universal mounting bracket provides a mechanism that facilitates its use as a hook for a multitude of purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Andrew Horezga
  • Patent number: 10544984
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a storage space, a door configured to open and close at least a portion of the storage space, a door dike protruding from a rear surface of the door toward the storage space along a circumference of the rear surface of the door, and a guide groove defined at an inside surface of the door dike. The refrigerator also includes a plurality of fixing grooves recessed from a first inner surface of the guide groove and vertically spaced apart from each other, a receiving member configured to mount to the door dike, and a restricting member located at an outside surface of the receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yoomin Park, Heonjae Jang, Jinho Son
  • Patent number: 10302248
    Abstract: A suspension system for the attachment of a multiple embodiments, including flat screen televisions and other embodiments connected beneath the roof of a canopy-styled tent or other overhead structure. The system's bracket is comprised of a single or multiple arms that universally grip the frame of the said canopy-styled tent or overhead structure. Suspension is not limited to a television, but also other embodiments, either powered by a plug or battery, or not powered. The bracket is manufactured in steel, aluminum, polymer, or like material. The system's fan blades are comprised of foam, rubber, or other soft matter. The suspension system allows the television's or other attached embodiment's height to be manipulated by a process further shown in this application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventor: Frank Steele Arnold, III
  • Patent number: 9228693
    Abstract: A modular pole system is used to support office systems or equipment to facilitate point of sale retail functions. An elongate pole has a plurality of channels that receive locking nuts to support the equipment in place. Electronic equipment including such items as scanners, printers, displays, and telephones may be placed on specialized equipment mounting structures proximate the pole or with use of extension arms to space the equipment away from the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventors: Jeff Ditges, Laura Ditges
  • Patent number: 8919715
    Abstract: A folding shelf holder is strong and folds easily. A wall side member has a pin as a rotational axis of a shelf side member relative to the wall side member and a rotation limiter limiting rotation of the shelf side member relative to the wall side member. The shelf side member has a long groove for inserting the pin of the wall side member. When the folded shelf side member is opened to be approximately orthogonal to the wall side member and the shelf side member is slid toward the wall side member and in a direction where the long groove extends, the shelf side member abuts, at a back side of the pin, to the rotation limiter of the wall side member, preventing rotation of the shelf side member relative to the wall side member. Then, the shelf side member cannot fold relative to the wall side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sugatsune Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Terada
  • Patent number: 8702049
    Abstract: An ergonomic portable space saving workstation includes at least one rail, at least one support arm connected to the rail for supporting different types of components, and a mounting interface connected to the rail for connecting the rail to a wall, desktop, or wheel mount. The workstation can be used by individuals in lying, sitting, or standing positions and used with objects of various sizes and shapes, such as computer keyboards, monitors, notebooks, desktop computers, footrests, printers, fax machines, projectors, televisions, canvases, desktop surfaces, whiteboards, or chalkboards. The support arm can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to facilitate use in various positions and with various objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Benedict Vieira
  • Patent number: 8684322
    Abstract: A sprinkler support for the in-ground sprinkler heads includes a base at the lower position, a sidewall extending vertically ascending from the base, a clamping structure disposed at the sidewall of the sprinkler support to secure the sprinkler head, a cushioning structure capable to absorb physical stresses, and anchoring structures holding the sprinkler support with respect to the soil. The sprinkler support accommodates a variety of different size of sprinkler heads by having an adapter, by cantilever fingers extended from the sidewall upwardly or by constructing with two halves, wherein each half comprises the base and sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Joon Park
  • Patent number: 8453387
    Abstract: A display arrangement includes at least one profile, at least one essentially horizontally oriented planar rack element and at least one bracket element. The profile has at least one central web having two parallel inner flanges. The at least one profile can be oriented vertically, and the bracket element may be formed from a top part and a bottom part which can be drawn against one another by at least one tensioning screw. The top part and/or the bottom part are/is provided with clamping rails and/or clamping-rail segments which can be connected in a force fitting and releasable manner to the inner flanges by being plugged thereon, it being possible for each of the at least one rack element to be fixed in a force-fitting manner between the tensioning surfaces of a bracket element by the tensioning screw or of the tensioning screws being tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Christin Goepfert, Janine Goepfert, Joachim Goepfert
  • Patent number: 8348211
    Abstract: A medical supply unit is provided including at least one carrier provided with coupling devices with fixing rails. In the fixing rails, fixing elements of an adapter engage, which are locked in the fixing rail by an operating means actuated by hand by means of a locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Bauer
  • Patent number: 8272609
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a heat sink on a printed circuit board includes two supports, two rails slidably attached to the supports, four adjusting assemblies slidably attached to the rails and four positioning members extending through the supports to engage with the rails to position the rails on the supports. Positions of opposite ends of the rails in the supports are adjustable along a first direction. Each of the rails defines two spaced slide slots in opposite ends of the rail. The supports and the rails are attached to a first side of the printed circuit board. Positions of the adjusting assemblies in the slide slots are adjustable along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The adjusting assemblies extend through the circuit board to engage with the heat sink at a second side of the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Chou Chan, Zhen-Xing Ye
  • Patent number: 8196329
    Abstract: A weapon accessory mounting system for mounting an accessory, such as a light or laser sight, directly to the front sight base of a host weapon without requiring modification of the weapon. The system includes a bracket with a clamp member and a plank member. The clamp member has a generally C-shaped cross-section defined by a base portion disposed between two clamp arms. The C-shaped cross-section defines a channel extending along a sight base axis. The plank member has a rail portion for slidably mounting a weapon accessory, and at least one accessory engagement slot for latchable engagement by the accessory. The aim axis is generally perpendicular to the sight base axis. The system typically includes two detent elements disposed in the base portion for actuatable protrusion of a portion of the detent elements into the channel for providing a clamping force and adjustment of the rail pitch angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley W. Mossie
  • Patent number: 8152115
    Abstract: An improved brewing stand enables ease of assembly, repeated assembly and disassembly allowing the brewing stand to be transported from one location to another location. The modular assembly enables a plurality of tiers to be positioned in an infinite number of vertical positions between a bottom of a mast and a top of the mast. A plurality of legs are removably attached to the bottom of the mast. Leveling devices are provided to maintain the mast in a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: John Richard Blichmann
  • Patent number: 8042229
    Abstract: A fastener includes a body member including a receiving portion longitudinally formed therein, two clamping portions transversely extending from the receiving portion and two through-holes in the clamping portions, respectively. A joint member, coupled to the two clamping portions of the body member in a pivotal manner, includes a cam portion defined on the distal portion of a second end of the joint member and includes a fixed hole provided through the second end transversely and corresponding to the through-holes. The joint member is moveable between an unfolding position and a folding position. The cam portion restricts a pivot angle of the joint member in the unfolding position. A fixing member is installed onto the clamping portions opposite to the joint member, with the fixing member selectively inserted into the through-holes and the fixed hole for fixing the joint member with respect to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis H. Wang
  • Patent number: 7963493
    Abstract: A display assembly for displaying items and being mountable to a vertical surface and comprising at least two longitudinal runners and an elongate member. The longitudinal runners are mountable to the vertical surface. Each runner includes elongate-member-mounting elements. The elongate-member-mounting elements of at least one of the runners include a protrusion-receiving element. The elongate member includes one end mountable to one of the runners and an opposite end mountable to the other of the runners. The one end has a moveable protrusion assembly for releasably engaging the protrusion-receiving element. The opposite end is so configured and sized as to be mountable to the elongate-member-mounting elements. The elongate member includes display-member-engaging elements. The moveable protrusion assembly is moveable between a runner-engaging position for engaging the protrusion-receiving element and a runner-disengaging position for disengaging the protrusion-receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Groupe Artitalia Inc.
    Inventors: Enzo Vardaro, Antonio Vardaro
  • Patent number: 7896300
    Abstract: A supporting mount mounts a device to a post and is removably fixed to the post without being fastened thereto by any penetrating fastener. A front panel is at the front post face and has the device fixed thereto. A pair of opposing side panels are at respective side post faces. Each side panel has a lower lateral edge connecting to the front panel, an upper lateral portion distal from the front panel, and a hook at about the upper lateral portion. A connecting element at the back post face engages the hooks at the upper lateral portions of the side panels. The mount pivots into frictional contact with the back post face at the top portion of the connecting element and with the front post face at a bottom portion of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Donato LaRossa
  • Patent number: 7661512
    Abstract: A pump jack for a scaffold in a system to support a work platform and move the platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface. The pump jack includes an L-shaped framework having a horizontal frame member which supports the work platform and a vertical frame member. The vertical frame member having laterally opposing Z-shaped channels, each having a leg that bends about the pole and extends inward toward the pole. The pump jack includes an upper shackle supported by the framework. The pump jack includes a lower shackle supported by the framework, which with the upper shackle applies a coupling force for gripping the pole. The pump jack includes a pump arm lever pivotably coupled to the vertical frame member to step upwardly the pump jack relative to the pole. The pump jack includes a crank mechanism coupled to the vertical frame member. A method for supporting and moving a work platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Richard E. Feldmiller, Jr., Robert D. Beggs
  • Patent number: 7596200
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus is provided which is designed to structurally replace a weld that attaches a riser brace assembly to a reactor pressure vessel wall, and a method for repairing the riser brace assembly. The riser brace assembly is designed to support a jet pump in the reactor pressure vessel. The riser brace assembly may include upper and lower riser brace leaves connected to a reactor pressure vessel pad on the wall. The clamp apparatus may include a first clamp component including a central extension portion, and a second clamp component including a slot portion. The central extension and slot portions may be engaged to provide alignment between the first and second clamp components between the upper and lower riser brace leaves of the riser brace assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Grant Clark Jensen
  • Patent number: 7578245
    Abstract: A furniture support system for workstation work tops including a support post (19 having a first locating formation (3) that extends longitudinally along at least a part of the length of the support post (1), and a support element (9, 23) having a second locating formation (15) that is complementary to the first locating formation (3) and engageable therewith, the first and second locating formations (3, 15) being constructed and arranged for sliding movement in the longitudinal direction, such that the position of the support element (9, 23) relative to the support post (1) is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ethos (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Barry Loines
  • Patent number: 7490801
    Abstract: A suspension clamping holder is designed for use with a supporting structure. The supporting structure may have a first region and a another region extending from the first region at an angle. The first region has a holding portion, which is used to support the weight of the holder any load carried by the holder. The holder is capable of being suspended from the supporting structure. A holding element on one end of the holder is suspended from the supporting structure and a clamping slider is connected releasably with the bar region of the supporting structure. The clamping slider is capable of being fixedly clamped onto the bar region and the holder is capable of being locked on the supporting structure without any necessary screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Plate, Lutz Schapke, Doris Zyrull
  • Patent number: 7357362
    Abstract: A bracket positioning structure for a slide includes a bracket having an end plate at one end and a fastening seat close to the end plate. The fastening seat is pivotally connected with a connecting element. The connecting element comprises an arm having at least one tooth and an end piece urged by an elastic element to swing to an angle and to return to its original position. When studs on the end plate of the bracket are inserted into holes of a support, the arm of the connecting element swings to one side with the tooth sliding along the edge of the support. The tooth hooks the support and is secured thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Ho Yang, Shih-Long Hwang, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7293667
    Abstract: A modular shelf assembly has a vertical support having a channel in one face thereof and an adjustable bracket having a rear portion cooperatively configured and slidable in the channel. The bracket includes top and lower clamps each having a body portion with opposed clamping surfaces and depending leg portions. The leg portions are slidable relative to each other, and an adjusting screw is engaged with the upper clamp to effect relative movement between the clamping surfaces to clamp a shelf between the clamping surfaces. The bracket also has a positioning fastener seated in the lower clamp below the shelf and extending through the clamps to engage the support to secure the clamps to each other and to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Home Decor Holding Company
    Inventor: Mark Flynn
  • Patent number: 7267310
    Abstract: A support system includes a support post and support means for adjustably supporting a member to the support post. The support means includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position for press-fitting the support means, directly or indirectly, against the support post and a second position for releasing the press-fitting. The locking mechanism has a surface that abuts the support post, or a wedge member associated with the support post, when in the first position thereby to effect the press-fitting and that is released from the support post when moved to the second position to release the press-fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Welch, James D. Hill, Jeffrey C. Olson, Robert R. Steele, Cheryl Kniffin, Katherine McGillivray
  • Patent number: 7147114
    Abstract: A shelf assembly for use with a display rack is provided. The display rack has two lateral posts, each of which has a plurality of vertically spaced openings. The shelf assembly includes a shelf, a pair of braces and a clip corresponding to each brace. The braces and clips are capable of supporting the shelf at a predetermined height above the uppermost vertical spaced opening in the lateral post such that the shelf assembly is able to display articles higher than typical shelf assemblies. The braces may also be lowered such that the braces overlap the shelving structure below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Hand-Foil Corporation
    Inventors: Norton Sarnoff, Richard McCormick, Theresa Rauch
  • Patent number: 7128223
    Abstract: A shelf assembly for use with a display rack is provided. The display rack has two lateral posts, each of which has a plurality of vertically spaced openings. The shelf assembly includes a shelf, a pair of braces and a clip corresponding to each brace. The braces and clips are capable of supporting the shelf at a predetermined height above the uppermost vertical spaced opening in the lateral post such that the shelf assembly is able to display articles higher than typical shelf assemblies. The braces may also be lowered such that the braces overlaps the shelving structure below thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Handi-Foil Corporation
    Inventors: Norton Sarnoff, Richard McCornick, Theresa Rauch
  • Patent number: 7086633
    Abstract: A support system includes a support post and support means for adjustably supporting a member to the support post. The support means includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position for press-fitting the support means, directly or indirectly, against the support post and a second position for releasing the press-fitting. The locking mechanism has a surface that abuts the support post, or a wedge member associated with the support post, when in the first position thereby to effect the press-fitting and that is released from the support post when moved to the second position to release the press-fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Metro Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Welch, James D. Hill, Jeffrey C. Olson, Robert R. Steele, Cheryl Kniffin, Katherine McGillivray
  • Patent number: 6857814
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus is provided which is designed to structurally replace a weld that attaches a riser brace assembly to a reactor vessel wall, and to stiffen the entire riser brace assembly, thereby increasing the natural vibration frequency of the riser brace assembly. Installation of the clamp apparatus should not require removal of any installed reactor hardware, such as jet pump assembly hardware or shroud repair hardware. In an embodiment, the clamp apparatus may include a first plate arranged so as to mate with a first groove on the riser brace, and a second plate arranged so as to mate with a second groove on the riser brace. The grooves provide alignment for the clamp apparatus, so that the first and second plates can be fixedly secured to the riser brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Grant C. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6827320
    Abstract: A track device includes a track member having a longitudinal channel and a longitudinal opening communicated with each other, and one or more longitudinal juts extended into the longitudinal channel of the track member. One or more brackets are slidably received in the longitudinal channel of the track member and include a number of teeth. One or more fasteners may force the bracket against the track member, to force and to engage the teeth of the bracket onto the longitudinal juts, and to adjustably secure the bracket to the track member, and thus to adjustably support various objects to the track member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Jurry Yeh
  • Patent number: 6702128
    Abstract: A storage system including a shelf and bracket item holder where the item holder is supported upon a planar panel. The shelf has two end edges and two shelf-brackets which include a substantially circumferential flange, a receptacle portion for receiving one of the end edges of the shelf, and an upper panel catch and a lower panel catch projecting outwardly from a same side of the circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one another. A cantilevered lock-release latch is positioned adjacent to the lower panel-catch so as to project from an end of the circumferential flange toward the lower panel-catch. When each of the upper and lower panel-catches are inserted through and occupy a corresponding one of the perforations in the panel such that each of the lock-release tabs of the lock-release latches engages the outer surface of the perforated panel thereby deflecting the lock-release latches away from the perforated panel, the shelf and brackets are moved relative to the perforated panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Eye Designs LLC
    Inventors: Alan Winig, Richard Winig, James Eldon
  • Patent number: 6581788
    Abstract: A shelf and bracket item holder where the item holder is supported upon a planar panel. The shelf has two end edges and two shelf-brackets which include a substantially circumferential flange, a receptacle portion for receiving one of the end edges of the shelf, and an upper panel catch and a lower panel catch projecting outwardly from a same side of the circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one another. A cantilevered lock-release latch is positioned adjacent to the lower panel-catch so as to project from an end of the circumferential flange toward the lower panel-catch. When each of the upper and lower panel-catches are inserted through and occupy a corresponding one of the perforations in the panel such that each of the lock-release tabs of the lock-release latches engages the outer surface of the perforated panel thereby deflecting the lock-release latches away from the perforated panel, the shelf and brackets are moved relative to the perforated panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Eye Designs LLC
    Inventors: Alan Winig, Richard Winig, James Eldon
  • Patent number: 6474327
    Abstract: A cart configured for receiving a kettle-type barbecue having a lid and a kettle portion, the cart including a lower bracket having at least three corners, each corner having a first female frusto-conical section shape and being configured to receive and securely hold a corner post having a male frusto-conical section shape. An upper bracket has at least three corners, each corner having a second female frusto-conical section shape and being configured to receive and securely hold a corner post having a male frusto-conical section shape. Also provided are a plurality of corner posts having a plurality of spaced annular grooves, and a plurality of male frusto-conical members configured for engaging the grooves and being disposed at a selected position on the corresponding corner post for engaging the female frusto-conical shapes on the corners. A kettle bracket is associated with the upper bracket and is configured for receiving the kettle portion of the barbecue in a frictional relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Uniflame Corporation
    Inventor: Martin C. Bossler
  • Patent number: 6442909
    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: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 6425563
    Abstract: A clamp for use on a retail or commercial display device wherein a rod is slidingly received in a channel and selectively positionable therein by an position locking member. A hook plate attached to a display element, such as shelving, hanger rods, etc. has hooks for engaging a bolt mounted to the rod. A knob on the bolt is tightened to clamp the hook plate between the rod, or the post, and the inner face of the knob. The clamp may be locked in position while the hook plate is released or attached. Similarly, the hook plate may stay clamped to the display while the position lock is released, thereby permitting the clamp to be moved along the channel while the hook plate is still clamped thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Wm. Prager Limited
    Inventor: Jerrold Mihailoff
  • Patent number: 6364139
    Abstract: A two-part shelf-holder for supporting shelves on connecting members fixed around vertical posts of a sectional rack. The shelf-holder includes a fixed part fixedly connected at one end to a corner of the shelf and a movable part pivotally connected at one end to the fixed part via a vertical pivotal shaft. The fixed part is formed at another end with a curved case defining a side opening. The movable part is formed at another end with a curved cover adapted to close the side opening of the case. A free end of the case is formed of a dovetail mortise and a free end of the cover is formed of a dovetail tenon for fitly engaging with the dovetail mortise of the case. Two ends of the pivotal shaft are extended through two long holes provided on upper and lower sides of the movable part, so that the movable part could be moved linearly relative to the fixed part to engage or disengage the dovetail tenon with or from the dovetail mortise so as to close or open the two parts of the shelf-holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Pro Trend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Publication number: 20010013209
    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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Michael L. Waalkes, Marcus K. Pressnell, Mark T. Slager, Michael R. Shields, Brian J. Kane, Robin Christopher, Dennis J. Boyle, Peter N. Skillman, Charles A. Seiber, Joseph Chang
  • Patent number: 6105794
    Abstract: An adjustable support bracket having a unitary or multi-member bracket assembly can be used with a vertical channel (2) and rail (6) construction. Each bracket assembly can be positioned and secured at any location along the rail (6) and can accommodate a varying shelf thickness. More specifically, the multi-member bracket assembly includes a stabilizer member (12) and a support member (20) having similar shaped channel plates which when joined have a similar shape to the channel (2). A spring (30) mounted between the stabilizer and support members (12, 20) is contained between the rails (6). The spring (30) in conjunction with a containing lip (14) and a supporting lip (22) of the stabilizer and support members (12, 20), respectively, adjusts to clamp a shelf (32) therebetween. A securing screw (33) locks the bracket (10) at any shelving location by creating a space between the stabilizer and support members (12, 20) within the vertical channel (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: George E. Bauer
  • 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: 6017009
    Abstract: A shelf support system includes at least one support post (12), a tapered wedge member (20) located on the support post (12) and a supporting assembly (14). The supporting assembly (14) is structurally secured to a shelf frame (10) and includes a locking mechanism (18) rotatably supported by a collar (16). The locking mechanism (18) has a first position for press-fitting the wedge member (20) against the support posts (12) and a second position for allowing the shelf frame (10) to slide over the support post (12) and wedge member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Swartz, Willard J. Sickles, Robert J. Welch, Paul J. Fallon
  • Patent number: 5950974
    Abstract: An apparatus for fastening and wiring of a plurality of electrical units, particularly in a switchgear cabinet. At least one mounting crosspiece (12-15) accommodating the electrical units on its mounting side can be fastened to at least two bearing rails (10, 11) arranged vertically and behind them, fasteners for fastening the electrical units on the mounting crosspiece (12-15) being provided. This mounting crosspiece (12-15) shaped like a flat strip has, on its rear side opposite the mounting side (29), an integrally formed holding rib (28) extending over its length and having a mounting groove (30) open toward the mounting side (30) designed for accommodating the heads (33) of mounting screws (34) for fastening the mounting crosspiece (12-15) by means of the holding rib (28) on the bearing rails (10, 11). At least one of the two opposite longitudinal edges of the mounting crosspiece (12-15) shaped like a flat strip can be provided with a wiring comb (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Gerhard Hoffmann
  • 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: 5833190
    Abstract: A shelf supporting bracket for a scaffold comprises a pair of spaced apart angle irons connected together by a first cross bar at the rear and a second cross bar located inwardly from the open front end. A diagonal brace bar extends downwardly and forwardly from the rearwardly facing end of the spaced apart angle irons and first cross bar, terminating forwardly at a location below the second cross bar and on a line that extends from the forwardly facing wall of the second cross bar normal to the direction in which the angle irons extend. A semi-cylindrical socket member is secured to the forward end of the diagonal brace bar to receive a lower portion of a scaffold upright when an upper portion is received through the open front end of the spaced apart angle irons and rearwardly to abut against the forwardly facing wall of the second cross bar. A pin is then inserted through a pair of aligned apertures of the spaced apart angle irons to the front of the scaffold upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Tommy J. Bishop
  • Patent number: 5535972
    Abstract: An adapter releasably attaches to an existing wall-mounted shelf standard to provide a desired slot configuration for new shelf supports. The adapter includes a body portion having a fixed, rearwardly extending jaw member and further includes a movable rearwardly extending jaw member mounted on a threaded post which extends through the body portion. The jaws are received into the slots of an existing shelf standard and the post is rotatable to draw the movable jaw toward the fixed jaw to grasp the front wall of the shelf standard. The body portion includes a slotted front surface facing having the desired slot configuration for receiving the mounting tabs of a new shelf support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Richard P. Fallago
  • Patent number: 5484068
    Abstract: A framework mounting structure is disclosed including a post made from an aluminum profile having at least one longitudinal groove through its length; a connecting frame having a hook member hooked in either of the at least one longitudinal groove, a stop member stopped against the post on the outside, and a presser member stopped against the inside surface of the longitudinal groove on which the hook member hooks; and a supporting frame adjustably connected to the connecting frame by pins for supporting a carrying board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Che-Hsiung Huang
  • Patent number: 5364052
    Abstract: The system comprises a shelf support arm (2) adapted to be mounted horizontally and a support bar (1) adapted to be disposed vertically and means for mounting the bar (1) to a vertical wall or other support surface, sliding means enabling the arm (2) to slide up and down the bar (1) and retaining means to secure the arm (2) to the bar (1) at any desired position. The arm (2) is a two sided member (9,9) with an external flange (3) at the end of each side (9) and the bar (1) has a profiled section that provides spaced apart and opposed recesses (8,8) to accommodate the flanges (3,3). The retaining means includes expandable means (4,5,6,7 and 10) held by the arm (2) and operable by actuating means (4,6,10) to urge the flanges (3,3) apart laterally and to engage the bar recesses (8,8) sufficiently to secure the arm (2) in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Costanzo De Gruttis
  • Patent number: 5170898
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a modular fixture (also sometimes in the trade referred to as fixture-ware) system, the features of which include and are characterized by the user's ability to set the system up and "knock it" down without the need of tools. This attractive and unique fixture system includes one or more lockable bracket assemblies which may be lockably positioned at any one or more of several locking positions, while at the same time facilitating locking at any of a substantially infinite number of positions. At least one vertical support member is formed with what may to some look like an I-type beam configuration. The differences between this configuration and an actual conventionally used I-beam, however, are apparent. The bracket assemblies include non-vertical portions adapted to support hanging articles, such as by way of example only, clothing, which may be on hangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Kason Industries Inc.
    Inventors: David Katz, Paul Ioos, Gerald Fremderman, Paul Iooss
  • Patent number: 5167391
    Abstract: A product merchandiser mount of the present invention is located at an end of an upright wall and is used to support a hanger arm suspended to one side of the wall. The mount comprises a front portion with a forwardly opening hanger arm receiving channel and a side portion angled relative to and extending rearwardly from the front portion to provide a fitting shaped to the end of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Peter Simpson
    Inventor: Peter Simpson
  • Patent number: 5154385
    Abstract: Systems for supporting loads which includes an elongated strut (or channel). A load-supporting component is fixed to the channel at a selected location therealong by a faster threaded into an associated channel nut. The channel nut is easily and quickly installed in the channel through a gap between flanges paralleling and spaced inwardly from the side walls of the channel and then rotated (and displaced along the channel, if necessary) to seat a lug on the nut in cooperating notches formed opposite each other in the flanges of the channel. This interfitting relationship provides a positive connection between the channel nut and the channel, keeping even heavy loads and loads subjected to vibration, hammering, or the like from slipping, even if the supporting channel is vertically oriented and the load is therefore the most susceptible to slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: George R. Todd
    Inventors: Verne L. Lindberg, George R. Todd
  • Patent number: 5115924
    Abstract: Shelf systems consist of shelf panels, post elements and connecting elements to retain the shelf panels at the post elements, and they are provided to offer to the user a maximum of freedom in the design of an individualized shelf. The invention presents a shelf system wherein the connecting elements include a joint having one degree of freedom and being adapted to be secured in a way that each shelf panel may be fixed in a horizontal position at least two post elements and may be prevented from tilting. In this way it becomes possible to design the post elements such that they extend at an angle relative to the horizontal or that they may also be arched, e.g. for adaptation of the tilt in a room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Beatrice Konig-Haug
    Inventor: Jochen Konig
  • 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